Public can now access ratings for the 15,800 nursing homes in the United States that participate in Medicare or Medicaid. Click here to read the full story on PHI's blog.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Casey Bill Designed to Improve the Lives of Older Citizens and Direct Care Workers
This information was provided to us by Ari Mittleman, Regional Field Representative of Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr. It is provided to you for informational purposes only. The Lehigh Valley Direct Care Workers Association, Lehigh Valley Alliance on Aging and United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley does not endorse any candidate or specific piece of legislation.
WASHINGTON, DC- U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), a member of the Senate Aging Committee, introduced the Promoting Small House Nursing Homes Act (S.3732) to improve and increase person-centered long-term residential care and coordinated health care for older Americans. Senator Casey’s statement on the bill is attached.
“This is a bill I expect will play a significant role in the way we care for our older citizens in this country,” said Senator Casey. “I also hope and expect this bill to make an important contribution to the framing and substance of the landmark health care reform we anticipate in the coming year. The bill provides a dramatically different approach to long term residential care for older citizens than is offered by the traditional nursing home model.”
In July, Senator Casey chaired an Aging Committee hearing on the small house nursing home model.
The Promoting Small House Nursing Homes Act would foster significant culture change in long term care for older citizens by providing favorable loan funding for entities that provide person-centered care within a “small house” nursing facility framework. Specifically, it would:
Create a low-interest loan fund for building new or renovating existing long term care facilities that follow articulated small house nursing home model guidelines;
Establish clear and specific program requirements and guidelines that build upon existing programs that have successfully implemented substantial culture change and person-centered care;
Create a home-like and non-institutional model of care for long term care residential facilities that is based upon the principles of: collaborative decision-making; respect; and significantly improved quality of life for residents and staff alike.
###
Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Promoting Small House Nursing Homes Act. This is a bill I expect will play a significant role in the way we care for our older citizens in this country. I also hope and expect this bill to make an important contribution to the framing and substance of the landmark health care reform we anticipate in the coming year. Moreover, because our current economic problems are interwoven with out-of-control health care costs, this bill will contribute to a revitalization of our economy and the creation of new jobs. Finally, it will establish solid criteria for long term residential care that will not only improve the quality of life of older citizens, but save money through cost-effective, comprehensive and coordinated long term and health care.
This bill provides a dramatically different approach to long term residential care for older citizens than is offered by the traditional nursing home model.
The Promoting Small House Nursing Home Act incorporates the principles of person-centered care as a cornerstone of all aspects of long term residential care. What do we mean by person-centered care? The philosophy is simple: Our older citizens deserve to live lives of dignity and respect through all stages of life. About 10 years ago, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported, “Life can have quality and meaning even until the very last breath.” Our older citizens have a profound right to be decision-makers in their own care – to be at the center of their own care, with a partnership of family and providers. And our older citizens are critically important to the overall health and well being of our society. I quote a well known expert in person-centered care, Dr. Bill Thomas, who says, “People of all ages will live better lives when we succeed in bringing elders back to the heart of our society.”
My bill translates this profound philosophy into a specific policy prescription by doing the following:
Creating a low-interest loan fund for building new or renovating existing long term care facilities that follow articulated small house nursing home model guidelines;
Establishing clear and specific program requirements and guidelines that build upon existing programs that have successfully implemented substantial culture change and person-centered care;
Creating a home-like and non-institutional model of care for long term care residential facilities that is based upon the principles of: collaborative decision-making; respect; and significantly improved quality of life for residents and staff alike.
We currently have an estimated 38 million Americans over the age of 65, and that number is expected to double within the next twenty years. In the midst of this, health care costs are rising exponentially, the quality of outcomes is not consistent, and older citizens are often abandoned to navigate a confusing and complex health care system. Older citizens also report extremely low levels of satisfaction with life in nursing homes. This $122 billion industry includes 16,000 nursing homes and significant concerns persist about maltreatment and neglect of our older citizens in 20% of these homes. As I know from my work in state government, most nursing homes provide quality care but that 20% is what we hear most about. However, a recent survey by the AARP found that fewer than 1% of individuals over 50 with a disability want to move to a nursing home. There has to be a better way, and in fact there is.
Person-centered care provides that better way. It is a straightforward concept and yet it has taken years of hard work to get concrete initiatives underway. We have a long way to go and much to learn. But in order to succeed, we must pass legislation like the bill I have introduced today.
Traditional nursing facilities require residents’ lives to revolve around institutional schedules for waking, bathing and dressing. Traditional facilities far too often identify residents by their health conditions, vulnerabilities and room numbers rather than their unique strengths and gifts. Staff members are attracted to the field of direct care service because they want to help older citizens but they are just as ill-served by this institutionalized culture as are the residents. Workers are minimally trained, over-worked and carry patient loads that make it impossible to engage in any personal time with residents – in fact, such relationships are often discouraged. They have little or no say in decision-making, relegated – like the residents – to the fringes of a system that places the needs of the institution over those of the human beings in it.
In July of this year, I chaired a hearing for the Aging Committee that examined this small house nursing home model. One of our witnesses was a nursing assistant who previously worked for a traditional nursing home and now works in a small house nursing home in Pennsylvania. She recounted the difference, saying, ”Looking back on it, now, I realize that while we offered our residents excellent nursing care, that did not always translate into a high quality of life.” She described handling a wider range of duties now, yet having more time to spend with individual residents and really getting to know – and even love - them because the staffing is consistent and the turnover is almost non-existent. Another witness at our July hearing was the daughter of a woman who moved from a traditional nursing home to a small house nursing home. She summed up the dramatic change in her mother with this simple phrase, “Suddenly, life mattered again.”
Mr. President, it should be a given that “life matters” for every person. While every citizen has this fundamental right, our older citizens who have worked hard their whole lives truly deserve to enjoy their later years in homes that offer them comfort, respect and autonomy. I strongly believe the Promoting Small House Nursing Homes Act will make this possible and I urge my Senate colleagues to join me in supporting this effort in its own right as well as the significant role it can play in the larger issues of comprehensive health care reform and revitalizing our economy. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of my bill, S. 3732, the Promoting Small House Nursing Homes Act, appear in the record with this statement and I yield the floor.
WASHINGTON, DC- U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), a member of the Senate Aging Committee, introduced the Promoting Small House Nursing Homes Act (S.3732) to improve and increase person-centered long-term residential care and coordinated health care for older Americans. Senator Casey’s statement on the bill is attached.
“This is a bill I expect will play a significant role in the way we care for our older citizens in this country,” said Senator Casey. “I also hope and expect this bill to make an important contribution to the framing and substance of the landmark health care reform we anticipate in the coming year. The bill provides a dramatically different approach to long term residential care for older citizens than is offered by the traditional nursing home model.”
In July, Senator Casey chaired an Aging Committee hearing on the small house nursing home model.
The Promoting Small House Nursing Homes Act would foster significant culture change in long term care for older citizens by providing favorable loan funding for entities that provide person-centered care within a “small house” nursing facility framework. Specifically, it would:
Create a low-interest loan fund for building new or renovating existing long term care facilities that follow articulated small house nursing home model guidelines;
Establish clear and specific program requirements and guidelines that build upon existing programs that have successfully implemented substantial culture change and person-centered care;
Create a home-like and non-institutional model of care for long term care residential facilities that is based upon the principles of: collaborative decision-making; respect; and significantly improved quality of life for residents and staff alike.
###
Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Promoting Small House Nursing Homes Act. This is a bill I expect will play a significant role in the way we care for our older citizens in this country. I also hope and expect this bill to make an important contribution to the framing and substance of the landmark health care reform we anticipate in the coming year. Moreover, because our current economic problems are interwoven with out-of-control health care costs, this bill will contribute to a revitalization of our economy and the creation of new jobs. Finally, it will establish solid criteria for long term residential care that will not only improve the quality of life of older citizens, but save money through cost-effective, comprehensive and coordinated long term and health care.
This bill provides a dramatically different approach to long term residential care for older citizens than is offered by the traditional nursing home model.
The Promoting Small House Nursing Home Act incorporates the principles of person-centered care as a cornerstone of all aspects of long term residential care. What do we mean by person-centered care? The philosophy is simple: Our older citizens deserve to live lives of dignity and respect through all stages of life. About 10 years ago, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported, “Life can have quality and meaning even until the very last breath.” Our older citizens have a profound right to be decision-makers in their own care – to be at the center of their own care, with a partnership of family and providers. And our older citizens are critically important to the overall health and well being of our society. I quote a well known expert in person-centered care, Dr. Bill Thomas, who says, “People of all ages will live better lives when we succeed in bringing elders back to the heart of our society.”
My bill translates this profound philosophy into a specific policy prescription by doing the following:
Creating a low-interest loan fund for building new or renovating existing long term care facilities that follow articulated small house nursing home model guidelines;
Establishing clear and specific program requirements and guidelines that build upon existing programs that have successfully implemented substantial culture change and person-centered care;
Creating a home-like and non-institutional model of care for long term care residential facilities that is based upon the principles of: collaborative decision-making; respect; and significantly improved quality of life for residents and staff alike.
We currently have an estimated 38 million Americans over the age of 65, and that number is expected to double within the next twenty years. In the midst of this, health care costs are rising exponentially, the quality of outcomes is not consistent, and older citizens are often abandoned to navigate a confusing and complex health care system. Older citizens also report extremely low levels of satisfaction with life in nursing homes. This $122 billion industry includes 16,000 nursing homes and significant concerns persist about maltreatment and neglect of our older citizens in 20% of these homes. As I know from my work in state government, most nursing homes provide quality care but that 20% is what we hear most about. However, a recent survey by the AARP found that fewer than 1% of individuals over 50 with a disability want to move to a nursing home. There has to be a better way, and in fact there is.
Person-centered care provides that better way. It is a straightforward concept and yet it has taken years of hard work to get concrete initiatives underway. We have a long way to go and much to learn. But in order to succeed, we must pass legislation like the bill I have introduced today.
Traditional nursing facilities require residents’ lives to revolve around institutional schedules for waking, bathing and dressing. Traditional facilities far too often identify residents by their health conditions, vulnerabilities and room numbers rather than their unique strengths and gifts. Staff members are attracted to the field of direct care service because they want to help older citizens but they are just as ill-served by this institutionalized culture as are the residents. Workers are minimally trained, over-worked and carry patient loads that make it impossible to engage in any personal time with residents – in fact, such relationships are often discouraged. They have little or no say in decision-making, relegated – like the residents – to the fringes of a system that places the needs of the institution over those of the human beings in it.
In July of this year, I chaired a hearing for the Aging Committee that examined this small house nursing home model. One of our witnesses was a nursing assistant who previously worked for a traditional nursing home and now works in a small house nursing home in Pennsylvania. She recounted the difference, saying, ”Looking back on it, now, I realize that while we offered our residents excellent nursing care, that did not always translate into a high quality of life.” She described handling a wider range of duties now, yet having more time to spend with individual residents and really getting to know – and even love - them because the staffing is consistent and the turnover is almost non-existent. Another witness at our July hearing was the daughter of a woman who moved from a traditional nursing home to a small house nursing home. She summed up the dramatic change in her mother with this simple phrase, “Suddenly, life mattered again.”
Mr. President, it should be a given that “life matters” for every person. While every citizen has this fundamental right, our older citizens who have worked hard their whole lives truly deserve to enjoy their later years in homes that offer them comfort, respect and autonomy. I strongly believe the Promoting Small House Nursing Homes Act will make this possible and I urge my Senate colleagues to join me in supporting this effort in its own right as well as the significant role it can play in the larger issues of comprehensive health care reform and revitalizing our economy. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of my bill, S. 3732, the Promoting Small House Nursing Homes Act, appear in the record with this statement and I yield the floor.
Monday, December 15, 2008
100 POSTS and Giving Legislators What They Want!
Wow. This post is our 100th entry! I hope that we will continue to bring you the latest information, tips and strategies, stories that touch your heart and many more posts in the years to come!
Here is just one more wonderful story from the Direct Care Alliance, Inc.'s blog (the national Direct Care Workers Association!) It was written by Brenda Nachtway. If you attended our conferences last year, you may remember her. She runs the PA State Direct Care Workers Association.
Here is just one more wonderful story from the Direct Care Alliance, Inc.'s blog (the national Direct Care Workers Association!) It was written by Brenda Nachtway. If you attended our conferences last year, you may remember her. She runs the PA State Direct Care Workers Association.
(Brenda and Casey)
Last month, I drove to Washington, D.C., to talk to legislators and their staff about what direct care workers want.
It wasn’t the first time I’ve gotten up close and personal with politicians. In 2007, I organized a direct care worker forum for U.S. Senator Robert Casey. Senator Casey came to the hospital where I work (I’m a hospice aide). He spoke to the direct care workers who showed up to see him, but I think what he liked best was the chance he got to listen and learn. He really seemed interested what the workers had to say in the Q and A after his speech, and he asked me a lot of questions about my job and what could help me do it better.
