A recently published study examining the common traits of people who live to 100 years or older identified companionship as the single most important contributing factor to longevity. Ena Forbes, founder of Mom and Pap’s Home Care, has seen that truth play out in her own life.
Forbes cared for her grandmother, who lived to be 100 years old. Through that experience, she witnessed firsthand the profound impact that companionship, mental stimulation, and attentive support had on her grandmother’s quality of life. It wasn’t simply about medical care — it was about connection. That realization would ultimately shape her life’s work.
Now a resident of Linden, New Jersey, Forbes began her professional journey by serving as a caregiver for elderly clients in their homes. Her philosophy was simple and deeply personal: “Your mom is my mom, your dad is my dad. I treat them the same way I would treat my own,” she says.
Doctors began noticing improvements in their patients under her attentive care. Families, often stretched thin while balancing careers, children, and the growing needs of aging parents, expressed immense gratitude. Encouraged by her parents’ entrepreneurial spirit and driven by her own calling to serve, Forbes decided to build something bigger — a company grounded in compassion, dignity, and trust.
For Forbes, home care isn’t just a business. It’s a mission.
Families often carry both the emotional weight and logistical challenges of ensuring their loved ones receive proper care while preserving their independence and desire to age in place. “I knew there had to be a better way,” Forbes explains. “Families shouldn’t feel alone during one of the most vulnerable times in their lives.”
From that belief, Mom and Pap’s Home Care was born — not simply as a service provider, but as a support system.
Unlike large corporate agencies that can sometimes feel transactional, Mom and Pap’s operates with an intentionally personal touch. Forbes personally interviews every caregiver candidate. “This cannot be about a paycheck,” she says. “I look for empathy and patience — someone who genuinely loves people.”
Her hiring philosophy is clear: hire for heart first. “Skills can be taught. Compassion cannot,” Forbes explains. That mindset has become the cornerstone of the company’s reputation. Families frequently describe caregivers as extensions of their own families rather than hired help.
The company’s motto, “Private affordable care with dignity,” reflects its commitment to accessibility. Because Mom and Pap’s is not a franchise, there are no franchise fees built into its pricing structure. That independence allows Forbes to offer competitive rates while maintaining high standards of care, making it possible for more seniors to remain safely in their homes.
The agency provides non-medical home care services, including companionship, assistance with daily living activities, meal preparation, medication reminders, and respite care for family caregivers. All caregivers are Certified Home Health Aides and are supervised by registered nurses available 24/7 — providing families with reassurance and oversight.
Forbes remains deeply involved in daily operations. She checks in regularly with both clients and caregivers, reinforcing accountability and quality standards. In an industry often challenged by high turnover, her hands-on leadership fosters loyalty and continuity — two elements essential to building trust.
Beyond delivering care, Forbes positions Mom and Pap’s as an educational resource. She understands that many families delay seeking help because they are unsure what home care truly entails, or because they feel guilt about needing support.
“Accepting help isn’t giving up,” she often tells families. “It’s strengthening your circle.”
Through community outreach, partnerships, and open conversations, Forbes works to demystify the home care process. She encourages families to plan proactively rather than wait for a crisis. Early conversations, she believes, lead to smoother transitions and better outcomes for everyone involved.
Her commitment also extends to her staff. Forbes advocates for caregiver recognition and fair treatment in a field where frontline workers are sometimes undervalued. By fostering respect, open communication, and appreciation, she has built a team that reflects her core values.
That community-centered approach has resonated locally. Many new clients come through word-of-mouth referrals — a testament to the trust Mom and Pap’s has earned.
Forbes also recognizes that aging is not one-size-fits-all. Some clients need only a few hours of companionship each week. Others require more comprehensive daily assistance. The agency’s flexibility allows care plans to evolve as needs change, always keeping dignity at the forefront.
At its heart, Mom and Pap’s Home Care stands for something both simple and powerful: aging adults deserve the opportunity to remain in the comfort of their homes for as long as possible — surrounded by familiarity, respect, and meaningful human connection.
For Forbes, success is not measured solely in business growth. It is measured in moments: a daughter sleeping peacefully knowing her father is safe; a senior attending a grandchild’s celebration with a little extra support; a caregiver feeling valued in meaningful work.
Those moments are the legacy she is building.
In a healthcare landscape that can sometimes feel impersonal, Ena Forbes leads with warmth, intention, and heart — proving that the most impactful businesses are often those built not only on strategy, but on compassion.