You won’t find anyone more passionate about her work than Bree Hill, who wasn’t always so sure about what she wanted to be when she grew up.
Growing up in Gaston after moving to Indiana from Colorado at age 7, Hill explored a few different life options early on. Working at a Thai restaurant in high school, she became general manager soon after graduation, helping to open another franchise in Fishers.
“I loved being in the service industry and making people smile,” said Hill, who saved enough money to purchase her first home at age 18. “Life was good.”
But she said one day, an epiphany “hit her like a ton of bricks.” She would seek work as a nurse on a burn unit. Having endured a home fire at age 11 when she experienced burns on over 40% of her body, Hill had always revered the nurses who treated her.
“They provided so much love, support and comfort while I lay in that hospital bed,” recalled Hill. “I wanted to change the world by delivering the same compassionate, kind and impactful care to others like me. My experience helped shape who I am today and made me realize all of life’s blessings.”
She began her health care journey by obtaining her certified nurse aide license in 2013, gaining employment at Morrison Woods Health Campus. Soon enrolling in Ivy Tech’s nursing program, she earned her licensed practical nurse license just two years later, working as a floor nurse at the same facility. Hill’s daughter, Charleigh, was born during this busy time.
In 2019 Hill became Dr. Mohammad Bahrami’s assistant for the next three years.
“He joked that I was his left and right hand,” said Hill, adding that she learned more from him than any classroom.
A Dream Venture
After Hill left Morrison Woods, she and Charleigh’s father, Sam Harris, discussed becoming business partners, tossing around the idea of investing in a butcher chop, marina or flea market.
When a 15-year-old home care agency went on the market, it just felt right for them.
“This was our opportunity to make an impact on our community’s beloved seniors,” said Hill, who is a Muncie resident.
Within a few days, the new business partners signed on the dotted line and became the owners of Senior Helpers of East Central Indiana, an acquisition Hill has found enormously rewarding.
“I love coming to work,” said Hill, whose Pendleton headquarters is comprised of nine staff, including herself, and 190 caregivers serving 17 counties including Delaware, Madison, Jay, Grant, and Hancock.
Marta Guinn, marketing director for Senior Helpers, realizes that Hill is not your typical business owner.
“No matter her title, she is a nurse through and through,” said Guinn. “She doesn’t hesitate to aid a client with any issue if a caregiver isn’t available.” Nonclinical services include everything from bathing and incontinence to housekeeping, shopping and meal prep.
An exciting new assessment on the horizon, according to Hill, is Life Profile, which identifies client risk of hospitalization over the next six months. Proprietary to Senior Helpers, this tool is backed by over 20 years of data-driven research, and is completed in the field by Charissa Dabney, a nurse with over 26 years in the health care industry.
Best practices are the hallmark of Senior Helpers, and Hill is the impetus to ensure the company meets the highest standards. A case in point is the company’s on-site center of excellence, which replicates a client’s home, helping prospective caregivers in identifying risk factors, among other important tasks such as treating Parkinson’s disease or dementia.
A Worthy Vision
Running a company that is part of a global franchise comes naturally for Hill, whose vision for her company is to provide quality service to every community including Muncie.
“Whether our clients are Medicaid Waiver, VA related, long-term health insurance recipients, or private pay, our goal is to help clients age in place as safely and as long as possible, in their home or in a family member’s,” Hill said. “I leave my clients’ homes and my office daily considering how blessed I am. Senior Helpers is the air I breathe. I relish being the proud boss lady of over 190 employees!”
Senior Helpers was included in Fortune Magazine’s Best Places to Work for 2023 in the Aging Services category, and was given the Spirit of Small Business Award for the Yorktown Chamber of Commerce in 2024.
In 2024 Hill herself was nominated for the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce Spirit Award, along with the Athena Young Professional Award, hosted by Women in Business Unlimited.
As far as giving back, that’s a given for this powerhouse.
Hill has been involved in the Walk to End Alzheimers, YWCA, Youth Symphony Orchestra, Dog Tags and Go Bags, Rock Steady Boxing, Secret Families of Madison County, Operation ShoeBox, Toys for Tots, and more.
“You change lives by giving back,” said Hill. “When we show our shining selves, we illuminate those around us. Show your soul and it will light the way. Embrace your life, befriend yourself, and tell your own story.”
