Synergy Homecare Expands Its Services in Florida’s Volusia County

August 11, 2026 // FranchisePR.com // Tempe, Ariz. – SYNERGY® HomeCare, the nation’s fastest-growing home care franchise, an Entrepreneur 500 ranked enterprise and a Top 50 Franchise according to Franchise Business Review, has announced its newest location in Florida’s Volusia County, SYNERGY HomeCare in DeLand.

The company is led by the four-person leadership team of Louis and Loreena Hernandez, Summer Padilla, and her uncle, Heath Nicola, who will support day-to-day operations as designated manager. Together, the four bring deep personal experience in caregiving and are now leveraging their backgrounds to launch their own family business.

Headquartered in DeLand, the Hernandezes, Padilla, and Nicola will assist residents throughout Volusia County with a wide variety of non-medical, in-home care services, from companion care to personal care, respite care, and post-surgical/procedure non-medical care

Nicola has spent the past 15 years working as a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant, with 14 of those years in skilled nursing facilities. In that time, he noticed the growing demand for in-home care services, particularly among Baby Boomers. U.S. Census statistics show that 10,000 Baby Boomers are turning 65 every day and that by 2030, there will be more than 70 million people over 65. According to the AARP, over 80% of this demographic report wanting to remain in their own homes for as long as possible.

“Over the years, I’ve worked with countless patients who have expressed their gratitude for my help, and that appreciation has left an indelible impression on my heart,” said Nicola. “In this field, sometimes that means being willing to have hard truth conversations with both clients and families – explaining that yes, this will be uncomfortable, but following up with a promise to be right there with them every step of the way. My time in physical therapy has been the best phase of my life, and now, I want to translate my experience into the next phase as I help others improve their quality of life in their own environment.”

Like her uncle, Padilla also has a background rooted in care, compassion, and the entrepreneurial spirit. Padilla grew up watching her father manage multiple auto dealerships, which left an impression on her that one day, she also wanted to become a business owner. After spending five years in sales and finance in that same industry, as well as volunteering at pet shelters and supporting other animal welfare organizations, she felt it was finally time to make her business ownership dream come true.

“We don’t see this as just a business; we see it as a responsibility and a way to give back to those around us,” said Padilla. “Our decision to join the home care industry was deeply personal, rooted in family and compassion. We promise to treat every client the way we would want our own family members treated, with patience, kindness, and genuine care.”

Roughly one-quarter of all Volusia County residents are 65 years old or older, which is well above the national average and reflective of the robust local retiree and senior community. Many of these older residents require caregivers for additional assistance cooking, shopping, running errands, doing light housekeeping or going for walks. Some even require personal care, such as help with bathing, dressing or using the toilet.

SOURCE SYNERGY HomeCare