Direct Care Workforce

Looking for interesting on-line training opportunities? Train.org offers a number of web-based studies, webcasts and seminars. Topics include workforce development, disability, emergency management, evaluation, home care, mental health, program development. You can search by subject or course title such as Ready, Willing and Able, a seminar about assisting people with disabilities during disasters. Many on-line courses are offered at no charge.

PHI Policy Works has released an updated State chart book on wages from personal and home care aides, 1999-2008. The chart book tracks wages in all 50 states and the District of Columbia for the period 1999-2008. It shows that nationally, the median real wage (adjusted for inflation) for personal and home care aides has decreased by 3 percent over nine years, from $7.50 to $7.31.

This updated resource provides a state-by-state look at wages and wage trends for PHCAs, the second fastest growing occupation in the country, and a key job title within the direct-care workforce. Review wages over a 9-year period. Prepared as a resource guide on wages for advocates and policymakers concerned with the direct-care workforce, the data underscore the problem of low and declining real wages for PHCAs, factors which contribute to workforce.

This new website supports PHI’s training and organizational development services. PHI works with providers of eldercare and disability services across the nation to deliver quality, relationship-centered care. Find out more about the PHI approach to training and ways to build skills.

STEPS teaches employer skills to people who receive in-home services through eligible programs in Oregon. Training modules go over the preparation for and completion of the hiring process. One covers communications skills and safety considerations. There are also examples of eligibility requirements, marketing materials, and referral forms.

Three researchers use data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation to estimate the expense of a mandatory personal assistance services (PAS) benefit under Medicaid for persons with low incomes, low assets, and significant disability. They conclude that the cost would be much lower than estimated by the Congressional Budget Office. They also argue that this step would help eliminate the institutional bias of Medicaid.

PHI developed this competency-based curriculum to help participants develop core skills needed for quality work across care settings. It provides an orientation to direct-care work and introduces needed knowledge, attitudes, and skills. It also provides training in tasks related to activities of daily living. The appendices outline the course and learning outcomes and define additional skills needed to become certified nurse assistants or home health aides.

Through this interactive training, family caregivers can learn about available resources and train themselves on how to deal with common challenges. Some of the resources featured are links to agencies and senior centers, care locator tools, and descriptions of helpful programs. Trainings cover how to recognize and prevent stress, improve communications with family members and service providers, and address conflicts.

The conference took place in May 2009 in North Carolina and focused on the global advancement of the principles of self-determination. Presenters spoke on topics including Medicaid reform, self-directed budgeting, self-employment; quality, education, advocacy; and youth, among others. Included here are slides from talks as well as essays by the organizer on the purpose of public funding for services and challenges facing Medicaid.

Recognizing caregivers' needs, many federal and state lawmakers have spent the past several years introducing legislation to provide supports to caregiving families. Unfortunately, fiscal crises and other pressing social concerns have meant that few of these proposals have actually passed or been enacted. Trends in caregiver legislation introduced in 2007 and 2008 are summarized and those that have been successful are highlighted.