SweetTree Home Care Services is a Business Reporter client
At some point in our lives, many of us will find ourselves in need of arranging care, whether professionally or personally. Embarking on the care-seeking journey can be a complex process for both families and professionals. And, because the path is full of choice and uncertainty, there is a risk of making decisions that are not suitable for those who need support. Quality care is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but it is certainly worth delving into the different factors that make it possible.
SweetTree Home Care Services is an established, multi-award-winning home care agency offering a unique approach to the delivery of home care services. Achieving two Outstanding ratings following its latest inspections by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) – a remarkable achievement that less than 1 per cent of care businesses can claim – SweetTree has its success deeply rooted in the quality of care it provides.
The inspiration behind the idea
The company’s creation stems from a personal story that continues to influence its mission more than 20 years later. SweetTree founder Barry Sweetbaum found inspiration for what caregiving should be in Margie, the caregiver who supported his mother during the final stages of her illness. Rather than limiting her role to maintenance care (like washing, feeding, and helping with medications), Margie took the time to understand Barry’s mother’s specific needs and desires so they could come up with a plan together.
Margie changed her life, but also the lives of those around her. “Margie didn’t change the outcome; nothing could change that,” Barry said. “But she did fundamentally change my mother’s experience throughout the rest of her life, and that’s what matters.”
From that moment on, the mission was clear: to recreate that same quality of life for all clients, no matter what their needs. And to do that, the key steps are to understand the client’s individual needs, select the right caregivers, invest in their training, and forge that unique bond of trust that will shape the plan for the new life that awaits them.
A touch of creativity is also essential in creating this plan. Support workers, care managers and coordinators must solve complex problems on a daily basis and constantly adapt to unprecedented circumstances, and it is often innovative thinking that works best.
Ultimately, when it comes to organizing care, the decision comes down to both quality and trust. Neither of these two things can be achieved without some positive risk-taking, driven by passion and empathy from and for all the people involved. By placing equal importance on the personal development of its staff and the relationship with clients and their loved ones, SweetTree has done more than just provide care – it has redefined standards of care and become the perfect example of what it means to be exceptional.
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