MANKATO, Minn. – Michelle Heichel, longtime Registered Nurse and member of the Mayo Clinic Health System’s Ethics Committee, has been named as the Mentor Lead for the new Caregiver Mentor program at Freedom Home Care.
Heichel, who joined the Freedom Home Care team as a Caregiver Supervisor in 2014, has taken on this new role in order to help new caregivers build confidence and develop the necessary skills to be successful at caring for their clients. As the Mentor Lead, Heichel will train Caregiver Mentors to support other caregivers in their first 60 days of work. Amanda Voss, Client Care Coordinator for Freedom Home Care, will be serving as one of the Caregiver Mentors in the new program.
Mentors attend the new caregivers first shift with them, completes visits to the client homes during the new caregiver’s shift, and makes calls to the new caregivers to ensure they are successful in their new roles. At the end of the 60 day program, the new caregiver receives a new caregiver certificate.
“The Caregiver Mentor Program helps caregivers through those first couple months so they can reap the benefits of having a career where they are making such a huge difference in the lives of others,” said Heichel.
“Michele and I are very excited to empower and equip caregivers to feel confident in their role.” said Voss.
Freedom Home Care adopted the Caregiver Mentor Program in order to help caregivers feel a sense of belonging, especially during the first 60 days of employment. The program also boosts caregiver confidence and satisfaction as well as client satisfaction. It offers growth opportunities for caregivers, provides highly trained and accountable caregivers and creates a positive, team-centered culture.
“It’s a win-win for us,” said Owner/Administrator Chris Mihm. “Not only are we providing highly trained and professional caregivers for our clients, but we are also offering a program that helps our caregivers to feel more confident and supported in their daily roles.”
Find out more about Michelle, Amanda, and FHC careers.
About Freedom Home Care
Freedom Home Care offers customized and affordable home care and case management services because it allows us to provide independence, companionship and freedom to age in place with dignity and grace—something everyone deserves. We are passionate about providing southern Minnesota with these services to make a difference in the lives of our clients and their families. Our experienced, compassionate and dependable caregivers provide our clients with loving care and assistance to help make their lives easier and to retain their independence, while providing their families with the peace of mind that their loved ones are safe.