Thy Neighbor Is Helping Seniors Stay In Their Homes

Thy Neighbor is a private-duty home care business started by Richard Garcia and Martha Nugent in December 2021.

Both Nugent and Garcia were shocked at the lack of understanding for Alzheimer's and dementia sufferers in the area. They came from Texas where, if an elderly man or woman starts to have trouble in their home because of illness, injury, or natural decline there are multiple businesses and services available to them to allow them to "Age in Place". The idea of Aging in Place is not new. It is a common philosophy that teaches that the elderly can stay in their homes after decline and that people recover better at home. For decades, different companies with this goal in mind like Comfort Keepers and Honor have been serving the senior community in the United States and worldwide. Since December 2021, Thy Neighbor has been primarily caring for the elderly in Sidney. After officially launching their business online, their first call came from someone in Alaska whose family member lives in the area and needed help.

Thy Neighbor consists of three different care types, named for three different figures in the Judeo-Christian Bible. Caregivers referred to as "Mary's" are named after "Mary" who sat to listen to Jesus in Luke, chapter 10, while her sister served. The services under Mary's are more social in nature. A "Mary" can come to do an environment check, provide mental exercise, accompany someone to attend activities in the community, and just provide a little companionship or socialization. Caregivers referred to as "Martha's" are named after "Mary's" sister, Martha, who was too busy serving to listen to Jesus in Luke, chapter 10. The services under "Martha's" are more task oriented. A "Martha" can prepare meals, help with medication reminders, housekeeping, assist with bill pay, go grocery shopping, or run other errands for the client. The third type of caregiver, referred to as Joseph's, are named for Jesus's stepfather, who was a carpenter, and consists of more handyman type services. This can be anything as simple as changing a light bulb but can also be other things like minor indoor repair, lawn care, or farm and ranch chores. The staff at Thy Neighbor can do much more according to what a client needs.

Through Thy Neighbor, they intend to not just help those who have problems in their homes, but also teach the family and caregivers how to care for people with dementia. For more information or to request services call 406-480-7583.