Veteran-led business focuses on in-home care, dementia support, and veteran services
A Commitment to Care in Huntsville
HUNTSVILLE, Texas – For Altagarcia (Alta) and Ali Naqi, home care is not just a business—it’s a mission. As the owners of At Your Side Home Care, they are dedicated to providing in-home support for seniors, veterans, and families in Walker County.
“We always had a service mindset and a belief in caring for others,” Ali Naqi said. “That’s what led us to start this business.”
The couple moved to Huntsville after originally living in New York City. Ali, a U.S. Army veteran, relocated for work in 2017, and Alta followed four years later. After spending time in Conroe, they decided Huntsville was where they wanted to build their home and business.
“We loved the community, the scenery, and the people,” Alta said. “We knew this was where we wanted to be.”
Launching a Business with Purpose
At Your Side Home Care officially launched in 2023. The idea came after Ali’s previous company downsized, prompting him to seek a more stable and meaningful career path.
“Alta had experience caring for her mother, who was battling cancer,” Ali explained. “That experience, combined with our research into the growing need for home care, showed us that Huntsville needed a trusted caregiving service.”
After researching home care providers, they partnered with Comfort Keepers, a well-established franchise known for its high standards of service.
“We didn’t just jump into this,” Ali said. “We vetted the company, spoke with existing owners, and studied what the community needed.”
Since launching, At Your Side Home Care has created over 150 jobs in Huntsville and surrounding areas, including Riverside and Trinity.
Personalized Care for Seniors and Veterans
At Your Side Home Care provides a range of in-home services, including assistance with daily activities, grooming and hygiene support, light housekeeping, meal preparation, errands, and transportation. They also offer dementia and Alzheimer’s care through the DementiaWise program, which is recognized by the Alzheimer’s Association.
Veteran support is a priority for the Naqis, who work closely with the VA and the Veterans Museum of Texas to ensure veterans receive the care they need.
“One of our biggest priorities is serving veterans, who are near and dear to my heart,” Ali said. “We work closely with the VA to ensure they get the care they deserve.”
Alta emphasized that their caregivers are carefully selected to ensure trust and reliability.
“Our caregivers aren’t just employees—they’re part of the family,” she said. “We take the time to hire the right people because when you invite someone into your home, trust matters.”
All caregivers undergo a national background check, drug screening, and in-person interviews before being placed with a client.
Expanding Access Through the GUIDE Program
At Your Side Home Care is also helping families enroll in GUIDE (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience), a pilot program launched by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The program, which began on July 1, 2024, is designed to provide support for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.
The GUIDE program offers up to $2,500 per year to families to help cover respite care services. The goal is to provide relief to family members who are caring for loved ones with dementia full-time.
“When there’s no cure, there’s only care,” Ali said. “Many family caregivers feel overwhelmed. This program helps them get the support they need at no cost to them.”
In addition to respite care, GUIDE provides:
- 24/7 access to dementia care resources
- Education and training for caregivers
- A dedicated dementia care team, including a social worker
- Support for care planning and coordination
Ali emphasized that dementia caregiving is physically and emotionally exhausting, and the GUIDE program is designed to give caregivers the tools and resources they need.
“Caring for someone with dementia requires constant attention,” he said. “The GUIDE program gives families a break while ensuring their loved ones receive proper care.”
Families interested in GUIDE must meet specific Medicare eligibility requirements. At Your Side Home Care assists families in navigating the application process.
“If there’s an opportunity to qualify, we’ll help families get through the process,” Alta said. “It never hurts to try.”
For more details about the GUIDE program, visit CMS at:
https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/innovation-models/guide
Looking Ahead
As the business grows, the Naqis are focused on expanding services and hiring more caregivers while maintaining high-quality standards.
“Our goal for 2025 is to increase hiring while ensuring we continue providing the best care possible,” Ali said. “We also want to find more funding sources so families can receive care at a minimal cost.”
For more information about At Your Side Home Care, visit their website at:
https://www.atyoursidehomecare.com/texas/walker.html