So it wasn’t exactly news to me to learn, last month, that legislators want to hear from direct care workers. But hearing it so many times – it must have been repeated at least five times during that two-day visit – really drove home the message.
I went to the Capitol with Direct Care Alliance Executive Director Leonila Vega and DCA National Policy Advocate Roy Gedat. They set up the meetings and did most of the talking, since this was mostly a learning experience for me.
The main thing I learned was: When you talk to a legislator, be yourself – but be prepared.
We talked to legislative staff from several states, including Ann Montgomery of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, who was very interested in hearing about the DCA. We also met with a representative of a women’s group.
We also visited Senator Casey. His aide, Morna Murray, told me: “I want you to know, Brenda, that the senator, when he hears your name, can’t stop talking about the day he spend walking in your shoes and how over 100 workers came to hear him from all over the commonwealth. It was really an eye-opening day.” That was pretty thrilling.
Everyone we met with said: “We want to get to know direct care workers. We want to know what their issues are. The only way we’re going to hit this nail in the head when we try to address these issues in our legislation is if we hear from direct-care workers.”
When I came home, I thought about that and called two of my local representatives. I’ll be meeting with U.S. Senator Arlen Specter this Tuesday at the capitol in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The following week, I’ll be meeting with Congressman Chris Carney’s staff member. When they heard that I was a direct care worker, they said, “We’re so excited about meeting somebody who’s actually doing the job."
But I can’t do this alone – and I don’t want to. There are so many congressmen and local legislators throughout the Commonwealth alone, not to mention in the rest of the country. If you’re a direct care worker who wants to improve your job, you need to go out and talk to your local representatives, your congressmen and senators and their staff.
Your local representatives probably don’t have much of a staff, but when you’re trying to reach a U.S. Senator it’s best to start with their staff. They’re the ones who do most of the research and work. They’re a lot easier to reach, too.
Once you get your meeting, tell them a little about yourself. If you’re part of an association that advocates for direct care workers, tell them a little about your group. Then talk about what you see and experience on the job every day. Tell them what would help you deliver better care.
If there’s a bill pending in your state that would help direct care workers, know the name of it and what it’s about so you can urge your representative to support it. And leave something behind that explains who direct care workers are and what we need. On our trip to DC last month, we left behind a handout about the DCA. I also brought evaluation forms from the Pennsylvania Direct Care Workers Association, since they had answers to a question we asked about what issues the association should address. The workers listed all the usual issues: better wages, staffing ratios, health insurance, training, respect for the job we do, being able to move up in position, teaching supervisors how to empower direct care workers.
If you want some help in setting up a meeting with a legislator, or if you just want some moral support, get in touch. I’d love to talk to you about it.
Brenda Nachtway
Direct Care Worker Specialist, Direct Care Alliance
brendanachtway@gmail.com
It wasn’t the first time I’ve gotten up close and personal with politicians. In 2007, I organized a direct care worker forum for U.S. Senator Robert Casey. Senator Casey came to the hospital where I work (I’m a hospice aide). He spoke to the direct care workers who showed up to see him, but I think what he liked best was the chance he got to listen and learn. He really seemed interested what the workers had to say in the Q and A after his speech, and he asked me a lot of questions about my job and what could help me do it better.
So it wasn’t exactly news to me to learn, last month, that legislators want to hear from direct care workers. But hearing it so many times – it must have been repeated at least five times during that two-day visit – really drove home the message.
I went to the Capitol with Direct Care Alliance Executive Director Leonila Vega and DCA National Policy Advocate Roy Gedat. They set up the meetings and did most of the talking, since this was mostly a learning experience for me.
The main thing I learned was: When you talk to a legislator, be yourself – but be prepared.
We talked to legislative staff from several states, including Ann Montgomery of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, who was very interested in hearing about the DCA. We also met with a representative of a women’s group.
We also visited Senator Casey. His aide, Morna Murray, told me: “I want you to know, Brenda, that the senator, when he hears your name, can’t stop talking about the day he spend walking in your shoes and how over 100 workers came to hear him from all over the commonwealth. It was really an eye-opening day.” That was pretty thrilling.
Everyone we met with said: “We want to get to know direct care workers. We want to know what their issues are. The only way we’re going to hit this nail in the head when we try to address these issues in our legislation is if we hear from direct-care workers.”
When I came home, I thought about that and called two of my local representatives. I’ll be meeting with U.S. Senator Arlen Specter this Tuesday at the capitol in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The following week, I’ll be meeting with Congressman Chris Carney’s staff member. When they heard that I was a direct care worker, they said, “We’re so excited about meeting somebody who’s actually doing the job."
But I can’t do this alone – and I don’t want to. There are so many congressmen and local legislators throughout the Commonwealth alone, not to mention in the rest of the country. If you’re a direct care worker who wants to improve your job, you need to go out and talk to your local representatives, your congressmen and senators and their staff.
Your local representatives probably don’t have much of a staff, but when you’re trying to reach a U.S. Senator it’s best to start with their staff. They’re the ones who do most of the research and work. They’re a lot easier to reach, too.
Once you get your meeting, tell them a little about yourself. If you’re part of an association that advocates for direct care workers, tell them a little about your group. Then talk about what you see and experience on the job every day. Tell them what would help you deliver better care.
If there’s a bill pending in your state that would help direct care workers, know the name of it and what it’s about so you can urge your representative to support it. And leave something behind that explains who direct care workers are and what we need. On our trip to DC last month, we left behind a handout about the DCA. I also brought evaluation forms from the Pennsylvania Direct Care Workers Association, since they had answers to a question we asked about what issues the association should address. The workers listed all the usual issues: better wages, staffing ratios, health insurance, training, respect for the job we do, being able to move up in position, teaching supervisors how to empower direct care workers.
If you want some help in setting up a meeting with a legislator, or if you just want some moral support, get in touch. I’d love to talk to you about it.
Brenda Nachtway
Direct Care Worker Specialist, Direct Care Alliance
brendanachtway@gmail.com
Friday, December 12, 2008
Doing Heartwork -- The Story of Terrell Cannon
They call it “heartwork,” because “if you don’t do it from the heart, it makes it hard to do,” Terrell Cannon recently told a Philadelphia Inquirer columnist about the job of a direct-care worker.
Cannon was featured in a recent column called “While helping others, investing in themselves,” which examines the work of Home Care Associates, an employee-owned cooperative and affiliate of PHI located in Philadelphia.
Cannon worked her way up to director of training after a welfare caseworker referred her to HCA in 1993, when, as metro columnist Annette John-Hall writes, Cannon was “pregnant, unemployed, and angry.”
In the following clip from HeartWork, an original theater piece performed by women who work as home health aides and certified nurse aides, Cannon performs a dramatic monologue recounting her journey from a troubled youth to a rewarding career in home health care
Many thanks to PHI for this inspiring story. Read the full article here.
Cannon was featured in a recent column called “While helping others, investing in themselves,” which examines the work of Home Care Associates, an employee-owned cooperative and affiliate of PHI located in Philadelphia.
Cannon worked her way up to director of training after a welfare caseworker referred her to HCA in 1993, when, as metro columnist Annette John-Hall writes, Cannon was “pregnant, unemployed, and angry.”
In the following clip from HeartWork, an original theater piece performed by women who work as home health aides and certified nurse aides, Cannon performs a dramatic monologue recounting her journey from a troubled youth to a rewarding career in home health care
Many thanks to PHI for this inspiring story. Read the full article here.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
The Health Care Delivery System: A Blueprint for Reform
The Health Care Delivery System: A Blueprint for Reform, published last month by the Center for American Progress and the Institute on Medicine as a Profession, identifies key characteristics of a high-performing health system.
Specifically, the 124-page book lays out a vision for restructuring the organization, quality, and financing of the health care system, proposing policies for the next administration and Congress to enact over the next five years.
Click here to read PHI's full report on the story.
Specifically, the 124-page book lays out a vision for restructuring the organization, quality, and financing of the health care system, proposing policies for the next administration and Congress to enact over the next five years.
Click here to read PHI's full report on the story.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
PA Direct Care Workers Quarterly Meeting
Pennsylvania Direct Care Workers Quarterly Meeting
New meeting place- across from Radisson!
Pa. Home Care Association
20 Erford Rd
Lemoyne, Pa. 17043 1-800-382-1211
New meeting place- across from Radisson!
Pa. Home Care Association
20 Erford Rd
Lemoyne, Pa. 17043 1-800-382-1211
JANUARY 8th, 2009
AGENDA
9a.m.-10:30 a.m.- Editorial and Conference Meeting (please note new time)
11:30a.m.- prepare our lunch (bring something to share, contact Brenda with what you will bring) a little social time for ourselves!
12p.m.-working lunch
12:15 p.m.- check in by all – Brenda
12:30 p.m.- Agenda review and review of 09 meeting dates-Pat
12:45 p.m. – Reports on Capitol visits- Connie and Tonya
1:00 p.m. – Joe Angelelli- “Opportunity for Adult Learner-Centered Training Skill Development.”
1:30 p.m.- Conference planning updates and regional reports
2:00 p.m.- Webinar with DCA
3:15 p.m.- Conference committee leave for Country Club of Harrisburg to check out site for 09 conference-DIRECT CARE WORKER’S!!!! Spring into action for a Better Tomorrow…
Any questions please feel free to contact Brenda Nachtway at 570-412-1446
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
JOIN US TODAY!
We are currently preparing to print 2009 Membership Cards for the Lehigh Valley Direct Care Workers Association. Consider joining today to receive these benefits:
· Access to our free monthly meetings (with cookies and coffee!)
· Access to this blog!
· Ability to participate in local trainings to learn new skills that can help you provide better care to your clients and gain promotions in your workplace.
· Ability to ask your questions to a seasoned direct care worker and have your questions answered
· Voice your opinions on a local, state and national level about issues facing direct care workers
· Meet and share ideas with other direct care workers from various facilities and organizations.
· Membership looks great on a resume!
· Discuss helpful ways to communicate skills, resolve conflicts and work as a team.
· Stay current on the latest public policy issues
There is absolutely no fee to join the Lehigh Valley Chapter (and it looks great on a resume).
To join, simply email Cori Rolón at corir@unitedwayglv.org with the following information:- Your name- Your employer- Your home or work address- Your phone number- Your email address
It is that simple!
· Access to our free monthly meetings (with cookies and coffee!)
· Access to this blog!
· Ability to participate in local trainings to learn new skills that can help you provide better care to your clients and gain promotions in your workplace.
· Ability to ask your questions to a seasoned direct care worker and have your questions answered
· Voice your opinions on a local, state and national level about issues facing direct care workers
· Meet and share ideas with other direct care workers from various facilities and organizations.
· Membership looks great on a resume!
· Discuss helpful ways to communicate skills, resolve conflicts and work as a team.
· Stay current on the latest public policy issues
There is absolutely no fee to join the Lehigh Valley Chapter (and it looks great on a resume).
To join, simply email Cori Rolón at corir@unitedwayglv.org with the following information:- Your name- Your employer- Your home or work address- Your phone number- Your email address
It is that simple!
Monday, December 8, 2008
Growing Your Staff
Are you having trouble recruiting and maintaining adequate staff? Click here to check out an article from PHI!
This article reports on several nursing homes' efforts to address the nursing and direct-care workforce shortages. The report discusses common causes of turnover and outlines initiatives that facilities have employed to address it. Programs include creating an in-house school of nursing, developing lines of communication between staff and management, increasing staff to patient ratios, providing career ladders for certified nursing assistants and licensed vocational nurses, making changes to the workplace culture, and addressing low wages.
This article reports on several nursing homes' efforts to address the nursing and direct-care workforce shortages. The report discusses common causes of turnover and outlines initiatives that facilities have employed to address it. Programs include creating an in-house school of nursing, developing lines of communication between staff and management, increasing staff to patient ratios, providing career ladders for certified nursing assistants and licensed vocational nurses, making changes to the workplace culture, and addressing low wages.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Arden Courts Holiday Networking Mixer
JOIN THE FOLKS AT ARDEN COURTS FOR SOME HOLIDAY FUN!! NEXT WEDNESDAY!
Lehigh Valley Aging In Place Coalition Holiday Networking Mixer
Arden Courts Alzheimer’s Assisted Living
5151 Hamilton Blvd.
Allentown, Pa 18106
Bring a Friend or two or twenty to share what Lehigh Valley Aging in Place Coalition has to offer.
PLEASE RSVP TO:
Karen Francis @ 610-366-9010 or email 366mktg@hcr-manorcaqre.com
SEE YOU THERE!!!
Lehigh Valley Aging In Place Coalition Holiday Networking Mixer
Arden Courts Alzheimer’s Assisted Living
5151 Hamilton Blvd.
Allentown, Pa 18106
Bring a Friend or two or twenty to share what Lehigh Valley Aging in Place Coalition has to offer.
PLEASE RSVP TO:
Karen Francis @ 610-366-9010 or email 366mktg@hcr-manorcaqre.com
SEE YOU THERE!!!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Struggling Seniors
CALL FOR STORIES: Elders Struggling to Make Ends Meet
Do you work with seniors who are having trouble making ends meet?
