Elderly care business provides nonmedical help

Spring Valley residents Douglas and Natalie Ahlstrom describe themselves as card-carrying members of AARP.

Maybe that's why the idea of a business in which they could help people their own age was so appealing . The Ahlstrom s are the owners of Seniors Helping Seniors, a one-time nonprofit group that caters to people 45 or older who are in need of assistance, transportation or companionship.

"The cool thing is that your caretaker is someone your own age or close to your own age as opposed to a 25-year-old kid who may be nice and competent but really has no understanding of what you may be going through," Natalie Ahlstrom said.

Douglas Ahlstrom said the nonprofit business started in 1998 in Pennsylvania.

"There are chapters across the country," he said. "It became a for-profit entity a few years ago."

The Ahlstroms, who are the first people in Nevada with the rights to operate in this state, said they have always been big on volunteering, and it was that drive that led them to this business opportunity.

"We are always looking for something to do in our own community," she said. "I was in the accounting industry for 30 years, but after my own mother became ill with Alzheimer's, I saw what it really takes to be a good caregiver. I was able to care for her, and I wanted to give other people that same kind of care."

Douglas Ahlstrom is a career architect who spent years building homes for the elderly.

"This was the perfect fit for us," he said. "We can help people who need help."

The business became official in early March after a lengthy licensing process. It provides nonmedical care for seniors who need help with errands, cleaning, small home repairs, rides to appointments, cooking or simply want someone to keep them company.

Natalie Ahlstrom said the majority of seniors want to remain independent, but some simply need a little help here and there.

"That's where we come in," she added .

For now, the business is staffed by just the two of them, but Douglas Ahlstrom said they hope to add a staff of 10 over the next year.

"We'd like to have seniors in various age ranges so that if we get a request from a 75-year-old who wants someone around their age to discuss life or that's just what they prefer, we can handle that request."

The service costs between $18 and $25, depending on the task.

For more information, call 367-7743.

"We can provide 24-hour care," Natalie Ahlstrom said. "We want to make people feel like they aren't alone. There's someone who understands what they are going through. That's the main goal."

Contact Southwest and Spring Valley View reporter Amanda Llewellyn at allewellyn@viewnews.com or 380-4535.