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2025 | Edition 1

Ryan Whittington

Dear Friends,

We hope that your new year is off to a great start. It’s hard to believe that we’re already halfway through February! This is an exciting month for us because it includes one of our favorite holidays – National Caregivers Day on February 21!

At Seniors Home Care, we love and celebrate caregivers year-round, but it is wonderful to have a day to officially recognize the amazing work of caregivers – professional and non-professional. We are constantly amazed by the dedication and compassion of both the caregivers who we employ, and the family caregivers who we team with to provide care for their loved ones.

We want to give a special thanks to the caregivers who made it to their shifts during the recent extreme winter weather conditions. Often, the need for home care doesn’t take a “snow day.” We’re extremely grateful for our amazing best-of-the-best caregivers who carefully braved the winter conditions to ensure that their clients received care. We’re also grateful for the family caregivers who went into action if our caregivers were not able to fulfill their shifts.

From time to time, we feature information and resources about individuals we meet in our field. In this edition, we have a guest article from Katherine Poppen, a Senior Real Estate Specialist®. She offers insight about the benefits of working with a realtor who has been specially trained to meet the needs of the senior population and their families.

We hope everyone is staying safe and warm. Spring is just around the corner!

Yours in Service,
Gretchen & Ryan Whittington

Seniors Home Care Receives 2025 Best of Home Care® – Leader in Experience Award

Seniors Home Care once again received the distinguished 2025 Best of Home Care® –Leader in Experience Award from Activated Insights, formerly Home Care Pulse, the leading firm in experience management for post-acute care. The Leader in Experience Award is the highest recognition awarded by Activated Insights and is given to select home care businesses that consistently rank among the very highest in 10 or more quality metrics. As a Leader in Experience, SHC is now recognized among the top 10% of home care providers participating in the nationwide Activated Insights Experience Management program.

This accomplishment demonstrates SHC’s long-term dedication to excellent care and quality improvement. To qualify for this award, 10% of SHC’s clients and caregivers were interviewed each month by Activated Insights. Over a 12-month period, we received high client and caregiver satisfaction ratings in areas such as caregiver training, compassion of caregivers, communication, scheduling, client/caregiver compatibility, and more.

“It’s rewarding to receive recognition for our hard work. I’ve always said that our caregivers and office support are the best-of-the-best. This award helps confirm that. There are a lot of home care options out there and we strive to be the very best,” says Ryan Whittington, Seniors Home Care CEO. “By working with Activated Insights, we receive great feedback and then set our goals higher. I think this award demonstrates our dedication to excellence.”

The Best of Home Care® – Leader in Experience Award highlights the top-performing home care businesses in the nation. Activated Insights believes that by honoring these providers, families looking for in-home care for a loved one will be able to recognize and choose a trusted home care provider.

“At Activated Insights, our mission is to help businesses create an experience that goes beyond client and caregiver expectations; ultimately improving outcomes for all stakeholders in the care continuum,” says Bud Meadows, Chief Executive Officer of Activated Insights. “When we see agencies like Seniors Home Care that have so effectively provided outstanding care and employment experiences, we know we’re on the right track. They have worked extremely hard to prioritize high-quality care and employment, and their work hasn’t gone unnoticed. This award allows them to show proof of quality to potential clients and caregivers.”

 

4 Reasons to Work with an Exclusive Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®)


Navigating the real estate market as a senior has unique challenges and opportunities. Whether downsizing, relocating, or adjusting to new life circumstances, an SRES® can make a significant difference. They bring specialized knowledge tailored to the over-50 market, ensuring your transaction is handled with expertise and empathy. Here are four reasons to work with an SRES®:

1. THEY CHOSE YOU
Agents who earn the SRES® designation and choose to work exclusively with seniors are deeply committed to supporting mature adults through life's transitions. Their dedication often stems from personal experience, whether navigating these changes themselves or assisting family members, making them uniquely equipped to serve their clients’ specific needs.

2. THEY UNDERSTAND YOUR NEEDS
Whether you're newly retired, adjusting to life as an empty nester, or dealing with the loss of a spouse, senior specialists provide more than just real estate advice. They understand the myriad of lifestyle adjustments you face and the types of decisions you must make. Your SRES® will offer tailored options and resources to address your unique living situation and broader life changes.

3. THEY ARE GENUINELY EMPATHETIC
Senior specialists bring a deep empathy to their work, addressing not just the logistical but also the emotional complexities of major life changes. They are trained to handle sensitive topics with care, ensuring that your changing priorities are met with compassionate and effective solutions.

4. THEY CARE ABOUT YOUR COMMUNITY
More than just real estate agents, senior specialists are active community members who engage with senior-centric organizations and networks. Their involvement goes beyond transactions, offering ongoing support and resources that benefit seniors throughout the community.

By working with an SRES®, you gain a partner who not only understands the specifics of senior real estate transactions but also values the importance of your life achievements and future goals. Their commitment to helping you navigate this chapter makes them an invaluable ally in your real estate journey.

If you are interested in learning more, you may contact:
Katherine Poppen
314-520-5469
https://katherinepoppen.kw.com/

Get to Know…Gretchen Whittington, Chief Care Officer/Owner

Gretchen is a co-owner of SHC with her husband Ryan. She works with the team to ensure caregivers and clients experience the highest level of satisfaction. Additionally, Gretchen attends community events to promote caregiving in the community.

Fun facts about Gretchen:

  • Favorite movie is When Harry Met Sally
  • Favorite sports team is the Kirkwood Pioneers, where her son plays football
  • Is an abstract painter
  • Bucket list item is to travel to Alaska
  • Has a pet poodle named Chief, who comes to the office most days

 

Testimonial

"I have been using them for 12–13 years and have had nothing but the best from them."
                Nancy R.