Comfort Keepers

For more than two decades,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-couchell-36351a8?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=carolinas-franchise-expansion-2730929" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Erin</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-couchell-12918a6?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=carolinas-franchise-expansion-2730929" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Chris Couchell</a> have built a strong presence for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.comfortkeepersfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=carolinas-franchise-expansion-2730929" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Comfort Keepers®&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;across North and South Carolina. What began as a personal search for better care for Erin's mother — who developed early-onset Alzheimer’s at age 46 — has evolved into a multi-unit operation serving families across the region. Now, the Couchells are expanding again, adding the Rock Hill, South Carolina, territory to support the growing demand for in-home care.Erin Couchell traces the roots of her&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers">Comfort Keepers</a> journey back to her years as a schoolteacher. When her mother became ill, Erin found herself balancing caregiving responsibilities with work and relying on an agency that didn’t meet her family’s needs.“We were thrust into caregiving with no experience," she said. "And we were using an agency that did provide a little bit of care, but it was just not a great experience.”That experience opened her eyes to the real gap in senior care services. After researching franchises with her father-in-law, she felt Comfort Keepers stood out.“It had all the things that we were looking for,” she said. “I took a big leap of faith, left teaching and&nbsp; opened up my very first franchise in Spartanburg, South Carolina.”She returned from her franchisee training with new tools and best practices and built the business from the ground up — often personally visiting homes, meeting families, and caring for her mother along the way.&nbsp;<h2>Expanding Into Rock Hill</h2>Over the years, the Couchells have added territories across the Carolinas, including Greenville and Anderson additional South Carolina markets, and regions in North Carolina. Most recently, the pair acquired the Rock Hill territory — a fast-growing suburb of Charlotte and a market seeing rapid population growth among older adults.“We purchased Rock Hill territory which is south in South Carolina but really considered the suburbs of Charlotte,” Couchell said. “We have a lot of people that are moving there and retiring there… this is just an opportunity for us to continue providing care and filling in additional gaps that others do not provide.”She added that expansion isn’t just about serving families — it’s also about creating meaningful employment.“We’re not just providing care for people,” she said. “We are giving people livelihood… employing them and training and giving them better work opportunities.”<h2>Managing Multiple Markets</h2>With five territories spanning two states, Couchell has learned that each community requires its own strategy and approach.“Every territory is unique,” she said. “You can't go in and think that you're going to just rubber stamp out the same thing. Every community is unique… ultimately it's taking care of people and always doing the right thing.”At the center of their operations is a people-first philosophy:“When going in with the attitude that we're always going to do the right thing, make the best decision and put people at the heart of every decision we make, then good things come about.”<h2>What Sets Comfort Keepers Apart</h2>While Couchell believes deeply in the brand’s mission of elevating the human spirit, she emphasizes that the people behind the brand — especially franchise owners and corporate leadership — are what truly differentiate Comfort Keepers.“The owners of the Comfort Keepers franchising systems are amazing people,” she said. “I can call anybody I need any time of day and get an answer… I always feel like I have the support and commitment from the franchising system and that goes a long long way.”Weekly or bi-weekly check-ins with regional directors ensure consistent support, guidance and oversight across territories.<h2>Evolving Demand for In-Home Care</h2>The Couchells have watched the needs of seniors shift significantly in the past 20 years. Families now wait longer before calling for in-home support — and arrive with more complex needs.“People are still needing care and they're needing more care than ever before because they're waiting later to call us,” Couchell said. “Twenty years ago we would have a lot of calls that were strictly just companion care… but now when people call, they're already past that basic level of care.”She also sees rising demand coming from hospital systems seeking partners to reduce readmissions.“Our goal is always to keep our people home and safe and keep them out of the hospitals so that they are just healthier for longer.”<h2>Keeping “Elevating the Human Spirit” Alive Across Locations</h2>Even as the footprint grows, the Couchells maintain a consistent culture across every office.“Every huddle in every office begins with a 'culture moment,'” she said. “We talk about how did you bring joy today? It is culture and elevating the human spirit is not a one-and-done and let's put it on a poster. We have to live it and breathe it.”With Rock Hill officially added to their growing portfolio, the Couchells plan to turn their attention to new service offerings and enhanced technology — including AI — to better support caregivers and streamline operations.“I'm going to really work on optimizing technology in the homes and leveraging AI,” she said. She also hopes to expand into more advanced and nursing-level services “depending on state licensure.”After two decades with Comfort Keepers, Erin and Chris Couchell remain committed to the same mission that inspired their first franchise: caring for people, supporting families and elevating the human spirit across the Carolinas.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers.">https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers.</a>&nbsp;