Do you know of elders who are skipping meals or splitting medications to conserve them?
Do you come in contact with adult children struggling financially because of their care giving responsibilities to an aging parent?
If so, please help Wider Opportunities for Women (WOW) collect their stories. These stories will be featured on the WOW website along with other seniors, baby boomers and family caregivers who are struggling to get by. These profiles will help support efforts to raise awareness and promote policy and program change to assure the economic well-being of elders and their families. Help WOW educate policy makers and the media about how difficult it is for seniors in our communities to afford nutritious food, prescription medications and utilities in today’s economy!
Contact Stacy Sanders at ssanders@wowonline.org or (202) 464-1596 to find out more.
THANK YOU!
Do you work with seniors who are having trouble making ends meet?
Do you know of elders who are skipping meals or splitting medications to conserve them?
Do you come in contact with adult children struggling financially because of their care giving responsibilities to an aging parent?
If so, please help Wider Opportunities for Women (WOW) collect their stories. These stories will be featured on the WOW website along with other seniors, baby boomers and family caregivers who are struggling to get by. These profiles will help support efforts to raise awareness and promote policy and program change to assure the economic well-being of elders and their families. Help WOW educate policy makers and the media about how difficult it is for seniors in our communities to afford nutritious food, prescription medications and utilities in today’s economy!
Contact Stacy Sanders at ssanders@wowonline.org or (202) 464-1596 to find out more.
THANK YOU!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Focus on Energy
State Senator Pat Browne
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
PPL Corporation
Safe Kids Coalition
Present
“Focus on Energy”
FREE Lunch & Learn Session
Thursday December 4, 2008
11:00am—2:00pm
The Caring Place
931 Hamilton Street ~ Allentown
· Learn ways to save and conserve on your energy bills.
· Information on customer assistance programs to help you pay your home
heating bills.
· Enrollment information for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
· Important fire prevention and safety tips.
For more information and to reserve your seat, call
Senator Browne’s Allentown office
(610) 821-8468.
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
PPL Corporation
Safe Kids Coalition
Present
“Focus on Energy”
FREE Lunch & Learn Session
Thursday December 4, 2008
11:00am—2:00pm
The Caring Place
931 Hamilton Street ~ Allentown
· Learn ways to save and conserve on your energy bills.
· Information on customer assistance programs to help you pay your home
heating bills.
· Enrollment information for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
· Important fire prevention and safety tips.
For more information and to reserve your seat, call
Senator Browne’s Allentown office
(610) 821-8468.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
PHI Releases Adult Learner-Center Training Guide
Turnover among direct-care workers, especially those who are new on the job, is an ongoing issue for long-term care employers. Many factors contribute to the problem, but one workers themselves often cite, is inadequate preparation for the job.
Recognizing that traditional training programs are often not effective, PHI, over the last two decades, has developed a different approach to preparing workers. Drawing on the principles of adult learning, PHI trainings engage learners more actively through small group work, role plays, and other interactive techniques.
These learner-centered trainings are more successful than traditional approaches in developing workers communication, problem solving and work readiness skills, giving workers the tools they need to develop positive caregiving relationships.
Click here to read full article and download the training guide.
Recognizing that traditional training programs are often not effective, PHI, over the last two decades, has developed a different approach to preparing workers. Drawing on the principles of adult learning, PHI trainings engage learners more actively through small group work, role plays, and other interactive techniques.
These learner-centered trainings are more successful than traditional approaches in developing workers communication, problem solving and work readiness skills, giving workers the tools they need to develop positive caregiving relationships.
Click here to read full article and download the training guide.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Lehigh Valley Alliance on Aging
Many members of the Lehigh Valley Direct Care Workers Association may wonder about the Lehigh Valley Alliance on Aging (LVAA) and how they fit into the association.
Here is a brief overview.
The United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV) created the Lehigh Valley Alliance on Aging (LVAA/the Alliance) in May 2001. LVAA’s vision is the Lehigh Valley will be a community where older adults can remain in their homes and continue to live full lives with as much choice as possible. The mission is to advance strategies ensuring longterm care and supportive service systems meet the existing and emerging needs of all older adults. The Alliance is a community building partnership of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.
Governance of the Alliance rests in a 22-person steering committee staffed by the United Way, which also acts as fiduciary agent. The LVAA maintains a current membership of more than 140, with an outstanding attendance and participation rate of 87% on all planning levels. Beyond the steering committee, remaining Alliance members participate on one or more of the five priority focus committees: Communications, Housing Options, Workforce Development, Mobility Options, and Intergenerational Opportunity. Consumers are equally represented on all planning
levels.
The Workforce Development committee of United Way created the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the Direct Care Workers Association to help with the retention and recruitment of Direct Care Workers in the Lehigh Valley. The Alliance staff work together to implement strategies developed by the members of the Association.
Besides Cori, the manager that works most closely with the Association, there are two other staff members: Arlene and Sue:
Here is a brief overview.
The United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV) created the Lehigh Valley Alliance on Aging (LVAA/the Alliance) in May 2001. LVAA’s vision is the Lehigh Valley will be a community where older adults can remain in their homes and continue to live full lives with as much choice as possible. The mission is to advance strategies ensuring longterm care and supportive service systems meet the existing and emerging needs of all older adults. The Alliance is a community building partnership of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.
Governance of the Alliance rests in a 22-person steering committee staffed by the United Way, which also acts as fiduciary agent. The LVAA maintains a current membership of more than 140, with an outstanding attendance and participation rate of 87% on all planning levels. Beyond the steering committee, remaining Alliance members participate on one or more of the five priority focus committees: Communications, Housing Options, Workforce Development, Mobility Options, and Intergenerational Opportunity. Consumers are equally represented on all planning
levels.
The Workforce Development committee of United Way created the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the Direct Care Workers Association to help with the retention and recruitment of Direct Care Workers in the Lehigh Valley. The Alliance staff work together to implement strategies developed by the members of the Association.
Besides Cori, the manager that works most closely with the Association, there are two other staff members: Arlene and Sue:
Friday, November 21, 2008
PHI Launches the 9 Essential Elements of Quality Care
PHI recently announced the nine essential elements of quality care:
Individualized
1. Directed by informed choices made by the consumer (or, where appropriate, by family members or other designated representatives);
2. Offered at the time and place most preferable to the consumer, in a manner that is safe and unhurried; and
3. Provided in a way that honors the consumer’s individuality and preferences.
Respectful
4. Acknowledging the consumer’s right to dignity and privacy, both physical and emotional;
5. Supporting all those involved in the caregiving relationship—the consumer, family members, and the direct-care worker—to relate as individuals in an environment of trust and mutual respect, and
6. Sustaining the consumer’s full range of relationships with friends and family members, and promoting opportunities for broader community engage
Professional
7. Holistic—supporting well-being, health, independence, and quality of life;
8. For consumers with medical needs, consistent with progressive standards of clinical practice—those that are individualized, respectful and coordinated across settings; and
9. Provided by direct-care workers who have quality jobs that allow them to provide the highest-quality services and support.
Click here to view the full story
Individualized
1. Directed by informed choices made by the consumer (or, where appropriate, by family members or other designated representatives);
2. Offered at the time and place most preferable to the consumer, in a manner that is safe and unhurried; and
3. Provided in a way that honors the consumer’s individuality and preferences.
Respectful
4. Acknowledging the consumer’s right to dignity and privacy, both physical and emotional;
5. Supporting all those involved in the caregiving relationship—the consumer, family members, and the direct-care worker—to relate as individuals in an environment of trust and mutual respect, and
6. Sustaining the consumer’s full range of relationships with friends and family members, and promoting opportunities for broader community engage
Professional
7. Holistic—supporting well-being, health, independence, and quality of life;
8. For consumers with medical needs, consistent with progressive standards of clinical practice—those that are individualized, respectful and coordinated across settings; and
9. Provided by direct-care workers who have quality jobs that allow them to provide the highest-quality services and support.
Click here to view the full story
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Live United!
David Seng, Director of Marketing at Human Touch Home Health Care in Allentown, is "living united". He gives back to the community by being involved in the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the Direct Care Workers Association!
Many thanks to David for attending our monthly meetings and offering great ideas on ways to recruit more members!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Westminster Village to Hold Lights of Love Tribute
November is Alzheimer’s Awareness month
Join Westminster Village in their annual celebration service for Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and Lights of Love Tribute!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
at 2 PM in
the Commons Dining Room
Reverend Allen Hermansader, Senior pastor for PHI will officiate.
Join Westminster Village in their annual celebration service for Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and Lights of Love Tribute!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
at 2 PM in
the Commons Dining Room
Reverend Allen Hermansader, Senior pastor for PHI will officiate.
Pa State Representative Douglas Ruchley, legislative district and member of the Alzheimer’s Appropriation Committee will present a proclamation, as well as recognize the advocacy and professional contributions of Dr. Donna Miller., D.O. to the residents, families and colleagues living in the greater Lehigh Valley. Dr. Miller’s dedication to the field of geriatric medicine to assist people, her striving efforts for better benefits & faced with aging issues, her actions for legislative changes.
RSVP to crepsher@phi-preshomes.org
or call 610-782-8301
Friday, November 7, 2008
Westminster Village Dementia Leadership Initiative
FREE EDUCATION SERIES!!!
Supported in part by the Dexter F. and Dorothy H. Baker Foundation
Topic: Your Brain Health Lifestyle: Preserving Your Life Story
Date: Thursday, November 13, 2008
Time: 12:30 pm - Dessert buffet and networking
1:00 - 3:00 pm - Public Lecture
Location: Sacred Heart Hospital, Second Floor Auditorium, 421 Chew Street, Allentown, PA
Free Parking: Sacred Heart Hospital Chew Street deck or 5th Street Parking deck
RSVP by calling 610-782-8460 or email crepsher@phi.prehomes.org
Supported in part by the Dexter F. and Dorothy H. Baker Foundation
Topic: Your Brain Health Lifestyle: Preserving Your Life Story
Date: Thursday, November 13, 2008
Time: 12:30 pm - Dessert buffet and networking
1:00 - 3:00 pm - Public Lecture
Location: Sacred Heart Hospital, Second Floor Auditorium, 421 Chew Street, Allentown, PA
Free Parking: Sacred Heart Hospital Chew Street deck or 5th Street Parking deck
RSVP by calling 610-782-8460 or email crepsher@phi.prehomes.org
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Tools for Quality Workforce Released by PHI
As reported on the PHI blog, several findings and tools from the Better Jobs Better Care demonstration project have been released.
Many of you will remember that the Lehigh Valley Direct Care Workers Association was created as part of that project.
Most notably, are these reports:
Solutions You Can Use: Transforming the Long-Term Care Workforce takes the major findings and examines how aging-services providers can use them to build a quality workforce. The booklet is organized by WHAT WE LEARNED and WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU.
The findings are organized around four themes:
A Crisis With A Solution: Tools and Resources for Transforming the Long-Term Care Workforce is a compilation of the tools and resources used and developed by BJBC and the grantees.
An accompanying 9-minute video features several BJBC providers sharing their journey from a workplace in crisis to one that empowers direct-care workers and is transforming the way they do business. Narrated by Robyn Stone, BJBC national program director and IFAS executive director, it shares the overall lessons learned during the four-year project.
Many of you will remember that the Lehigh Valley Direct Care Workers Association was created as part of that project.
Most notably, are these reports:
Solutions You Can Use: Transforming the Long-Term Care Workforce takes the major findings and examines how aging-services providers can use them to build a quality workforce. The booklet is organized by WHAT WE LEARNED and WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU.
The findings are organized around four themes:
- Where to find new pools of workers
- What interventions improve retention
- The training direct-care workers and nurse supervisors want and need
- How to develop cultural competence
A Crisis With A Solution: Tools and Resources for Transforming the Long-Term Care Workforce is a compilation of the tools and resources used and developed by BJBC and the grantees.
An accompanying 9-minute video features several BJBC providers sharing their journey from a workplace in crisis to one that empowers direct-care workers and is transforming the way they do business. Narrated by Robyn Stone, BJBC national program director and IFAS executive director, it shares the overall lessons learned during the four-year project.
Monday, November 3, 2008
PA Direct Care Worker Association Organizes a Day for YOU to Speak to Your Legislators!
The Pennsylvania Direct Care Worker Association is organizing a day at the state capitol for our membership to speak to legislators concerning the daily problems facing direct care workers.
On Oct. 9th, Brenda Nachtway attended a meeting with Rep. Mundy’s staff and was assured that our legislators need and want to hear directly from direct care workers in their districts. They want to discuss how we can all work together to resolve problems like staff shortages, lack of respect given to DCW’s, lack of adequate and affordable healthcare, and better wages.
If you have a passion for the work we all do then PLEASE contact Brenda:
Brenda Nachtway
Email: icare@jlink.net
Phone: 547-412-1446
If you would like to attend, they need to hear from you by Nov. 10 with your phone#, e-mail address, area you live in and your local representatives’ names. The meetings will be scheduled in December.
