Story Cottage memory care keeps families connected every day through transparent communication, daily updates, and a dedicated portal. House managers and the care team ensure families always know how their loved one is doing.
How does Story Cottage keep families informed daily?
Diane Kohan: Kristin, can you elaborate on the communication that takes place once a resident is living in the cottages?
Kristin Cherry: Yes, and I think this is where we really excel. Our nursing team documents everything in a portal, so as a family member, you’re able to see what’s happening with your loved one at all times.
What tools are used for family communication?
Kristin Cherry: This is one of the best features we offer—especially compared to big facilities, where communication can be challenging. We also do post-move-in conference calls and maintain daily communication with our house managers and the family.
How do house managers support families?
Kristin Cherry: This program has been led exceptionally well by Diane, our Executive Director. The house managers take ownership of their cottages, care deeply for residents, and are there daily for families.
Diane Kohan: Wonderful. Thank you for clarifying that. We all know communication is so important in the industry.
“Our nursing team documents everything in a portal, so as a family member, you’re able to see what’s happening with your loved one at all times.”
— Kristin Cherry, Family Advisor
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Story Cottage memory care keep families informed?
Families have access to a portal with daily updates, and staff maintain regular communication through calls and meetings.
What makes Story Cottage's communication different from larger facilities?
Story Cottage offers transparent, daily updates and personal communication, while larger facilities may struggle with consistent contact.
Who supports families at Story Cottage memory care?
House managers and the care team are present daily, taking ownership of each cottage and providing ongoing support to families.
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.
