When Betsy Ciconte learned that her 78-year-old father, Michael Turnbull of Juno Beach, had developed Parkinson’s disease, she made a decision that would change more than just her own family’s future. She chose to take a proactive step — one that would go on to help countless other families facing similar challenges.
About seven months ago, Betsy became part of Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care, a unique in-home care service that connects seniors who need support with mature, active caregivers who share their life experience and a genuine passion for helping others. The model is built on something simple yet powerful: seniors helping seniors remain independent at home while forming meaningful, lasting friendships.
“It’s great to do something for other families,” Betsy says.
Betsy splits her time between her home in Michigan and her parents’ home in Juno Beach, Florida. Inspired by her father’s journey, she and her family established the Seniors Helping Seniors® Treasure Coast South franchise, which now serves Hobe Sound, Stuart, Jensen Beach, Juno Beach, Jupiter, and Tequesta.
What began as a response to a personal challenge has grown into a true family business. Betsy serves as Chief Marketing Officer for the Treasure Coast franchise, while her husband, Chip, is a co-owner. The team also includes her brother-in-law Jeff, sister-in-law Kim, and cousin Megan Nickel, a nurse. Together, they’ve built a compassionate, community-focused care network.
The Treasure Coast location currently has a team of about 20 caregivers who regularly visit clients in their homes, providing support tailored to individual needs. Caregivers assist with a wide range of daily tasks, including light housekeeping, companionship, meal preparation, personal care, and mobility support such as dressing. Services are designed to be flexible and affordable.
“We meet with each client and put together a care plan that works for them,” Betsy explains.
One of the key advantages of Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care is its peer-based approach. Caregivers are typically over 50 and often bring personal or professional experience in caregiving or healthcare.
“A senior caregiver understands the aging process in a different way,” Betsy says. “It’s someone the client can truly trust in their own home. There is such a demand for trustworthy caregivers.”
All caregivers go through background checks and orientation to ensure families feel confident and supported from day one.
Betsy’s father, now using a walker, remains aware and engaged despite his diagnosis. His life has been full and varied — from a long career in the fasteners industry (he is even a member of the Fasteners Hall of Fame in Ohio) to a second career as a voice-over actor in commercials after retirement. That creative path is one Betsy also explored, making their shared experiences even more meaningful today.
For Betsy, this work is deeply personal. What started as a way to support her own father has become a calling to support other families navigating aging and health challenges with dignity, compassion, and connection.
To learn more about Seniors Helping Seniors® Treasure Coast South:
📞 772-247-1201
📧 info@treasurecoastshs.com
🌐 seniorshelpingseniors.com