Star City Six – Kelsi Hutchison
CountryHouse Residence for Memory Care (www.countryhouse.net/l/lincoln-nebraska) provides personalized Alzheimer’s care in an active and supportive community. Kelsi Hutchison is the senior living care consultant at CountryHouse Residence for Memory Care.
Tell us a little about your business.
We are a highly skilled team of dementia practitioners who provide customized care to those in need of a safe, active, and knowledgeable environment. We genuinely care about your loved one as if they were our own. Helping them find joy in everyday moments is our mission.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
The lack of communities that support memory care here in Nebraska. CountryHouse is playing a very important role in the memory care community but, unfortunately, we can only do so much. I feel it is an issue that has yet to be exposed and unfortunately those we love most are at a disadvantage, especially in our rural communities. Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in Nebraska, seventh is diabetes. It is a disease that should not go unnoticed.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
Graduating from Doane University was a big turning point. Obtaining my degree opened a lot of different doors, and I was able to entertain multiple different career paths.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
My husband and I have a one-year-old Labrador named Boone, and anytime we can take him hunting or hiking is always fun. We enjoy traveling and tend to base our vacations around restaurants we would like to try. We’re currently looking at a trip to Kalispell, MT and Glacier National Park in the summer.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you have ever received?
“You can’t always be the strongest or the most talented or the most gifted person in the room, but you can be the most competitive.” – Pat Summit, Tennessee volunteer women’s basketball coach. Pat competed against dementia fiercely until 2016. I have always believed in this quote during athletics, but I feel it rings true to those fighting dementia as well.
If you had a theme song, what would it be?
“Call Me” by Blondie. I think this works with my position here at CountryHouse. I am always happy to help, all you have to do is, “Call me, call me any, call me anytime!”
Which talent would you most like to have?
I truly wish I would have taken piano more seriously when I was younger. Being able to sit down and just play would be a gift. I know if my mom is reading this she is saying, “I told you so.”
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
The Longest Day through the Alzheimer Association. Not only does this organization influence my day to day, but their mission to raise awareness by “doing something you love for someone you love” is a wonderful concept that can impact all those affected by the disease.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
I am what some would describe as a “foodie” and a total sucker for breakfast, so if I could compile the perfect breakfast using Lincoln restaurants, it would be: Cultiva’s French Press and The Lumberjack Johnny Cakes, Virginia’s Café’s hash browns, and Stauffer’s Café’s raspberry muffin.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
Nellie Bly. Being an investigative “stunt” journalist during the 1800s would have been fascinating. Her writing led to many changes within the mental health community.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
(402) 992-8061; khutchison@countryhouse.net; www.countryhouse.net/l/lincoln-nebraska; or come to CountryHouse on 27th and Old Cheney.