On Oct. 9th, Brenda Nachtway attended a meeting with Rep. Mundy’s staff and was assured that our legislators need and want to hear directly from direct care workers in their districts. They want to discuss how we can all work together to resolve problems like staff shortages, lack of respect given to DCW’s, lack of adequate and affordable healthcare, and better wages.
If you have a passion for the work we all do then PLEASE contact Brenda:
Brenda Nachtway
Email: icare@jlink.net
Phone: 547-412-1446
If you would like to attend, they need to hear from you by Nov. 10 with your phone#, e-mail address, area you live in and your local representatives’ names. The meetings will be scheduled in December.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Home Centered Health Care Workshop
Phoebe Institute on Aging presents the Home Centered Health Care Workshop!
$35 per person. Half-day workshop, includes lunch.
Workshop Schedule
8:15 am Coffee and Registration
8:30 am– 8:45 am Welcome and Introductions
8:45 am– 10:15 am Dr. Mike Magee Home Centered Health Care: A vision for the future of senior care and services
10:15 am– 10:30 am Break
10:30 am– 11:30 am John Michael Hall Pennsylvania’s vision for long term living
11:30 am– noon Questions and Answers
Noon – 1:30 pm Luncheon and roundtable discussions with aging services leaders
SEATING IS LIMITED!
For more information contact:
Phoebe Institute on Aging
Institutional Advancement #24
1925 Turner Street
Allentown, PA 18104
Fax 610.794.5414
E-mail: hhaas@phoebe.org
Call 610.794.5135
$35 per person. Half-day workshop, includes lunch.
Workshop Schedule
8:15 am Coffee and Registration
8:30 am– 8:45 am Welcome and Introductions
8:45 am– 10:15 am Dr. Mike Magee Home Centered Health Care: A vision for the future of senior care and services
10:15 am– 10:30 am Break
10:30 am– 11:30 am John Michael Hall Pennsylvania’s vision for long term living
11:30 am– noon Questions and Answers
Noon – 1:30 pm Luncheon and roundtable discussions with aging services leaders
SEATING IS LIMITED!
For more information contact:
Phoebe Institute on Aging
Institutional Advancement #24
1925 Turner Street
Allentown, PA 18104
Fax 610.794.5414
E-mail: hhaas@phoebe.org
Call 610.794.5135
Friday, October 24, 2008
LVAA Launches the NEW Direct Care Worker Section of Webpage!
For the past several years, the Lehigh Valley Alliance on Aging, a strategic partnership of the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, has maintained a website for older adults and those that care for them. One of the sections of the website is dedicated to our Lehigh Valley Direct Care Workers Association.
AND IT IS COMPLETELY REDESIGNED!
Click here to stop by the site today and check out:
* The Come Aboard Booklet -- a downloadable and printable booklet written BY Direct Care Workers FOR Direct Care Workers. It has tips and hints for the first 90 days on the job.
* Minutes for our monthly meetings
* A link to this blog
* Conferences and Trainings
* Information on becoming a member
* Association flyers
Don't forget to check out the other sections of the website for the latest information on transportation, housing, life planning, the BenefitsCheckUp program and more!
AND IT IS COMPLETELY REDESIGNED!
Click here to stop by the site today and check out:
* The Come Aboard Booklet -- a downloadable and printable booklet written BY Direct Care Workers FOR Direct Care Workers. It has tips and hints for the first 90 days on the job.
* Minutes for our monthly meetings
* A link to this blog
* Conferences and Trainings
* Information on becoming a member
* Association flyers
Don't forget to check out the other sections of the website for the latest information on transportation, housing, life planning, the BenefitsCheckUp program and more!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
National Memory Screening Day 2008
Are you concerned for yourself or a family member?
FREE confidential memory screenings are available!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Phoebe Terrace Retirement Community
1940 Turner Street, Allentown
Call 610-974-6555 for more information or to reserve your place.
FREE confidential memory screenings are available!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Phoebe Terrace Retirement Community
1940 Turner Street, Allentown
Call 610-974-6555 for more information or to reserve your place.
Bayada Training
Bayada invites you to attend our Fall Educational Seminar Dinner
Wednesday November 12th
Reception 4:30 – 5:30; Dinner & Speaker 5:30 – 6:30
Guest Speaker: Lisa Fiore RN, CRRN of
The Challenges of Multiple Sclerosis
Credits Received 1.2 CEU’s
Please RSVP Nancy Dominguez by Nov. 10th Call for directions (610) 829-0100
215 Cedar Park Blvd. Easton Pa 18042
Wednesday November 12th
Reception 4:30 – 5:30; Dinner & Speaker 5:30 – 6:30
Guest Speaker: Lisa Fiore RN, CRRN of
The Challenges of Multiple Sclerosis
Credits Received 1.2 CEU’s
Please RSVP Nancy Dominguez by Nov. 10th Call for directions (610) 829-0100
215 Cedar Park Blvd. Easton Pa 18042
Monday, October 20, 2008
Public Policy Issues Impacting You!
The following information was compiled by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and is provided to you for informational purposes only. The Lehigh Valley Direct Care Workers Association, Lehigh Valley Alliance on Aging (LVAA) and United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley do not endorse any specific piece of legislation or candidate.
House Companion to Empowered at Home Act Introduced
On Sept. 28, House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee Chairman Pallone (D-NJ) and Rep. DeGette (D-CO), introduced H.R. 7212, the House companion to Sen. Kerry’s (D-MA) Empowered at Home Act (S. 3327). The bill is designed to improve states’ ability to provide Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) to eligible beneficiaries.
According to NCOA, both the House and Senate bills would:
In addition, the House bill would increase the federal Medicaid match (FMAP) by five percent for HCBS State Plan Amendment services provided under the DRA. It also would exclude from the asset/resource eligibility criteria for Medicaid HCBS services an amount equivalent to the cost of six months of nursing facility services. • Read H.R. 7212.
Social Security Announces 2009 Cost-of-Living Adjustment
On Oct. 16, the Social Security Administration announced a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) of 5.8 percent for 2009, the largest increase since 1982. Social Security COLAs are based on increases in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) over the past year. In January, the COLA will be applied to the Social Security benefits of over 50 million Americans. The increase for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which goes to more than seven million beneficiaries, will begin on Dec. 31. The average Social Security benefit will increase $63 per month, compared with an average $24 per month increase in 2008. • Read more about the COLA.
AARP 2008 Voter Guide Available
AARP has released its Voter Guide for the 2008 election cycle. This Web-based tool presented questions to state and national candidates based on issues that are important to AARP members. Each candidate had the opportunity to respond, and AARP posted their responses (limited to 125 words). Issues include Social Security, retirement savings, healthcare affordability, and long-term care.• View the Presidential Election Voter Guide. • View the State Elections Voter Guide.
House Companion to Empowered at Home Act Introduced
On Sept. 28, House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee Chairman Pallone (D-NJ) and Rep. DeGette (D-CO), introduced H.R. 7212, the House companion to Sen. Kerry’s (D-MA) Empowered at Home Act (S. 3327). The bill is designed to improve states’ ability to provide Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) to eligible beneficiaries.
According to NCOA, both the House and Senate bills would:
- Develop Medicaid demonstration grants for evidence-based health promotion and disease prevention programs, similar to those available under the OAA.
- Improve the HCBS State Plan Amendment Option passed under the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) of 2005.
- Ensure that spousal impoverishment protections available to couples in nursing homes also are available to those who choose HCBS.
- Improve Medicaid HCBS data collection.
- Analyze and report on state implementation of the Medicaid Home Health program.
In addition, the House bill would increase the federal Medicaid match (FMAP) by five percent for HCBS State Plan Amendment services provided under the DRA. It also would exclude from the asset/resource eligibility criteria for Medicaid HCBS services an amount equivalent to the cost of six months of nursing facility services. • Read H.R. 7212.
Social Security Announces 2009 Cost-of-Living Adjustment
On Oct. 16, the Social Security Administration announced a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) of 5.8 percent for 2009, the largest increase since 1982. Social Security COLAs are based on increases in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) over the past year. In January, the COLA will be applied to the Social Security benefits of over 50 million Americans. The increase for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which goes to more than seven million beneficiaries, will begin on Dec. 31. The average Social Security benefit will increase $63 per month, compared with an average $24 per month increase in 2008. • Read more about the COLA.
AARP 2008 Voter Guide Available
AARP has released its Voter Guide for the 2008 election cycle. This Web-based tool presented questions to state and national candidates based on issues that are important to AARP members. Each candidate had the opportunity to respond, and AARP posted their responses (limited to 125 words). Issues include Social Security, retirement savings, healthcare affordability, and long-term care.• View the Presidential Election Voter Guide. • View the State Elections Voter Guide.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Arden Courts Holds Alzheimer's Candlelight Reflection
NOVEMBER IS
NATIONAL ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH
AND NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVER MONTH
Arden Courts ♥
5151 Hamilton Blvd.
Allentown, PA 18106
(610)366-9010
INVITES YOU TO ATTEND
CANDLELIGHT REFLECTIONS
NOVEMBER 24, 2008
Beginning at 2:30PM
For those who now struggle with Alzheimer’s disease
For Families, Caregivers, Friends and Supporters
For those who have died of Alzheimer’s disease
And for those who seek the cause, cure, prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease-
We will light our candles in memory and support,
We will light our candles in hope.
Space is limited for this service. Please R.S.V.P. by calling
610-366-9010 by November 18,2008
NATIONAL ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH
AND NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVER MONTH
Arden Courts ♥
5151 Hamilton Blvd.
Allentown, PA 18106
(610)366-9010
INVITES YOU TO ATTEND
CANDLELIGHT REFLECTIONS
NOVEMBER 24, 2008
Beginning at 2:30PM
For those who now struggle with Alzheimer’s disease
For Families, Caregivers, Friends and Supporters
For those who have died of Alzheimer’s disease
And for those who seek the cause, cure, prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease-
We will light our candles in memory and support,
We will light our candles in hope.
Space is limited for this service. Please R.S.V.P. by calling
610-366-9010 by November 18,2008
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Pennsylvania Behavioral Health and Aging Coalition -- Northeast Regional Meeting
Eldercare Assessment & Resources
A Community Services Group Program
is pleased to host:
Pennsylvania Behavioral Health and Aging Coalition-Northeast Regional Meeting
Thursday, November 6th: 10 AM – 2:30 PM
Best Western-Lehigh Valley Hotel
300 Gateway Drive, Bethlehem
Training in Health Literacy, Cultural Sensitivity, and Advance Care Planning
(CEUs applied for Nursing, Psychology, Social Work, and CME’s for Physicians)
Presented by Linda Shumaker, R.N., C., M.A.
LUNCH AND WORKSHOP SPONSORED BY GERIATRIC EDUCATION CENTER OF PENNSYLVANIA CONSORTIUM (University of Pittsburgh, The Pennsylvania State University, and Temple University)
Please RSVP by October 31st to CSG-Eldercare at 484-895-3720
Email: zbyszinskv@csgonline.org
A Community Services Group Program
is pleased to host:
Pennsylvania Behavioral Health and Aging Coalition-Northeast Regional Meeting
Thursday, November 6th: 10 AM – 2:30 PM
Best Western-Lehigh Valley Hotel
300 Gateway Drive, Bethlehem
Training in Health Literacy, Cultural Sensitivity, and Advance Care Planning
(CEUs applied for Nursing, Psychology, Social Work, and CME’s for Physicians)
Presented by Linda Shumaker, R.N., C., M.A.
LUNCH AND WORKSHOP SPONSORED BY GERIATRIC EDUCATION CENTER OF PENNSYLVANIA CONSORTIUM (University of Pittsburgh, The Pennsylvania State University, and Temple University)
Please RSVP by October 31st to CSG-Eldercare at 484-895-3720
Email: zbyszinskv@csgonline.org
Monday, October 6, 2008
Candidates Answer Questions
The Public Policy group of the Lehigh Valley Alliance on Aging (LVAA) recently contacted candidates Charlie Dent and Sam Bennett to get their views on various health questions.
Please take a moment and watch their answers:
Please take a moment and watch their answers:
Friday, September 26, 2008
Oktoberfest Mixer
Sunrise of Allentown is holding a professional mixer with fall-themed cocktails and harvest hors d'oeuvres.
Date: October 8, 2008
Time: 4:30-7:00 pm
RSVP to 610-433-9220 by October 6th.
Date: October 8, 2008
Time: 4:30-7:00 pm
RSVP to 610-433-9220 by October 6th.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Redefining Excellence: Pennsylvania's Best Healthcare Practices
SAVE THE DATE!
March 26, 2009
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Radisson Penn Harris Conference Center, Harrisburg
Conference program addresses best practices in four learning tracks:
See their save the date card for more information.
