NEKHC Achieves Milestones

4-year old company serves 100 Seniors

NEWPORT -- When Debra Hunt conceived of building a company to provide in-home care services to Seniors, she had little idea of how big and how fast the company would grow. Now, four years later, NEKHC serves about 100 seniors in the Northeast Kingdom and employs a staff of over 50.

NEKHC was started in January, 2004. The vision was to help seniors stay at home and out of nursing homes by providing in-home personal care services. Originally imagining that clients may need help a couple hours a day, the company soon found itself providing 24-hour care in some households.

“We built a reputation during our first two years of being very responsive,” said Debra Hunt, President. “We would get a call from the hospital needing help for a patient being released that day, and we would be able to respond.”

In fall, 2005, the company decided to add an adult day service, providing group-centered care to clients who could not be left home alone, or who would benefit from socialization and activity. The Meeting Place was licensed by the State of Vermont in March, 2006.

“We wanted a warm, friendly atmosphere,” said Hunt. “When I saw the old Baptist Church on 2nd Street, I knew it could become something special.” The Meeting Place provides a range of activities for its clients, as well as good nutritious meals.

In 2007 NEKHC extended its reach by providing services under contract to Orleans Essex VNA. The mutually beneficial agreement has further increased the options available for seniors for both personal care and home-maker services.

Going into Summer, 2008, in-home caregiving exceeds 1,000 hours a week, and nearly thirty people spend some of their week at The Meeting Place. NEKHC’s staff has grown to over 50 employees, including administrative staff, personal care attendants, and licensed nurse assistants.

Northeast Kingdom Homecare was started in 2004 and has grown steadily. It provides services directly to clients, and also partners with other home health agencies. All NEKHC caregivers are covered by liability insurance, and go through a series of background checks including criminal, adult and child abuse and motor vehicle violations.