Legato Living is a pioneering senior care franchise that specializes in residential memory care for individuals with moderate to advanced dementia. Founded in 2015 in Omaha, Nebraska by Erin Render—alongside her mother, a registered nurse—the brand created small, home-like communities that differ from traditional institutional settings.

In 2019, Erin and her husband Brett partnered with franchise experts Jerod Evanich and Dustin Distefano, leading to the official launch of the franchise model in 2021. The company remains headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, providing centralized support for training, marketing, and territory development.

Legato Living offers highly personalized services including health monitoring, cognitive support, physical care, personal care, respite/adult daycare, and hospice, all within intimate ranch-style homes. The intentional staff-to-resident ratio of four to five residents per caregiver ensures a warm, attentive, and family-like environment.

What sets Legato Living apart is its unique model of owner-operated residential homes instead of large-scale facilities. This approach promotes deeper relationships, minimizes overstimulation, and fosters a strong sense of community.

Training

Legato Living provides a robust training framework to ensure franchisees are equipped to operate their businesses successfully. The programs include multiple phases and ongoing support tailored to franchise performance and staffing changes.

1. Initial Training Program
   Franchisees must complete an initial training program within 45 days before opening, which is attended by the Managing Owner and one manager. This training lasts approximately one week and covers essential operational practices. Additional attendees may join for a fee.
2. Supplemental Training
   If the franchise underperforms or if there is a new Operating Manager, Legato Living may require supplemental training. This may be held on-site or remotely, and franchisees must cover the cost, currently set at $300 per day plus expenses.
3. System-Wide Training Programs
   The franchisor may require attendance at broader training sessions held at its affiliate location in Omaha, Nebraska. These programs focus on brand consistency and system-wide updates, with attendance capped at five days annually.

Territory Protection

Legato Living provides territory protection to its franchisees through a Designated Territory, typically extending two miles from the Home Location or encompassing a population of 100,000.

This area is defined using identifiable geographic boundaries and is meant to prevent other Legato Living franchises from opening within it during the term of the Franchise Agreement, assuming compliance by the franchisee.

However, this protection is not absolute. Legato Living reserves the right to market or sell services using different trademarks or through other channels like the internet or telemarketing within the Designated Territory. Franchisees may also face indirect competition from other franchisees soliciting outside their own designated areas.