Senior Helpers was founded by Tony Bonacuse with the help of Peter Ross after their firsthand experience in caring for their respective family members. From their experience, Tony and Peter saw a huge gap that was not being filled properly by the other companies providing care for the elderly in the market. In dealing with these other caregivers, they found that either they couldn’t get caregivers to answer their inquiries or that the companies that would respond left something to be desired in their level of professionalism. It was clear to them that someone needed to address these deficiencies – the result being Senior Helpers.

Using Peter as a sounding board, Tony set out to create an organization that would be a trusted leader in senior care, and that would provide the type of professionalism he found to be lacking in other organizations. Tony opened the first Senior Helpers office in Baltimore, MD in 2002 to gauge the potential need for such an organization. As it turns out, there were many others who identified with the services and needs that Senior Helpers filled. Senior Helpers began building a reputation for itself as a professional organization with a dedicated staff of caregivers. The Baltimore location was a success and it was evident that other locations could be, too. Expansion began in 2004 with Peter joining Tony full time, opening an additional office in Orange County, CA.

With the success of the Senior Helpers system on both coasts came increasing demand. Tony and Peter began to look into franchising as an option to bring Senior Helpers to the next level. After building a strong reputation over the years, SH Franchising, LLC now enlists the help of quality franchisees to expand on this success, while still maintaining the strong reputation for which Senior Helpers is known.

Services

Companion Care
For our basic level of care, caregivers provide services such as companionship, meal planning and preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, medication reminders, and other general assistance. For sitter services, caregivers sit with and monitor a client during their hospital or facility stay. The caregiver can then follow the client home to provide a smooth transition.

Personal Care
For our advanced level of care, our professional and experienced caregivers provide basic companion care plus assistance with the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and ambulation assistance. These services are initially assessed and regularly monitored by either an on-site care coordinator, Social Worker or RN depending on the regulations of the state that the office is located in.

 Live-In Care
Our caregivers are available to provide 24-hour coverage, as long as they can sleep for eight hours per night and receive appropriate breaks. Live-in care can be provided for a minimum of two consecutive days, up to seven days per week indefinitely.

Peace of Mind Visit
Our unique Peace of Mind Visit program is a short visit each day to help clients with, among other things, bathing assistance, meal preparation, medication reminders, getting out of or in to bed, and “check-ins.”

Transition Assistance
We know it can be challenging for families when a member is discharged from a hospital. This service ensures that clients are guided through the outpatient surgery and recovery period. We are available for help prior to surgery and will accompany a client each step of the way through full recovery, including transportation to follow-up doctor visits.

Sitter Assistance
Our caregivers monitor clients in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living centers, continuing care retirement communities, etc., to be there when the family cannot, etc.

Respite Care
Respite care is a unique program to assist families by providing care for a short period of time, such as vacations.

Our Process
We have a professional, process-oriented staff ready to serve our clients and their families.
When a prospective client contacts a Senior Helpers office, they set up a complimentary initial assessment at the client’s location to discuss the client’s needs and formulate a care plan. If necessary, a staff member, Social Worker or RN (depending on the State regulations) will conduct a full nursing assessment to gauge the client’s status and clarify the care plan.

They determine the most appropriate caregiver for the client using the assessment information and the caregiver matching process. Service starts on the pre-determined date. Follow-up is conducted immediately after service begins and on a periodic basis to ensure excellent care delivery.