Suzanne and Otis McGregor, Franchise Owners
Otis McGregor’s recent retirement from the U.S. Army Special Forces and the need for wife Suzanne to quit working to help her parents through a recent medical crisis has led the Colorado Springs couple to launch their own business providing non-medical assistance and jobs to senior citizens in their community. The McGregors opened a Seniors Helping Seniors franchise in Colorado Springs and all of El Paso County to provide able-bodied seniors with employment and personal enrichment opportunities while also performing a service to their community by helping other seniors continue living independently in their own homes.
“The goal of our Seniors Helping Seniors business is to build trust and provide reliable services to help seniors maintain their independence without disrupting the lives of their loved ones,” Suzanne McGregor said. “The longer seniors can stay in their homes, the better it is for them and their families.”
Like many Seniors Helping Seniors franchise owners, the McGregors realized the value of non-medical services for seniors after a personal family experience.
Suzanne McGregor learned her parents made a life-threatening decision to delay a heart stent procedure for her father because her mother broke her wrist and could not drive him to appointments. Suzanne McGregor quit her job and stayed with them in Texas until their medical issues were resolved.
The need for these kinds of non-medical services is increasing across the country and especially in the Colorado Springs area, where several military bases have personnel steadily retiring and remaining in the area, Otis McGregor said.
“We know so many people who would love to work or volunteer, but they are told they are too old,” Otis McGregor said. “This business gives those seniors a unique opportunity to help other seniors.”
Services Provided
Non-medical services provided may include, but are not limited to, light housekeeping, meal preparation, transportation, yard work and companionship.
About Seniors Helping Seniors in-home services: Kiran and Philip Yocom started Seniors Helping Seniors in-home services in Berks County, Pa., initially as a nonprofit organization to provide a much-needed and appreciated service in their community. The Seniors Helping Seniors organization was incorporated in 1998 as a way to spread the philosophy across the country through franchises, but the original Seniors Helping Seniors in-home services continues to provide more than 1,000 hours of community service a year. Prior to launching Seniors Helping Seniors in-home services, Kiran Yocom served with Mother Teresa in India for 14 years.