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FARMINGTON HILLS — Seniors Helping Seniors provides a unique approach to in-home care in Oakland County, helping older adults remain independent while staying socially connected. Best of all, the care is being provided by seniors themselves.
The Farmington Hills-based franchise has been owned and operated by Joseph and Sheila Samples since 2023. It matches older adults who need assistance with carefully selected caregivers 24 hours a day, seven days a week, who are often retirees themselves, creating meaningful connections rooted in shared life experience.
Joseph and Sheila had experience working in corporate America and financial services before acquiring a Seniors Helping Seniors franchise. Unlike traditional home care models, Seniors Helping Seniors emphasizes companionship for overlooked and underserved clients just as much as practical support. Services include transportation for doctor’s appointments and errands, light housekeeping, meal preparation, companionship, and respite care for family caregivers.
“We support seniors in the hope that they can maintain their independence,” Sheila said. Clients often have children who are considered a part of the “sandwich generation” — people who are helping to care for their children and their parents simultaneously.
The owners hire mature caregivers to provide non-medical services in such Oakland County communities as Farmington, Farmington Hills, Northville, Novi, Walled Lake, and Wixom. This care can be short-term as well, such as helping seniors who are recovering from knee or hip replacement surgery.
“Many of our caregivers understand exactly what our clients are going through because they’re at a similar stage in life,” Joseph said. “We hire people who have a caring spirit. That shared understanding builds trust and comfort very quickly.
“We had to hire other seniors to take care of our own parents years ago, and we understand the needs,” he added.
The Oakland County franchise provides flexible, meaningful work opportunities for active seniors looking to stay involved, supplement their income, and make a difference in their community. Many part-time employee caregivers are retired teachers, nurses, and other professionals who have spent their lives in the service of others. Joseph and Sheila have 50 part-time caregivers but are always looking for others willing to help.
For Sheila, the mission is deeply personal. “Aging doesn’t mean giving up independence or dignity,” she said. “Our goal is to help seniors stay in their homes, stay engaged and feel supported — not isolated.”
By focusing on relationships, respect, and reliability, Seniors Helping Seniors is meeting a growing need in Oakland County while helping families find peace of mind and empowering seniors to support one another. Most people have been, are, or will be caregivers at some point in their lives. Joseph believes just about everyone will need caregiver assistance at some stage in life.
As he puts it, “This isn’t just care. It’s neighbors helping neighbors.”
Learn more by calling 248-686-1000 or visiting shsfarmingtonhills.com.
