Touching Hearts at Home Enters California Amid Senior Care Boom

EDINA, Minn. – April 30, 2026 – In a significant move reflecting a nationwide trend, in-home care provider Touching Hearts at Home has announced its expansion into California. The announcement comes on the heels of a record-breaking month of growth for the franchise, which awarded 10 new territories in March and is rapidly approaching 100 locations across the United States. For the first time, the company will bring its non-medical support services to the Golden State, a market characterized by immense opportunity and significant challenges.

This expansion is not just a milestone for the company, which was founded in 1996 and began franchising in 2007, but also a bellwether for the broader healthcare landscape. As more American adults express a strong desire to age in place, the demand for reliable, non-medical home care has surged, creating a robust market for purpose-driven entrepreneurs and established care providers alike.

Tapping into California's Surging Demand

The decision to enter California is anchored in compelling demographic data. The state is home to the largest senior population in the nation, with over 9 million residents aged 60 and over. Projections from state agencies and demographic researchers paint a clear picture of exponential growth. By 2040, the number of Californians aged 65 and older is expected to swell to over 9 million, constituting nearly a quarter of the state's total population. Even more striking is the projected growth of the "oldest old"; the cohort aged 80 and above is forecast to more than double in the same period.

This demographic shift is coupled with a powerful cultural preference. National surveys consistently show that an overwhelming majority of seniors—as many as 87% of adults 65 and older—wish to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Touching Hearts at Home aims to facilitate this by providing a range of non-medical services, from companionship and meal preparation to light housekeeping and around-the-clock monitoring, all tailored to individual needs.

"Expanding into California is a major milestone for our brand and a reflection of the strong demand for high-quality in-home care," said Todd Treml, CEO of Touching Hearts at Home, in a statement. "This growth allows us to reach more families and elevate the standard of care in every market we enter."

Navigating a Competitive and Regulated Market

Entering California is a calculated risk that requires navigating a mature and competitive landscape. The state's in-home care market is already served by a host of established national franchises, including major players like Comfort Keepers and SYNERGY HomeCare, alongside a dense network of local and regional agencies. To gain a foothold, new entrants must differentiate themselves on quality, reliability, and service.

Furthermore, California maintains one of the most stringent regulatory environments for home care in the country. The Home Care Services Consumer Protection Act (AB 1217) mandates that all home care organizations be licensed and monitored by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). The law requires agencies to conduct thorough background checks on all employees, register their aides with the state, and provide specific initial and ongoing training. Failure to comply can result in significant daily fines, and the CDSS has recently increased its enforcement efforts to identify and shut down unlicensed operators.

Any new Touching Hearts at Home franchisee in California will need to master these complex requirements, from ensuring every caregiver is properly registered and trained to maintaining liability insurance and adhering to state labor laws, which include some of the highest minimum wage rates in the country.

The Franchise Model Fueling Expansion

The company's rapid national growth suggests its franchise model is a key component of its strategy for tackling such challenges. The model is designed to attract entrepreneurs looking for a purpose-driven business, providing them with a comprehensive support system to launch and grow their operations. The initial investment for a new franchise typically ranges from $84,600 to $147,200, which includes a $49,500 franchise fee.

In return for this investment and an ongoing 6% royalty fee, franchisees receive extensive support. This begins with a five-day intensive training program at the corporate headquarters covering operations, marketing, and compliance. From there, the corporate team provides ongoing guidance through dedicated business coaches, marketing support including website development and social media strategies, and access to specialized software for scheduling, billing, and payroll. This structured support system is designed to equip owners with the tools to succeed, even if they have no prior experience in the home care industry.

"We are building a larger, stronger network of franchise owners who are committed to serving their local communities with compassion and consistency," Treml noted. The reported average unit revenue of over $1 million in 2023 indicates that the model can be financially rewarding for successful operators.

As the company moves forward with its expansion, its strategy appears to be a direct response to the market's needs. "California is a natural next step in our national growth strategy given its size and growing need for reliable in-home care," Treml added. "We see an opportunity to partner with exceptional entrepreneurs while extending our ability to serve more seniors and families with consistency and trust."

By combining a mission-focused culture with a scalable business model and robust franchisee support, Touching Hearts at Home is betting it can meet the high standards of the California market. Its success will ultimately be measured by its ability to deliver on its promise of compassionate and dependable care for the state's rapidly growing senior population.