Homewatch CareGivers International Partners with The Eden Alternative® to Bring Person-directed Care to Caregivers Across the Country

GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo., April 23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Homewatch CareGivers International and The Eden Alternative are announcing the launch of a co-developed online version of The Eden Alternative's Certified Eden at Home Associate Training. The interactive e-learning platform aims to improve the quality of life for thousands of older adults and caregivers across the country. This customized training was specifically designed for the home care industry and will be offered exclusively to Homewatch CareGivers until the end of 2014.

Eden at Home, based on the ten-principle philosophy of The Eden Alternative, promotes person-directed care that is structured around the unique needs, strengths and desires of each elder living at home. Eden at Home also promotes collaboration and communication among all care partners, including the elder, to improve the caregiving — and care receiving — experience for all those involved.

"Even someone's home can feel like an institution," said Eden Alternative Co-Founder and geriatrician Dr. Bill Thomas. "Person-directed care changes this by putting the individual first. By focusing on the relationship before the task, we can begin to eliminate loneliness, helplessness and boredom for everyone involved in the care partnership."

This unique version of Certified Eden at Home Associate Training for Homewatch CareGivers, a premier caregiver agency with more than 225 locations, will arm employees with practical tools and meaningful care approaches to improve the quality of life of today's aging population. This means that the enriching care provided by Homewatch CareGivers will go beyond simply addressing the immediate needs of elder clients; the company's caregivers will learn strategies to support the continued growth and development of the elders in their care.

"From the time it was founded, more than 34 years ago, Homewatch CareGivers has been focused on promoting independence, dignity and choice for elders and their families," said Homewatch CareGivers International President Leann Reynolds. "Not only will this partnership offer industry-leading training and tools to our employees, it will also help family caregivers reengage with their loved ones."

The Eden Alternative Philosophy has its roots in successfully improving quality of care for nursing home residents and their families, transforming the top-down institutional care model. More recently, The Eden Alternative has expanded its reach across the full continuum of care to include the needs of those living at home. Homewatch CareGivers is the first home care company to roll out a focused company-wide strategy to bring these proven principles and practices to elders living at home.

"The Eden Alternative selected Homewatch CareGivers as a partner because we have aligned values. This partnership offers us an opportunity to improve quality of life for more families with elders receiving care at home," said Eden Alternative CEO Chris Perna. "With more than 80 percent of care services now being provided in the home, there is a growing need for support from well-trained professionals. Our partnership will help meet this need."

Certified Eden at Home Associate Training Online consists of 11 interactive webinars that teach the Eden Alternative Ten Principles. The blended-learning format will allow a greater number of professional caregivers to become Certified Eden at Home Associates, enriching the lives of elders and their families.

About Homewatch CareGivers
Founded in 1980, Homewatch CareGivers now spans more than 225 franchise locations in six countries that provide caregiver services to aging, disabled or rehabilitating individuals. The Homewatch CareGivers University educates caregivers on the specialized care needs of their clients and creates a higher quality care environment. Homewatch CareGivers also offers professionally developed programs such as Pathways to Memory™, for people living with dementia and Alzheimer's disease, and Chronic Condition Care, a service specifically tailored to the needs of those living with long-lasting ailments. For more information, please visit www.HomewatchCareGivers.com.

About The Eden Alternative
A leader in changing the culture of care for the past 20 years, The Eden Alternative is an international, nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that provides education and consultation for organizations across the entire continuum of care.  As a person-directed care philosophy, it is dedicated to creating care environments that promote quality of life for Elders and those who support them as care partners. Research has shown this leads to improved quality of care and higher rates of satisfaction for everyone involved. For more information, go to www.edenalt.org.

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Media contact:
Cristina Goizueta
Email
212-943-5858

SOURCE Homewatch CareGivers International