How This Right at Home Owner Overcame a Life-Altering Injury and Used His Experience to Serve Others

For franchisee Dave Eustis of Waterloo, Illinois, investing in Right at Home* was more than just a business decision--it was personal. Nearly 20 years ago, Eustis learned firsthand what it’s like to need around-the-clock care, and he wishes that the Right at Home concept had been available to him and his family when he sustained an injury that would render him unable to manage his day-to-day life independently.

In 1998, Eustis was on his tractor, finishing the final tasks needed to complete the home he and his wife were building, when it tipped over due to a steep incline in the middle of his property. Thinking that it was tipping towards his truck, he was surprised when it began descending on him instead. Almost suddenly, Eustis was trapped underneath his Bush Hog tractor, which resulted in the eventual amputation of one his legs.

“It was just this series of transitions from hospital to rehabilitation to the question of how do I get out and go back home,” said Eustis of the weeks following the accident, which were largely spent at Saint Louis University Hospital. “I couldn’t go home until I had the level of care necessary to address my needs, because there were a number of things I could no longer do. Home care would have made everything so much easier.”

To provide the extensive care that Eustis needed, his wife had to rearrange her work schedule, and the couple relied on the help of family who traveled from the west coast, neighbors and members of their church to fill in the gaps when she couldn’t be there or simply needed a break. While Eustis was incredibly grateful for the outpour of support, the level of care he needed wasn’t easy to maintain, especially given that his caregivers also had full-time jobs themselves.

During his rehabilitation, Eustis found solace volunteering for non-profit organization HeartLands Conservancy before becoming the executive director in 2001 and then the president and CEO in 2013. By 2016, Eustis and his wife were ready to diversify their income sources, and started looking into businesses in which they could invest. One thing led to another, with their business broker introducing them to a franchise broker who later introduced them to the Right at Home concept.

“Home care isn’t always an industry that people typically think of when looking to invest in a business. But for those who’ve experienced medical or senior care for themselves, they understand the necessity,” said Sean Fitzgerald, chief development strategist at No Limit Agency* and former executive at BrightStar Care, a full-service healthcare staffing agency. “It’s typically once people are exposed to the industry that they realize its importance. So many of the candidates that came through BrightStar understood its importance and had empathy for those who needed it. It’s very meaningful work, and it’s a business model that provides a service that can be very rewarding.”

As Eustis and his wife began relating the business back to their experience after his injury, it became clear that Right at Home was the perfect fit, enabling him to give to others what he wished he’d had for himself and his family.

“It has been a tremendous learning curve, exciting and challenging at the same time,” said Eustis, who opened his Right at Home business in October 2016. “We’ve had people calling us and telling us that their family members who’ve been receiving our services are actually improving. I never expected that. I kind of thought that we’d be helping people maintain their lives, but it’s interesting to see how it’s more than that. It’s a blessing for me and my wife to be able to serve others.”

The passion and dedication that Eustis brings to Right at Home hasn’t gone unnoticed. According to Eric Martin, senior director of franchise development at Right at Home, Eustis’ sincere commitment for improving the quality of life for others has made him an important part of the team.

“Dave feels blessed to now be in a position to help people in his community that are in need of home care and assistance like he once was. Dave truly values the commitment his outstanding team of caregivers have for their clients and knows from personal experience the positive impact they make each and every day. As a company, we are extremely proud to have a trusted partner in Dave representing the Right at Home brand and improving the quality of life for those he serves,” said Martin.