Ribbon-cutting for Senior Helpers

GAINESVILLE - With nearly one out of four U.S. households involved in caregiving to persons over the age of 50, Christian Saslo knew there was an opportunity to build a business in North Georgia and help care for these seniors while allowing them to remain at home.

"I knew this was a business with a market that was ready and willing to be served," said Saslo. "Senior Helpers provides at-home care for older adults who are capable of living on their own but need help in their everyday lives. We do everything from meal planning and running errands to helping with laundry, bathing and grooming. Our clients want to be on their own but may need help from time to time."

Established in 2001 in Baltimore, Senior Helpers was created after entrepreneur Tony Bonacuse watched his mother care for his two grandmothers. The family was continually frustrated as they searched for quality caregivers and Bonacuse realized that others must face a similar challenge. The company began franchising in August 2005 and currently has 117 locations from coast to coast with additional openings every month.

Prior to becoming a Senior Helpers franchisee, Christian Saslo was working for Garden of Life, a nutrition company founded by "New York Times Best Seller" author Jordan Rubin. Saslo is also the current Youth Pastor at a Messianic Jewish Congregation, Beth Adonai, in Tucker, under the leadership of Rabbi Scott Sekulow, brother of "American Center for Law and Justice" Attorney, Jay Sekulow.

Senior Helpers was created not only as a service for seniors, but also for young adults, spouses and other relatives who find it difficult to provide daily care themselves.

"This is a much-needed concept," Saslo said. "Northeast Georgia has a large retirement population and there are many people who benefit from our help."

CAREGIVING STATISTICS

�In 85 percent of caregiving cases, all home care is provided by family members and friends.
�According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, nearly one out of every four U.S. households (almost 23 million) is involved in caregiving to persons aged 50 and over.
�The average caregiver is 46 while the average age of the person being cared for is 77.
�Approximately 64 percent of caregivers of the elderly are employed but spend an average of 18-40 hours a month caregiving.
�Around 4 million Americans are diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and approximately 70 percent are cared for at home.

ABOUT SENIOR HELPERS

Senior Helpers connects professional caregivers with senior citizens who wish to live at home as opposed to a nursing or assisted living facility. Senior Helpers strives to be a leading companion service and personal care provider for clients and their families

For further information contact:

Christian J. Saslo
Senior Helpers
445 Bradford St. NW
Gainesville, Ga. 30501
Office: (678) 807-2220
Fax: (678) 807-2226
www.seniorhelpers.com