In a time when approximately 10 to 18 million seniors require assistance with daily activities, Shanticleer and Erica Graham have taken a significant step to address these needs by opening a new location for Seniors Helping Seniors in Southwest Atlanta.
This in-home care service employs active seniors as caregivers to assist other seniors, creating meaningful relationships while addressing the growing demand for such services.
The Grahams have chosen to serve communities in Douglas, Fulton, Coweta, and Cobb Counties, marking the eighth branch of the franchise in the state of Georgia.
With growing statistics from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services indicating that 70% of retirees will need long-term care, it is more important than ever to provide solutions for this demographic.
Seniors Helping Seniors has gained attention for its unique approach, matching caregivers and clients based on various criteria to foster amicable relationships.
Shanticleer explained, “It’s going to feel like a friend in your house, and you folks can talk and chit chat and do all the different things that you want to do without feeling like you’ve got a nurse or someone holding your hand throughout the whole time.”
The service offers flexible care options, ranging from companionship to Alzheimer’s and Dementia care, available up to 24 hours a day, based on individual needs.
Transitioning from a 20-year corporate career, Shanticleer, a U.S. Army veteran and former medical technology executive, along with Erica, a healthcare project manager, saw an opportunity to align their professional skills with their personal values through this franchise.
Their inspiration comes from their own experiences and the informal caregiving history of their mothers, who have supported aging family members.
Erica shared, “When I told my mom I was getting into caregiving, she was super proud, asking where she could sign up to help.”
The couple’s journey into caregiving also resonates with their desire to create something significant for their community.
Seniors Helping Seniors has distinguished itself in the elder-care industry through its commitment to hiring senior caregivers, resulting in a workforce built on passion and experience.
Namrata Yocom-Jan, the President of Seniors Helping Seniors, stated, “We’ve become a leader in this industry by prioritizing the best possible care for our seniors.”
Shanticleer once faced a challenging moment when he was laid off from his corporate job after 20 years.
He reflected on that experience, emphasizing that identity should not be tied solely to one’s job.
“Realizing I’m not what I do highlighted this next journey we’re on,” he noted, underscoring the importance of personal values.
In facing unemployment, Shanticleer advises creating a plan by assessing your finances and preparing for what comes next.
He used a spreadsheet to evaluate their budget and savings, which eased his initial panic.
“Our family was fortunate; many people aren’t in a position to avoid panic mode,” he said.
The advice for entrepreneurs from Erica centers on extensive research and passion.
“Figure out what type of business you want to invest in because you will spend a lot of time building it,” she cautioned.
She also cautions prospective business owners that they may not see immediate financial returns, a reality she had to confront after leaving a corporate position for entrepreneurship.
Shanticleer added that continual self-improvement is essential, even in the face of failure.
“The goal is to constantly improve and evolve, but don’t get stuck on trying to get perfect right out the box,” he advised.
As they look to the future, the Grahams envision their location expanding to serve veterans in addition to their current clientele.
In the next five years, they aim to build a reputation for reliability and trust within their community.
“Being able to teach and educate others about entering franchising is crucial for us as we pour into our community,” they said.
The establishment of the Seniors Helping Seniors franchise in Southwest Atlanta marks an important development in catering to the elder population’s growing needs.
As the need for in-home care increases, this innovative approach not only provides essential support for seniors but also creates fulfilling employment opportunities for senior caregivers, reinforcing a strong sense of community.
In response to the pressing demands of caregiving, the Grahams have positioned themselves as a vital resource for both seniors in need and those looking to support their community.
image source from：theatlantavoice
