New company specializing in home care for clients

A new Gardnerville company is trying to make a name for itself in the privacy of people's homes by offering an alternative to facility care.

Based out of the Mountain View Center in downtown Gardnerville, Great Basin Home Health offers "professional and compassionate care" at home for disabled, elderly, pediatric and other clients.

Owner Nicole Smith said the company's goal is "promoting people's independence so that they can live full and happy lives in the security of their own homes."

For the Gardnerville resident and mother of three (including a baby on the way), the work is more than personal - it's sacred.

"When I was 16, my grandpa, a paraplegic, was in the hospital," she said. "All he wanted to do was go home, and they wouldn't let him. There was clearly no reason not to let him go. It was the worst experience ever. He cried and cried that he wanted to go home, and at that point I knew one day I would open up a home care business to anyone who wanted to be comfortable and secure in their own home."

Smith studied nursing and worked as a scheduler for a similar company before going into business for herself.

"We're trying to make the public aware," she said. "People think their only options are a nursing home or the hospital."

Smith acts not only as the company's director, but as its care coordinator, meeting each client individually to plan out services. Nearly a dozen employees rotate in carrying out those services, which range from Alzheimer and dementia care to personal hygiene and light housekeeping.

"I'm very close to all our clients," Smith said. "I treat them like they're loved ones. I visit them weekly to make sure they're 100 percent satisfied."

So far, the company has nine clients ages 40-91.

"Their families turn to me for comfort and support and advice," Smith said. "We're big advocates for the clients. We speak for them."

Service hours are available 24/7, with a 2-hour minimum, and clients can change caregivers at any time. Serving Douglas County, Carson City, Smith Valley and Markleeville, among other areas, Great Basin Home Health accepts insurance, grants and private pay. Smith said Medicaid approval is also pending.

"We'll service anywhere if anyone wants us," she said.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 26.

Always hiring, Great Basin Home Health is located at 1528 Highway 395, Suite 245.

For more information, call 392-1188 or visit www.greatbasinhomehealth.com.