Nurturing Hearts: Caregiving Rooted in Compassion
By Sara Lynn Valentine
July 7, 2026
Kara Weese, owner of Nurturing Hearts, has called Durango home for nearly nine years.
“Fort Lewis College brought me here,” Kara says. “Once I arrived, I never left.”
While studying in Durango, Kara worked in childcare before responding to a Craigslist ad from a wheelchair-bound woman who needed assistance. She quickly discovered a passion for caregiving and eventually built a business around helping others age with dignity and connection.
Today, Nurturing Hearts provides non-medical caregiving services that help seniors and other clients remain independent, supported, and connected in their homes.
What began as a job quickly became deeply meaningful work. “As people age and slow down, they often begin to feel isolated, and even when they have existing support systems, it can be a very hard time,” Kara says.
“Going into our clients’ living spaces and being there for them is very meaningful to me,” Kara says. “At whatever stage of life we are in, we need people to care about us.”
Kara says the work is deeply personal for both her and her staff, many of whom are drawn to caregiving because of a genuine desire to support others through difficult and often isolating stages of life.
Services include meal preparation, medication reminders, transportation to appointments, companionship, light household support, pet care, and assistance during medical visits. Caregivers can accompany clients to appointments, take notes if desired, or offer privacy by waiting nearby. Kara’s staff is flexible and works wherever and whenever care is needed.
Care is available from as little as six hours per week, and up to 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Skilled nursing and medical care services are not provided.
As Nurturing Hearts expanded, Kara began intentionally investing more time and resources into supporting her caregivers and office staff through wellness and professional development programs.
“Being an honest and conscientious employer is important to me,” says Kara.
Based on hours worked, Kara contributes to a fund dedicated to employee self-care and personal growth. The fund is intended for wellness and enrichment rather than everyday expenses, covering things like massages, acupuncture or time at the hot springs. The fund can also be used for education, financial coaching, or nutritional counseling.
“You can’t take care of others if you’re not taking care of yourself,” Kara points out.
A caregiver can usually be available with 48 hours’ notice. Nurturing Hearts carefully matches caregivers and clients based on personalities, temperaments and interests.
Caregivers currently serve Durango, Bayfield, Ignacio, Hesperus, Vallecito and Hermosa.
“We’re always looking for compassionate caregivers who want to make a difference,” Kara says.
Learn more at www.nurturingheartsdgo.com, or call Kara at 970-585-5031.