Workforce Tools: Direct Care Worker Associations- Empowering Workers to Improve The Quality of Home and Community-Based Care

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.