Reports

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.

Maine's Real Choice Systems Change Initiative has done work in four major areas: Data integration, Quality, Access and Person-Centered Services. This paper reports on the accomplishments at the conclusion of Quality Choices I. Report sections include: Background, Goals and Objectives, Project Selection, Pre-Design Planning, System Design, Challenges, Lessons Learned, Next Steps and Sustainability. The appendices offer examples of Critical Event Intake & Triage Forms plus a BEAS Event Form.

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.

This guide was prepared by Maine’s Work Group for Community-Based Living in response to the 1999 Olmstead Supreme Court decision. The work group submits this Roadmap as an interdepartmental approach for improving home and community services for people with disabilities. Section topics include: advocacy, integrated services, using data, service coordination, direct-care workers, improving quality, housing, transportation, and employment.

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.

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.

<i>A Guide for People with Disabilities, Benefits Counselors, Disability Organizations and Others On Transitioning to the Medicare Part D</i> Many organizations are developing materials to assist duel eligibles; however this guide was written specifically for people with disabilities. Written in a question and answer format, the guide includes worksheets to use when consulting physicians about pharmaceuticals and in comparing and selecting a plan.

Minnesota's Shared Master Index will allow for the efficient exchange of information. By assigning each human services client an individual identification number that is used across multiple service delivery systems, the Shared Master Index (SMI) will allow caseworkers to view and assess the range of services that individual clients and families are receiving, and allow program managers and policy-makers to improve coordination of services and client outcomes.