The Cardinal Nurse, Kristie Poulton

Our Story

We are a company delivering fun to your door. We believe that playing games and enjoying an activity with your loved one living with dementia can be the bright spot in a long day of caregiving.

We are here to offer hope.

Hello! My name is Kristie, also known as The Cardinal Nurse.

BEHIND THE BOX: OUR STORY

I’m married to my wonderful husband, David, a proud mom to five adult children, and soon-to-be grandmother to my eighth grandchild. I’m also the primary caregiver for my parents, my father, who lived with Alzheimer’s, and my mother, who is still with us.

I’m a Registered Nurse with over 15 years of experience in Hospice and Palliative Care. I’m also a Certified Dementia Practitioner, a Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional, and a Medicare GUIDE Care Navigator. I support individuals living with dementia and their caregivers, meeting them wherever they call home, whether that’s a private residence, skilled nursing facility, or memory care setting.

Through my work, I’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges caregivers face, especially when trying to find meaningful, engaging activities for their loved ones at home. With degrees in both the arts (BA) and nursing (RN), my personal and professional experiences have given me a unique perspective on caregiving. They’ve shaped my deep understanding of the emotional demands, daily struggles, and profound rewards that come with caring for someone facing cognitive decline.

When my father started displaying symptoms of cognitive decline, he and my mother relocated to move in with my husband and me. When caring for my father, I searched for products to keep his mind engaged.

Our activity times are some of my best memories. 

Kristie Poulton and her father

Since my father’s passing from Alzheimer’s, I have continued providing support to others in the caregiving role. Cardinal-Box was born from a conversation with a friend who was struggling to find ways to engage her mother-in-law, who has progressing dementia. Her question brought me right back to my own journey caring for my dad. I remember how hard it was to constantly come up with new ideas, and how beautiful the moments were when something worked and we connected. When we had these moments, I had time to focus on something other than the awful parts of the disease. Because it brought me joy, I want to send you a monthly bright spot to bring you joy in your caregiving journey. 

At the heart of every box, is a caregiver who deserves support.

Kristie and Dave Poulton photo taken at a wedding.

Anyone who knows me knows that my sweet husband, David, is rarely far from my side. We’re often described as a team that works in perfect sync. 💖 His first experience with dementia came when his grandmother faced the disease, and later he stood beside me as I cared for my father. Dave truly understands the vision behind Cardinal-Box and plays a vital role behind the scenes, handling the technical and logistical aspects. Without his unwavering support, Cardinal-Box wouldn’t be here today.