May 29, 2025
Amelia Larson’s journey began with a string of family hardships, creating an unexpected spark to guide others through one of life’s most challenging transitions: finding care for aging loved ones. That purpose took root while she was still in college.
Due to her grandfather’s paralysis, Larson grew up volunteering in nursing homes, where she saw firsthand the challenges families face in finding proper eldercare. Her awareness deepened when her grandmother suffered a stroke, and her uncle began his battle with cancer, motivating her to make a meaningful change in the industry.
Larson switched her university major from speech therapy to healthcare administration and went on to earn a master’s in gerontology. She worked every position within senior living, but sensed that education was still missing in the industry. After rising through the ranks, she found herself at a crossroads.
“After playing the corporate game and hitting the ceiling, I wanted to make a difference for families that were overwhelmed, needing senior living when the time came,” Larson said.
To achieve this goal, she started A Life for Seniors, a free local service that helps families find the best senior living community tailored to their needs, budget, and preferences. The organization was created to provide hands-on, local support, connecting families with trusted communities and resources while taking the pressure out of the process. The service also connects clients to other essential resources, including home care, hospice care, veteran benefits, and home health providers.
“We take the stress out of the search and educate along the way to make sure we find the best communities for our clients,” Larson said.
Creating the business came with uncertainty, but Larson leaned into it. “I realized there’s never a perfect time to start, and I just needed to make the leap and hope for the best.” That leap was made possible with the help of the people closest to her. “Family has been critical as they have been my biggest sounding board.”
To others starting something new, Larson’s advice is simple: “Just take the leap! You can and will figure it out as you go. Surround yourself with people who can understand the feeling.”
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The information in this article is current as of the publishing date and is intended for informational purposes only. This article does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal, tax, or business advice. Any resources and organizations mentioned, unless an entity of or a partner of the state of Utah, are not formally endorsed by the Startup State Initiative or state of Utah.