From Personal Experience to Global Leadership
The story of Home Instead is a poignant one, rooted in a family's personal need. In the early 1990s, Paul and Lori Hogan were struggling to coordinate care for Paul's 90-year-old grandmother, Grandma Manhart. Despite their best efforts, her care was inconsistent, which highlighted a gap in the market for reliable, compassionate, non-medical in-home care services. The Hogans' mission began with the simple goal of helping Grandma Manhart stay in the home she loved, leading them to found Home Instead in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1994.
The Birth of the Home Instead Franchise
Recognizing that many other families faced similar challenges, the Hogans decided to expand their model. The first Home Instead franchise was launched in June 1995, just one year after the company's founding. The franchise model was a resounding success, allowing the company to expand rapidly across the United States. Within three years, the network had grown to nearly 100 franchise offices, earning recognition as one of the fastest-growing franchise companies in the nation.
Expanding Beyond National Borders
By the early 2000s, demand for Home Instead's services extended beyond the U.S. In 2000, the company began its international expansion, starting with a master franchise in Osaka, Japan. This marked the beginning of a significant global footprint, as Home Instead's compassionate care model was adapted for new markets. Over the next two decades, the franchise network would expand to more than 14 countries, including Canada, the UK, Australia, and Germany, making it a worldwide leader in senior home care.
A Philosophy of Compassionate Care
The core of Home Instead's success has always been its personal approach, encapsulated by the phrase "To Us, It's Personal". This ethos translates to a focus on building genuine relationships between Care Professionals and clients. The company's services have evolved to meet a wide range of senior needs, all centered around enhancing the quality of life for aging adults. These services typically include:
- Companionship and conversation
- Meal preparation and nutrition support
- Medication reminders
- Light housekeeping and laundry
- Personal care, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming
- Transportation to appointments and errands
- Specialized dementia and Alzheimer's care
The Acquisition by Honor Technology
A pivotal moment in the company's history occurred in August 2021 when Honor Technology, Inc. acquired Home Instead. The merger brought together Home Instead's vast, human-centered care network with Honor's innovative, tech-driven platform. This union was designed to enhance the quality of care by providing Care Professionals with better tools and a more streamlined operational platform. The combined company aimed to increase innovation and further professionalize the role of the caregiver.
The Company Today: Home Instead, an Honor Company
Today, Home Instead operates as a subsidiary of Honor Technology, benefiting from both its deep-rooted history in compassionate care and Honor's modern, data-driven approach. The mission remains focused on expanding the world's capacity to care for older adults and empowering them to live independently at home. By combining high-touch care with high-tech solutions, the company continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of the aging population.
Comparison: Home Instead Then vs. Now
| Feature | Home Instead (Pre-2021) | Home Instead, an Honor Company (Post-2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Founded and run by the Hogan family | Part of Honor Technology, Inc. |
| Technology | Standard franchise operations | Advanced, tech-centric operations and matching platform |
| Network | Largest senior care franchise network | Expanded global network and reach |
| Focus | Primarily focused on high-touch, personal care | High-touch care combined with high-tech efficiency and tools |
The Enduring Impact of a Family Business
The journey of Home Instead from a family's solution for a grandmother's care to a global enterprise is a testament to its foundational principle: that home care is personal. The company's longevity and success demonstrate the enduring need for quality, non-medical in-home care services that respect the dignity and independence of older adults. While ownership and technology have evolved, the mission to enhance the lives of aging adults and their families remains at the heart of the business.
For more information on the company's history and services, you can visit their official website at www.homeinstead.com.