March 26, 2009
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Radisson Penn Harris Conference Center, Harrisburg
Conference program addresses best practices in four learning tracks:
- Allied Health
- Direct Care Workforce
- Follow the Money
- Nursing
See their save the date card for more information.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
What Workers Want
A list in the first newsletter published by the Maine Personal Assistance Services Association summarized what workers in an inaugural meeting said they wanted their association to do for them:
- Empower us to preserve human dignity
- Help us address issues like continuity of care and short staffing
- Give affirmation
- Help us make changes
- Provide comraderie
- Other people will view us as professionals
- Other people will see us as valuable
- Other people with see the people we serve as valuable, including older people [and] people with disabilities, both children and adults
- Our voices could be solidified (and unified) and people would listen.
(reported by PHI, Direct Care Worker Associations: Empowering Workers to Improve the Quality of Home and Community Based Care, Spring 2004)
How do you feel about this list? Is that what you would say? Are there any others you would add?
Monday, September 22, 2008
Empowering Our Future
Register now (pdf) to guarantee your spot and be eligible for a $10 gas card.What: A Conference for Pennsylvania Direct-Care Workers and Supporters
When: October 3, 2008 from 7:30am to 4pm
Cost: $25 (limited scholarships available)Registration deadline: Monday, Sept. 22
Guest speakers include Congressman Jason Altmire and Gary Rotstein of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Workshops include:
Bringing Your Best Self to the Workplace
Dealing with Dementia: Coping through Validation
Mental Illness: the Benefits of Involving Families in Treatment and Recovery Planning
Grassroots Advocacy: When They Feel the Heat They See the Light
Bringing Your Best Self to the Workplace
Dealing with Dementia: Coping through Validation
Mental Illness: the Benefits of Involving Families in Treatment and Recovery Planning
Grassroots Advocacy: When They Feel the Heat They See the Light
Visit our conference website for more information or register now (pdf) to guarantee your spot and be eligible for a $10 gas card.
For more information, contact Tracy Lawless at (724) 933-6164.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
The Direct Support Professional Poem
This poem was written by Buck Hensley, a concerned community member. He wrote this poem to express his concern about the future of the Direct Care Workforce in his local area of Tennessee. The poem was printed by the Direct Support Professional Association of Tennessee in their October 2008 newsletter.
The DSP (Direct Support Professional)
Who? Who? Who shall hear my call?
To serve my people I see as great.
But the world sees as small.
Who will lead them from the shadows
into the light of day.
Who will help them pave their own
way.
Who will serve my people
that for so long have been hidden and
misunderstood.
Who will help them experience
freedom
and acceptance in their own
neighborhood.
The calling often times seems difficult
And the pay seems small
But the reward will be great at the end
of it all.
The DSP (Direct Support Professional)
Who? Who? Who shall hear my call?
To serve my people I see as great.
But the world sees as small.
Who will lead them from the shadows
into the light of day.
Who will help them pave their own
way.
Who will serve my people
that for so long have been hidden and
misunderstood.
Who will help them experience
freedom
and acceptance in their own
neighborhood.
The calling often times seems difficult
And the pay seems small
But the reward will be great at the end
of it all.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Pennsylvania Long Term Care “Own Your Future” Campaign
On March 26, 2008, Governor Edward G. Rendell launched the state’s new “Own Your Future” campaign and urged Pennsylvanians to begin planning ahead to better meet their future long-term care needs.
“Planning for the future is not something that can be put off. If people do fail to prepare, it can carry very difficult and expensive consequences,” Governor Rendell said. “The ‘Own Your Future’ campaign empowers consumers to take steps now that will give them peace of mind and improve their future quality of life.”
Pennsylvania has the third largest percentage of people over age 65, trailing only Florida and West Virginia.
By 2020, approximately one in four Pennsylvanians will be age 60 or older. According to surveys cited by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, many consumers do not realize that standard health insurance, Medicare, and/or disability coverage do not pay for most long-term care services. Medicaid pays for some long-term care services, but only for consumers who qualify because of limited income and financial resources.
As part of Pennsylvania’s Own Your Future outreach effort, 1.7 million state residents age 45 to 65 received letters from Governor Rendell in March 2008 offering information about planning for the future in areas including finances, legal services, housing, health care and long-term care insurance.
As part of the outreach effort, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department has added new resources to its State web site explaining the basics of long-term care insurance, the different types of coverage available, sample rates and policies, and complaint information. This information can be found at www.insurance.state.pa.us in “publications” on the left navigation bar.
For consumers who did not receive a letter in March, they can receive their free copy of the Pennsylvania specific long-term care tool kit by visiting: www.longtermcare.gov/campaign or calling 1-866-752-6585.
“Planning for the future is not something that can be put off. If people do fail to prepare, it can carry very difficult and expensive consequences,” Governor Rendell said. “The ‘Own Your Future’ campaign empowers consumers to take steps now that will give them peace of mind and improve their future quality of life.”
Pennsylvania has the third largest percentage of people over age 65, trailing only Florida and West Virginia.
By 2020, approximately one in four Pennsylvanians will be age 60 or older. According to surveys cited by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, many consumers do not realize that standard health insurance, Medicare, and/or disability coverage do not pay for most long-term care services. Medicaid pays for some long-term care services, but only for consumers who qualify because of limited income and financial resources.
As part of Pennsylvania’s Own Your Future outreach effort, 1.7 million state residents age 45 to 65 received letters from Governor Rendell in March 2008 offering information about planning for the future in areas including finances, legal services, housing, health care and long-term care insurance.
As part of the outreach effort, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department has added new resources to its State web site explaining the basics of long-term care insurance, the different types of coverage available, sample rates and policies, and complaint information. This information can be found at www.insurance.state.pa.us in “publications” on the left navigation bar.
For consumers who did not receive a letter in March, they can receive their free copy of the Pennsylvania specific long-term care tool kit by visiting: www.longtermcare.gov/campaign or calling 1-866-752-6585.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
FamilyWize Can Help Reduce Your Prescription Costs!
The United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley has begun distributing free FamilyWize prescription drug discount cards to help the people in our community lower the cost of their medicine. FamilyWize cards are primarily for people with no health insurance or prescription coverage. However, they can also be used when people have to buy medicine not covered by their health insurance, Medicaid, Medicare or VA benefits. FamilyWize cards even include prescription pet medications when they are purchased at a pharmacy.
FamilyWize cards can reduce prescription drug costs by an average of 35 percent. The cards are being distributed free of charge by United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and by other United Ways in all 50 states. The goal of this FamilyWize Partnership is to reduce the cost of medicine for children, families and individuals struggling with the cost of medicine by $100 million in five years.
Most pharmacies here and throughout the United States accept the FamilyWize prescription drug discount cards. The participating pharmacies in each community that have voluntarily agreed to accept the FamilyWize card are providing these savings. These cards have no usage or age limits, income requirements or registration forms, and can be used immediately.
“None of this would be possible without everyone working together in this partnership,” said Dan Barnes, co-chair of the FamilyWize Partnership. “We hope that everyone in the community will join in thanking their local pharmacies for accepting the cards and providing these savings, as well as United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, and everyone else in the community for their generosity, time and dedication in helping to get the cards to people in need.”
Printing for five million prescription cards was donated by two Pennsylvania companies, Independent Graphics of Pittston, PA and Brown Printing of Bethlehem, PA and shipping is being donated by Fedex Express…..*
You can download cards for at:
http://www.unitedwayglv.org/SiteData/Docs/FamilyWize_Card_English.pdf
The cards will be honored at CVS, RiteAide, Sam's Club, Walgreens, Wal-Mart, Wegmans
Pharmacies, along with hundreds of other national chains.
*excerpts from the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley website www.unitedwayglv.org
FamilyWize cards can reduce prescription drug costs by an average of 35 percent. The cards are being distributed free of charge by United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and by other United Ways in all 50 states. The goal of this FamilyWize Partnership is to reduce the cost of medicine for children, families and individuals struggling with the cost of medicine by $100 million in five years.
Most pharmacies here and throughout the United States accept the FamilyWize prescription drug discount cards. The participating pharmacies in each community that have voluntarily agreed to accept the FamilyWize card are providing these savings. These cards have no usage or age limits, income requirements or registration forms, and can be used immediately.
“None of this would be possible without everyone working together in this partnership,” said Dan Barnes, co-chair of the FamilyWize Partnership. “We hope that everyone in the community will join in thanking their local pharmacies for accepting the cards and providing these savings, as well as United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, and everyone else in the community for their generosity, time and dedication in helping to get the cards to people in need.”
Printing for five million prescription cards was donated by two Pennsylvania companies, Independent Graphics of Pittston, PA and Brown Printing of Bethlehem, PA and shipping is being donated by Fedex Express…..*
You can download cards for at:
http://www.unitedwayglv.org/SiteData/Docs/FamilyWize_Card_English.pdf
The cards will be honored at CVS, RiteAide, Sam's Club, Walgreens, Wal-Mart, Wegmans
Pharmacies, along with hundreds of other national chains.
*excerpts from the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley website www.unitedwayglv.org
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Empowering Our Future Conference
PHI is sponsoring a conference to discover how the PHI Health Care for Health Care Workers campaign can help you make a difference in your workplace, your community, and in Pennsylvania to bring quality affordable health care options to you.
Empowering Our Future Conference will be held on October 3rd, 2008 at the Regional Learning Alliance Conference Center in Cranberry Township, PA, outside Pittsburgh.
The cost is $25 per person, and stipends will be made available for lost work time and gas mileage.
Please visit here for more information and registration forms.
Empowering Our Future Conference will be held on October 3rd, 2008 at the Regional Learning Alliance Conference Center in Cranberry Township, PA, outside Pittsburgh.
The cost is $25 per person, and stipends will be made available for lost work time and gas mileage.
Please visit here for more information and registration forms.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
GAO Releases Report on Nursing Home Deficiencies
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently released their report on Nursing Homes entitled Federal Monitoring Surveys Demonstrate Continued Understatement of Serious Care Problems and CMS Oversight Weaknesses. The report identifies a serious issue in nursing home monitoring: under-citing of deficiencies. As the report states:
Even with the under-reporting, the numbers for Pennsylvania were alarming. In 2007, 11.9% of nursing homes were cited for actual harm or immediate jeopardy of clients. This reports suggests that the true number of nursing homes with these violations may have been 25% or more!
During fiscal years 2002 through 2007, about 15 percent of federal comparative surveys nationwide identified state surveys that failed to cite at least one deficiency at the most serious levels of noncompliance—actual harm and immediate jeopardy. Overall, nine states missed serious deficiencies on 25 percent or more of comparative surveys; in seven states federal surveyors identified no such missed deficiencies. During the same period, missed deficiencies at the lowest level of noncompliance—the potential for more than minimal harm—were more widespread: nationwide, approximately 70 percent of federal comparative surveys identified state surveys missing at least one deficiency at the lowest level of noncompliance, and in all but five states the number of state surveys with such missed deficiencies was greater than 40 percent.
Even with the under-reporting, the numbers for Pennsylvania were alarming. In 2007, 11.9% of nursing homes were cited for actual harm or immediate jeopardy of clients. This reports suggests that the true number of nursing homes with these violations may have been 25% or more!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
A Place for Mom's Family
A Place for Mom, the free nationwide elder care referral service, hosts the largest online community on the web for families caring for elderly loved ones.
They just created an area in their online community called Local Events. This new section enables healthcare professionals to announce senior related events happening in your area. You can announce an education seminar or speaking engagement, a senior community grand opening, or a care giving support group meeting, to name just a few examples.
As Direct Care Workers, we can enjoy this web information too! Just stop by and check out events happening in your area. It is a great idea for home health aides thinking about outings for their clients!
A Place for Mom's Family is the premier site on the web for families to find a supportive place to ask questions, exchange experiences and share perspectives about caring for aging loved ones. Thousands of families visit this online community every day. Let the families in your area know about your important events today!
They just created an area in their online community called Local Events. This new section enables healthcare professionals to announce senior related events happening in your area. You can announce an education seminar or speaking engagement, a senior community grand opening, or a care giving support group meeting, to name just a few examples.
As Direct Care Workers, we can enjoy this web information too! Just stop by and check out events happening in your area. It is a great idea for home health aides thinking about outings for their clients!
A Place for Mom's Family is the premier site on the web for families to find a supportive place to ask questions, exchange experiences and share perspectives about caring for aging loved ones. Thousands of families visit this online community every day. Let the families in your area know about your important events today!
Monday, August 25, 2008
PHI Calls for Changes in Federal DCW Job Classifications
In response to a recent solicitation for comments from the federal government, PHI recommended changes to the three main categories used to track direct-care workers at the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The government considers revisions to its Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) categories every ten years.
PHI recommends that the government’s three occupational categories for direct-care workers be changed as follows:
- Nursing Aides, Orderlies and Attendants. Split this category into two, separating those who provide hands-on patient care under the direction of nursing staff (nursing aides) from those who do not (orderlies and attendants).
- Home Health Aides. Change the description of their duties to reflect increased responsibilities, including monitoring of health status, feeding, toileting, ambulation, medication management and administration, and also sometimes non-health care related tasks such as preparing meals, housekeeping, and laundry.
