Two sisters with extensive backgrounds in medicine and humanitarian work have teamed up to establish a new senior home care service in Oklahoma City. Manar Landis and Maha Zirn-Kashoor launched Griswold Home Care in October 2023, aiming to provide personalized support that enables seniors to live safely and comfortably in their own homes.
The sisters bring decades of experience to their venture, having worked with prominent organizations such as the United Nations and UNICEF. Their new business focuses on matching families with caregivers who offer a variety of non-medical services, including companion care, personal assistance, and respite care. Services can range from a few hours per week to round-the-clock support.
Understanding the unique challenges faced by seniors, Zirn-Kashoor emphasizes the importance of building trust with clients. “Elderly people often say they are fine living alone and don’t need anyone,” she noted. “The first step is getting to know clients through a thorough assessment and convincing them it’s OK to accept caregiving.” She added that this transition is crucial for ensuring independent living in a familiar environment.
Landis, a registered nurse with experience in hospitals, expressed her passion for elder care. “Elderly in the hospital were my sweet spot. I always listened to them, and they trusted me,” she said. Both sisters have personal experience caring for their own grandparents and parents, which has profoundly influenced their decision to open this business in north Oklahoma City.
The Griswold franchise marks the second location in Oklahoma, following a successful launch in Tulsa a decade ago. The company, founded by the late Jean Griswold in 1982, has now expanded to nearly 200 locations across 31 states. It was recognized as a Best of Home Care Endorsed National Provider for 2023, 2024, and 2025, underscoring its commitment to quality care.
The sisters have identified a significant knowledge gap regarding senior home care options in their community, including among healthcare professionals. “When someone is discharged from the hospital with no support at home, they come back to the hospital with another fall,” Landis explained. Their service aims to complement the healthcare system and provide essential support to prevent unnecessary hospital readmissions.
Care plans are tailored to individual needs, ensuring clients remain engaged in decision-making. “Everyone wants to stay at home,” Landis said, highlighting that family members appreciate the additional support and professional guidance. Services are designed to reflect the diverse needs of clients; for instance, while some may require assistance with daily tasks, others might seek transportation for social outings.
Currently, approximately 90% of Griswold’s clients live in their own homes, with around 60% having no children nearby to assist them. The sisters’ growing business has already employed 16 caregivers, and they anticipate further expansion. According to a recent report from Forbes, investing in senior home care is increasingly seen as a lucrative opportunity due to the projected growth of the senior population in the United States. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that the number of Americans aged 65 and older will rise from 58 million in 2022 to 76 million by 2035, marking an increase of over 30%.
Zirn-Kashoor and Landis share a close bond, having grown up together and recently reunited after years abroad. Zirn-Kashoor returned to Oklahoma after living in Switzerland for two decades and has settled next door to her sister. Landis, who moved to Oklahoma in 2003, has raised her family in the state, contributing to her strong connection with the community.
Their commitment to helping others is a value instilled in them by their parents, and they view their new business as a meaningful way to leverage their extensive experience to support local seniors. Together, they aim to make a significant impact in the lives of elderly residents in Oklahoma City, ensuring that individuals can enjoy their golden years with dignity and comfort.
