After practically 30 years in Silicon Valley’s company enterprise operations world, San Jose resident Sara Leonard discovered herself at a crossroads in her profession following a layoff from VMware in June 2024.
“I realized I had a choice: go back into another corporate role or take a leap and start something of my own,” says Leonard. “Seniors Helping Seniors stood out as a meaningful way to use my leadership and operational skills while making a tangible difference in people’s lives.
“I wanted to build something with real impact,” she provides.
To that finish, Leonard is launching three Seniors Serving to Seniors franchises in March to serve San Jose’s Willow Glen neighborhood, West San Jose and Sunnyvale/Santa Clara. Different service areas embrace Campbell, Cupertino, Los Gatos and Saratoga.
“I’m excited to bring a trusted, senior-focused care model to a region that truly needs it,” she says.
Seniors Serving to Seniors (SHS) pairs skilled senior caregivers with older adults who want non-medical in-home care. SHS can present companionship, private care and assist for each day residing in an effort to assist seniors age in place in their very own properties.
SHS was based by Kiran and Philip Yocom in 1998, and the Yocoms opened SHS up for franchises in 2006. Seniors Serving to Seniors has over 200 places in roughly 30 states, in addition to some worldwide places.
“We’ve become a leader in this industry by prioritizing the best possible care for our seniors, and that means partnering with only the most passionate and hard-working franchisees,” say SHS President Namrata Yocom-Jan. “That’s exactly what we’ve found with Sara as a new franchisee partner, who is well-equipped to provide unparalleled in-home services to those in need throughout Silicon Valley.”
Leonard first heard about Seniors Serving to Seniors whereas researching franchise alternatives that aligned along with her values and pursuits.
“I wanted to invest in something that made a tangible impact in people’s lives,” she says, “and SHS stood out because of its unique peer-to-peer caregiving model.”
SHS is the one firm that prioritizes hiring energetic seniors to supply care companies to their much less energetic counterparts, in keeping with Leonard. SHS can be working to combine know-how comparable to scheduling apps and check-in programs in an effort to make care extra accessible and environment friendly, she says.
“San Jose, West San Jose, and Sunnyvale/Santa Clara have a growing senior population, and there’s a strong demand for in-home care that allows seniors to remain independent,” she provides.
Leonard is enamored with SHS’s enterprise mannequin.
“The idea of seniors helping other seniors is genius, especially in Silicon Valley, where living costs are high and many people my age have moved away because it’s so expensive,” she says. “Seniors Helping Seniors offers an opportunity for those individuals to supplement their income while helping others.
“There are so many aging people here who don’t have family nearby to help them,” she provides. “Additionally, the tech industry here tends to age people out in their 50s and beyond, even though many still need income to afford living here.”
All caregivers undergo a rigorous screening course of that features background checks, reference checks and in-depth interviews, in keeping with Leonard.
“Since SHS hires active seniors, we also emphasize personal integrity and reliability in our selection process,” she says. “Caregivers receive ongoing training on ethical caregiving, and we have clear reporting protocols to ensure client safety.”
Seniors Serving to Seniors operates as a private-pay service, and many consumers additionally use long-term care insurance coverage to assist cowl prices. Leonard is exploring partnerships with packages like California’s In-Residence Supportive Providers in an effort to develop accessibility. Leonard’s franchises are structured to be financially sustainable no matter exterior funding shifts, she says.
“Caregivers who work with veterans receive specialized training on PTSD, mobility issues and chronic conditions common among service members,” says Leonard. “For Alzheimer’s and dementia care, caregivers undergo additional training on cognitive support, behavioral techniques and communication strategies.”
Some caregivers could have prior expertise in nursing or healthcare, however SHS primarily focuses on non-medical in-home assist.
“Transportation is definitely one of the most requested services, especially for medical appointments, grocery shopping and social outings,” says Leonard. “Companionship is also very popular, as many seniors live alone or have family members who work full time. Light housekeeping and meal preparation are also in high demand.”
Seniors Serving to Seniors has a deep dedication to constructing a real group of assist, Leonard says.
“We’re not just providing services; we’re fostering connections that enhance quality of life for seniors and caregivers alike,” she provides.
For extra info, go to https://places.seniorshelpingseniors.com/ca/sanjose.
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