- Personal and Home Care Aides. Update the description of their duties to reflect the broader range of tasks they perform, and to refer to the range of populations they serve: older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people who are convalescing, and people living with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities. Also, change the occupational title – to Personal Care Assistants – to make it more current with the terminology that is developing within the long-term care industry.
Read more on the PHI blog here.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
TRIAD Breakfast
TRIAD is holding their 6th annual breakfast! Rob Vaughn from channel 69 news will be the key note speaker. Learn about Project Lifesaver!
To RSVP for the event or inquire about sponsorship opportunities, you may contact Karen Francis at 610-295-3198. Please RSVP by September 10th.
Arden Courts
Attention: Karen Francis
5151 Hamilton Blvd.
Allentown, PA 18106
***************************************************************************
Lehigh County – City of Allentown TRIAD Program
invites you to attend our
6th Anniversary Breakfast
to be held on
Tuesday
SEPTEMBER 16, 2007
7:30 a.m.- Registration & Buffet Breakfast
Keynote Speaker:
Rob Vaughn
News Anchor- Channel 69 News
Program begins promptly at 8:30 a.m. at the
Fearless Fire Company
1221 South Front Street
Allentown, PA 18103
Seniors $15.00 All Others $20.00
Please R. S.V.P. by September 10, 2008
Name: _______________________________________________________
Organization: __________________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________
Number attending: __________ Amount Enclosed:_____________________
I am unable to attend, but would like to contribute _____________________
Make checks payable to: TRIAD
Please send to : c/o Karen Francis
Arden Courts
5151 Hamilton Blvd.
Allentown, PA 18106
To RSVP for the event or inquire about sponsorship opportunities, you may contact Karen Francis at 610-295-3198. Please RSVP by September 10th.
Arden Courts
Attention: Karen Francis
5151 Hamilton Blvd.
Allentown, PA 18106
***************************************************************************
Lehigh County – City of Allentown TRIAD Program
invites you to attend our
6th Anniversary Breakfast
to be held on
Tuesday
SEPTEMBER 16, 2007
7:30 a.m.- Registration & Buffet Breakfast
Keynote Speaker:
Rob Vaughn
News Anchor- Channel 69 News
Program begins promptly at 8:30 a.m. at the
Fearless Fire Company
1221 South Front Street
Allentown, PA 18103
Seniors $15.00 All Others $20.00
Please R. S.V.P. by September 10, 2008
Name: _______________________________________________________
Organization: __________________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________
Number attending: __________ Amount Enclosed:_____________________
I am unable to attend, but would like to contribute _____________________
Make checks payable to: TRIAD
Please send to : c/o Karen Francis
Arden Courts
5151 Hamilton Blvd.
Allentown, PA 18106
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Caregiver Educational Workshop
This free educational program is designed to help caregivers and family members of individuals with Alzheimer’s and related dementia cope with the care needs of their impaired loved one. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, please contact Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter at
800-272-3900 or 215-561-2919., or visit our web site at www.alz.org/desjsepa.
Location:
Third Street Alliance for Women & Children
41 North Third Street
Easton, PA 18042
610.258.6271
Topics: Basics Of Alzheimer’s and Related Disorderes
Date: Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Time: 5:30pm-7:30pm
Speaker:
Ms. Siobhan Gannon
Alzheimer’s Association
Please call 800-272-3900 or
610-258-6271 before August 22th, as seating is limited.
800-272-3900 or 215-561-2919., or visit our web site at www.alz.org/desjsepa.
Location:
Third Street Alliance for Women & Children
41 North Third Street
Easton, PA 18042
610.258.6271
Topics: Basics Of Alzheimer’s and Related Disorderes
Date: Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Time: 5:30pm-7:30pm
Speaker:
Ms. Siobhan Gannon
Alzheimer’s Association
Please call 800-272-3900 or
610-258-6271 before August 22th, as seating is limited.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Real Wages Fall for Direct Care Workers
PHI Chartbook Shows National, State-by-State Data
Thanks to the steadily increasing demand for home care, the second fastest-growing occupation in the country is that of personal and home care aides (PHCAs). Yet PHCA wages - which were low to begin with - are failing to keep up with inflation nationwide.
State Chart Book on Wages for Personal and Home Care Aides, 1999-2006, (pdf) a new PHI publication by Director of Policy Research Dorie Seavey, looks at the decline in inflation-adjusted wages for these crucial workers. Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it charts the wages received by personal and home care aides in all 50 states and the nation over a seven-year period.
"Consumers want to receive their long-term care services at home, if at all possible, and all 50 states and the federal government are working to accommodate that wish," says PHI National Policy Director Steve Edelstein. "But it takes more workers to deliver one-on-one care in a client's home than to assist several people per shift in a nursing home.
"Between the aging of the baby boomers and the shifting of government funds from facility-based care to home and community-based care, we expect to need a million more direct-care workers by 2016 than we did in 2006," Edelstein adds. "We need to make sure these jobs can attract and support a stable, high-quality workforce. Unfortunately, just when we need to do more to build this critical workforce, what we find in too many states is that our investment in wages is uncompetitive and falling further and further behind."
Among the chartbook's key findings:
- Between 1999 and 2006, national median wages for PHCAs increased by an average of 2 percent a year, from $7.50 to $8.54. However, this increase was not enough to keep up with inflation. Real wages for these aides declined by 4 percent, to $7.17 in 1999 dollars.
- Over the same period, 18 states and the District of Columbia showed a decline in real median wages for PHCAs. In five of those states, real wages fell by 10 percent or more.
- In nearly 60 percent of states (29), average hourly wages for PHCAs were below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Line wage for full-time workers who live alone -- low enough to qualify for many state and federal assistance programs.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Nationwide Initiative to Reduce DCW Turnover Documented
Many of you know that the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the Direct Care Workers Association started as part of the Better Jobs Better Care demonstration project. PHI's blog has an post that discusses the July issue of The Gerontologist devoted to findings from the Better Jobs Better Care research and demonstration project. Read more here.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Local Universally Designed Home on Display!
Imagine a community in which older adults remain in their homes, staying involved with family, friends and neighbors...Now imagine buying a home designed to fit your lifestyle and physical needs as you grow older.This imaginary housing option became a reality on June 7, 2008, when United Way's Lehigh Valley Alliance on Aging and Lehigh Career & Technical Institute unveiled the Universally-Designed Home.
Many of those that work in direct care get to see for yourselves how slight modifications in the home can make a person more independent. This project is one way that the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley is trying to make the general public aware of this growing need.
For more informtion on the Universally-Designed Home, visit the Lehigh Valley Allince on Aging's website at http://www.lvagingmatters.org/ and click "Housing and Mobility Options."
Many of those that work in direct care get to see for yourselves how slight modifications in the home can make a person more independent. This project is one way that the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley is trying to make the general public aware of this growing need.
For more informtion on the Universally-Designed Home, visit the Lehigh Valley Allince on Aging's website at http://www.lvagingmatters.org/ and click "Housing and Mobility Options."
Thursday, August 14, 2008
How I Live United
Thanks to Doreen for stopping by United Way's Live United photo shoot earlier this week!
Doreen works for Family Answers as a Home Health Aide. She has attended the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the Direct Care Worker Association monthly chapter meetings and our recent Two Hands Caring: Helping You Help Others Conference. Doreen is dedicated to improving her skills and knowledge so she can do the best job possible helping others. That is a true example of Living United!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Gas Prices Killing You?
Gas prices are hitting everyone hard -- Direct Care Workers included. PHI's blog has an interesting discussion of the crises here.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Casey Hearing Impacts Direct Care Work
Ari Mittleman from Casey's office asked the Lehigh Valley Alliance on Aging staff to share this information:
Casey Hearing Examines Person-centered Health and Long-term Care for Older Americans
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today held a hearing that focused on improving person-centered residential long-term care and outpatient health care for older Americans. At the hearing, Senator Casey announced that he is working on legislation that would help provide better person-centered long-term care.
“Our elders deserve to live lives of dignity and respect through all stages of life,” said Senator Casey. “They have a profound right to be decision-makers in their own care – to be at the center of their own care, with a partnership of family and providers. And our elders are critically important to the overall health and well being of our society.”
In his opening statement, Senator Casey focused on the philosophy and practice behind person-centered care within two types of settings. The first is outpatient care for elders living on their own or in assisted living and the second is long term residential care in nursing facilities. Senator Casey also spoke about the critical need for reform in health care and long term care for older citizens given projections on increases in Americans over the age of 65. Currently there are an estimated 38 million Americans in this age group, and that number is expected to double within the next twenty years.
Senator Casey also discussed legislation he will be introducing, the Promoting Alternative Nursing Homes Act. The legislation would foster significant culture change in long term care for older citizens by providing favorable loan funding and loan guarantees for entities that provide person-centered care within a “small house” nursing facility framework.
At the hearing, Senator Casey heard testimony by medical professionals, policy and academic experts, family members and direct care workers dealing with health and long term care for older Americans. Dr. William Thomas, MD, Professor, Erickson School of Aging Studies, University of Maryland and founder of the Green House Model, spoke about the changing relationship between patients and health care providers, and the emergence of “patient-centeredness” as a strong model for that relationship.
Robert Jenkens, Director, Green House Project, NCB Capital Impact spoke about older Americans living in a Green House as opposed to a traditional nursing home and the improvements in clinical care brought on because the staff knew and understood the elders better.
Melinda Abrams, M.S., Assistant Vice President, Patient-Centered Primary Care, The Commonwealth Fund discussed the Medical Home model and the considerable policy and evaluation work conducted by the Commonwealth Fund concerning this model and its implications for better health outcomes as well as cost savings.
Eric A. Coleman, MD, MPH, Professor of Medicine, Director, Care Transitions Program, University of Colorado testified about transitional care (the times when elders flow between hospitals, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, and possibly other establishments), the need for quality and safety at the time of transitions and the impact transitions have on person-centered care.
Other experts who testified at the hearing include: Zoe Holland, daughter of a former Green House resident, Lincoln, NE; Edna Hess, Shahbaz, Lebanon Valley Brethren Home, Palmyra, PA; and Diana White, Ph.D., Senior Research Associate, Institute on Aging, Portland State University Portland, OR.
Casey Hearing Examines Person-centered Health and Long-term Care for Older Americans
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today held a hearing that focused on improving person-centered residential long-term care and outpatient health care for older Americans. At the hearing, Senator Casey announced that he is working on legislation that would help provide better person-centered long-term care.
“Our elders deserve to live lives of dignity and respect through all stages of life,” said Senator Casey. “They have a profound right to be decision-makers in their own care – to be at the center of their own care, with a partnership of family and providers. And our elders are critically important to the overall health and well being of our society.”
In his opening statement, Senator Casey focused on the philosophy and practice behind person-centered care within two types of settings. The first is outpatient care for elders living on their own or in assisted living and the second is long term residential care in nursing facilities. Senator Casey also spoke about the critical need for reform in health care and long term care for older citizens given projections on increases in Americans over the age of 65. Currently there are an estimated 38 million Americans in this age group, and that number is expected to double within the next twenty years.
Senator Casey also discussed legislation he will be introducing, the Promoting Alternative Nursing Homes Act. The legislation would foster significant culture change in long term care for older citizens by providing favorable loan funding and loan guarantees for entities that provide person-centered care within a “small house” nursing facility framework.
At the hearing, Senator Casey heard testimony by medical professionals, policy and academic experts, family members and direct care workers dealing with health and long term care for older Americans. Dr. William Thomas, MD, Professor, Erickson School of Aging Studies, University of Maryland and founder of the Green House Model, spoke about the changing relationship between patients and health care providers, and the emergence of “patient-centeredness” as a strong model for that relationship.
Robert Jenkens, Director, Green House Project, NCB Capital Impact spoke about older Americans living in a Green House as opposed to a traditional nursing home and the improvements in clinical care brought on because the staff knew and understood the elders better.
Melinda Abrams, M.S., Assistant Vice President, Patient-Centered Primary Care, The Commonwealth Fund discussed the Medical Home model and the considerable policy and evaluation work conducted by the Commonwealth Fund concerning this model and its implications for better health outcomes as well as cost savings.
Eric A. Coleman, MD, MPH, Professor of Medicine, Director, Care Transitions Program, University of Colorado testified about transitional care (the times when elders flow between hospitals, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, and possibly other establishments), the need for quality and safety at the time of transitions and the impact transitions have on person-centered care.
Other experts who testified at the hearing include: Zoe Holland, daughter of a former Green House resident, Lincoln, NE; Edna Hess, Shahbaz, Lebanon Valley Brethren Home, Palmyra, PA; and Diana White, Ph.D., Senior Research Associate, Institute on Aging, Portland State University Portland, OR.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Do You Have Compassion Fatigue?
Have you ever heard of compassion fatigue? Perhaps you are suffering from it. To find out about compassion fatigue, please check out this excellent article. It was originally written for physicians, but many of the issues are ones that Direct Care Workers face as well.
To determine if you suffer from compassion fatigue, answer "yes" or "no" to the questions below:
Personal concerns commonly intrude on my professional role.