Carolinas Comfort Keepers Owners Expand in South Carolina

1851 Franchise

Longtime operators in North and South Carolina expand their footprint, continuing their mission to bring compassionate care and "Elevate the Human Spirit" across the region.

This brand page has been paid for by COMFORT KEEPERS. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

Comfort Keepers Owners Expand Carolinas Senior Care Demand

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When&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-braun-8500961">Michael Braun</a> thinks about the future of senior care in the Pacific Northwest, he sees an opportunity to help families experience the same peace of mind his own family once had.&nbsp;With a newly launched two-territory&nbsp;<a href="https://www.comfortkeepersfranchise.com/">Comfort Keepers®</a> operation spanning&nbsp;<a href="https://www.comfortkeepers.com/offices/washington/seattle/">King and Pierce counties in Seattle</a>, Braun is entering the market at a pivotal time, combining personal experience with a deep commitment to compassionate care.Before stepping into franchising, Braun spent two decades shaping lives in a very different way.“My background is actually in education,” he said. “I spent 20 years as an educator working in inner-city schools at all different grade levels — elementary school, middle school, high school — and then I became a school administrator.”His career was rooted in developing people by helping students grow, guiding teachers and leading school communities. But over time, Braun began thinking about how he could build something of his own while still making a meaningful impact.<h2>A Personal Connection to Senior Care</h2>The value of in-home care became clear to Braun long before he entered franchising. “As my grandparents were aging, they started needing extra help,” he said. “They always said that they were never going to go to a home.”Instead, his family brought care into their home by hiring companions and aides to support daily living. The results left a lasting impression.“I saw my grandparents really flourish and live, despite needing care,” Braun said. “My grandpa lived about five to seven more years and my grandma ended up living 10 more years after we brought support into the house. It was a blessing that they were able to use their savings and have these services that helped them really enjoy their lives well into their late 90s.”That experience introduced him to the power of aging in place and ultimately guided him toward&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers/info">Comfort Keepers</a>.<h2>Why Comfort Keepers?</h2>As Braun explored franchise opportunities, one concept stood out for its philosophy and approach to care. “I really liked the Comfort Keepers' promise to help seniors live with moments of joy,” he said. “I really connected to the idea of focusing on people’s safety, but once you get safety locked down, then you can look at their nutrition, their mental health and their body mechanics.”<a href="https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers/comfort-keepers-elevating-the-human-spirit-through-compassionate-holistic-senior-care-2727809">That holistic, “Interactive Caregiving” approach</a> of addressing physical, emotional and social well-being aligned closely with Braun’s background in education and people development.Now, operating across King and Pierce counties, Braun is entering one of the most promising senior care markets in the country.“There are definitely aging populations throughout these areas,” he said. “We have a growing veteran population and just in general a growing aging population. When it comes to the senior population, my area ranks second to Boca Raton, Florida. So there are quite a lot of seniors in my area.”That demographic shift, combined with a strong preference for aging in place,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers/comfort-keepers-franchise-personalized-care-services-2731629#featured">is fueling demand for in-home care services</a>. “It gives a lot of seniors another option for growing old in place,” Braun said, “as opposed to assisted living facilities and adult family homes.”<h2>Meeting the Moment in Senior Care</h2>Following his successful grand opening late last year, Braun is focused on intentional growth. While&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers/q1-2026-growth-2732011">Comfort Keepers has a strong national footprint</a>, Braun sees an opportunity to deepen its presence locally.&nbsp;“One of my first goals is to just build brand awareness,” he said. “Comfort Keepers has a great national presence, but I would like it to be better known in King County and Pierce County. At the end of the day, we want to take care of our clients like they’re part of our family. That is something I’m really striving for.”To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers">https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers</a>.

