This episode features David from Senior Home Companions as he shares heartfelt holiday traditions, including Dickens carolers and poinsettia deliveries. We explore how their care management team ensures compassionate service and how personal faith traditions remain central to meaningful celebrations.
What holiday traditions make Senior Home Companions special?
Senior Home Companions celebrates the season with long-standing traditions that bring cheer to clients. At Story Cottage, Dickens carolers visit to perform holiday music, creating unforgettable moments. On the home care side, poinsettia deliveries bring festive spirit to clients city-wide.
How does music create connection for clients with memory loss?
Music has a unique ability to reach those with memory loss. David shares the story of a nearly non-verbal client who sang joyfully during a caroling session. Her response moved families and staff alike, illustrating how music can awaken joy and familiarity in ways few other things can.
Why does poinsettia delivery remain a beloved holiday tradition?
The poinsettia tradition started over a decade ago as a way to spread Christmas cheer. Despite the logistical challenges, the team finds joy in personally connecting with each client during deliveries. The live plants are a symbol of care and connection that go beyond just decoration.
What personal traditions does David’s family celebrate at Christmas?
David shares that his family begins Christmas morning by reading the biblical Christmas story before opening gifts. This helps center their celebration on faith and gratitude. It's a quiet but powerful moment of reflection that guides the rest of their holiday experience.
What is Senior Home Companions most proud of this year?
David reflects on the company’s strengthened focus on care management. This shift has enabled faster responses, smoother transitions, and higher quality care. Families have noticed and appreciated how quickly the team can mobilize support in moments of crisis.
How does the care management team ensure seamless service?
The care management model includes assigning a dedicated “quarterback” for each family. This person introduces caregivers, coordinates services, and acts as the central communication point. The result is smoother transitions and stronger trust with clients.
What does the future hold for Senior Home Companions and Story Cottage?
David emphasizes a focus on quality over size. The team aims to thoughtfully expand Story Cottage locations and continue serving current markets with excellence. Their boutique model enables a more personal and connected approach.
How is caregiver engagement being improved?
This year, the organization expanded its caregiver support program in collaboration with Danny Yaki. This helps caregivers set career goals and feel supported, which in turn leads to better care for clients.
“We don’t want to be the biggest, just the best. Our boutique services offer hands-on connection. Growth is good, but we focus on quality.”
— David Morgan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Dickens carolers at Story Cottage?
They are costumed singers who perform traditional Christmas songs for clients with memory loss.
How does Senior Home Companions deliver poinsettias?
Staff deliver live poinsettias to clients across the city every December.
What makes the care management model effective?
A dedicated care manager coordinates services and communication for each family.
Kirstin McCarthy
About the Author
Kirstin McCarthy is a seasoned Marketing Specialist at Senior Home Companions, serving the Indianapolis, Lafayette, and Florida regions. She holds a B.A. in Communication and Marketing from Indiana State University. She brings a strong focus on advertising, social media, content creation, and community outreach. Her passion for serving older adults was sparked at a young age through a close bond with my great-grandmother. She spent countless hours visiting her and other family members in senior care facilities, where she witnessed firsthand both the beauty and the challenges of aging. Those early experiences instilled a deep respect for seniors and a calling to help them feel valued, seen, and cared for. At Senior Home Companions, she turns that lifelong passion into purpose—working each day to ensure families experience peace of mind and their loved ones receive the dignity, joy, and compassionate care they deserve.
To further support older adults and their families, she also hosts a podcast featuring local healthcare professionals and community partners. Through meaningful conversations, she shines a light on valuable resources and timely topics to empower, educate, and connect those navigating the aging journey. Follow her on LinkedIn.
