MONROE – Allison Hulme, a registered nurse for 15 years with more than a decade of experience in home healthcare, knows the importance of putting a patient’s medical problems in the hands of someone experienced and knowledgeable, and who offers thoughtful, attentive, and highly individualized care.
She has put that knowledge to work as she helps to find the right healthcare professional to address people’s specific medical needs.
“I saw a growing need for high-quality, personalized, concierge-level nursing support for families throughout Western Connecticut,” said Hulme, BSN, RN, owner of Nurse Next Door, part of an international franchise with over 200 branches in the United States. Hulme’s office is the first Nurse Next Door in Connecticut.
“The foundation of any successful healthcare organization is trust,” she added. “I provide only certified, licensed, and registered caregivers to ensure the best possible care. By maintaining high standards of professionalism, investing in compassionate caregivers, and staying committed to people-first care, we can continue to provide meaningful support to families throughout the region.”
Initially, Hulme, a graduate of Sacred Heart University with a clinical background that spans geriatric care and chronic care management, operated from a home office to build her practice within the community. As she saw the demand for personalized in-home care increasing, earlier this year she opened an office space at 755 Main St. in Monroe, which serves other nearby communities such as Newtown.
“Healthcare needs continue to evolve, particularly as more families seek ways to support loved ones at home,” she said. “Growth allows us to expand our team, increase availability of services, and better serve the community with reliable, professional care.”
Newtown Economic and Community Development Director John Voket pointed out that Nurse Next Door will help address the rapidly escalating demand for the type and level of services Hulme and her team deliver locally.
“According to my sources, Connecticut is going to need approximately 54,000 direct health care workers by 2030 to meet the rising demand,” said Voket. “This requirement represents a 20% increase from the 44,000 direct care workers in the state in 2020, so Allison’s entry into this critical service marketplace is well-timed. It’s great that Newtown can claim its place as the first New England location for this expanding nationwide healthcare service network.”
Nurse Next Door’s approach combines professional nursing expertise with a philosophy called Happier Aging™ – helping people continue living meaningful lives at home.
“While we support medical and daily care needs, we look beyond to understand what truly brings a person joy. By learning about a client’s interests, hobbies, and personal goals, our caregivers and nurses help create care experiences that support both health and quality of life,” Hulme said.
Clients receive personalized care plans based on their specific medical needs, lifestyle, and personal goals. “We want every client to feel respected, supported, and able to continue living life on their own terms,” she added. “Our goal is to provide not only clinical support but also emotional connection and encouragement.”
Services include private-duty nursing and certified nurse’s aides for personal care services. In addition, it offers personalized care plans for each patient.
Nurse Next Door operates on a private-pay basis. “Operating as a private-pay service allows families greater flexibility and quicker access to care,” Hulme added. “Without the limitations that can sometimes accompany insurance-driven models, care can be tailored to the individual’s unique needs and preferences.”
The business’ services are complementary rather than competitive as Nurse Next Door supports patients in their homes after they are initially treated by urgent care centers and clinics. “We help bridge the gap between hospital or physician visits and day-to-day recovery by providing skilled nursing oversight, medication management, and personalized support,” she said.
Hulme’s path into nursing and opening Nurse Next Door was shaped by personal experiences.
“As a child, I grew up watching my mother struggle with alcoholism, which exposed me at a young age to the challenges families face when someone they love is unwell,” Hulme said. “That planted the early seeds of compassion and caregiving in my life.”
Later, her mother rebuilt her life with the help of Alcoholics Anonymous and spent decades as a private duty caregiver in Connecticut.
“Watching the pride, grace, and compassion she brought to caring for others had a profound impact on me and reinforced how meaningful thoughtful care can be,” Hulme said. “Toward the end of her life, she developed Alzheimer’s disease, and I had the opportunity to care for her during that journey, which gave me a personal understanding of what families experience when a loved one needs support at home.”
In 2014, after tragically losing her sister, Wendy, Hulme established Wendy’s Heart LLC in her honor when she purchased a Nurse Next Door franchise. “I hope to be able to help women at risk for domestic abuse when my business is successful,” she said.
“The mission of our team at Nurse Next Door is not simply to provide medical or daily assistance, but to ensure that every person we care for feels supported, respected, and genuinely valued. We strive to help people continue living rich, meaningful lives in the comfort of their own homes.”
