August 11, 2026 // Franchising.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 at 1991 Industrial Drive 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.
Nicola’s entire professional career has been shaped by his passion for improving the quality of life in patients of all ages, which made him the ideal candidate to join the business as designated manager. Upon graduating from college with a degree in health sciences, he dedicated himself to understanding how to holistically serve rehabilitation patients, a commitment that deepened as his father began to face mobility issues with age.
“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.
SYNERGY HomeCare in DeLand is currently looking to add to its team of diverse caregivers. While licensed Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are ideal candidates, Padilla, Nicola, and the Hernandezes will provide training and certification to anyone looking to enter the field of caregiving. Caring, compassionate professionals with a reverence for older adults are invited to apply by visiting their website or calling (386) 327-2438.
SYNERGY HomeCare offers competitive hourly rates in addition to flexible shifts perfect for both college students or recent graduates as well as people who are retired and looking to stay active.
Learn more about the many home care options available at SYNERGY HomeCare in DeLand’s website, https://synergyhomecare.com/fl-deland-32724/.
ABOUT SYNERGY HOMECARE - The Leading Home Care Provider
SYNERGY HomeCare is the fastest-growing national franchisor in the home care industry with over 280 franchises operating in more than 625 locations in 44 states across the U.S. The company provides a broad range of non-medical in-home services including personal care, companion care, memory care and specialized care for individuals living with physical or developmental disabilities, chronic health conditions or recovering from illness or surgery. No matter what each person's circumstances are, SYNERGY HomeCare steps in with effective, comforting, life-affirming care that moves
people emotionally and physically forward. For more information visit SYNERGYHomeCare.com or find an in-home care location near you.
SOURCE SYNERGY HomeCare
SYNERGY HomeCare is a franchise of non-medical home care dedicated to providing service to anyone of any age.