Capability Homecare: Taking the Time to Listen

31 May

One thing I’ve learned over the years is how important it is to be a good listener, especially when working with our clients.

When we go out to meet a new client we take the time to really get to know them. We aren’t in any hurry and we allow as much time as it takes for the client to feel comfortable with us.

We give them the opportunity to share stories about their life.  We ask questions to learn more about who they are as a person. We sit and listen and let them talk.

This enables us to connect with the client- and also helps us do our job better. Because we’ve taken the time to get to know them-  we are better able to find the perfect caregiver for their unique personality.

I’ve heard that some agencies are in such a rush when they do the assessment that they only allow a short period of time with the client. They just go over the form- firing away with one question after the next.

Listening goes beyond the assessment- once they become a client, we are always there for them. We are available on the phone 24/7- not an answering service, it’s one of us who you get when you call.

We had a client come into the office today who just needed to talk. He is concerned about his wife- who has dementia- and he just needs someone to hear his concerns, to validate the choices he is making and to comfort him through this time of stress.  He wasn’t really looking for answers- he was just looking for a place to share his concerns and know that he is being heard.

Our director, Laura, took time to sit and listen to this gentleman express his concern for his wife.  She was kind and compassionate and offered suggestions when needed- but more than anything was just there to support him.

That’s the difference between Capability Homecare and a large franchise organization. Like a good friend, we take the time to listen.

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A Revolving Door Policy? Not for Us!

14 May

 I had a meeting with an attorney a few weeks ago and he mentioned that the Homecare firms he refers his clients to have a system in place to rotate their caregivers.  If you are unfamiliar with what that means- let me explain.

 Let’s say a client needs care 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. Instead of assigning one caregiver to that client, these Homecare agencies rotate who will be providing the care.  Each week (or each day) a different person will show up to take care of the senior.

He claims that they do this so that the caregiver doesn’t have time to develop a relationship with the client.  Therefore it is less likely they will have the opportunity to take advantage of the senior.  His belief was that by having a different caregiver- the client will be protected from any misconduct.

Capability Homecare disagrees with this theory.

While we recognize the need to ensure a senior is safe and protected, we don’t think this is accomplished by having a revolving door of caregivers coming in and out of the senior’s home.  In fact, this exposure to so many different people might even make it easier to take advantage of the client.

At Capability Homecare we assign one caregiver to each client (or possibly two if it is more than 40 hours a week) because we believe that by having the same caregiver taking care of a client they are able to develop a true relationship. In fact, our motto is ‘a relationship you can trust’.

Our primary goal is match the caregiver’s personality to the senior’s personality. We employ 2 full time recruiters whose job is to do background checks, reference checks, and also to screen, interview and get to know our caregivers so that we can confidently assign them to a client knowing it will be a good fit. Our recruiters spend hours finding the best caregiver- it’s so important to us that it’s worth the extra time and effort.

Contrary to our competitors, we want our clients to build a trusting relationship with the person caring for them.

I know in the case of my grandfather this couldn’t be more important! He absolutely loves his caregiver- and if for some reason she isn’t able to be there- it completely stresses my grandpa out. It ruins his whole day- and as a fragile 92 year old man, this is the last thing we want to worry about. He counts on Erin being there- and relies on that consistency.

In addition to peace of mind for the client, it is also extremely important in terms of the actual care. By having the same caregiver each shift, the caregiver gets to know the client and what their needs are, what their likes and dislikes are, what sort of personality they have (talkative, private, depressed, forgetful…), what sort of food they like, what activities they enjoy…

By having the same caregiver each time the caregiver is completely familiar with the care plan and what the requirements are. By having a new caregiver each week, there is extra burden on making sure they are familiar with the specific details of the care plan.  Without this familiarity, mistakes can easily be made. With a medically fragile senior- a mistake can be extremely dangerous and even life threatening.

As for the protection of the senior- this is also extremely important to us.  Capability Homecare uses a process of extensive background checks, reference checks and interviews so that we feel confident that the person we have hired is a trustworthy individual. To further ensure that level of safety- we do random safety checks. We also feel it is extremely important to constantly communicate with the client and the client’s family.  As an added precaution- we have even gone so far as to offer Lifelock to some clients who require live in care.