With a new two-territory deal in Seattle, franchisee Michael Braun is bringing a people-first approach to in-home care in one of the country’s fastest-growing senior markets.

Why This Former Educator Is Expanding With the Comfort Keepers® Franchise in Seattle

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Franchisee spotlight with Steve and Blake Oakley and Comfort Keepers

How an Unexpected Career Change Sparked a Family Business With Comfort Keepers®

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How This Comfort Keepers® Franchisee Grew From One Acquisition to a Powerhouse

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IRVINE, Calif. —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.comfortkeepersfranchise.com/">Comfort Keepers®</a>, a leading in-home care franchise dedicated to elevating the human spirit through quality, compassionate care, has been named a&nbsp;<a href="https://franchisebusinessreview.com/lists/top-franchises-for-women/">2026 Top Franchise for Women</a> by&nbsp;<a href="https://franchisebusinessreview.com/">Franchise Business Review</a>. Only 100 brands made this year’s list, which is based entirely on franchisee satisfaction.For over 25 years,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers/info">Comfort Keepers</a> has focused on more than just business. The brand has built a community centered on helping seniors remain independent at home. As demand for quality care rises alongside an aging population, the brand offers entrepreneurs an opportunity to build a business with a purpose. Its focus on practical training and franchise support has made it a strong fit for women looking to build a successful career around meaningful work.Franchise Business Review, a research firm that conducts independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction, publishes rankings based solely on franchisee feedback. Each year, the organization analyzes data across hundreds of brands to identify the top performers in key areas such as leadership, training, financial opportunity and work-life balance.Comfort Keepers was among more than 320 franchise brands, representing nearly 8,550 female franchise owners, that took part in Franchise Business Review’s research for its Top Franchises for Women list. Franchisees were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction across critical business areas.&nbsp;<a href="https://franchisebusinessreview.com/top-franchises/comfort-keepers-franchise-opportunity/">Comfort Keepers exceeded FBR’s benchmark</a> in every major category. Highlights include:<ul><li>91% of Comfort Keepers franchisees say they enjoy operating their business.</li><li>88% say they enjoy being part of the Comfort Keepers network.</li><li>93% say they are likely to recommend the franchise to others.</li></ul>“Being recognized as a Top Franchise for Women is especially meaningful for Comfort Keepers because so many of our franchise owners and caregivers are women who are driven by purpose as much as performance,” said Scott Oaks, vice president of Franchise Development. “We’ve built a system that supports their success operationally, financially and personally while allowing them to make a real difference in their communities.”To view the full list of the 2026 Top Franchises for Women, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://franchisebusinessreview.com">FranchiseBusinessReview.com</a>.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers">https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers</a>.&nbsp;About Comfort Keepers®For over 25 years, Comfort Keepers has been Elevating the Human SpiritSM through its in-home care network for seniors and other adults by empowering them to maintain their independence and realize joy in the everyday moments. Comfort Keepers operates a franchise network that has grown to more than 600 locations in the U.S. and Canada, serving hundreds of thousands of clients since 1998. The company’s nationwide network employs thousands of caregivers, also known as Comfort Keepers®, who deliver joy through interactive caregiving by continually communicating with, involving, and engaging with seniors in everyday tasks and activities. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://comfortkeepers.com">ComfortKeepers.com</a>.&nbsp;

Female franchise owners gave Comfort Keepers high marks for leadership, support and satisfaction, earning the brand a spot on Franchise Business Review’s 2026 list.

Comfort Keepers® Named a Top 100 Franchise for Women by Franchise Business Review

