After a long break, Lights Out Live is back, and with it, honest conversations about parenting, community, and the organizations making a difference for families across central Indiana. Hosted by Katy Mann of Indy With Kids, the revived series kicked off with a powerful discussion featuring guests Darcy Tower from Tendercare Home Health Services and local Indy mom, Brittney Mason.
For parents navigating the everyday joys and challenges of raising kids, especially children with medical complexities, this conversation offered hope, practical resources, and a reminder that we don’t have to parent alone. Tendercare is more than a healthcare provider; it’s a lifeline of connection, compassion, and inclusion.
A New Chapter for Lights Out Live
Katy opened the show with a heartfelt welcome back. For years, Lights Out Live served as a Tuesday-night gathering space for Indy parents, but the pandemic shifted everything. Daily live chats helped families through lockdowns, followed by a much-needed pause.
Now, Katy returns with a refreshed focus: conversations that highlight both family life and community impact. The first episode back set the tone perfectly, blending parenting chats with a spotlight on a local business that’s changing lives.
What Makes Tendercare Unique? The Mortar Story
When asked what sets Tendercare apart, Darcy shared a story that has stayed with her. She recalled chatting with an older man in a coffee shop who, upon hearing about her work, reframed it in an unforgettable way:
“You sell the mortar. It’s the unglamorous stuff that holds it all together. Not flashy, but essential.”
That description is a great metaphor for Tendercare’s mission. While families would never choose to need complex medical support for their children, Tendercare steps in to provide exactly what’s necessary when life requires it. They are the “mortar” — the steady presence that supports families through overwhelming times.
How Tendercare Began
Tendercare’s story started over 30 years ago with a simple, compassionate act. Co-founder Leslie Tweed was at McCormick’s Creek State Park when she met a mother struggling to care for her medically complex child without nursing support.
Instead of offering sympathy alone, Leslie offered action: “I’ll be his nurse.” That child became Tendercare’s first patient, and the organization grew from there, always rooted in listening to families and responding with care.
Today, Tendercare remains family-owned and operated, carrying the mission forward.
The Challenges Families Face
Katy and Brittney discussed a reality many parents know well: childcare is one of the biggest stressors for families. Add in medical needs, and the challenges multiply. Finding trustworthy, trained, and compassionate caregivers becomes a daunting task.
Tendercare steps into this gap, not only by providing skilled nursing but by supporting families holistically, emotionally, logistically, and socially.
Building Community Connections
Beyond medical care, Tendercare invests heavily in the community. They sponsor events, partner with local organizations, and create accessible opportunities for families to gather.
This past summer, they hosted a Summer Social Series with meetups at accessible parks in Fishers and Westfield, and capped the season with a day at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.
The goal was simple but powerful: reduce isolation for families of children with medical needs by creating inclusive, welcoming spaces. The events offered:
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Accessible play spaces vetted for wheelchairs and mobility devices.
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Opportunities for kids to simply be kids, whether playing on swings, exploring museums, or making new friends.
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Social connections for parents and caregivers who often feel isolated.
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Families not only had fun but also discovered resources and community connections they hadn’t known were available.
Accessibility vs. Belonging
Darcy and Brittney emphasized an important distinction: a space can be technically accessible (ramps, elevators, etc.), but still not feel welcoming.
“It’s not just about having a spot for you to go. It’s about integration.”
Tendercare advocates for true inclusion, where children with medical needs are not separated from their peers but are part of the experience from the start. This philosophy shapes both their healthcare services and their community outreach.
Services Tendercare Provides
For families new to home health care, it can feel overwhelming. Tendercare simplifies the process, acting as a toolbox of options to support families. Services include:
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In-home extended hour nursing (often 6–8 hours per day)
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Visit nursing for shorter, specialized needs
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Therapies: physical, occupational, and more
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Home health aides for daily living support (bathing, dressing, etc.)
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Paid family caregiving, with training offered so parents or relatives can become certified caregivers
Tendercare also helps families navigate the maze of funding options, from Medicaid and private insurance to veterans’ benefits.
Matching Nurses and Families
One of Tendercare’s unique approaches is its thoughtful nurse-patient matching process. Instead of simply assigning whoever is available, they consider:
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The child’s medical needs
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The family’s expectations
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The child’s interests and personality
This creates sustainable, long-term relationships where nurses not only meet medical needs but also support the child’s joy and hobbies. A child who loves video games may be paired with a nurse who’s comfortable hanging out at home, while a more outgoing child might match with someone eager to explore the community.
The result? Better continuity of care and stronger bonds between families and caregivers.
Stories of Impact
Darcy shared a moving story of a family whose child was receiving Tendercare services while moving into their first home through Habitat for Humanity. Tendercare staff joined the build, installed windows, and celebrated at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Moments like these highlight Tendercare’s philosophy: they’re not just providing healthcare, they’re walking alongside families in every part of life.
Addressing Misconceptions
Many families are surprised to learn that extended-hour nursing is even an option. They may assume support is limited to short visits, not full-day coverage.
Tendercare works to spread awareness so families know these services exist. They also clarify that home health care is not about taking away parental responsibility; it’s about providing support and relief so families can thrive.
Preparing Staff for Both Medical and Emotional Needs
Tendercare invests in staff training that goes beyond clinical skills. Nurses and caregivers are prepared to meet not only the medical needs of children but also the emotional needs of families. The goal is to show up with both competence and compassion.
Teams work collaboratively, drawing on resources like social workers when needed, to ensure no family feels unsupported.
Looking Ahead: Big Questions, Big Dreams
Darcy shared her guiding questions for Tendercare’s future:
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“How do we build a system where every medically complex family feels seen, supported, and empowered?”
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“How do we reimagine pediatric home care by co-creating with families?”
These audacious goals drive initiatives like parent advisory groups, policy advocacy, and continued investment in community programming.
Why It Matters
Katy closed the show by reminding viewers that while not every family needs home health care, understanding it matters for all of us.
“Someday, we won’t have to create ‘accessible’ events — they’ll just be events for everyone. But to get there, we need education, advocacy, and organizations like Tendercare Home Health leading the way.”
For families who need support, Tendercare is ready with open doors. For those who don’t, learning about their mission helps build a more inclusive community where all children can belong.
How to Connect with Tendercare
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Website: tchhs.net
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Facebook: Tendercare Home Health
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Instagram: @tendercareindiana
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Direct contact: Families can reach out to Darcy Tower (email and phone available on the website)
The invitation is open: whether you’re a family in need of services, a caregiver looking for community, or simply someone who wants to better understand, Tendercare is eager to connect.
Final Takeaway
At its heart, Tendercare is about more than nursing shifts or medical charts. It’s about helping kids live full, joyful lives and ensuring families feel seen, supported, and connected.
That’s the kind of “mortar” every community needs.
