Award-Winning East Haven Caregiving Company Welcomes New Ownership

May 19, 2026 // Franchising.com // Tempe, Ariz. – SYNERGY HomeCare has announced ownership changes for its New Haven County location, SYNERGY HomeCare in East Haven.

The company, now owned and operated by Dieunite, “Dee,” and Ralph Phanord, has received numerous awards for its exceptional service over the past ten years. The most prestigious of these is SYNERGY HomeCare’s “Caregiver of the Year” distinction, which is awarded to the most compassionate caregiver in the franchise network, and was covered by the New Haven Register in 2023.

Headquartered in East Haven, the Phanords and their team will provide non-medical, in-home care services to residents in Branford, New Haven, North Branford, Northford, Wallingford, Durham, East Haven, Guilford, and Madison. The team can assist with a wide variety of non-medical, in-home care services, from companion care to personal care and respite care.

Since opening its doors, SYNERGY HomeCare in East Haven has witnessed the growing demand for these services, particularly among Baby Boomers in New Haven County. 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.

The Phanords were motivated to join the home care industry following their own personal experiences providing care for their family members. Both Dee and Ralph grew up in multi-generation families, where they shared caregiving responsibilities between their parents, grandparents, and other elderly loved ones. Dee directly credits her aunt, who relied on caregivers during the formative years of her life, as the reason why she spent her college years working as a caregiver, and why she would later spend 17 years in human resources.

“My decision to join the home care industry was directly inspired by my experiences with my aunt,” said Dee. “When she needed care at an early age, I saw firsthand how important compassionate and reliable caregivers are for someone’s quality of life. My experience as her caregiver is one of my greatest sources of pride. She taught me patience, compassion, and responsibility, while motivating me to pursue a career where I can make a positive difference in the lives of others.”

In her 17-year career as an HR professional, Dee spent most of her time going above and beyond to build strong relationships with clients and their families, which will continue to be a guiding value at the East Haven location.

“We’re here to treat every client as an extension of our family,” said Ralph. “We want every person we care for to feel respected, comfortable, and supported in their own home. All of our care is tailored to the individual, and our line is always open so families can reach us at any time.”

East Haven residents and others in New Haven County have a need for non-medical in-home care services.

The Phanords' service area includes Branford, New Haven, North Branford, Northford, Wallingford, Durham, East Haven, Guilford, and Madison, where they provide a range of non-medical in-home care services, including companionship, personal care, and respite care.

Roughly 20% of East Haven residents are 65 or older, and many live with chronic conditions or disabilities that require assistance from caregivers in activities such as cooking, shopping, errands, light housekeeping, or walking.

Source: SYNERGY HomeCare

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