John Barrett, the new franchise owner of Visiting Angels in South Elgin, brings a personal commitment and a deep-rooted passion for elder care to the community. Raised in Clarendon Hills, a suburb of the western Chicago area, John’s upbringing in a Catholic household shaped his desire to serve others. He attended Notre Dame Church and graduated from Fenwick High School in Oak Park. Later, he earned a degree in Biology from Johns Hopkins University, followed by an MBA from the University of North Carolina.

After years of working with spreadsheets and data, John realized that he wanted more out of his career. “I wanted to be my own boss and do my own thing,” he shares. His desire for a more fulfilling vocation led him to consider the home care industry, particularly after seeing the needs of his own aging parents. His grandparents had caregivers, which allowed them to stay in their homes and maintain the life they had always enjoyed. This personal experience highlighted the power of in-home care to keep relationships intact and ensure that seniors could remain the people they had always been, in the places they loved most.

In June 2023, John took over the Visiting Angels franchise in South Elgin, continuing the legacy established by Bill and Arlene Peterson, who founded the location in 2003. He’s honored to carry on their tradition of compassionate, personalized care, recognizing the great office and caregiver staff already in place. With this dedicated team, John is focused on making sure each client receives the best possible care, delivered by a caregiver they can truly connect with.

“We want one caregiver per client, someone that the client loves,” John emphasizes. Finding the right match between caregiver and client is one of the biggest challenges, but it’s also a core value that sets Visiting Angels apart. The corporate office provides resources that help John and his team deliver not just care, but thoughtful companionship and support that clients appreciate.

Visiting Angels South Elgin specializes in non-medical home care for seniors over the age of 75 who wish to stay in their homes. Services include companionship, light housekeeping, light meal preparation, and friendship—all designed to help seniors remain independent for as long as possible.

Not only is John a new business owner, he is a new father. John and his wife Allison welcomed Charles into their family in 2024. He’s a bundle of joy and his parents love seeing his smile every day. 

John Barrett and his team at Visiting Angels are committed to the long-term well-being of each client. Their mission is to help seniors in the community live comfortably and independently, maintaining the quality of life that they deserve.