Global Care Giant Dovida Enters U.S. Market with Acquisition of A Place At Home

OMAHA, NE – February 25, 2026 – Dovida, a global home care powerhouse operating in six countries, has officially planted its flag in the United States through the strategic acquisition of A Place At Home, a well-regarded national home care franchise network. The move marks the company’s first foray into the North American market, adding the U.S. as its seventh country of operation and signaling a significant new chapter for the American elder care landscape.

With a portfolio built on delivering millions of hours of care annually in markets from Australia to Europe, Dovida brings a highly refined, person-centered care model to a nation grappling with the demands of a rapidly aging population. The acquisition promises to merge global best practices with established local expertise, as A Place At Home’s leadership, including its founders, will remain at the helm to ensure continuity for its franchise owners, caregivers, and the families they serve.

A Global Model for a Growing U.S. Need

The timing of Dovida's entry is critical. The United States is home to what many analysts describe as the “largest and most dynamic home care market” in the world, a sector experiencing explosive growth driven by the demographic reality of the “Silver Tsunami.” As millions of Baby Boomers enter their senior years, the demand for high-quality, in-home care services that allow for aging with dignity and independence is surging. However, this demand is met with significant challenges, including persistent caregiver shortages and a complex web of state-by-state regulations.

Dovida aims to address this environment by introducing its globally proven “person-centered” philosophy. This model, honed across its international operations, moves beyond basic task completion to focus on holistic well-being. It involves creating customized care plans tailored to an individual’s unique needs, preferences, and daily routines. A key component is the emphasis on matching clients with compatible caregivers to foster genuine, supportive relationships. With a global team of approximately 12,000 caregivers, the organization has built a comprehensive training infrastructure to support a wide range of services, including specialized dementia care, palliative support, and live-in care—a service that may see expanded focus in the U.S. market.

“At its core, Dovida represents continuity with purpose,” said Paul Fritz, Global CEO of Dovida, in a statement. “We were drawn to A Place At Home because of the quality of care they deliver and the values that guide their work. Together, we are building on that foundation while strengthening our ability to support clients, families and caregivers for the future.”

Continuity and Growth for a National Franchise Network

For the 57 franchise units operating under the A Place At Home banner, the acquisition is being framed not as a takeover, but as an evolution. The announcement stressed a commitment to continuity, with founders Dustin Distefano and Jerod Evanich continuing to guide the organization they built. This decision was a crucial factor, providing stability and reassurance to local owners and their teams.

“This decision was about honoring our mission and expanding what’s possible for our franchise owners, caregivers, and the families we serve,” stated Dustin Distefano, CEO and Co-Founder of A Place At Home. His partner, President and Co-Founder Jerod Evanich, added, “Growth has always been part of our vision. Dovida’s global experience strengthens our franchise network and expands our ability to serve more families, while preserving the relationships that define our organization.”

Beyond preserving the existing culture, the partnership is expected to unlock new opportunities. Franchise owners will gain access to Dovida’s global resources, operational expertise, and a playbook of successful service lines from its international markets. This infusion of capital and knowledge is intended to fuel aggressive but responsible growth, helping the network expand into new U.S. territories with a significant need for quality care.

Support for the frontline caregivers and local management remains a stated priority. “Dovida's focus is on delivering high-quality, person-centered home care while supporting the caregivers and local franchise teams who make that possible,” said Mike Boyer, who will lead the new entity as CEO of Dovida North America. “A Place At Home has built a strong organization rooted in service and integrity. Under the Dovida brand, that foundation remains.”

Strategic Consolidation in a Competitive Landscape

Dovida’s acquisition of A Place At Home is a clear reflection of a broader trend: the increasing consolidation and international investment within the U.S. home care sector. As the market matures, smaller and mid-sized players are increasingly joining forces with larger, well-capitalized entities to achieve the scale necessary to compete effectively. This transaction is particularly noteworthy as it represents the union of a dedicated home care operator with another, a distinction important to A Place At Home’s founders, who reportedly favored the deal over offers from private equity firms.

The move aligns with Dovida's own recent trajectory. The company, which traces its roots to the international portfolio of Home Instead, became an independent entity in 2024 and was itself acquired by a majority stake from private investment firm Ardian in mid-2025. This history positions Dovida as an experienced player in the world of strategic growth and integration.

The synergy between the two companies appears strong. Dovida gains an immediate, established national footprint in the U.S. through a network praised for its relationship-led approach. In return, A Place At Home secures a partner with deep operational knowledge and the financial backing to accelerate its mission. This blend of global scale and local touch is what both parties believe will be their competitive advantage as they navigate the future of elder care in America.

By leveraging a model that prioritizes human connection and individual empowerment, the newly combined force aims to not only expand its market share but also elevate the standards of care for countless American families. As Dovida North America begins its journey, the industry will be watching closely to see how its global expertise translates to local impact across the United States.