In the Philadelphia area, Smith Cares Senior Resources stands as a sanctuary for seniors seeking care, connection, and independence. Established in 2019 by husband-and-wife duo Andrew Smith (CEO) and Vivian Smith (Managing Supervisor), the business has since evolved into one of the region’s most trusted resource centers for the elderly and disabled.
The story of Smith Cares Senior Resources began when Andrew and Vivian witnessed a close family member struggle without support during her later years. The incident left an indelible impact on them. “Our personal experience motivated us to open this business and ensure no one ever suffers in their old age,” says Andrew.
However, the journey encountered significant challenges. Before establishing Smith Cares Senior Resources, Andrew was working for a mutual fund company. Vivian had already spent five years in a managerial role at a home care agency. Together, they merged their professional experience and shared compassion to create something more personal. In 2018, their endeavour bore fruit with the launch of a support coordination business, which operated for only a year.
However, they returned with resilience and launched Smith Cares Senior Resources. The agency serves seniors and individuals with disabilities who have nowhere else to turn. Their model focuses on what many large institutions overlook: the dignity of independent living. “Many elderly people do not really get the proper care that’s available to them,” says Vivian. “We connect them with resources they often do not know exist.”
Today, Smith Cares Senior Resources operates three residential properties in Philadelphia, offering services that go beyond traditional home care. From meal preparation and transportation to medical appointments and daily living support, nearly everything an elderly person might need is provided at these locations. “We understand that many seniors wish to live independently rather than move into institutional facilities. Our mission is to make that choice possible through tailored care and access to vital resources,” Andrew explains.
The business model has become a welcome alternative for those seeking faster placement, especially as the city recently faced an affordable housing crisis with an average wait time of 3.5 years. Moreover, recent reports reveal that 23% of the elderly population in Philadelphia lives in poverty. Understanding this growing demand for elderly care services, Andrew and Vivian are planning to add another property by 2026.
In addition to housing and caregiving, the agency assists many elderly and disabled individuals in obtaining government grants and benefits for which they are eligible. “We live in a world that relies heavily on computers, but many of our seniors are not tech-savvy,” Vivian explains. “We help them complete applications, understand their options, and make sure they receive the support they deserve.”
Smith Cares Senior Resources also collaborates closely with families, as it understands that caregiving is not only about the person in need. “Every participant is different,” Vivian says. “We take great pride in our hands-on approach. We meet clients often in their own homes, to gain a deep understanding of their needs and identify what will make the most meaningful difference for them.”
With such dedication and intimate collaboration, the business is poised to earn a strong reputation in the Philadelphia home care agency community. If a client’s expectations exceed the range of services offered by Smith Cares Senior Resources, they refer them to other trusted organisations within their network. This teamwork ensures that every client receives the attention and support they need.
Vivian has also introduced initiatives to keep the elderly people engaged beyond their routine work. Her ‘Lunch and Learn’ sessions bring them together to discuss topics that matter, from nutrition, government schemes, and safety to emotional well-being.
Over the past 7 years, the Smiths have seen numerous stories of transformation. “The most overwhelming part of this job is seeing the happiness on people’s faces after we have helped them,” says Vivian. “It reminds us every day why we do what we do,” shares Andrew.
As the agency prepares for its next chapter, expansion is only part of the plan. The larger vision is to continue bridging the gap between care and compassion. In a city where the aging population continues to rise, Smith Cares Senior Resources remains a trusted partner for those who believe that growing old should never mean growing alone.