So it’s your choice- would you rather see your loved one cared for by someone who has taken the time to get to know them and will treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve, or would you rather just have a random person show up to do the job?

Call Capability Homecare today to find out more about our homecare services 425 679-5770.

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National Nurses Week

10 May

National Nurses Week to Be Celebrated May 6-12

(Bellevue, Washington) — Every year, National Nurses Week focuses attention on the diverse ways America’s 3.1 million registered nurses work to save lives and to improve the health of millions of individuals. This year, the American Nurses Association (ANA) has selected “Nurses: Advocating, Leading, Caring ” as the theme for 2012. The ANA supports and encourages National Nurses Week recognition programs through the state and district nurses associations, other specialty nursing organizations, educational facilities, and independent health care companies and institutions.

Annually, National Nurses Week begins on May 6, marked as RN Recognition Day, and ends on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, founder of nursing as a modern profession.

In honor of National Nurses Week and RN Recognition Day, registered nurses around the country are encouraged to wear the official “RN Pin.” The pin can be purchased by calling 1-800-445-0445.

ANA, through its state and constituent member associations, advances the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting economic and general welfare, promoting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and lobbying Congress and the regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public.

Traditionally, National Nurses Week is devoted to highlighting the diverse ways in which registered nurses, who comprise the largest health care profession, are working to improve health care. From bedside nursing in hospitals and long-term care facilities to the halls of research institutions, state legislatures, and Congress, the depth and breadth of the nursing profession is meeting the expanding health care needs of American society.

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All You Need is Love

30 Apr

I was out to lunch with my children the other day- and as I sat and looked at them across the table my heart was literally filled with love.

Like bursting at the seams love.

I honestly didn’t know it was possible to love someone so wholly.

I looked at my kids and thought:

I love you more than anyone else in the world will ever love you-

I know you better than anyone else in the world will ever know you-

and I will always feel this way, no matter what.

It’s a pretty powerful love a mother has for a child. It’s also a reciprocal relationship. Despite my flaws, my children love me completely as well. In their eyes I am beautiful, smart, funny and kind.

I’m not sure why I’m writing about this love for my kids- except that in working with seniors and their families- we see this sort of love all the time. We see how even when children are adults and have families of their own- that love between a parent and child never fades.

We have a client who lives on Mercer Island. His daughter loves him so much- during our initial assessment, she ( a 50 year old woman) kept exclaiming ‘My dad deserves the best caregiver because he is the BEST dad in the whole world’. Her love for her father was bursting at the seams. She is so proud of him- and wanted to make sure we recognized what an incredible man he is.  Because of her unconditional love, she wanted the very best for him.

That is what separates Capability Homecare from the others.

We understand that love- and we take the time to get to know our clients. We treat them as if they are our parents- and we offer them the very BEST caregivers. Our standards are higher because we truly understand the importance of having the very best care for the one you love.  Nothing else will do.

If you have a family member who is in need of in home care, please call Capability Homecare today 425 679-5770.

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How It Should Be

12 Apr

As many of you know, not only do my husband and I own Capability Homecare, but we are also a client.

My 92 year old grandfather suffered two broken hips last November and has been recovering in a skilled nursing facility since then.

Because he is such a fall risk- we have hired caregivers to assist him with getting to dinner, changing into his pajamas and then helping him use the restroom and get into bed. (ADL’s)

If he wakes in the middle of the night and needs to use the restroom, he doesn’t have to wait for the staff at the skilled nursing to come help him, his caregiver is sitting right there- ready to assist at a moments notice.

We are so grateful for the amazing women that are caring for him- and feel very blessed that he is safe, happy, and well taken care of.

As such, we wrote a letter thanking one of the caregivers, Heather, for her exceptional work.

Her response is below:

‘Not a problem, that’s my job. I had one family member with dementia & Alzeheimer’s, and my aunt is in the beginning stage 3 of Alzeheimer’s. So, I have grown up observing caregiving, good & bad, and providing care to them very early in life. I treat Mr. Watson as if he was my family member with complete compassion, because not only does he deserve it- but someday I might be in his shoes, and I hope that I will be well taken care of. ‘

 

Isn’t that beautiful?

It’s exactly how it should be.

That is what makes Capability Homecare caregivers stand out- we have caregivers who treat our clients as if they are members of their family.

