Local Arizona and Central Valley Business Owners Earn National Franchise’s Founders Award

Tiffany and Shaun Phelan, multi-unit franchise owners with Senior Helpers, are the first couple to receive the honor

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Senior Helpers, a leading provider of in-home senior care, today announced that multi-unit franchise owners Tiffany and Shaun Phelan of Arizona and California have received the Founders Award, the company’s highest honor, at the brand’s recent annual conference.

The Phelan’s own two locations in Scottsdale and Mesa, Arizona, and two in Clovis and Visalia, California. The award honors owners who best embody the brand’s mission by championing its programs, supporting fellow owners, and earning the trust of families in their communities. The Phelans are the first couple to receive this award.

Shaun opened the first Senior Helpers franchise location in Scottsdale in 2007, making him the company’s longest-tenured owner. Tiffany joined Senior Helpers’ corporate team that same year before opening her first location in the Fresno area. Today she leads dementia trainings for family caregivers and firefighters in California and Arizona. The couple also serves veterans through VA contracts at all four locations.

“To be recognized by the company we’ve grown alongside for two decades means a great deal to us and to our caregivers,” said Tiffany Phelan. “We’re beyond grateful to be part of this franchise system, and we’re committed to continuously making the care experience better and more accessible for the seniors, families and caregivers in our communities.”

Going Above and Beyond with Age-Friendly Care

The Phelans’ offices have gone above and beyond to be certified in Age-Friendly Care at Home by Community Health Accreditation Partners (CHAP), a credential that remains uncommon in the home care setting. Senior Helpers was the first private duty in-home care provider in the U.S.

to earn it. The certification is built on the 4Ms, an evidence-based framework that addresses: What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility. For Tiffany, the biggest lesson is the first M — What Matters.

She describes every care plan as running on two parallel tracks — what matters to the adult child, and what matters to the senior.

When Katie Blackstock first called Senior Helpers after losing her husband, she wanted company and a weekly trip to the museum. When a hospitalization for heart problems and a Parkinson’s diagnosis followed, her care grew to seven days a week. It never stopped being about her—her caregivers still help her run errands, share meals and hear the stories of her world travels. This approach to home care has guided Katie’s care every step of the way and is why the Phelans were recognized.

• What Matters: Her care started with weekly museum visits and conversation, and it still makes room for her outings and the travel stories she loves to share.

• Mentation: After losing her husband, Katie’s care began with companionship, supporting her emotional well-being through grief and beyond.

• Mobility: As her needs changed, caregivers help her get out safely for errands and the activities she enjoys.

• Medication: After her hospitalization and diagnosis, her care plan adapted to new health needs without crowding out the things that make her day her own.

“Our Founders Award recognizes franchise owners who carry our mission forward, and Tiffany and Shaun have done that for nearly 20 years,” said Peter Ross, CEO and co-founder of Senior Helpers. “They’ve built their reputation one family at a time, and families like Katie’s feel their difference every day. They’ve also generously helped and supported fellow franchise owners across our system do the same. This recognition is well-deserved, and we look forward to seeing their continued impact in the years ahead.”