Larry and Nell Neal, owners of the Home Instead Senior Care office in Suffolk, will celebrate five years in business today with an open house at the company’s new training facility from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The office opened in March of 2009 as part of a franchise network that has become the largest of its kind in the world. Home Instead is the world’s leading provider of non-medical in-home care and companionship services for seniors, with more than 1,000 independently owned and operated franchises in 18 countries and 17 markets.

Non-medical services include companionship, meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping, Alzheimer’s care and escorts for errands and shopping. The company’s caregivers are screened, trained, bonded, insured and have successfully passed thorough criminal background checks. The local Suffolk office also offers personal care.

“We wanted to find a vehicle that would allow us to give back and also bless and benefit others,” the Neals stated in a press release announcing the open house. “We have accomplished that by joining the Home Instead Senior Care family.”

During its five years, the Suffolk office of Home Instead has grown to support a team of more than 70 caregivers and four office staff.

“We owe our success in large part to our dedicated staff who have a heart for serving older adults in the community,” Larry Neal said.

A strong company brand and reputation have contributed, as well, according to Neal.

“The first advantage Home Instead Senior Care gave us was the opportunity to own the business, which was tremendous,” he stated in the release. “Second, the company’s franchise formula provided us with a successful model, which served as a roadmap to help the business thrive.”

The Neals and their staff are active in the community as well, currently serving on The Suffolk Project Lifesaver Search and Rescue team and with the Western Tidewater Task Force on Aging and several other community organizations.