Women Business Owners Who Are Making a Difference: Meet Gayle Davis

Some people are born to lead with heart, and from her roots in Cape Porpoise, Maine, to her impactful work across Southern New Hampshire, Gayle Davis has done exactly that. A natural caregiver, advocate, and coach, she has built her life and business around one mission: improving the lives of others.

As the founder of Senior Helpers of Southern New Hampshire, Gayle brings warmth, professionalism, and purpose to an industry that touches families in some of the most personal ways. Inspired by her own caregiving journey and the lessons her late mother shared, Gayle is on a mission to provide high-quality, compassionate home care and to make sure others never feel as lost as she once did.

In this spotlight, Gayle shares what it’s really like to run a home care business, how her team is changing lives across the region, and why saying “yes” to her calling has made all the difference.

Lynn Davey: Tell me a little about yourself! Where are you from, and what inspires you every day?

Gayle Davis: I was born in Cape Porpoise, Maine, and spent most of my life living in Southern New Hampshire. I am a giver, nurturer, an advocate, a coach, and a consummate caregiver. I believe that “the greatest use of life is to use it for the betterment of others.”

LD: How would you describe your business in one sentence?

GD: Senior Helpers of Southern New Hampshire is the premier home care company serving Rockingham, Strafford, Hillsborough, and Merrimack counties.

LD: What does your business do, and who do you serve?

GD: At Senior Helpers, our mission is to ensure a better quality of life, both for our elderly clients, those recovering from surgery, a catastrophic injury such as a traumatic brain injury or a spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s disease, MS, ALS, Cerebral Palsy, Cystic Fibrosis, or Autism. We provide dependable and affordable care. We are a trusted and respected organization that takes a responsible role in supporting our clients and their families, our employees, and our community.

LD: What inspired you to start your business, and what was the moment you knew this was the path for you?

GD: My mother passed away in 2013, my husband Dwight and I cared for her for 6 years. I realized that she had taught me some valuable lessons, “pearls”, over those years. We could never really get her home care right, the caregiver was not the right fit. When she passed I knew that we had an opportunity to make it right, make it enjoyable, and make a difference in the lives of others.

LD: What’s one thing you wish more people knew about your industry or the work you do?

GD: Home care is a rewarding field to work in. You work with people in their home environment. You get to know about their life, the joys and sorrows. Reminisce with pictures and stories. Meet their families. You build relationships and in many cases become part of their family. The position allows for a flexible schedule, one-on-one care, low stress (lower than a hospital or long-term care facility), and caregivers are in high demand. Our team is composed of trained, compassionate, detail-oriented, reliable individuals who enjoy the work that they do.

LD: What do you love most about running your business?

GD: Having the ability to make a difference in the lives of others every day! Clients, their families, our team, and community.

LD: How does your business make a difference, either in your community, industry, or for your clients?

GD: At Senior Helpers, we feel that it is important to support our community from an educational standpoint, advise them where to get services if it is something that we do not cover, and to assist in spreading the word about careers in healthcare. As for our clients, we want to be as supportive to them and their families as possible with a focus on excellent home care, improving their quality of life, while celebrating their life’s journey.

LD: Are there any causes or organizations you support that align with your mission?

GD: We support Annie’s Angels and CrossRoads House locally and the Wounded Warriors Program in honor of our Veteran clients.

LD: What’s one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a business owner, and how did you overcome it?

GD: WORKFORCE! If we had more folks on our team we could meet the ongoing demand to provide homecare services. We have not overcome it, we have learned to survive and thrive in spite of it.

LD: What’s a piece of advice you’d share with another woman who is thinking about starting her own business?

GD: If you have a solid idea for a business that can be vetted and the market is there to support it, create your vision, make a plan, and go for it! Get a mentor! And by all means, DO NOT throw the towel in too soon.

LD: Coffee or tea? How do you take it?

GD: Coffee with soy creamer, as for tea I like it plain, no extras.

LD: What’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?

GD: Cooking a meal for myself and my husband with some jazz playing in the background.

LD: Where can people find you or learn more about your business?

GD: To learn more about our business (the BEST homecare company in New Hampshire) you can check our website out and read about our services, why homecare is so important, and what our clients and caregivers say about us. If you are compassionate and want to make a difference in the lives of others, check out our career page and consider joining our Family!

LD: Is there anything else you’d like to share?

GD: I always ask our new employees and clients what is a “fun fact” about them.
My fun fact is that I am a 4th degree black belt, I trained in Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate for 14 years. I represented the United States in the All Japan Games in  Okinawa in 1992.

Leading with Heart, Leaving a Legacy

Running a home care business isn’t easy, but for this inspiring entrepreneur, it’s a calling. Through compassion, resilience, and a commitment to excellence, Gayle has built more than a successful company; she’s created a trusted support system for families and caregivers alike.

From honoring the memory of her mother to championing dementia education and supporting veterans, her work extends far beyond the walls of her office. It’s a ripple effect of care that reaches clients, employees, and the broader community.

Whether she’s helping a family navigate the challenges of home care or mentoring her team to grow into their strengths, Gayle leads with integrity and a fierce dedication to making things better for everyone around her. It’s women like her who remind us that businesses built on compassion and purpose are not just possible… they’re powerful.

Know another inspiring woman business owner who should be featured? Send me an email! I’d love to share more stories like Gayle’s.