Circle of Life Caregiver Cooperative began as an idea by Bellingham resident, Jo Ann McNerthney, who was looking for caregivers to help care for her father. It was then that the original founding members started discussing and researching the way to start a care giving cooperative in Whatcom County.
After receiving two grants from the Cooperative Development Foundation, the group was ready to start developing a business plan, writing their by-laws, drafting policies and procedures, as well as becoming insured and bonded. Two years later, in 2009, the Circle of Life Caregiver Cooperative opened for business after receiving licensing from Washington State's Department of Health.
After receiving two grants from the Cooperative Development Foundation, the group was ready to start developing a business plan, writing their by-laws, drafting policies and procedures, as well as becoming insured and bonded. Two years later, in 2009, the Circle of Life Caregiver Cooperative opened for business after receiving licensing from Washington State's Department of Health.
Services
Circle of Life Caregiver Cooperative provides in-home care to Whatcom County's seniors and disabled people. We are licensed by the State of Washington, insured and bonded. Our message to the elders in our community is: It's your life and your home. Please allow us to work with you to make things right for you.
Circle of Life Caregiver Cooperative is a worker-owned cooperative business, licensed by Washington State Dept. of Health to provide in-home personal and home care services for elders and disabled persons in Whatcom County. Because Circle of Life Caregivers are worker-owners of the business and have a stake in our success, they are highly motivated to provide the very best of care to our clients.
Jo Ann McNerthney learned about elder care up-close when her father moved from Tacoma into her Bellingham house nearly eight years ago. Her father's wife could no longer care for him because he had Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and recent back surgery. Caregivers from a local agency helped her tend to her father, but he was so feisty that they dropped him as a client.
If you would like to set up services with Circle of Life, please call us at 360-647-1537. In the preliminary phone call, we will gather information about you or your loved one needing care. We will set up an appointment at that time for an intake/assessment meeting in the home or other location if preferred.
Each employee is a member and active participant in the Circle of Life Caregiver Cooperative (COL). COL business decisions are made by a Board of Directors elected by and comprised of COL members. There is a three month trial period for membership; memberships are approved by the Board. Circle of Life caregivers have an investment in the success of our company, and for that reason are motivated to provide exceptional care to our clients.
