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Lamar Odom Dribbles into the Senior Living Industry: A Game-Changer in Elderly Care
Senior Homeowners

Lamar Odom Dribbles into the Senior Living Industry: A Game-Changer in Elderly Care

Claudine Villamil
October 31, 2023

When you think about senior living solutions, former NBA superstar Lamar Odom probably isn't the first name that springs to mind. But he's on a mission to shift that narrative. Odom, who has also gained fame as a reality TV star, recently sold his trailblazing venture, Odom Senior Care—an innovative online platform designed to streamline the process of finding senior living options for families.

As part of the business deal, Odom isn't stepping away; he's stepping up. He's taken on the role of Chief Creative Officer for the company. His inspiration for delving into the senior care industry? His own 96-year-old grandmother resides in Brooklyn, New York. "She's senile and has lived in the same apartment for 70 years," Odom shared, emphasizing the personal connection that fuels his passion for the business.

The journey led him to Bennett Kim, the founder of ZNest.com, a company that seemed to align perfectly with Odom's vision. The collaboration was serendipitous. Kim came across an article about Odom’s senior care venture and was instantly intrigued. "You rarely see celebrities or athletes in this industry," Kim noted. Their initial meeting was like mixing two perfect ingredients, and they immediately decided to join forces.

Both Kim and Odom are driven by a desire to shake up the industry. Kim lamented how the senior living marketplace is crowded with referral companies that often direct families to facilities that sponsor them. "We want to democratize all that data, offer it for free, and find an alternative way to generate revenue because the current system just isn't family-friendly," he said.

Odom's own life has seen a dramatic transformation since 2015, when he faced a life-threatening situation due to an accidental overdose in Nevada. At that time, his struggles with substance abuse and his high-profile marriage to reality TV star and entrepreneur Khloe Kardashian were splashed all over the tabloids. Fast forward to today, and Odom has embraced sobriety and stability. "Decision-making is pivotal for me at this stage in my life," he stated. "I'm now fully present and taking the best care of myself that I can."

Beyond providing senior care solutions, Odom also has a bigger purpose. He's exploring opportunities to contribute to drug rehabilitation initiatives. "If I'm entering a business, I want to fully stand by it," he asserted. "That’s the only way I can truly be involved."

So, the next time you're thinking about senior care options, don't be surprised if Lamar Odom's name comes up. He's leveraging his star power to bring about a much-needed change, making senior living solutions more accessible, transparent, and family-oriented.

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