They provide loving, compassionate care because it’s the right thing to do.

Thank you, Heather, for making my grandfather feel loved, safe and cared for. We are so blessed and so fortunate that you are a part of his life.

If you have a loved one that needs compassionate, loving care- please consider giving us a call. 425 679-5770.

*Capability Homecare is locally owned and operated and is an industry leader in providing exceptional care.

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Spirit Centered Care

26 Mar

What is the difference between Spirit Centered Care and Body Centered Care?

The difference is HUGE.

In spirit centered care, each person is treated as an indivudual. Their wishes and wants are taken into consideration. Their personal preferences are considered. They are treated with dignity and respect.

In body centered care, a person’s needs are met- they are bathed, fed and medically treated- but the personal connection is missing.

How would you rather be treated?

Fortunately, Spirit Centered Care is within your reach.

Many seniors choose to age in place and hire care to come into their home.

At Capability Homecare it is our mission to provide kind and loving caregivers who recognize the difference between spirit centered care and body centered care. Our caregivers focus on respecting the senior and treating them with love and dignity. Building a true relationship is of the upmost importance to us.

For those seniors who want to get out of the house, Spirit Centered Care is the primary goal of Elderwise*- an adult day center located in Seattle. Elderwise focuses on enriching senior’s lives, rather than just taking care of their primary needs.

It is not a drop in program, participants attend according to their own weekly schedule-giving them the opportunity to connect with the same people each day- which in turn provides a supportive community for seniors. This idea of community is very important to Elderwise, they recognize the powerful impact this has on a senior (or anyone’s) life.

At Elderwise the day consists of meals, art, meaningful discussions and exercise classes. Their aim is to provide a gracious way of living and to build deep relationships with other seniors.

Whether you chose to age in place, or attend a day center- or do both- your primary goal should be to find a place that recognizes that you deserve to live your life to the fullest, no matter what your age or ability.

*Elderwise is a 501(c)(3) organization and is always looking for donations to support their mission. They will be holding their annual Art Auction on May 19th! Mark your calendars! To donate, or learn more- click here.

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A Letter from My Brother in Law

20 Mar

Dear Friends,

As you may know, over the past 15 years, I have been proud and fortunate to combine my passion for long distance running with a desire to help others.  In that span, I finished 17 marathons, a 100 mile run, a 50 kilometer run and a Tough Mudder to benefit blood cancer patients and wounded warriors.  The experiences have been rewarding and life changing.

Recently, my family received some difficult news that inspired me to lace up the running shoes once again.  My dad, Len, has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.  My dad always was and still remains extremely bright and insightful.  He is positive, uplifting, and determined to fight the effects of this disease.  He has helped us realize that developments in both medication and treatment can and will make a difference for him and countless others.  This disease can be fought, but not without financial support for the cutting edge research that carries patients forward.  Therefore, I’ve taken to the streets to help my dad and The Michael J. Fox Foundation overcome this challenge.

The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson’s Disease through an aggressively funded research agenda and to ensuring the development of improved therapies for those living with Parkinson’s today.  Along with the MJF Foundation, my family and I believe without fail that our goal is within reach – but we can’t get there without your support. Please join the fight today and contribute to my fundraising efforts.

I created a two part challenge – one on foot, the other through fundraising.  The event is called B.R.E.A.K. Parkinson’s Disease.  It stands for By Running Entirely Across Kansas.  Yes, you guessed it, I am intent on running entirely across the state – from the Oklahoma border to the Nebraska border.  The challenge will take place from May 30 – June 3.  I need to average 46.5 miles per day.  To assist the Foundation, I am striving to raise $30,000.  I’ve been training for several months and am confident I can complete the journey.  Motivation is easy – this event is in honor of the man who taught me my work ethic.  Please support this effort.  It is simple to visit my personal page and make a tax-deductible donation online.  However, if you would prefer, you can send your contribution to the address listed below.

To mail in a donation: Make all checks payable to: The Michael J. Fox Foundation. You must put Team Fox and my name in the Memo Field.

Mail to: The Michael J. Fox Foundation, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014

I greatly appreciate your support and will keep you posted on my progress.

Sincerely,

Steve

To make a donation online now, please visit my personal page.

 Capability Homecare supports funding for research for Parkinson’s Disease, will you join us in this fight?

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