To determine if you suffer from compassion fatigue, answer "yes" or "no" to the questions below:
Personal concerns commonly intrude on my professional role.
- Yes
- No
My colleagues and manager seem to lack understanding.
- Yes
- No
I find even small changes enormously draining.
- Yes
- No
I can't seem to recover quickly after association with trauma, illness or death.
- Yes
- No
Association with trauma, illness or death affects me very deeply.
- Yes
- No
My clients' stress affects me deeply.
- Yes
- No
I have lost my sense of hopefulness.
- Yes
- No
I feel vulnerable all the time.
- Yes
- No
I feel overwhelmed by unfinished personal business.
- Yes
- No
Answering "yes" to four or more questions may indicate that you're suffering from compassion fatigue. [This instrument, was modified from an instrument developed by the American Family Physician] If you answered "yes" to four or more questions, consider taking the test to your manager, health care professional or a psychologist for further help.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Room Still Available for the Conference
We still have space available for our July 25th Conference!
For more details, please click here.
Just a friendly reminder that the final date for registrations is quickly approaching. Please contact Cori Rolón for more information or to reserve your spot: (610) 807-5742 or corir@unitedwayglv.org
For more details, please click here.
Just a friendly reminder that the final date for registrations is quickly approaching. Please contact Cori Rolón for more information or to reserve your spot: (610) 807-5742 or corir@unitedwayglv.org
Friday, June 27, 2008
Two Hands Caring Conference -- July 25th!
The Lehigh Valley Chapter of the PA Direct Care Workers Association, Lehigh Valley Alliance on Aging, the Workforce Investment Board and United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley proudly offer you the unique opportunity to improve the quality of care you provide to your clients for the low price of $5 for the full-day session!
Friday, July 25th, Morning Session, 8:00 am -12:15 pm
The morning training will be provided by Kelly O'Shea Carney, Ph.D., CMC. Dr. Carney is a licensed psychologist and is certified as a geriatric care manager. She has over 20 years of experience in working with older adults.
Dr. Carney will be presenting “Reflections on Rewards”. This session discusses the intrinsic benefits of hands on care and stress management. Everyone attending the conference will receive a small spa kit with their materials.
Friday, July 25th, Afternoon Session, 12:15-4:30pm
The afternoon training will be provided by Terry DiRienzo-Rives. Ms. DiRienzo-Rives served as the Project Director and Trainer for the local Better Jobs Better Care demonstration project. She spent four years developing and teaching the BJBC Universal Core Curriculum, a training module for Direct Care Workers.
Ms. DiRienzo-Rives will be presenting “Person Centered Care.” Imagine yourself needing care and determine what you want that to look like. Learn what true person-centered care is, and the important people who make that happen, their relationships, communications and teamwork. Person-Centered Care is at the core of the BJBC Universal Core Curriculum for direct care workers.
The Training will be held at:
Northampton Memorial Community Center
1601 Laubach Avenue
Northampton, PA 18067
For additional information, please place a comment to this post, email me, or contact me:
Cori Rolón
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
2200 Avenue A
Bethlehem, PA 18017-2189
(610) 807-5742
corir@unitedwayglv.org
Friday, July 25th, Morning Session, 8:00 am -12:15 pm
The morning training will be provided by Kelly O'Shea Carney, Ph.D., CMC. Dr. Carney is a licensed psychologist and is certified as a geriatric care manager. She has over 20 years of experience in working with older adults.
Dr. Carney will be presenting “Reflections on Rewards”. This session discusses the intrinsic benefits of hands on care and stress management. Everyone attending the conference will receive a small spa kit with their materials.
Friday, July 25th, Afternoon Session, 12:15-4:30pm
The afternoon training will be provided by Terry DiRienzo-Rives. Ms. DiRienzo-Rives served as the Project Director and Trainer for the local Better Jobs Better Care demonstration project. She spent four years developing and teaching the BJBC Universal Core Curriculum, a training module for Direct Care Workers.
Ms. DiRienzo-Rives will be presenting “Person Centered Care.” Imagine yourself needing care and determine what you want that to look like. Learn what true person-centered care is, and the important people who make that happen, their relationships, communications and teamwork. Person-Centered Care is at the core of the BJBC Universal Core Curriculum for direct care workers.
The Training will be held at:
Northampton Memorial Community Center
1601 Laubach Avenue
Northampton, PA 18067
For additional information, please place a comment to this post, email me, or contact me:
Cori Rolón
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
2200 Avenue A
Bethlehem, PA 18017-2189
(610) 807-5742
corir@unitedwayglv.org
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Free Home Health Aide Training!
The Lehigh Valley has been selected as a test region for the Pennsylvania Model Curriculum for Direct-Care Workers in Long-Term Living Settings, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.
The Lehigh Valley Workforce Investment Board, Inc. and PA CareerLink Lehigh Valley have teamed with volunteer trainers from Penn State Lehigh Valley, Family Answers, and Westminster Village to deliver a 77-hour training program, designed specifically for entry-level workers in long-term living settings. The program will be free of charge and, at the completion of the program, participants will become credentialed direct care workers.
The Lehigh Valley Workforce Investment Board, Inc. and PA CareerLink Lehigh Valley have teamed with volunteer trainers from Penn State Lehigh Valley, Family Answers, and Westminster Village to deliver a 77-hour training program, designed specifically for entry-level workers in long-term living settings. The program will be free of charge and, at the completion of the program, participants will become credentialed direct care workers.
A set of core competencies have been identified that is common to all direct care workers. At the end of training program, graduates will be able to:
- Distinguish between the different care settings, needs of consumers and roles of direct care workers
- Demonstrate principles of good relationships and person-centered care in different care settings
- Respond appropriately as direct care workers to consumers who are different from themselves
- Show the role and importance of the direct care worker as a member of a care team
- Demonstrate proper infection control procedures in any care setting
- Recognize the diversity of support needs and maintenance of dignity with consumers living in their own homes
- Demonstrate how to use good communications skills to clarify a consumer’s self-directed care requests
- Understand the basic principles of body functions and common disease entities
- Demonstrate proper body mechanics in all care settings
- Apply principles of Activities of Daily Living support to the elder consumer and consumer with disabilities
- Demonstrate the ability to manage challenging behaviors related to consumers with Alzheimer’s Disease and depression
- Describe a direct care worker’s role and responsibilities in reporting abuse and neglect
- Examine the need for direct care workers to manage time and stress in a healthy manner
If you are interested in attending the training, please contact Joyce Sivell, PA CareerLink Lehigh Valley, at 610-841-1189, or email jsivell@careerlinklv.org.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Westminster Village Dementia Leadership Initiative
FREE EDUCATION SERIES!
Sponsored in part by The Dexter F. and Dorothy H. Baker Foundation
Designing Effective Interventions for Persons with Dementia: Lessons from Montessori and Neuroscience
Cameron Camp, Ph.D.
Director, Myers Research Institute
Wednesday, July 9th, 2008
Fellowship Hall
First Presbyterian Church
3231 Tilghman Street
Allentown, PA
12:30 pm - Dessert buffet and networking
1:00-3:00 pm - Public lecture
Reservations requested by Tuesday, July 1st by calling 610-782-8460 or email at crepsher@phi-prehomes.org
Sponsored in part by The Dexter F. and Dorothy H. Baker Foundation
Designing Effective Interventions for Persons with Dementia: Lessons from Montessori and Neuroscience
Cameron Camp, Ph.D.
Director, Myers Research Institute
Wednesday, July 9th, 2008
Fellowship Hall
First Presbyterian Church
3231 Tilghman Street
Allentown, PA
12:30 pm - Dessert buffet and networking
1:00-3:00 pm - Public lecture
Reservations requested by Tuesday, July 1st by calling 610-782-8460 or email at crepsher@phi-prehomes.org
Friday, June 20, 2008
Out of Gas
PHI's blog has a very timely post about gas prices:
Everywhere I go, people are talking about how the high price of gas is affecting home care workers and agencies. Organizations are contacting me and my colleagues for ideas on how to deal with it, so I’d be very interested to hear from people in other parts of the country. How are employers and workers and clients dealing with it? Are any states planning a response to this crisis? If so, what’s being considered?
Four-dollar-a-gallon gasoline exacerbates all recruitment and retention problems, and I fear that it forces workers to make some very difficult choices. Employers are calling workers to offer them cases and having the workers do the gas calculations and say “I can’t afford to take this one.” Home care aides are seeing their co-workers go to other jobs where they don’t have such stressful transportation issues.
To read the rest of the story, please click here
Everywhere I go, people are talking about how the high price of gas is affecting home care workers and agencies. Organizations are contacting me and my colleagues for ideas on how to deal with it, so I’d be very interested to hear from people in other parts of the country. How are employers and workers and clients dealing with it? Are any states planning a response to this crisis? If so, what’s being considered?
Four-dollar-a-gallon gasoline exacerbates all recruitment and retention problems, and I fear that it forces workers to make some very difficult choices. Employers are calling workers to offer them cases and having the workers do the gas calculations and say “I can’t afford to take this one.” Home care aides are seeing their co-workers go to other jobs where they don’t have such stressful transportation issues.
To read the rest of the story, please click here
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Join Us!
Today, we are holding the monthly meeting for the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the Direct Care Workers Association. You do not have to be a member to attend, so feel free to stop by!
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
2200 Avenue A, Third Floor, Conference Room West
Bethlehem, PA 18017
2:30-3:30
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
2200 Avenue A, Third Floor, Conference Room West
Bethlehem, PA 18017
2:30-3:30
Monday, June 9, 2008
Two More Days To Vote!
What topics would you like to see at our July 25th conference?
What would you like to learn?
What can help you better serve your clients?
YOUR OPINION IS IMPORTANT TO US!
Answer the short survey to the right of this post by Wednesday, June 11th and make your voice heard!
What would you like to learn?
What can help you better serve your clients?
YOUR OPINION IS IMPORTANT TO US!
Answer the short survey to the right of this post by Wednesday, June 11th and make your voice heard!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Chief of Staff, PA Department of Aging to Speak in Allentown.
Ivonne Gutiérrez Bucher, Chief of Staff, Pennsylvania Department of Aging, will address the Latino Leadership Alliance of the Lehigh Valley on Tuesday, June 17, at the Lehigh County Government Center in Allentown. She will discuss the current initiative in the Pennsylvania Senate, PA ABC, Access to Basic Coverage - health care coverage for the uninsured.
Before assuming her current position, Gutiérrez Bucher held several senior level positions in the PA Department of Aging and PA Department of Health. A member of statewide disability-related boards and councils, she has been given several awards, including the 2006 Governor’s Commission on Women – Role Model Award.
Gutiérrez Bucher came to Pennsylvania from Puerto Rico to obtain an education in the fields of health and business. She is a Licensed Registered Nurse with clinical experience in medical surgical, emergency and geriatric medicine, and holds a Bachelors Degree in business administration and an MBA in health care administration.
The meeting will take place at 8:30 a.m. in the Public Hearing Room of the Government Center, 17 S. Seventh Street. The public is invited to attend free presentations, hosted by the Alliance in English, on the third Tuesday of every month. For further information, please contact President Lissette Lahoz at 610-434-6890, ext. 222, or visit the web site at LLALV.org.
Before assuming her current position, Gutiérrez Bucher held several senior level positions in the PA Department of Aging and PA Department of Health. A member of statewide disability-related boards and councils, she has been given several awards, including the 2006 Governor’s Commission on Women – Role Model Award.
Gutiérrez Bucher came to Pennsylvania from Puerto Rico to obtain an education in the fields of health and business. She is a Licensed Registered Nurse with clinical experience in medical surgical, emergency and geriatric medicine, and holds a Bachelors Degree in business administration and an MBA in health care administration.
The meeting will take place at 8:30 a.m. in the Public Hearing Room of the Government Center, 17 S. Seventh Street. The public is invited to attend free presentations, hosted by the Alliance in English, on the third Tuesday of every month. For further information, please contact President Lissette Lahoz at 610-434-6890, ext. 222, or visit the web site at LLALV.org.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Knowledge and Skills Needed for Dementia Care
As discussed in the latest issue of Quality Care/Quality Jobs, distributed by PHI, an updated dementia care guide has been released by the Michigan Dementia Coalition.
The guide is free to the public.
Knowledge and Skills Needed for Dementia Care: A Guide for Direct Care Workers in Everyday Language helps direct-care workers determine whether they have the skills they need to deliver person-centered dementia care. It also tells the potential Direct Care Worker where to go for assistance if they need training.
The updated version includes: an overview of the primary diseases that may cause dementia symptoms, top ten warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related diseases, a description of structures of the brain, and a glossary of words used in the text.
Copies (pdf) of the new version may be downloaded free from the Michigan Dementia Coalition website. For hard copies, contact Lorie Massuch at lmassuch@mphi.org or (517) 324-7320.
The guide is free to the public.
Knowledge and Skills Needed for Dementia Care: A Guide for Direct Care Workers in Everyday Language helps direct-care workers determine whether they have the skills they need to deliver person-centered dementia care. It also tells the potential Direct Care Worker where to go for assistance if they need training.
