Seniors Helping Seniors® Boston South Shore is transforming the way older adults receive care by prioritizing the hiring of active seniors to support their less-active peers. This unique approach creates meaningful relationships while helping clients maintain independence and dignity in the comfort of their own homes.
According to co-owner Michael Salerno, who operates the Weymouth franchise with his life partner Michelle Sonia, the mission is rooted in compassion.
“We prioritize hiring active seniors to provide a wide range of in-home care services to their less-active counterparts, meeting their needs in a graceful and respectful manner,” Salerno said.
Personalized Care Rooted in Connection
What makes Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care different is its thoughtful matching process. Caregivers and care recipients are paired based on abilities, needs, and shared life experiences to create a comfortable and supportive environment.
Services include:
- Companionship and socialization
- Light housekeeping
- Meal preparation
- Memory loss and dementia support
- Transportation to appointments and activities
- Respite care for family caregivers
- Personal care and daily living assistance
All services are delivered in a friendly, compassionate atmosphere that emphasizes respect and independence.
“We’re here to help folks who are aging, baby boomers coming of age, and the sandwich generation who are caring for both children and older family members,” Salerno said.
The Weymouth office serves communities throughout the South Shore, from South Boston to Humarock and surrounding areas.
Helping Seniors Age Gracefully
For many older adults, remaining active and engaged is key to aging well.
“Ideally, people want to age gracefully, and Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care helps clients do that by keeping their minds active and getting them out into the community whenever possible,” Salerno said.
Caregivers not only assist with daily tasks but also encourage clients to pursue hobbies, stay socially connected, and enjoy meaningful experiences.
A New Chapter Inspired by Purpose
Before opening their franchise in Weymouth, Salerno and Sonia built successful careers in banking and management consulting. Both were seeking a more meaningful way to contribute to their community.
“We were looking for new opportunities and a way to make a positive impact closer to home,” Sonia said.
After exploring several business opportunities, Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care stood out.
“We fell in love with the program, which is all about mature adults helping other mature adults with their daily living needs,” Salerno said. “Seniors tend to be more empathetic to the challenges their peers face.”
Building Relationships That Matter
At the heart of the program is the belief that caregiving is about more than assistance — it’s about relationships.
“Being a caregiver is an opportunity to give back and build relationships, which goes far in cultivating trust and rapport,” Salerno and Sonia explained.
Caregiver and client matches are thoughtfully made based on shared backgrounds, interests, and experiences, promoting emotional, physical, and social well-being.
In fact, the program has even inspired some seniors seeking companionship to become caregivers themselves, allowing them to give back while enriching their own lives.
Empowering Independence and Community Engagement
Seniors Helping Seniors® caregivers do more than provide care — they help clients thrive.
“Our caregivers help our clients blossom,” Salerno said.
Caregivers encourage clients to:
- Stay active in their communities
- Explore hobbies and interests
- Attend social events
- Maintain independence
The Weymouth team also partners with senior centers, councils on aging, and senior living communities to strengthen connections and expand support throughout the region.
A Mission Built on Compassion
Founded in 1998, Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care was built on the belief that seniors can enrich each other’s lives through care, companionship, and shared understanding.
Today, that mission continues in Weymouth and beyond.
“Good communication is the key,” Sonia said. “Everything we do centers around the power of love and connection.”
Making a Difference on the South Shore
With plans to hire over a hundred senior caregivers by the end of 2026, Seniors Helping Seniors® Boston South Shore is committed to expanding its impact and helping more seniors live independently.
Through compassionate care, meaningful employment, and strong community partnerships, the organization is helping older adults age gracefully — exactly where they want to be: at home.