A Hug Away Healthcare is taking its home-based care model beyond Houston, opening the door to franchise partners as it looks to bring its services to more communities.

The move marks a new phase of growth for the provider, which plans to expand its offerings, including home health and hospice, into new markets.

Founded in 2008 by sisters Dr. Marisa Williams and Tikisha Johnson, Houston-based A Hug Away Healthcare provides home health, hospice, private duty nursing and related support services. The company’s franchising initiative represents its latest effort to expand its reach while maintaining its coordinated home-based care model.

“This next step is about building lasting relationships in more communities,” said Williams, the company’s CEO, in a statement. “We want to grow with partners who value trust, service and local impact.”

A Hug Away Healthcare’s services include wound care, skilled nursing, hospice care, IV and infusion therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy and medical equipment support. The agency also provides catheter insertions, intravenous and intramuscular injections and other health assessments in the home.

The company serves a range of patients, including seniors, adults under 65 who require private duty nursing, veterans using TRICARE and other VA benefits, and pediatric and psychiatric patients requiring in-home nursing care.

As it begins pursuing franchise opportunities, the company indicated in a statement that it will evaluate potential markets where demand for in-home healthcare services is increasing.