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IRVINE, Calif.&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://www.comfortkeepersfranchise.com/">Comfort Keepers®</a>, the 600-plus-unit in-home care franchise,&nbsp;started 2026 with strong growth after opening three new territories, awarding six more, and receiving recognition from&nbsp;Entrepreneur and&nbsp;Franchise Business Review as one of the top franchises in the industry.“This quarter shows the steady, deliberate growth that we have built into the&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers">Comfort Keepers</a> system,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-oaks-39396612/">Scott Oaks</a>, vice president of franchise development. “We welcomed new owners in Frisco, Texas; and Palm Harbor and Clearwater, Florida; and celebrated expansion with current owners in Lincoln, Nebraska; East Calgary, Alberta; and Biloxi, Mississippi. In addition to continued footprint growth, we were honored to be recognized by both Entrepreneur and Franchise Business Review.”In 2026, Comfort Keepers earned spots on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500, Top Franchises for Less Than $150,000 and Fastest-Growing Franchises lists. The brand was also recognized by Franchise Business Review, which named it a&nbsp;<a href="https://franchisebusinessreview.com/lists/top-franchises-for-women/">2026 Top Franchise for Women,</a> based entirely on the feedback and satisfaction of Comfort Keepers owners.“These rankings are highly competitive and based on independent data; earning a spot within them is a testament to the strength of the Comfort Keepers system,” Oaks said. “As we continue to expand, we work hard to maintain a model that supports owners’ success while empowering them to make real change in their communities, and these awards only further validate those efforts.”As the population ages and demand for senior care continues to grow, Comfort Keepers represents a standout opportunity for franchisees looking to break into an industry with purpose. By prioritizing a people-driven approach alongside top-tier caregiving, Comfort Keepers builds stronger relationships, supports franchisees in hiring and retention, and ultimately delivers even better care.While Comfort Keepers has over 600 operating territories nationwide and another 40-plus in Canada, the leadership team is still looking toward strategic expansion. This year, they expect to award between 30 and 40 more franchise agreements for underserved markets across the country, and there is still growth potential remaining in major markets nationwide.About Comfort Keepers®For over 25 years, Comfort Keepers has been Elevating the Human SpiritSM through its in-home care network for seniors and other adults by empowering them to maintain their independence and realize joy in the everyday moments. Comfort Keepers operates a franchise network that has grown to more than 600 locations in the U.S. and Canada, serving hundreds of thousands of clients since 1998. The company’s nationwide network employs thousands of caregivers, also known as&nbsp;Comfort Keepers®, who deliver joy through interactive caregiving by continually communicating with, involving, and engaging with seniors in everyday tasks and activities. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://comfortkeepers.com">ComfortKeepers.com</a>.&nbsp;

Photo of Comfort Keepers team member and senior completing craft project

The 600-plus-unit senior care brand welcomed new owners in Texas and Florida, supported expansion in Nebraska, Alberta and Mississippi, and was named a 2026 Top Franchise for Women.

Comfort Keepers® Opens 3 New In-Home Care Franchise Territories, Awards 6 More in Q1, and Earns Spots on Entrepreneur Franchise 500

