The need for increased home care services and why home care co-ops matter

Everyday over 10,000 Americans are retiring from the workforce.  Many of those retirees will eventually need assistance with the daily activities of life.  As our elderly population grows, who will provide the needed care?  Are Skagit and Island Counties prepared to help people age in place, in their own homes?

Homecare co-ops offer an alternative to chain or franchised homecare agencies. Homecare Co-ops, are owned by the caregivers themselves.  This means all revenue generated by the co-op stays in our community.  Homecare co-ops offer a different kind of workplace - one where caregivers work together to make business decisions and govern their co-operative.

Homecare co-ops have been successful in WA.  The oldest homecare co-op is Circle of Life in Bellingham was founded in 2009 and has over 30 employees.  In 2016, Peninsula Homecare Co-op, of Port Townsend was founded, quickly followed by  Capital Homecare Co-op, of Olympia, founded in 2017.  Our newest homecare co-op is Ridgeline Homecare Co-op based in Port Angeles which opened in January of this year and, despite the pandemic, is going strong.

The two upcoming webinars will provide participants with an overview of homecare cooperatives, how they can benefit the caregiver, client and the community and the steps to start-up.

Oct. 19, 2020, 1:00pm – 2:30pm

What’s New in Eldercare? Homecare Co-ops!

A look at how homecare co-ops benefit the caregivers, the clients and the community.

To Register:  https://wsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/99271240

Oct. 26, 2020, 1:00pm – 2:30pm

The “Start Up” Plan

Find out how two homecare co-ops in Washington State took their dream of a caregiver-owned workplace to a reality.

To Register:  https://wsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/99271241