“As long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to serve people. . . . I love being in a position where I can . . . help with systems, to be sure people are getting the best care possible.“

Cathrine Helton brings over 26 years of experience in health care to her role as VP of Assisted Living at Nevada HAND. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Healthcare Management from American InterContinential University, and she is an LPN and Certified Dementia Practitioner.

What led you to a career in health care administration? 

I’m born and raised in Las Vegas, and as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to serve people. My passion is caring for seniors, and I’ve been in health care my entire life, since I was 15 and got a job in a care home. I put myself through nursing school and have worked in every facet of health care you can imagine. After several years in nursing, I went back for a degree in business and moved into clinical and operations leadership roles, which finally led me back to assisted living, where I started. I love being in a position where I can make change and help with systems, to be sure people are getting the best care possible. 

Why did you choose Nevada HAND? 

I’ve known about Nevada HAND for years. Before this role, I had worked on the private pay side of assisted living, and now that I understand how the affordable side works, it’s so special. These are the residents I had to turn away from private pay facilities in the past [due to high costs], and it feels so good to be a resource to help seniors. I get a lot of joy working with prospective and current residents, seeing our communities in action, and working with our staff.  

What stands out to you about Silver Sky and Silver Sky at Deer Springs?  

I’ve met a lot of incredible people in my career, and what stands out to me about Silver Sky and Silver Sky at Deer Springs is the staff. They have so much love for one other and for the residents; it just fills my soul.  

And I could sit in the dining room talking with residents all day. Residents have friends here, and they often consider the staff an extension of their family. I’ve not experienced a community where the majority of residents are so involved. This community is theirs; it’s their home.  

What are you excited about in the coming year?  

I’m looking forward to continuing to work with and build our team, and especially to having new residents move in, providing a home for more seniors in the valley. I’ve been spending so much time working closely with families and residents, and I look forward to continuing to build those relationships. 

What does Nevada HAND’s tagline, “More Than a Home,” mean to you?  

For residents, it’s that feeling of safety, comfort, and trust. And I believe it’s important to provide the same feeling for staff. Both of our buildings when you walk in, you feel warmth. You see people smiling, you see activity, you see community. 

#affordablehousing #assistedliving #30for30