Griswold Home Care Targets Southern Virginia for Continued Growth

Griswold Home Care, the non-medical home care franchise with 168 locations nationwide, is looking to expand its franchise presence in southern Virginia, where a rapidly growing population is increasing the need for quality in-home senior care.

A Pandemic-Resistant Business Ready for Southern Virginia

Virginia has become one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S., with 800,000 new residents coming every decade. By the year 2030, 20% of that population will be over the age of 65. Griswold is moving quickly to meet this demand and is planning to open 6 new franchise locations in the Richmond and Hampton Roads areas as part of a plan to open 15 new franchises across the country this year.

“Even during the challenges of COVID-19, Griswold continued to expand its reach,” said Nicole Kosmaceski, Franchise Development Manager. “In fact, I believe that because of COVID-19, people appreciated the benefits of keeping loved ones in place for as long as possible.”

Now, as the baby boomer population hits retirement age — what demographers call the Silver Tsunami — the need for in-home care is growing. Kosmaceski said southern Virginia’s growing senior population is in need of safe, high-standard care, which makes it an ideal franchise location.

Why Virginians Love Griswold

Christine Friedberg, who has been a Griswold franchisee in Virginia since 2012, says she thinks a Griswold Home Care franchise is a great business opportunity for entrepreneurs who are looking to make an impact in the community, as well as creating a stable, profitable business.

“Home care is just so personal and local. That’s what I love about it,” Friedberg said. “Yes, Griswold has a great business model and yes, there's good financial opportunity in it. But I've loved that I've been able to literally help my neighbor.”

Friedberg also states it’s not just the retiring generation that needs their support; it’s their children. “They’re the sandwich generation,” she said. “They’re taking care of their kids and they’re also helping to take care of their parents, but they're also really busy. We’re in a very professional area, and many people are working two jobs. They are feeling the strain of taking care of children, so the additional time of caring for parents becomes unsustainable. The growing need is created by this group relying on us to fill the gaps.”

She says that during her eight years as a franchisee, Virginia has provided a welcoming, supportive environment that has allowed her to grow both professionally and personally. “As a franchisee, my business has given me the opportunity to become involved in my local Rotary Club, my Chamber of Commerce and other places in my community. That’s a big part of what’s important to me in my life.”

A Franchise Brand That Supports Its Franchisees

As the first non-medical home care franchise in the United States, Griswold Home Care is backed by nearly 40 years of experience providing high-quality home care to the elderly, disabled adults and others recovering from illnesses.

The company was founded in 1982 by Dr. Jean Griswold, a senior care professional who suffered from multiple sclerosis (MS) and recognized firsthand that the disabled and elderly often lacked the assistance they needed to remain living independently at home. She decided to fill this void by starting the company, and two years later she began franchising the concept to trusted acquaintances in her community. Over the years, Jean built a proven business model and expanded the concept into 29 states across the country.

Griswold’s four decades of experience and success has grown into the foundation and long tradition of setting its franchisees up for success in their business, a thought echoed by Friedberg.

“I have been very engaged with the home office, so I get a lot out of that relationship. I always know that there is someone I can go to for advice or support.” said Friedberg. “But in addition to a strong home office team, there is the support and encouragement of other franchise owners. That’s a great part of joining a franchise system. I've never been in home care before this, and in most states, this is a highly regulated industry. So knowing that I had that support when it came to crossing Ts and dotting Is is very important.”

Friedberg said that she went to the two-week intensive training, called Home Care Academy, before she started her business. She said that within her first week, she had already signed her first client, which came as a referral from a Griswold franchise in Maryland. The client was moving to Virginia but wanted to stay with Griswold.

“That’s another great part of being a part of a national franchise with a good reputation and name recognition,” she said. “People already know and trust the brand.”

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