After nearly 30 years in Silicon Valley’s corporate business operations world, San Jose resident Sara Leonard found herself at a crossroads in her career 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 adds.
To that end, Leonard is launching three Seniors Helping Seniors franchises in March to serve San Jose’s Willow Glen neighborhood, West San Jose and Sunnyvale/Santa Clara. Other service areas include 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 Helping Seniors (SHS) pairs experienced senior caregivers with older adults who need non-medical in-home care. SHS can provide companionship, personal care and support for daily living in order to help seniors age in place in their own homes.
SHS was founded by Kiran and Philip Yocom in 1998, and the Yocoms opened SHS up for franchises in 2006. Seniors Helping Seniors has over 200 locations in approximately 30 states, as well as some international locations.
“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 Helping Seniors while researching franchise opportunities that aligned with her values and interests.
“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 only company that prioritizes hiring active seniors to provide care services to their less active counterparts, according to Leonard. SHS is also working to integrate technology such as scheduling apps and check-in systems in order to make care more accessible and efficient, 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 adds.
Leonard is enamored with SHS’s business model.
“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 adds. “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 go through a rigorous screening process that includes background checks, reference checks and in-depth interviews, according to 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 Helping Seniors operates as a private-pay service, and many clients also use long-term care insurance to help cover costs. Leonard is exploring partnerships with programs like California’s In-Home Supportive Services in order to expand accessibility. Leonard’s franchises are structured to be financially sustainable regardless of external 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 may have prior experience in nursing or healthcare, but SHS primarily focuses on non-medical in-home support.
“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 Helping Seniors has a deep commitment to building a true community of support, Leonard says.
“We’re not just providing services; we’re fostering connections that enhance quality of life for seniors and caregivers alike,” she adds.
For more information, visit https://locations.seniorshelpingseniors.com/ca/sanjose.
