HAYDEN — In Kootenai County, where people aged 60 and older make up almost 30% of all residents, the need for care for seniors is growing along with the population.

For many families, in-home care is an appealing option that is becoming more accessible as some providers expand their services. 

"We help people live more abundantly wherever they call home," said Roy Pleticha, who owns home care provider Touching Hearts at Home along with his wife, Jeri. 

Founded 20 years ago in Minneapolis, Touching Hearts at Home has 102 franchises nationwide. The Pletichas have owned the local franchise since 2021 and serve Kootenai County. 

The couple gathered with their staff and community members Wednesday morning to celebrate the business's new office space in the Hayden Professional Building on Government Way. 

Todd Treml, CEO of Touching Hearts at Home, and Kimberly Holtmeier, vice president of Franchise Operations, flew in for the occasion.  

"We're very proud of this couple and the team," Treml said. "Having the support of the community is very important, as well." 

Jeri Pleticha, who is a registered nurse and Alzheimer's disease educator, said the new location offers more room for employees — who number 26 at present, including two administrative staff members — and a central space for the free classes she leads for family caregivers. 

The next class is set for 5:30 p.m. Sept. 23 at the Touching Hearts at Home office. Geared toward adults who are receiving or providing care for a spouse or long-term partner, the class will cover topics such as navigating grief, well-being strategies and community resources. 

"Caregivers need care as much as the people we care for," Jeri Pleticha said. 

Roy Pleticha said Touching Hearts at Home offers personal, one-on-one care to clients with a focus on education for clients and their families. He said home health care allows seniors to age at home for as long as possible and increases their quality of life. 

He described one of the local franchise's first clients, a woman named Mary whose family had been in North Idaho for generations. He said the care she received from Touching Hearts at Home allowed her to remain in her home for the final three years of her life and pass away peacefully there. 

"That's what it's all about," he said. "That's what we want to give to our community." 

The Pletichas said they aim to employ caregivers who are compassionate and value communication. 

"They have the heart for care," Roy Pleticha said.