Right at Home Expands in York County: Veteran-Led In-Home Care Growth in Central PA

This article was originally published by Central Penn Business Journal.

Having roots in south central and eastern Pennsylvania has Dominic Cole feeling right at home in York.

A U.S. Army veteran and longtime York County resident, Cole recently launched Right at Home of York, bringing in-home care to older adults in the York County community.

“My family is rooted here in south central and eastern Pennsylvania, so York felt like the natural center point for both my personal and professional life,” said Cole. “I’ve had the privilege of calling many places home across the U.S. and around the world, but there’s something truly unique about York County, it has always held a special place in my heart.”

Cole served 14 years in the army and returned home last spring following two years in Germany. The York College of Pennsylvania graduate was glad to be close to family again but still had a desire to serve. This led Cole last December to reopen Right at Home of York, whose four-year vacancy had left many local families without consistent in-home care options.

“There are many home care companies and other care providers all working to serve a significant and growing population of seniors who need assistance,” Cole said. “But honestly, the demand far exceeds the supply. There is always room for more quality providers, and more hands to care for those who need it.”

Through Right at Home, Cole is helping York County seniors maintain their independence.

“Without reliable in-home care, families face the very real prospect of losing something deeply personal, the ability to remain in the homes and neighborhoods they have cherished for years,” said Cole. “That loss of independence can be devastating, not just physically, but emotionally as well.”

Cole’s work empowers York County seniors to maintain their independence while staying in their own homes.

“Right at Home supports York County seniors with the Activities of Daily Living and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living that so many of us take for granted, until we face losing them ourselves,” Cole said. “By providing this hands-on assistance, we help individuals remain exactly where they want to be: at home, with their spouses and loved ones close by.”

Cole’s success in reopening the York territory demonstrates a need for consistent care in Central Pennsylvania.

Right at Home Vice President of Development Jennifer Chaney noted that with Lancaster‘s senior population at 20.5% and a 33% increase in the 60-84 age cohort over the last decade, Right at Home is positioned to meet the regional demand.

“Lancaster’s demographics clearly point to a growing, long-term need for in-home care, and that’s exactly the type of community Right at Home was built to support,” said Chaney. “We see a market where thoughtful planning and strong local leadership can make a real difference from day one.

“Our model is designed to grow alongside aging populations by putting the right fundamentals in place early by investing in caregiver recruitment, building strong referral relationships, and establishing consistent, scalable operations. What truly makes Right at Home stand out is more than 30 years of experience in senior care, paired with hands-on support for franchise owners as they build teams and trusted partnerships.

“As the 60–84 age group continues to expand, our focus remains on helping families access reliable, compassionate care that allows seniors to age safely at home, while also helping alleviate pressure on healthcare systems that are already stretched thin.”

The upcoming Lancaster expansion looks to be part of a strategy to create a care corridor for Central PA families.

“Dominic taking over the York territory really reinforced what we already know about Central Pennsylvania: families value continuity, trust, and consistency in care, especially when loved ones live across neighboring counties,” Chaney said. “The western half of Lancaster County is a very natural next step in that momentum.

“We see western Lancaster County expansion as a natural extension of a broader, intentional strategy across the Susquehanna Valley. Families’ care needs don’t stop at county lines, and when loved ones live in neighboring communities, consistency in care becomes even more important. Expanding into western Lancaster County allows us to better support families who may already be connected to our presence in York and the surrounding areas.”

As Right at Home is recognized for veteran opportunities, having a local veteran like Cole sets a standard for the community-focused growth the organization is planning for Lancaster.

“Veterans bring a unique combination of leadership, accountability, and a service-driven mindset that aligns incredibly well with home care,” said Chaney. “Having a local veteran like Dominic leading the York territory really sets the tone for the kind of ownership we value; owners who are deeply connected to their communities and genuinely committed to serving others.

“Right at Home has long been recognized as a top franchise opportunity for veterans, and that recognition reflects the culture our owners help create at the local level. Dominic’s leadership is a strong example of how mission-driven ownership translates into stronger caregiver teams, deeper community trust, and better outcomes for families. That same approach is exactly what we envision for western Lancaster County as we continue to grow with purpose.”

Noting that Right at Home is intentional about where and how it grows, Chaney said the organization’s focus remains on partnering with owners who want to make an impact while building a sustainable business.

“As Central Pennsylvania continues to age,” said Chaney, “we believe the combination of strong local leadership, robust caregiver support, and a nationally trusted brand will play an increasingly important role in helping families navigate the care journey with confidence.”