Direct Care Workforce

The Formative Evaluation of the Real Choice Systems Change Grants evaluates how the Systems Change grantees are progressing towards meeting their goals. The Formative Evaluation identifies problems faced by the grantees and ways that they deal with the problems. This document provides summary information about each of the FY2002 Grantees.

This report describes Community Living Excahnge Collaborative's technical assistance needs assessment of the 52 Real Choice Systems Change grantees operating in 37 states and one territory (Guam). The report also describes the findings of the needs assessment.

HSRI conducted a study of five states that made significant changes in their licensing requirements to be more person-centered and outcome-based. The study addressed these questions: What outcomes and requirements were commonly incorporated in most states’ licensing regulations and outcomes? What types of services did the states license/certify under these regulations and outcomes? What survey methodologies did the states use? What conclusions and recommendations can be drawn from the study?

Direct-care worker associations can give individuals a means of gaining additional skills, accessing support and recognition, and networking with peers. They can also raise awareness to the value of caregiving work and help workers develop leadership skills needed to become involved in discussions about long-term care policy and workplace practices. The article provides a historical overview of associations, reviews successful models, and addresses ways to organize and sustain groups.

This teleconference was intended to address grantees concerns regarding recruiting and retaining a committed and qualified workforce for people of all ages and all different support needs.