Own the Most Trusted Name
in Senior Care
Americans over 65 will double by 2060. SarahCare franchise owners are building recession-resistant businesses in the fastest growing healthcare sector in the country, with full operational support from day one.
A Therapist Who Saw a Problem and Developed a Solution
Dr. Merle D. Griff didn't set out to build a franchise system. She set out to solve a problem no one else was solving.
As a therapist working with families in Canton, Ohio, Merle kept running into the same wall: her clients needed quality senior day care, and it simply didn't exist. It became deeply personal when her mother and husband faced health challenges and Merle stepped into the role of caregiver herself. Living those challenges firsthand gave her a ground-level view of what families truly needed. That experience drove her to modify existing programs and develop new services specifically designed to address the gaps she encountered as a caregiver for both her mother and her husband.
"Necessity is the mother of invention." In 1985, Dr. Griff opened the very first S.A.R.A.H. center — Senior Adult Recreation and Health — in Canton, Ohio. Her vision was radical for its time: not just basic care, but a holistic environment addressing the physical, mental, and spiritual needs of seniors, their families, and their caregivers. A place of activity, friendship, nutrition, and joy where seniors came in during the day, had great food and great fun, and went home to their families by dinner.
People come to us during the day, they have great fun and great food, they have friends. It's a great experience — and then they go home at night, back to their families, and they can continue to live in their communities. — Dr. Merle Griff
The concept caught on immediately. Caregivers and seniors responded with enthusiasm. What began as one center in Ohio has grown into a national franchise network spanning more than a dozen states — the only organization in the country with a proven, decades-long track record of franchising adult day care.
Dr. Griff went on to serve as Chairperson of the Board of Directors for NADSA (National Adult Day Services Association), as a member of the International Advisory Board for CARF, as a task force member for the U.S. Department of Aging, and as a three-time delegate to the White House Conference on Aging. She has presented at international conferences on family care, and authored two books — including Solace in the Storm: Caring for Loved Ones of Every Generation (2023), a guide for family caregivers navigating every stage of life.
Her mission has never changed: support seniors in staying in their homes and communities, surround them with dignity and purpose, and give their families the peace of mind that comes from knowing a loved one is safe, happy, and cared for.
A Look Inside Our Centers
Real spaces designed for comfort, activity, and dignity — built to the SarahCare standard.
A $4.5 Trillion Market. Decades of Demand.
Senior care is not a trend — it's a demographic certainty. By 2030, all Baby Boomers will be over 65. By 2034, seniors will outnumber children for the first time in American history.
Transparent. Structured. Scalable.
Our FDD provides full disclosure on all fees and costs. Below is a summary of the initial investment range and qualification requirements.
- Proven Business Model – 30+ years of success
- $873B Market Opportunity – Recession-resistant industry
- Comprehensive Training – No healthcare experience required
- AUV $2.95M+
- Flexible Ownership – Semi-absentee potential
- SBA Financing Available
Includes franchise fee, facility buildout, equipment, training, working capital, and launch support.
- Franchise fee: $39,400
- Leasehold improvements & buildout
- Equipment & furnishings
- Working capital
- Training & launch support: Included
- SBA financing available
- 20% fee discount off Initial Fee for Veterans
Available Territories Across the Country
SarahCare is actively expanding into new markets. Open territories are available in high-demand regions with strong senior populations and limited competition.
- 30+ Years of proven franchise operations
- 18+ States with active SarahCare locations
- 100% Protected Territories — no intra-brand competition
Why Franchise Owners Choose SarahCare
Hear from the people who built their businesses — and their legacies — with SarahCare.
"Knowing we provide a safe, engaging environment that supports dignity, independence, and quality of life and gives caregivers peace of mind makes the work truly meaningful."
"Truly understand the population you'll serve and the importance of building strong relationships with families and the community. I wish I'd known just how critical patience, flexibility, and a strong, compassionate team are to long-term success — and how rewarding the journey would be."
"Adult day care centers were not well known, so it required not only building brand awareness but also educating the public on the service we provide. It took patience, persistence, and a whole lot of heart — and today, the center thrives."
"After 16 years in healthcare, I know quality care when I saw it, and SarahCare delivered."
"Every participant we serve is a success story. Hearing families say how much they appreciate us is a success every day."
"SarahCare is the biggest franchise in the country with the most trustworthy data, but what really sold me was the mission: helping families, supporting the community, and creating meaningful employment, especially crucial during the pandemic. I think it will be a legacy."
Request Franchise Information
Complete the form below and a SarahCare franchise development representative will contact you within one business day.