Hello from
Carol and Anna!
As a mother-daughter owned company, our story begins with a shared passion for caring for others. Our joyful spirit and deep respect for seniors shape the heart of everything we do.
Meet
Carol Zellie
Joyful Hearts Homecare was born from a calling to serve others. During the COVID pandemic, while working with a senior moving company and caring for a few private clients, Carol felt God nudging her toward something more. Although she had spent much of her career in the business world, she had never felt completely certain of her purpose. That changed when she began serving seniors.
Carol's journey into senior care was shaped by both personal and professional experiences. She shared a close bond with her mother and
experienced firsthand the challenges families face as loved ones age and require additional support. After being laid off from a corporate position, she began providing care for her godfather after the passing of his wife and also assisted a friend each morning. It didn't take long for her to realize how much she loved helping seniors maintain their independence, dignity, and quality of life.
As she continued caring for others, referrals began to grow, and Carol discovered what she believes is her true calling. She founded Joyful Hearts Homecare with a simple mission: to bring joy, compassion, and meaningful support to seniors while helping them remain in the place they call home.
The name Joyful Hearts holds special meaning. Joy is Carol's middle name, and throughout her caregiving journey, clients often told her that she brought joy into their lives. Combined with her faith and belief that a joyful heart is a gift from the Lord, the name felt like the perfect reflection of the company's purpose. Carol's niece later helped design the Joyful Hearts logo, and it remains a part of the company that Carol especially loves. Today, Joyful Hearts Homecare continues to serve seniors and families throughout the Twin Cities with the same heart, compassion, and purpose that inspired its beginning.
Meet
Anna Zellie
For as long as she can remember, Anna has felt a special connection with older adults. Much of that connection stems from her relationship with her grandmother, Janice, who was one of the most influential people in her life. Janice had a remarkable way of making
Anna feel important, loved, and encouraged to be herself. Those experiences shaped Anna's appreciation for seniors and laid the foundation for a career she would eventually build.
Anna began serving seniors as a teenager through volunteer work
and later worked in a senior living community while attending college. After earning her Bachelor's degree in Biology and Bioethics, she continued gaining experience in both administrative and caregiving roles within the senior care field. These experiences provided her with a unique understanding of the challenges seniors face, as well as the profound impact compassionate care can have on their lives.
What Anna loves most about seniors is that every person has a story to share. She is continually inspired by the wisdom, resilience, the humor, and the life experiences that seniors share. Whether it's hearing a treasured family memory, receiving heartfelt advice, or simply sharing a laugh together, she believes every interaction is an opportunity to learn and grow. Anna feels that much of who she is today has been shaped by the seniors she has known and cared for throughout her life.
When Joyful Hearts Homecare was founded, Anna joined the team as a caregiver, believing it would be a temporary step in deciding her next career path. Instead, Anna quickly discovered a true passion for helping seniors maintain their independence and quality of life. The meaningful relationships she formed with clients and their families confirmed that senior care was exactly where she was meant to be.
Today, Anna is the Co-Owner and Managing Partner of Joyful Hearts Homecare. she works along side of her mother, Carol, to ensure every client receives care that is not only dependable and professional, but also filled with kindness, respect, and genuine human connection.
Anna believes that every senior deserves to be treated with dignity and that aging should never mean losing a sense of purpose, joy, or belonging. She is honored to serve the seniors in her community and remains committed to creating a company where both clients and caregivers feel valued, supported, and cared for like family.
“...for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10, ESV
Together
As co-owners of Joyful Hearts Homecare, our goal is to build a strong team of caregivers who have a genuine love and appreciation for the senior population. We are intentional and thoughtful in our hiring process because we believe great care starts with great caregivers. We invest our time and resources into supporting our team, and we are proud that many of our caregivers have been with us for years. Their loyalty to our mission reflects our commitment to them as leaders.
We strive to foster long-term relationships between caregivers and seniors that are built on understanding, patience, trust, and comfort. As long as it is safe and beneficial, our goal is to help seniors remain in the homes they love for as long as they choose. Above all, we hope to be a spark of joy in the lives of those we serve and throughout our community.
Our long-term vision is to raise the expectations of senior care. Too often, care has become focused on efficiency at the expense of quality and human dignity. We believe seniors deserve joyful, compassionate care that honors who they are. As we continue to grow, we hope families will continue to recognize that we do things differently. Our difference is our greatest strength. We hope to thoughtfully disrupt the senior care industry by raising expectations and proving that joyful, person-centered care is possible. Through our commitment to seniors, families, and caregivers, we strive to create positive change in the Twin Cities, throughout Minnesota, and beyond.
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The
Heart
Behind the
Work
At JHH, we believe that exemplary care begins with exemplary people. While experience and training are important and required, we believe the most meaningful quality in a caregiver is the heart behind their work.
Our caregivers are chosen not only for their skills, but for their kindness, patience, and genuine love for serving others. Each caregiver understands the importance of creating meaningful connections while supporting seniors in maintaining their comfort, dignity, and independence at home.
Families trust our team to bring companionship, warmth, and joyful moments into everyday life as well as care assistance.
At Joyful Hearts Homecare, we are committed to supporting seniors and their families through the complex and emotional journey of aging. Our caregivers provide thoughtful, non-medical care that allows seniors to remain comfortable, safe, and independent in the place they call home.
Every client’s situation is unique, which is why we begin with a personal consultation in the comfort of your home, assisted living community, or care facility. During this conversation, we listen to your needs, answer your questions, and help create a care plan that works best for you and your loved one.
Our goal is simple: to provide dependable care, meaningful companionship, and peace of mind—so seniors can continue living with dignity, comfort, and joy.
We'd Love to Connect With You!
We'd love the opportunity to connect with you and learn more about how we can support you or your loved one.
To help us better understand your needs, please click the link below and complete the brief information form.
Once we receive your submission, a member of our team will review it and reach out to you promptly to discuss your care needs and answer any questions you may have. We look forward to connecting with you soon.
“It’s been a gamechanger to have all of the caregivers. You are all amazing! Provide great companionship, ideas, food, and cleaning. My parents feel so comfortable with all of you. Personalized attention, compassionate care, and the impression that you really care.
Thank you!” - C.J.
Why Families Choose Us.
At Joyful Hearts Homecare, we believe care should feel personal, dependable, and full of heart. Families choose us because we go beyond the basics to create a supportive, trusting environment for seniors and their loved ones.
Personalized Care Plan– Every care plan is tailored to the client's unique needs, preferences, and goals.
Consistent Care – We provide reliable consistent schedules so seniors can build lasting connections.
Direct Communication – Clients and their loved ones can speak directly with caregivers and owners at any time.
Flexible Scheduling – Three-hour shifts with no weekly minimum, so care fits your family’s specific needs.
Caregiver Training – Our caregivers receive continuous training, including dementia and memory care education.
Transparent Pricing – Our standard hourly rate has no hidden fees, no matter the service.
Hands-On Support – Our owners maintain ongoing communication with families to ensure quality care and address changing needs.
Caregivers Who Stand Out – Our team goes beyond experience and training—they bring compassion, warmth, joy, and genuine connection to every interaction.
Meaningful Relationships – We believe the best care comes from strong relationships. That’s why we prioritize consistency by having the same caregivers provide care on a regular basis, allowing trust and connection to grow over time.
Caregiver Guarantee – We ensure every client is matched with the right caregiver, and we stand behind it 100%. If you are not satisfied with your caregiver, we will find you one who is a perfect match.