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There is significant concern over high turnover rates among direct care workers providing in-home care. This paper describes “research in progress” of a 3-year field study examining relationships between interventions and measures of job satisfaction and turnover. Economic and non-economic interventions were introduced to a population of nearly 700. Preliminary findings suggest that job satisfaction increases not only from workers’ participation in, but simply their awareness of interventions.

As part of the Real Choice grant activities, Maine identified the need for a survey of consumers on the Consumer Directed Physically Disabled Waiver. This report provides the results of the in-home survey that was conducted by the Muskie School. The survey results identified some areas of focus and opportunities for increased training. Based on survey results, changes were made to the emergency back up plans, training with adaptive equipment and CNA registries.

This report provides summary information on the performance of Maine’s home and community based care system. The data can be used to identify areas where the system is working and people are satisfied and also points to areas where further analysis would be helpful. The quality indicators are for the following programs: Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities, Adults with Physical Disabilities - Who Self Direct and Adults with Mental Retardation/Autism.

Looking for the facts about Fast track, presumptive and expedited eligibility? Do they mean the same thing? This handout from the ADRC Fall Meeting offers a quick overview of questions around federal laws and state implementation.

The new list of all ADRC pilot sites has been developed as a consumer contact information sheet. The matrix includes the pilot name and geographic area served in addition to the appropriate phone contact and website (if applicable) for use by consumers seeking the assistance of ADRC programs and others interested in the initiative.

In October 2005, CMS approved a Section 1115 waiver, allowing fundamental changes in their program. This fact sheet summarizes the main themes of Florida's Medicaid waiver and discusses key issues for consideration in assessing the waiver's impact. The state is looking to increase personal responsibility, market competition, and participation in private coverage.

The National Council on Disability released a new report with recommendations on improving employment opportunities for people with disabilities receiving Social Security benefits. The major reasons cited for the extreme underutilization of these work incentives by beneficiaries were lack of knowledge on work incentives and the complex and hard-to-grasp nature of the incentives for even those who were aware of them. The report further discussed ideas for policy and procedural modifications.

This annual progress report calls on the Federal Government to be more creative in program design; be more accountable in measuring the impact of civil rights compliance for people with disability; and provide greater cross-agency coordination in managing disability programs. NCD has identified several important and recurrent themes that need to be addressed including: Program Design for a New Century, Accountability and Cross-Agency Coordination.

The Ohio Department of Aging (ODA) is seeking proposals from parties interested in organizing and executing an independent evaluation of PASSPORT (Preadmission Screening System Providing Options and Resources Today), the state's home and community-based services Medicaid waiver program. The program provides in-home alternatives to nursing home care for low-income seniors. The RFP and supporting material serve as an example of the products necessary to produce during a proposal process.

A questionnaire was emailed to the primary agencies in each state that are responsible for services to people with developmental disabilities. The main purpose of the survey was to determine if states had data systems that might be purchased and or modified to address the needs of Colorado’s DDD. States were asked if they had a computerized data system and a list of the features and functions. The 15 responses are helpful in understanding technology baselines and promising practices.