We do a lot of supervision of our wonderful caregivers. While it's often thought that only poor employees need a lot of supervision, in this case it's because our people are so good at what they do, that they benefit from and appreciate this kind of interaction. This generally takes place in three areas:

1) Brainstorming. Bless them, our caregivers are always looking to do things even better. They know that I am always delighted to do creative problem-solving with them to find new solutions and approaches. For example, a client who developed bowel incontinence issues refused to start wearing adult briefs when her family tried to introduce them. Over email, her caregivers and I brainstormed a variety of approaches to the situation that retained her dignity.  We tried a few different approaches until we finally found one that worked like a charm. We are proud to say that she is now wearing briefs every day without a problem!

2) Coaching & Staff Development. We have so many people blessed with real caregiving talent -- and I just love to help people develop their gifts and abilities. Caregivers are not usually trained to look for opportunities to connect clients with wellness or enrichment opportunities.  Since this is one of my professional strengths, and our clients benefit so enormously from wellness activities, I take the time to regularly coach our caregivers in this area. We find the best ways to reintroduce favorite activities to their clients, translated to their current level of physical, emotional and cognitive abilities. For example, if I know of a farmer's market in a real food-loving client's town, I'll let the caregiver know its hours and handicapped accessibility. The food is even fresher, and their shopping trip is much more enriching than just a stop at the grocery store. I'll encourage them afterward to stimulate the client's memories of food and farms throughout their lifetimes.  It's amazing how such activities uplift the client's functioning on all levels!

3) We've Got their Backs. No one should go to work every day thinking they're all on their own... that when something difficult arises, there will be no one to help them.  So often, I hear from our experienced caregivers this has often been the other case working for other agencies. But that is not the way we do things here: either Jim or I (or both of us) are available by phone or email any time a problem arises, or when the situation requires immediate decisions the caregiver is not empowered to make. Everyone deserves to have someone they can trust to help. This is particularly true of caregivers, because the problems they're having on the job affect not just them but the client and the client's family.  We are readily available -- it's a small investment of resources, given what an important return everyone receives.

We know that together, we are more than the mere sum of our parts... that as a team working together, we always create the best outcomes. If you're a talented caregiver, we'd like to hear from you. Go here and send us your resume.  If you'd like to have one of our talented caregivers in your or your loved one's home, go here and we'll be in touch with you quickly.