Opening a home care agency is never “just business” for the people who do it well. For Kristie Sivells, Owner of Assisting Hands Home Care East Charlotte, the work is deeply personal.
In this Care Across America interview, Kristie shares her family’s story—one that began when her mother was diagnosed with dementia at just 65 years old, shortly after retiring and planning to enjoy the next chapter of life. That diagnosis changed everything, and it ultimately led Kristie and her husband to build a home care agency designed to support families walking the same challenging path.
Assisting Hands East Charlotte launched in June 2025, and in just over six months, Kristie has already established a reputation for compassionate, relationship-focused care that prioritizes quality of life—for clients and caregivers.
A Dementia Diagnosis That Changed Everything
Kristie describes her mother as a world traveler who had just retired and planned to continue exploring the world. But dementia altered those plans quickly. Kristie and her husband brought her mother into their home and cared for her while working remotely, successfully managing things for about five years.
As the disease progressed, Kristie’s mother began wandering and experiencing hallucinations. Sleep deprivation and constant worry eventually led Kristie to make the decision to place her mother in a nearby memory care facility.
But almost immediately, Kristie knew it wasn’t right—for her family, or for her mom.
She emphasizes that every family must make the best decision they can, and she offers no judgment—but for her, the institutional setting felt like the wrong ending to her mother’s story. After an incident at the facility, Kristie saw it as a clear sign to bring her mother home.
That turning point led her to something she hadn’t fully understood before: the power of in-home caregivers.
Discovering Professional Caregivers (and Why It Matters)
Once Kristie’s mother returned home, Kristie brought in two trained caregivers. Like many families, the idea of someone coming into the home felt awkward at first. Kristie describes herself as a private person—and allowing unfamiliar people into the home felt vulnerable.
But over time, those caregivers became more than helpers.
They became extensions of the family.
Kristie says this decision was the best she made for her mother’s care and quality of life. So much so, that when Kristie and her husband opened their own home care agency, one of the caregivers who supported her mother chose to join their agency team.
That experience shaped Kristie’s mission:
✅ Help seniors live independently with dignity
✅ Help families feel less isolated and overwhelmed
✅ Support caregivers who are often overlooked
✅ Create a family-like agency built on trust and communication
Serving East Charlotte with Pride (and a Love for Diversity)
Assisting Hands East Charlotte serves a broad area including:
- parts of Charlotte (starting south of UNC Charlotte)
- Mint Hill (where the office is located)
- Matthews
- Stallings
- Indian Trail
…and areas east of East Charlotte such as Monroe and Midland.
Kristie grew up in Maine, but has lived in the South most of her adult life. She originally hoped for a different territory north of Charlotte—but now says she wouldn’t change her service area for anything.
She describes East Charlotte as diverse, welcoming, and full of people from every walk of life—and says one of her favorite parts of owning the agency is meeting and talking with families in the community.
The Difference in Kristie’s Approach: Start with What the Client Loves
When families call for help, many expect the conversation to focus only on activities of daily living—bathing, dressing, meals, medication reminders, mobility assistance.
Kristie explains those are important, but they are not the whole story.
Her agency begins with a different question:
What does the client enjoy doing?
This could be:
- favorite TV shows
- gardening and caring for tomato plants
- photography
- shopping
- visiting parks
- music, games, hobbies, and routines
Kristie believes home care should protect and enhance quality of life, not simply “check boxes.”
That philosophy shapes how her team matches caregivers to clients—and helps seniors maintain independence in a way that still feels personal.
Clinical Support and Fast Start Times
Once a family decides to move forward, Kristie explains that a nurse on staff—an experienced professional with nearly 30 years in nursing—conducts a free in-home assessment. This visit includes:
- home safety evaluation
- medication review
- health history
- care plan development
In most cases, care can begin within 48 hours, and sooner when situations are urgent.
Even during the assessment process, Kristie is often already thinking about caregiver matches and checking availability so services can begin as smoothly as possible.
A Personalized Introduction: Why First Impressions Matter
Kristie also shares a key detail that families appreciate: she prefers that either she or the nurse personally introduces the caregiver to the client.
Why?
Because walking into a home for the first time can feel awkward for both client and caregiver. An introduction creates comfort and connection right from the start—setting the stage for trust.
Hiring Caregivers: “Would I Trust You with My Mother?”
One of the most powerful moments in the interview is when Kristie describes what she looks for when hiring caregivers. Her first thought during interviews is simple:
Would I trust this person with my mother?
Kristie wants caregivers who aren’t just “there for a shift,” but who feel called to caregiving—and who will build relationships, not just complete tasks.
She values caregivers who:
- create connection
- engage clients in conversation and activities
- play games
- listen to music together
- stay present (not distracted or disengaged)
- genuinely care
As she explains, skills can be taught—but compassion cannot.
Supporting Caregivers Like Family
Kristie also emphasizes what makes her agency feel different for caregivers: communication and accessibility.
Assisting Hands East Charlotte is family-owned and operated:
- Kristie and her husband own the agency
- their daughter is the care coordinator
- their daughter is also a CNA and can cover shifts when needed
Caregivers have easy access to leadership and are encouraged to communicate, share updates, and ask questions. Kristie notes that many caregivers say communication is what they want most—because it helps them feel appreciated and supported, not like “just a body filling a shift.”
A Helpful Tool for Long-Distance Families: Daily Care Notes
Kristie points out one feature families love—especially adult children who live far away:
A system that allows family members to log in and review caregiver notes each day.
This provides reassurance and clarity, helping families track what’s happening even if they can’t be physically present. For many families, that transparency is “worth a million bucks.”
A Heartfelt Mission for 2026 and Beyond
Kristie’s story is a reminder that home care is often built by people who’ve lived the caregiving experience themselves.
Her journey—from caring for her mother at home to building an agency that supports other families—reflects her commitment to dignity, compassion, quality of life, and caregiver support.
As Assisting Hands East Charlotte enters 2026, the community is gaining a home care resource rooted in empathy and real-life experience.