Since Barr Private Care opened its doors in March of 1992, there has been an overwhelming community response due to our dedicated and caring staff and the economical and efficient quality of care.

Barr Private Care, LLC was founded in 1992 by Eileen Van Tasell. Eileen began her career as a nurse case manager working for a home health agency. She had concerns about her patient’s ability to safely stay in their home after Medicare services were completed. She wanted her patients to have options other than institutional care. Most of her patients expressed a strong desire to stay in their home. In 1986, she convinced the Medicare Company she was working for to open a private duty company. Wanting a nurse owned and nurse managed company, she started her own company, Barr Home Health and Barr Private Care. Eileen’s experience working as a nurse case manager and administrator of home health agencies, hospice and private duty has brought expertise to Barr’s management team to meet the needs of Barr’s clients and family.

Barr’s Management Team

Eileen Van Tasell; Owner/Administrator

Eileen Van Tasell, owner and administrator of Barr Private Care graduated from Creighton University in 1968 as a RN, BSN working as a nurse case manager for 10 years before becoming President over a multi-system homecare company. In 1992, she started, developed and owned a Medicare certified home health agency and a licensed private duty company. Four years later, she opened a Medicare certified Hospice.

Eileen feels it is important to give back to the community and does fund raising for charitable organizations in the community. She has served on several health care organization boards and nursing advisory boards. Eileen has served as president over several of these organizations. She is currently on Harvest Ball Society, Northland Symphony Guild, Creighton Nursing Advisory Board (President), Friends of Hospice.

Peggy Nichols; Accounting Manager

Peggy Nichols joined Barr Private Care in 2004 as Accounting Manager overseeing billing, payroll and all financial reporting. Peggy is known for her accurate and timely work. She has 10 years experience in the banking industry serving as a financial officer, auditor and operations manager foe several banks. Peggy is an active member of her community and enjoys volunteering time providing financial assistance to her church and homeowners association.

Peggy received her B.S.B.A. from Drake University and her MBA from Rockhurst University.

Deana Cruz; Staff Coordinator

Deana Cruz has over 17 years’ experience as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) and Medical Technician (CMT) in nursing home and assistant living. Deana’s primary responsibility is scheduling our caregivers with our clients. She understands the importance of matching caregiver’s skills and personality with our clients. She is very dedicated to senior care and meeting the needs of our clients. Deana joined Barr after co-owning a trucking company with her husband for several years.