Story Cottage memory care prioritizes strong relationships between caregivers and residents. By supporting and valuing staff, the community creates a warm, connected environment where meaningful bonds lead to better care for everyone.
How do caregivers and residents connect at Story Cottage?
Diane Kohan: Can you tell us what kind of relationships you’ve witnessed between the professional staff and residents at Story Cottage?
Kristin Cherry: One of the most lovely things I see every day at our cottages is the relationship our caregivers have with the residents. This is a very tough industry for nurses and caregivers, but we do an excellent job of supporting and retaining our team. We make sure they know they are valued and appreciated.
Why is caregiver support important in memory care?
Kristin Cherry: We truly take good care of our caregivers, and that care is reflected in the way they support our residents. They love the residents, and they love being able to sit down with them, talk, and build relationships—rather than running down a hallway caring for dozens of people at once.
How does Story Cottage foster meaningful relationships?
Kristin Cherry: That difference is huge. It allows for more meaningful connections and leads to a higher quality of care. Our caregivers love being here, and that’s something you can truly feel throughout Story Cottage.
Diane Kohan: Thank you, Kristin.
“We truly take good care of our caregivers, and that care is reflected in the way they support our residents.”
— Kristin Cherry, Family Advisor
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Story Cottage memory care support its caregivers?
Story Cottage values and supports its caregivers, leading to better retention and a positive environment for both staff and residents.
Why are strong caregiver-resident relationships important in memory care?
Meaningful relationships allow for more personalized care, higher quality of life, and a warmer, more connected community.
What makes Story Cottage memory care different from larger facilities?
Caregivers at Story Cottage have time to build relationships with residents, rather than rushing between dozens of people, resulting in better care and satisfaction.
Diane Kohan
About the Author
I’m originally from Newburgh, IN, and have been an RN for 25 years. I hold a B.S. in Health Information Administration and an A.S. in Nursing from Indiana University. I achieved board certification in 2020 as a Gerontological Nurse through ANCC and a Qualified Memory Care Professional (QMCP) through the Institute for Excellence in Memory Care.
My healthcare journey began in high school as a candy striper pushing the candy/gift cart around all the units, later becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant while in college. After starting my career in medical coding, I quickly realized my passion was hands-on nursing. I spent a decade in acute care at Methodist Hospital and St. Vincent Heart Center before returning to my love for long-term care, assisted living, and memory care.
Over the years, I have served as an MDS Coordinator, Director of Nursing, and MDS Consultant. As a regional nurse, I wrote policies, trained staff, and implemented dementia education across multiple states. My passion lies in providing exceptional care and supporting those living with memory loss. Follow her on LinkedIn.
