After years of supporting seniors and families across New York, Rutishauser reflects on a legacy of compassion and community care.
After more than a decade of heartfelt service to seniors and families across New York, Kathleen Rutishauser, Founder of Daughter for Hire, has announced her retirement.
Kathleen launched Daughter for Hire in 2012, taking a leap of faith and leaving a successful 25-year career in the banking industry. In the midst of that career change, Kathleen was caring for her own mother, providing the small but meaningful support that allowed her to remain independent. Delivering meals. Driving to medical appointments. Running errands. Being there for her.
Kathleen said, “That ‘little bit of help” made all the difference, made it possible for my mother to enjoy her golden years. I quickly learned a universal truth: nobody wants to leave their home. It is their source of security, comfort, and safety. It’s where they feel most themselves.”
Kathleen found herself asking a profound and deeply personal question: What truly makes me want to get out of bed in the morning?
The answer was simple: helping people, helping seniors maintain their independence and stay in their homes.
It didn’t take long for Kathleen to recognize that many other families needed the same support. What began as caring for her mother quickly grew into caring for neighbors, friends, and other members of the community. She saw a tremendous need for compassionate, non-medical assistance that allowed seniors to remain safely in their home. The place that they know and love, surrounded by familiarity and comfort.
And so, Daughter for Hire was born.
The business grew so rapidly that in 2014, Kathleen invited her best friend, Denise Flihan, to join her as co-owner. Together, they and a team of dedicated Care Companions built Daughter for Hire from a one-woman startup into a thriving organization serving thousands of seniors.
Along the way, something remarkable happened. Kathleen created a ripple effect.
Seniors stayed in the comfort of the homes they love.
Families gained respite and peace of mind.
Care Companions found meaningful, flexible work rooted in compassion.
Fast forward to today. After 14 years, the impact of the work on Kathleen has been so much more fulfilling in ways banking never could. It has made her stronger, more patient and empathetic. And has given her a profound understanding of the realities of aging.
She knows what aging brings to the table—the hopes of families, the changes they do not always expect, and the grace required to navigate both. This is what she was made for, helping others. This work has been so successful because it is in alignment to who she is at her core.
Now that Kathleen has begun to transition away from daily operations, Denise Flihan will assume all the leadership responsibilities of Daughter for Hire. Denise and Kathleen have always shared the same vision and commitment to relationship-based, compassionate care. The heart of the company remains unchanged and the foundation of the business remains. Even the logo will stay the same, which depicts a “daughter” for hire looking just like Kathleen, complete with the heart shown right in the middle.
As Kathleen steps away from the business, she continues to live her purpose. She is currently walking the journey with two aunts—one on Hospice in Saratoga and another aging in Clifton Park. For Kathleen, being present for them carries deep meaning and fulfillment, and she is honoring those who were so instrumental to her life. It’s what gets her up in the morning. “I know they can’t, but I can” says Kathleen. “And I am going to be there with them every step of the way.”
Kathleen leaves a lasting legacy. She takes comfort in knowing she has made a difference, and that what she has created at Daughter for Hire will continue to thrive and bring comfort, care, and support to seniors and families for many years to come. She is filled with gratitude for the opportunity to impact others positively, and she is so glad that she made the choice to lead with heart.
