Two Generations Build a Successful Senior Care Advisory Business
The Pickell family took its first step into franchising in 2014, when Mary Ann began working as marketing director for a CarePatrol unit in eastern Pennsylvania. CarePatrol, a Best Life Brands franchise, is a senior advisory service that connects seniors with a living situation appropriate to their lifestyle and health challenges.
When the franchise owner offered to sell her unit to Mary Ann and her husband, Bob, the couple took the plunge. In January of 2019, they bought the franchise, which serves Lehigh and Northampton Counties and Upper Bucks County.
Because the Pickells’ area has many senior care communities, choosing the ideal community for a senior is daunting. The stress is magnified during crises such as injuries, devastating medical diagnoses or sudden loss of a senior partner or deteriorations in health.
“In an ideal world, people would have a plan in mind because, surprise, we’re all aging,” Bob says. When they don’t, CarePatrol can provide that advocacy and education that eases a senior’s transition to the right living situation for him or her.
Consultation begins with a thorough care discovery determining the seniors’ health, living needs and limitations, what they want in a home, their social needs and the budget. Then CarePatrol recommends two or three suitable locations. One of the Pickell franchise’s Certified Senior Advisors accompanies family members on a tour of potential communities. “Our client is the whole family.” Mary Ann explains, “not just the senior.”
In a single year, the Pickells’ team can complete more than 250 move-ins. Bob and Mary Ann have grown their staff to include a social media and SEO virtual assistant, a director of community relations, three Certified Senior Advisors, (Mary Ann is a CSA) and their daughter, Chloe Pickell, also a CSA, is the director of operations and a partner in the franchise.
Bob calls Mary Ann “the face of our business” with families and their seniors as well as the senior living communities. “Regarding my role, I handle the financial and human resources aspects of the company, along with marketing, advertising campaigns and other backend business operations. That lets Mary Ann focus on being our company’s heart and soul, along with the rest of our team, focusing on the families and their specific needs.”
Their days are busy but rewarding. “We work with more than 100 care providers,” Mary Ann says, and we also refer client families to other services such as nonmedical home care, lawyers, movers and real estate agents. “I love helping families, and I get as much out of helping them as they get out of being helped. Over and over clients tell us, I feel so much better after speaking with you.”
The CarePatrol Process
CarePatrol’s 200-plus franchises match clients with senior living communities. Below is some background on how the brand functions.
- Franchisees learn about and vet their area’s senior living communities, including confirmation of licensing.
- Franchisees network with local health care and community professionals who then refer clients to CarePatrol.
- Families contact franchisees when an older adult needs a more supportive home situation, usually because of an illness or injury or a pending hospital release.
- The franchise staff communicates with clients to determine the necessary level of support — memory care, assisted living or independent living.
- The service is free to clients and families. The provider location pays CarePatrol once the senior moves in.
- Franchisees serve as consultants; they don’t hire caregivers or supply direct care.
Growing Demand for Senior Care Services
America’s aging population is creating a growing need for senior care services. According to a 2025 U.S. Census Bureau report, the number of Americans ages 65 and older reached 61.2 million in 2024, a 3.1% increase from the previous year. Older adults now represent 18% of the U.S. population, up from 12.4% in 2004.
The need for guidance is significant. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 70% of people turning 65 will need some form of long-term care during their lives. For families trying to understand their options, choosing between independent living, assisted living and memory care can be overwhelming.
These trends create opportunities for senior care advisory franchises like CarePatrol. By helping families evaluate communities, understand care options and find appropriate living arrangements, franchise owners provide a valuable service in a growing market.
About Best Life Brands
Best Life Brands, CarePatrol’s parent company, is a growing family of franchises focused on helping seniors and their families live better lives. Its portfolio includes five brands offering a range of services, from in-home care and senior living guidance to estate sales, home health care and accessibility solutions.
In addition to CarePatrol, the company’s brands include ComForCare, Blue Moon Estate Sales, Boost Home Healthcare and Next Day Access. Together, they serve seniors and families at different stages of life, helping them navigate changing health, housing and lifestyle needs.
Learn more about the CarePatrol franchise opportunity.