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Demand for in-home senior care has been climbing for years and shows no signs of slowing. That shift is pushing more entrepreneurs to look at businesses tied to long-term needs rather than short-term trends.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.comfortkeepersfranchise.com/">Comfort Keepers</a>, one of the leading names in the category, helps older adults remain safely and independently in their own homes while elevating the human spirit through personalized, compassionate care. Anyone exploring the opportunity usually starts with one question: What does it cost?Opening a&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers/info">Comfort Keepers</a> franchise requires an initial investment of $116,950 to $188,200, according to the brand’s Franchise Disclosure Document. That estimate includes the $55,000 franchise fee, along with office setup, technology, licensing, insurance and early working capital. Because the model does not require a retail storefront or heavy build-out, startup costs are generally lower than those of many brick-and-mortar franchise concepts.&nbsp;The 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) breaks these costs down as follows:<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Type of Expenditure</td><td>Min</td><td>Max</td></tr><tr><td>Combined Deposit Fee and Initial Franchise Fee</td><td>$55,000</td><td>$55,000</td></tr><tr><td>Professional Fees</td><td>$1,500</td><td>$10,000</td></tr><tr><td>Business Premises (Rent/Deposit)</td><td>$6,000</td><td>$24,000</td></tr><tr><td>Furniture &amp; Equipment</td><td>$5,400</td><td>$10,000</td></tr><tr><td>Insurance</td><td>$3,100</td><td>$6,800</td></tr><tr><td>Initial Training Expenses</td><td>$3,000</td><td>$6,000</td></tr><tr><td>Organizational Expenses</td><td>$650</td><td>$1,150</td></tr><tr><td>Telephone/Utilities Deposit</td><td>$550</td><td>$1,650</td></tr><tr><td>Advertising/Marketing</td><td>$2,300</td><td>$10,000</td></tr><tr><td>Licensure</td><td>$0</td><td>$10,000</td></tr><tr><td>Caregiver Training</td><td>$1,500</td><td>$3,000</td></tr><tr><td>Background Screening</td><td>$360</td><td>$600</td></tr><tr><td>Additional Funds (3 Months)</td><td>$37,590</td><td>$50,000</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>Additional financial requirements include minimum liquidity and net worth thresholds to help ensure franchisees are prepared to support the business in its early stages. For Comfort Keepers, that means having at least $100,000 in liquid assets and a net worth of $300,000.The overall structure is designed to allow owners to focus their investment on building a team and growing their client base rather than funding expensive infrastructure.<h2>A Model Built Around Demand</h2>A big part of the opportunity comes down to demand. The senior population is growing, and more families are opting for care at home rather than moving loved ones into facilities. That shift has created a steady need for services that support aging in place, giving franchisees a chance to build a business tied to long-term demographic trends rather than short-term cycles.“To enter a business with this level of demand and long-term upside, especially when you look at average unit volumes, the investment is very reasonable,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-oaks-39396612">Scott Oaks</a>, vice president of franchise development. “Unlike many other opportunities, you don’t need $500,000 tied up in infrastructure. This model is about building the right team and tapping into a growing, sustained demand for care, which creates a compelling path to scalability and returns.”Rather than relying on foot traffic or a physical location, franchisees grow by building relationships within their local communities and establishing referral networks with hospitals, physicians and senior-focused organizations.<h2>Managing Costs and Building Margins</h2>Starting a new business, especially for first-time owners, can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time, but Comfort Keepers ensures franchisees are never alone. During the pre-opening phase, Comfort Keepers works with franchisees to build out financial projections using real performance data to understand what the business should look like from day one. That process helps set clear expectations around costs, staffing and growth. The brand also leans into a value-driven approach, so owners are not competing on price alone and can focus more on delivering consistent, high-quality care.“Comfort Keepers is committed to paying caregivers a good wage and delivering high-quality care, not competing to be the cheapest provider in the market,” Oaks said. “Franchisees are positioned to sell the overall value of the service, which supports stronger margins and long-term sustainability.”This positioning allows owners to focus on service quality and client outcomes while still maintaining a healthy financial structure.<h2>Ongoing Fees and Financial Structure</h2>Like most franchise systems, Comfort Keepers includes ongoing fees that support brand operations, marketing and franchisee support. The royalty fee is 5% of gross revenue. The national brand fund contribution is 2% of gross revenue. The national brand fund pools resources and leverages the system's scale to place national advertising and branding that enhance franchisees' local marketing, build awareness, and drive leads to the consumer website and to applicants on the C<a href="http://comfortkeepers.jobs">omfortKeepers.jobs</a> site. Franchisees are also required to spend on local advertising each month, with a minimum of $1,000 or 2% of gross revenue, whichever is higher.<h2>Why Timing Matters</h2>Timing plays a meaningful role in evaluating any franchise opportunity, and senior care stands out because of several overlapping trends. An aging population and a growing preference for in-home care have all contributed to increased demand across markets. That combination creates a stable environment for operators who are looking to build a business with long-term relevance.“All of the key indicators point to a strong and growing industry,” Oaks said. “With Comfort Keepers’ established footprint, there are still meaningful market opportunities available. You’re stepping into a business with decades of experience and a proven track record. It’s not a startup.”<h2>A Lower-Overhead Path Into Ownership</h2>Entrepreneurs weighing different franchise options will find that Comfort Keepers comes with a different kind of setup. There is no major build-out or large inventory to manage upfront, and staffing can grow over time as the client base expands. That approach allows owners to build the business step by step instead of taking on everything at once, while still working toward long-term growth.The model rewards operators who are focused on relationship-building, community engagement and team development. Over time, that approach can translate into recurring revenue and steady expansion.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers.">https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers.</a>&nbsp;

How Much Does It Cost to Open a Comfort Keepers® Franchise?

A detailed breakdown of startup costs, ongoing fees and the long-term demand shaping the Comfort Keepers® franchise opportunity.

Comfort Keepers Owners Expand Carolinas Senior Care Demand

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