Virtually gone are the small hardware stores where you really got great service by friendly people. We all know what Wal Mart has done to the small family business.

Now you may say that it’s not all bad. Yes, you do get economies of scale from such companies and that usually does translate into saving money. And it’s reality so there’s not a lot of value in moaning about things you cannot change.

However, I have decided that there is something that I do have control over. That is my home care business.

Because of the changing demographics, more and more people are deciding to open a home health care business for seniors. They’re popping up like mushrooms on a rainy night. Some make it, but many do not. Currently, home health care in Littleton, Denver, and other communities in Colorado – is a Mom & Pop industry.

It’s just a matter of time before big business realizes the opportunity in the growing home care business. I can’t tell you when, but there will be “consolidation” in this industry. And whether or not that’s good is yet to be determined.

The challenge is that this is a people business. It’s all about one-on-one, personalized care for our vulnerable senior population. I have seen firsthand where “large” home care companies have dropped the ball on the vital care needed by an elder. Bigger is not always better — of that I am convinced.

We have decided that we will continue with our highly personalized, boutique approach to home care. We will persevere just like the Mom & Pop restaurants that truly provide value to their customers. I think more and more people are realizing that greatness can come in small packages.

Tom Barton

Owner, Barton Home Care