The Heart Behind the Homestead
When Jennifer Cain talks about her life’s work, she doesn’t begin with her own story. She starts with her father’s legacy. In the late 1960s, Conner Cain dreamed of becoming a doctor, but circumstances prevented him from attending medical school. Still, he found another way to fulfill his calling by building facilities that would provide dignity, comfort, and community for seniors across South Mississippi.
That vision, planted in 1968, has grown into Generations Health Care, with three facilities, hundreds of employees, and an extended family of residents who call the communities home.
A Mother’s Determination
When Conner Cain passed away, Jennifer Cain was just 19. His wife, Avonna Cain, stepped into leadership without hesitation. Already deeply involved in the business, Avonna Cain carried forward the mission with grit, faith, and the kind of relentless organization that became her trademark. She not only kept the doors open, but she also expanded the Cain family’s vision, developing The Homestead Assisted Living Community and strengthening the organization’s reputation for compassionate, local care.
“She just picked it up and kept going,” Jennifer Cain recalled. “There was never a question of what she had to do. She still had people to care for, and this was her life’s work too.”
Now, Avonna Cain remains CEO while Jennifer Cain serves as president, they work side by side in a complementary rhythm. Jennifer Cain tackles operations and finance, and Avonna Cain brings her precision and drive. It’s a mother-daughter partnership that has turned a family business into a generational legacy.
A Continuum of Care
Generations Health Care includes The Homestead and Greenbriar Nursing Center, both on the same campus in D’Iberville, as well as Azalea Gardens Nursing Center in Wiggins. Together, they provide a continuum of care from independent assisted living to more advanced medical support, and all within a familiar, home-like setting.
“I lost my husband, and I didn’t want to be alone,” said resident Elsie Arcement. “I couldn’t take up all the duties of the house, and I didn’t want my two kids to worry. So, we looked at a few properties and when I came to The Homestead, and saw the front porch and the courtyard, I knew before I even saw the room, I could live here.”
Resident Carol Williams agreed, adding she was tired of homeowner responsibilities.
“And the hurricanes bothered me,” Williams said. “I told my kids one day, I don’t want to do this anymore, but I wanted to still be in control of my life. It gave me a feeling of contentment. I knew someone was there. It freed my kids up for traveling and doing the things they wanted to do without having to worry about me and they knew I would be cared for.”
Jennifer Cain, who is a licensed nursing home administrator, knows that choosing a senior living community can feel overwhelming for families. That’s why she emphasizes not just clean facilities and medical excellence, but connection. “It’s about coffee hours, Mardi Gras balls, luaus, and learning the incredible stories our residents carry with them,” she said.
Those stories often ripple outward. One resident introduced her to a Rotary club, where she will soon serve as president. Another, a military veteran, shared experiences that reframed her understanding of service and sacrifice. These moments remind her daily that elder care isn’t only about providing for residents but also about receiving wisdom in return.
The Company Mascot
Walk through the halls of The Homestead and you might just spot Sugar, Jennifer Cain’s feisty Maltese. Blind but undeterred, Sugar comes to work with her every day, happily soaking up affection from staff and residents alike.
Locally Owned
Unlike national chains, Generations Health Care remains firmly rooted in South Mississippi. With 250 employees across its three facilities, the organization is as much an economic engine as it is a caregiving network. Many staff members have been with the company for decades, reflecting a loyalty that mirrors the Cain family’s dedication.
That local focus also means residents stay connected to the lives they love. The facilities are situated close to shopping, churches, and family activities, making it possible for seniors to maintain familiar routines while enjoying the safety and support of assisted living or nursing care.
A Legacy Still Growing
Jennifer Cain sees her role not as caretaker of the past, but as a builder of the future. With new technologies, evolving healthcare standards, and an aging population ahead, her mission is to ensure the Cain family’s founding values—dignity, compassion, and community—guide every decision.
“This is my life’s work,” she said. “It’s about helping people during one of the hardest transitions of life. Whether they come live with us or simply need guidance, I want to make sure families know they’re not alone.”
From a father’s dream to a mother’s determination to a daughter’s leadership (with Sugar trotting faithfully at her side), Generations Health Care has lived up to its name. It is more than a business. It’s a legacy, carried forward with love, grit, and a steadfast belief that aging should never mean losing the joy of living.
The Homestead Assisted Living Community
4345 West Gay Rd., D’Iberville
228.207.7756
www.thehomesteadal.com
