You may be wondering what makes Homewatch CareGivers different from other home care agencies. There are crucial elements to the way we care for people that set us apart, but one of the most important is that we take a person-centered and directed approach to care. We focus on an individual’s abilities, rather than their disabilities, and empower them to be involved in decisions about their care. We believe no one should have their quality of life defined by a physical condition, and we focus on strengthening overall well-being to help the people we serve to live as independently and safely as possible. In perfect alignment with this mission, we have formed partnerships with several leading organizations in the home care industry over the decades, including The Eden Alternative and the Dementia Action Alliance.
Homewatch CareGivers has a long professional affiliation with The Eden Alternative®, a non-profit founded by Dr. Bill Thomas, a geriatrician and entrepreneur. The Eden Alternative® is an international non-profit organization dedicated to improving quality of life, by focusing on changing the culture of care. Homewatch CareGivers has taken this journey alongside The Eden Alternative® by infusing their principles into our person-centered and directed approach to care.
In The Eden Alternative’s own words, “We provide an approach to care that supports the whole person, that upholds their right to a life full of purpose, connection, empowerment, and possibility… regardless of age or changing abilities. We empower you to eliminate loneliness, helplessness and boredom for elders and their care partners.”
Homewatch CareGivers actively applies the philosophy of the Eden Alternative to the way we engage with people and customize their care plans. We pride ourselves on helping individuals achieve a sense of fulfillment in their daily lives.
We all have simple pleasures that bring us meaning throughout the day. It might be that first cup of coffee in the morning, an evening walk with the dogs, some quiet time reading a book or spending time with family. Individuals accepting support in their home have things that bring them pleasure too and sadly, sometimes they are arbitrarily taken away.
For example:
• A pet might be removed because the person can no longer take care of the pet independently.
• Coffee on the patio might be taken away because it is just easier to serve it in the kitchen.
Here at Homewatch CareGivers, we take the time to deeply know the person who is accepting our support, so that we can truly understand what is meaningful to them. We celebrate the uniqueness of every individual and prioritize customized engagement with their favorite activities and the moments in their daily routine that bring them joy.
The Homewatch CareGivers Approach to Care:
• Creates a culture that supports strengths and abilities and puts the person first, not their condition.
• It commits to meaningful engagement where activities are directed by the person receiving care or by those closest to them.
• It is about converting interactions from a checklist of tasks being done to a person, to creating an environment where someone can thrive.
We also have one of the most rigorous caregiver training policies in the industry. Our caregivers receive professionally developed training through Homewatch CareGivers University, an online learning management system designed to train, inform, and support employees.
Learners have 24/7 access to courses that cover specialized topics such as:
- Dementia Care
- Caring for Individuals Living with Chronic Conditions
- Caring for Individuals Living with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Creating Well-Being for Everyone
- Person-Centered and Directed Care
- Caring for Individuals Living with Cardiac Conditions
- And Many More!
Laura Beck, former Learning and Development Guide at The Eden Alternative, shared the following insight with Homewatch CareGivers in 2021 and it still rings true today:
“Research consistently reveals a significant correlation between social isolation and serious health effects, including lower immunity, poor sleep, higher levels of inflammation, and a greater risk of heart disease and stroke. Using the Eden Alternative Domains of Well-Being
Find out more about how Homewatch CareGivers partners with leading organizations to make sure your loved ones are receiving the care they need by contacting us today!
