In homecare, building a family-like culture is undoubtedly more challenging. Due to the nature of the work, caregivers are more isolated and have fewer opportunities to connect with owners and co-workers. This is one of the many reasons that turnover is so high in the homecare industry. A small but growing sector of cooperatively-owned homecare agencies has hit on a model that overcomes these challenges and presents a promising path for workers and retiring owners.
“As a [worker] cooperative, we do not feel the isolation that normally exists in the caregiving profession. The sense of family among our membership is tangible, practical and appreciated,” shared Kippi Waters, co-owner and administrator at Peninsula Home Care Cooperative, in Port Townsend, Washington.
Nationally, there are more than 400 worker-owned cooperative companies in operation, including 10 caregiver-owned homecare cooperatives.
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