In a bid to enhance the quality of life for seniors in Oklahoma City, sisters Manar Landis and Maha Zirn-Kashoor have launched their new venture, Griswold Home Care. This business aims to provide personalized non-medical support for the elderly, enabling them to live safely and comfortably in their homes. The sisters opened the franchise in October, drawing from their extensive backgrounds in healthcare and humanitarian work.
With decades of experience, Zirn-Kashoor and Landis are well-equipped to address the unique needs of elderly clients. Zirn-Kashoor spent 25 years with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, focusing on vulnerable populations, while Landis has a background with UNICEF and is a registered nurse. Their personal experiences caring for family members further inform their approach to home care.
Meeting the Needs of Seniors
The sisters emphasize the importance of understanding each client’s individual needs. According to Zirn-Kashoor, many elderly individuals initially resist the idea of accepting help, often claiming they are fine living alone. “The first step is getting to know clients through a thorough assessment and convincing them it’s OK to accept caregiving,” she stated. This initial engagement is crucial in helping seniors transition into a supportive care environment.
Griswold Home Care offers a range of services, from daily assistance to 24-hour care, all tailored to fit the specific requirements of each client. “Everyone wants to stay at home,” Landis noted. “Spouses and children appreciate the outside support and professional guidance.” The sisters highlight that while many clients are elderly, approximately 60% do not have children nearby, making their services particularly essential.
The franchise is the second Griswold location in Oklahoma, following the first, which opened in Tulsa a decade ago. Griswold Home Care now operates nearly 200 locations across 31 states, providing services that include companion care, personal care, and respite care. The company has received accolades, being recognized as a Best of Home Care Endorsed National Provider for 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Community Awareness and Growth Potential
Despite the growing demand for senior care, Landis and Zirn-Kashoor have identified a significant lack of awareness regarding available home care options. “When someone is discharged from the hospital with no support at home, they often return due to another fall,” Landis explained. Their goal is to complement existing healthcare systems by providing necessary support that can prevent hospital readmissions.
According to projections from the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of Americans aged 65 and older is expected to rise from 58 million in 2022 to 76 million by 2035, marking an increase of over 30%. This surge indicates a burgeoning market for senior care services. In light of this, Forbes has noted that investing in a franchise within the senior home care industry can be a lucrative opportunity, with initial investments ranging from $99,600 to $180,600.
Currently, the Griswold Home Care team consists of 16 employees and continues to expand as the sisters work to meet the needs of the community. The sisters, who share a close bond, view their new business as a natural extension of their lifelong commitment to helping others. “We grew up like twins,” Zirn-Kashoor remarked, emphasizing their shared values and vision for the future.
As they embark on this new chapter, Landis and Zirn-Kashoor are dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of seniors in Oklahoma City, using their extensive experience to ensure that clients can age with dignity and comfort in their own homes.
