By Brad Church, COO, D&C Home Care
Before becoming the owner of D&C Home Care, I spent 20 years in professional hockey—first as a player, then as a Head Coach, General Manager, and CEO.
At first glance, moving from skates to senior in-home care might seem like a big leap. But over the years, I’ve realized that running a successful Maine home care agency has far more in common with leading a professional hockey team than you might think.
From the Locker Room to the Living Room
In my 10 seasons as a player, I experienced the full spectrum of team dynamics:
- Young, inexperienced squadsthat struggled to compete
- Veteran powerhouse teams stacked with talent and strong leadership
Both taught me invaluable lessons, not only about what it takes to succeed, but also how to grow from setbacks.
In hockey, I learned a simple truth:
There are only two outcomes: You either WIN or you LEARN.
That mindset follows me every day at D&C Home Care. In both hockey and home care, every challenge becomes an opportunity to improve, adjust, and get stronger.
The Common Thread: A Unified Mission
Picture a tram moving steadily toward its destination. In hockey, the goal was to win.
In home care, our goal is different but just as critical:
- Provide dependable, compassionate care
- Help clients age safely and comfortably at home
- Ensure every team member knows their role and executes it with precision
Every Shift Counts—On the Ice and in the Field
In hockey, every shift matters. The same is true in home care.
Examples that make a difference for our clients:
- A caregiver arriving early to help a client start the day
- A client services manager coordinating seamlessly with a family
- A quick follow-up call that prevents a small issue from becoming a crisis
These moments, like shifts in a game, build toward the bigger outcome: clients who feel supported, safe, and valued.
Communication: The Ultimate Playmaker
In both hockey and senior care services, communication can make or break success.
- On the ice: Clear calls prevent turnovers and create scoring opportunities
- In home care: Communication between caregivers, schedulers, clients, and families ensures needs are met before problems escalate
This flow of information creates trust essential for both winning games and delivering exceptional care.
Preparation: No Shortcuts to Excellence
In professional hockey:
- Strategy sessions
- Strength training
- Mental readiness
In home care:
- Thorough caregiver training
- Clear, personalized care plans
- The ability to adapt to unexpected challenges
At D&C Home Care, preparation is the foundation for safe, high-quality senior care in Maine.
Teamwork Drives the Win
No one wins alone—on the ice or in the home.
In hockey, it’s the perfect power play.
In home care, it’s:
- A caregiver covering a colleague’s shift at the last minute
- Office staff staying late to fulfill an urgent family request
- A scheduler rearranging visits to ensure no client’s care is disrupted
These are our “game-winning goals;” moments when the team steps up for the client.
Leading with Grit, Purpose, and Care
My years in hockey taught me:
- Structure and accountability
- Grit and resilience
- Leadership that inspires trust
Now, instead of chasing pucks, I make sure our care teams move in the same direction, with clarity, purpose, and compassion.
At D&C Home Care, our wins are measured in:
- Lives improved
- Independence maintained
- Families who feel peace of mind knowing their loved ones are cared for
The arena may be different, but the heart is the same.
The teamwork, preparation, and commitment to excellence that defined my hockey career are the same principles driving D&C Home Care today.