Reports

This is a compendium of three discussion papers on the topics of direct service workers in long-term care and strategies for improving the quality of their jobs and services. The authors, each with a background that includes consultation and technical assistance on the topics, share the premises that these workers are fundamental to the future and quality of long-term care and that current and projected workforce shortages need to be addressed.

This article explores the benefits and challenges people who have disabilities experience when managing their personal care programs. It also examines how LIFE Accounts would complement social participation opportunities for persons with disabilities.

This report compares strategies of eight states engaged in strengthening consumer participation in long-term care (LTC) policy advocacy. The authors identify several tips for states to encourage consumer advocacy with the goals of increasing the efficacy and accountability of programs. This paper is part of a project funded by CMS to study ways to create a more equitable balance between Medicaid funds for LTC going to institutional services versus community-based supports.

This book and corresponding materials present a strategy for improving the health care workforce serving older adults via expanded education and training, models of care, and public/private programs. The committee proposes a three-prong approach: 1)Enhance the geriatric competence of the entire workforce; 2)Increase the recruitment and retention of geriatric specialists and caregivers; 3)Improve the way care is delivered. The book is available free online or for sale in PDF or hard copy format.

This report provides recommendations for persons with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) to acquire and maintain employment in Oregon. Currently, the common program for people with TBI/ABI nationally is Vocational Rehabilitation. However, this report suggests expanding services by using a supported employment model with an interdisciplinary team. Major characteristics of this model include paid employment, integrated worksites and ongoing support.

The process for providing persons with disabilities the information, advocacy and counseling necessary for them to best use public benefits and available work incentives to achieve their goals is referred to as benefits incentives planning. Find presentations on benefits planning system development and on encouraging collaboration of agencies to build a statewide, all-participant inclusive benefits planning system in Oregon. Also included is a colorful game board that introduces the concept.

This report outlines an integrated strategy to update the country’s long-term care services infrastructure in preparation for the aging of the population over the next thirty years. Recommendations are focused on the areas of quality, workforce, technology, and financing.

This is the third in a series of reports examining various state systems and processes directed to older adults to realize the goals of the Real Choice Systems Change grants. This report analyzes the results of twenty-four focus groups consisting of 240 participants representing older adults, caregivers to older adults, and HCBS providers. In general, the results indicate Illinois has a plethora of programs and services targeting older adults, but there are disparities between communities.

For states that receive federal funding, the Olmstead decision confirmed the obligation to serve individuals with disabilities in more integrated settings rather than provide supports and services in institutional settings. As states move forward with strategies to support community living for individuals with disabilities and promote the principles of person-centered planning, these tools and strategies provide complimentary opportunities to accelerate the achievement of inclusive outcomes.

In late 2007, the Center for State Health Policy surveyed 23 states that operate Medicaid waivers targeted to individuals with brain injuries. Data was obtained about the cost and number of individuals served by these waivers for the waiver years 2002 through 2006. Three states began waivers for those with brain injuries in 2002 or later, and 3 other states discontinued waivers in 2006. Every state except Arizona has multiple Medicaid 1915(c) home and community-based services (HCBS) waivers.