Story Cottage memory care stands out for its homelike environment, strong communication, and truly personalized care. Staff take time to understand each resident, leading to meaningful changes and positive experiences for families and residents alike.
What makes the Story Cottage memory care experience special?
Diane Kohan: Kristin, what have you been told makes the Story Cottage experience so positive and special?
Kristin Cherry: I could go on and on about that, but I think one of the biggest things is the overall environment. I’ve worked for very big companies and large facilities in the past, and Story Cottage truly feels like a home. That’s what makes it so special.
We really get to know our residents, and the communication between residents, caregivers, and families is amazing. When we say we know our residents, we truly mean it. That level of connection creates such a special atmosphere.
Can you share a memorable client story?
Diane Kohan: That’s wonderful. Do you have a favorite client story or interaction you’d like to share?
Kristin Cherry: There are so many, but one that stands out is when residents come to us from other communities or facilities where they may have been labeled as aggressive or having difficult behaviors. That’s always heartbreaking because memory care involves a progressive disease, and those behaviors are often expressions of unmet needs.
When residents come to Story Cottage, we really take the time to understand what’s happening. For example, we had a gentleman who became very aggressive during showers. Instead of labeling the behavior, we learned more about him and discovered that ballroom dancing was something he loved. By incorporating that into his routine, everything changed—he became calm, cooperative, and happy.
The family absolutely fell in love with our care model and the way we approach each resident as an individual. Moments like that truly show the difference Story Cottage makes.
“When we say we know our residents, we truly mean it. That level of connection creates such a special atmosphere.”
— Kristin Cherry, Family Advisor
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Story Cottage memory care different from larger facilities?
Story Cottage offers a homelike environment, strong communication, and truly personalized care for each resident.
How does Story Cottage handle challenging behaviors?
Staff take time to understand each resident's background and needs, leading to positive changes and better outcomes.
Can you share an example of personalized care at Story Cottage?
A resident who was aggressive during showers became calm and happy when ballroom dancing was incorporated into his routine, showing the impact of individualized care.
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.