The updated version includes: an overview of the primary diseases that may cause dementia symptoms, top ten warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related diseases, a description of structures of the brain, and a glossary of words used in the text.
Copies (pdf) of the new version may be downloaded free from the Michigan Dementia Coalition website. For hard copies, contact Lorie Massuch at lmassuch@mphi.org or (517) 324-7320.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Just a Little Mixed Up
Cathy Price, an attendee of the conference, shared this poem:
Just a line to say I'm living,
That I'm not among the dead,
Though I'm getting more forgetful;
And more mixed up in the head.
For sometimes I can't remember
When I stand at the foot of the stairs
If I must go up for something,
Or I've just come down from there.
And before the fridge so often
My poor mind is filled with doubt,
Have I just put food away or --
Have I come to take some out?
And there's time when it's dark out,
With my night cap on my head
I don't know if I'm retiring,
Or just getting out of bed.
So, if it's my turn to write you,
There's no need in getting sore,
I may think that I have written,
And don't want to be a bore.
So, remember, I do love you,
And wish that you were here --
But now, it's nearly mail time
So I must say, "Goodbye, Dear."
There I stood beside the mailbox,
With a face so very red,
Instead of mailing you my letter
I had opened it instead!
Just a line to say I'm living,
That I'm not among the dead,
Though I'm getting more forgetful;
And more mixed up in the head.
For sometimes I can't remember
When I stand at the foot of the stairs
If I must go up for something,
Or I've just come down from there.
And before the fridge so often
My poor mind is filled with doubt,
Have I just put food away or --
Have I come to take some out?
And there's time when it's dark out,
With my night cap on my head
I don't know if I'm retiring,
Or just getting out of bed.
So, if it's my turn to write you,
There's no need in getting sore,
I may think that I have written,
And don't want to be a bore.
So, remember, I do love you,
And wish that you were here --
But now, it's nearly mail time
So I must say, "Goodbye, Dear."
There I stood beside the mailbox,
With a face so very red,
Instead of mailing you my letter
I had opened it instead!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Meeting Today and Conference
Thanks to everyone that attended last Friday's conference -- Two Hands Caring: Helping You Help Others. It was a great success. We had about 60 people in attendance. It was wonderful to see everyone in person and listen to an informative and engaging speaker: Dr. Kelly O'Shea Carney.
Today at 2:30, we will be holding our monthly meeting at the United Way building by the airport. Please feel free to stop in and join us!
Today at 2:30, we will be holding our monthly meeting at the United Way building by the airport. Please feel free to stop in and join us!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Two Hands Caring Conference Tomorrow!
Thank you to everyone that registered for the Two Hands Caring Conference to be held on May 16, 2008 at the Northampton Memorial Community Center.
We are so excited to offer this opportunity to the Direct Care Workers of the Lehigh Valley!
Northampton Memorial Community Center
1601 Laubach Avenue
Northampton, PA 18067
See you tomorrow!
We are so excited to offer this opportunity to the Direct Care Workers of the Lehigh Valley!
Northampton Memorial Community Center
1601 Laubach Avenue
Northampton, PA 18067
See you tomorrow!
Monday, May 12, 2008
Raising Women's Voices Conference
With so many women working in Direct Care, it is no wonder that representatives from PHI were asked to speak at the recent Raising Women's Voices conference in Boston. Click here to read the article about their presentation.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Spaces Still Left!
Many of you have registered for our local conference, Two Hands Caring: Helping You Help Others. We still have a few spots left and the cost is only $5 per person, including breakfast and lunch. If you are interested in attending, please call Cori Rolón ASAP at
(610) 807-5742 or email her at corir@unitedwayglv.org by May 12th at the latest. We will be giving the final meal count to the venue on the 13th and cannot accept last minute registrations.
Due to funding requirements, the conference is only open to Direct Care Workers working in Lehigh or Northampton Counties.
Training will be provided by Kelly O'Shea Carney, Ph.D., CMC. Dr. Carney is a licensed psychologist and is certified as a geriatric care manager. She has over 20 years of experience in working with older adults. This program meets state requirements for dementia training under state regulations for a variety of geriatric care services. Please check the licensing regulations for your program regarding specific dementia training requirements.
Friday, May 16th, Morning Session
8:30-8:45 Registration and Breakfast
8:45-9:00 Welcome by Donna Zimmerman
9:00 – 10:30 Understanding Dementia
10:30 – 10:45 Break
10:45 – 12:15 Behavior Management with Dementia
Friday, May 16th, Afternoon Session
12:15—12:30 Afternoon Registration
12:30 —1:15 Lunch
1:15 – 2:45 Understanding Depression and Anxiety in Elders
2:45 – 3:00 Break
3:00 – 4:30 Coping With Bereavement
The Training will be held at:
Northampton Memorial Community Center
1601 Laubach Avenue
Northampton, PA 18067
(610) 807-5742 or email her at corir@unitedwayglv.org by May 12th at the latest. We will be giving the final meal count to the venue on the 13th and cannot accept last minute registrations.
Due to funding requirements, the conference is only open to Direct Care Workers working in Lehigh or Northampton Counties.
Training will be provided by Kelly O'Shea Carney, Ph.D., CMC. Dr. Carney is a licensed psychologist and is certified as a geriatric care manager. She has over 20 years of experience in working with older adults. This program meets state requirements for dementia training under state regulations for a variety of geriatric care services. Please check the licensing regulations for your program regarding specific dementia training requirements.
Friday, May 16th, Morning Session
8:30-8:45 Registration and Breakfast
8:45-9:00 Welcome by Donna Zimmerman
9:00 – 10:30 Understanding Dementia
10:30 – 10:45 Break
10:45 – 12:15 Behavior Management with Dementia
Friday, May 16th, Afternoon Session
12:15—12:30 Afternoon Registration
12:30 —1:15 Lunch
1:15 – 2:45 Understanding Depression and Anxiety in Elders
2:45 – 3:00 Break
3:00 – 4:30 Coping With Bereavement
The Training will be held at:
Northampton Memorial Community Center
1601 Laubach Avenue
Northampton, PA 18067
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Long-Term Care Workforce Bill and Nursing Home Quality Reform Bill
The descriptions of the following Bills are provided for informational purposes only. United Way, LVAA, and the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the DCWA do not directly endorse any particular piece of legislation.
Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) recently introduced S. 2708, the Caring for an Aging America Act. The bill is intended to address the gap between the growing number of older adults and the serious lack of Direct Care Workers.
Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA), ranking minority member of the Finance Committee and Sen. Herb Kohl (D-WI), chair of the Aging committee, recently introduced S.2641, the Nursing Home Transparency and Improvement Act. This piece of legislation is intended to strengthen accountability requirements for long-term care facilities and increase enforcement of current consumer protections for residents of long-term care facilities.
To read the bills in full, click on the bill numbers above.
Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) recently introduced S. 2708, the Caring for an Aging America Act. The bill is intended to address the gap between the growing number of older adults and the serious lack of Direct Care Workers.
Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA), ranking minority member of the Finance Committee and Sen. Herb Kohl (D-WI), chair of the Aging committee, recently introduced S.2641, the Nursing Home Transparency and Improvement Act. This piece of legislation is intended to strengthen accountability requirements for long-term care facilities and increase enforcement of current consumer protections for residents of long-term care facilities.
To read the bills in full, click on the bill numbers above.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Have You Heard of Patti Green?
No? Well, she is an interesting person and you might want to learn a little about her.
Patti Green has become an expert on the state of direct-care work in America by running what amount to online break rooms for direct-care workers. Nursing Assistant Resources on the Web, the blog she started 10 years ago and now runs with the help of two other direct-care workers, is a trove of free articles, thoughtful blog posts, FAQs, and useful links. And at NursingAssistant@yahoogroups.com, the online community Green launched around the same time and still moderates, 750-plus members engage in a lively exchange of ideas, asking questions, venting frustrations, and offering each other affirmation and support.
Patti Green has become an expert on the state of direct-care work in America by running what amount to online break rooms for direct-care workers. Nursing Assistant Resources on the Web, the blog she started 10 years ago and now runs with the help of two other direct-care workers, is a trove of free articles, thoughtful blog posts, FAQs, and useful links. And at NursingAssistant@yahoogroups.com, the online community Green launched around the same time and still moderates, 750-plus members engage in a lively exchange of ideas, asking questions, venting frustrations, and offering each other affirmation and support.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Drawing Winner!
If you will remember, the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the DCWA has been collecting the names of all the direct care workers and managers that submitted an article for inclusion on this blog for a drawing!
During the last meeting, we put all the names in a bowl and selected one. The winner was Danielle Frank from Home Instead.
Congratulations, Danielle! She will receive her gas card this week through the mail.
We are holding another drawing for the spring/early summer season:
LVAA is holding a special drawing to encourage people to contribute articles for the blog. Any Direct Care Worker or manager who contributes a personal post (aka, not a job posting) by July 1st, will be entered in a drawing for a $50 Wawa gift certificate.
Here are the rules:
1. Write a short article, more than 50 words, less than 500, that deals with Direct Care Work.
2. Email it to corir@unitedwayglv.org
3. Include in the email if you would like your post to be anonymous or if we can mention you by name.
4. Provide contact information in case you win! Best of luck
During the last meeting, we put all the names in a bowl and selected one. The winner was Danielle Frank from Home Instead.
Congratulations, Danielle! She will receive her gas card this week through the mail.
We are holding another drawing for the spring/early summer season:
LVAA is holding a special drawing to encourage people to contribute articles for the blog. Any Direct Care Worker or manager who contributes a personal post (aka, not a job posting) by July 1st, will be entered in a drawing for a $50 Wawa gift certificate.
Here are the rules:
1. Write a short article, more than 50 words, less than 500, that deals with Direct Care Work.
2. Email it to corir@unitedwayglv.org
3. Include in the email if you would like your post to be anonymous or if we can mention you by name.
4. Provide contact information in case you win! Best of luck
Monday, April 21, 2008
A Poem From A Dying Woman
This email was forwarded to me by an owner of one of the Long Term Care Facilities. I think it speaks to the many women in the DCW profession:
This poem was written by Erma Bombeck and found after she lost her fight with cancer.
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have sat on the lawn! With my grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, 'Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.' There would have been more 'I love you 's'; more 'I'm sorry's.'
But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it... live it and never give it back. STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!!
Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what
Instead; let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.
This poem was written by Erma Bombeck and found after she lost her fight with cancer.
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have sat on the lawn! With my grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, 'Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.' There would have been more 'I love you 's'; more 'I'm sorry's.'
But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it... live it and never give it back. STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!!
Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what
Instead; let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Crabby Old Man
One of the Direct Care Workers shared this poem with the group at the last meeting:
When an old man died in the geriatric ward of a small hospital near Tampa, FL it was believed that he had nothing left of any value.
Later, when the nurses were going through his meager possessions, they found this poem. Its quality and content so impressed the staff that copies were made and distributed to every nurse in the hospital.
Crabby Old Man
What do you see nurses?... What do you see?
What are you thinking... when you're looking at me?
A crabby old man, ... not very wise,
Uncertain of habit... with faraway eyes?
Who dribbles his food... and makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice... "I do wish you'd try!"
Who seems not to notice... the things that you do.
And forever is losing... a sock or shoe?
Who, resisting or not... lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding... the long day to fill?
Is that what you're thinking?... Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse... you're not looking at me.
I'll tell you who I am... As I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, ... as I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of ten... with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters... who love one another
A young boy of sixteen... with wings on his feet
Dreaming that soon now... a lover he'll meet.
A groom soon a twenty... my heart gives a leap.
Remembering the vows... I promised to keep.
At twenty-five now... I have young of my own.
Who need me to guide... and a secure happy home.
A man of thirty... my young now grown fast,
Bound to each other... with ties that should last.
At forty, my young sons... have grown and are gone,
But my woman's beside me... to see I don't mourn.
At fifty, once more, ... babies play 'round my knee,
Again, we know children... my loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me... my wife is now dead.
I look at the future... I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing... young of their own.
And I think of the years... And the love that I've known.
I'm now an old man... and nature is cruel.
'Tis jest to make old age... look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles... grace and vigor, depart.
There is now a ston... where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass... a young guy still dwells,
And now and again... my battered heart swells.
I remember the joys... I remember the pain.
And I'm loving and living... life over again.
I think of the years... all too few... gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact... that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people... open and see
Not a crabby old man. Look closer... see ... ME!!
When an old man died in the geriatric ward of a small hospital near Tampa, FL it was believed that he had nothing left of any value.
Later, when the nurses were going through his meager possessions, they found this poem. Its quality and content so impressed the staff that copies were made and distributed to every nurse in the hospital.
Crabby Old Man
What do you see nurses?... What do you see?
What are you thinking... when you're looking at me?
A crabby old man, ... not very wise,
Uncertain of habit... with faraway eyes?
Who dribbles his food... and makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice... "I do wish you'd try!"
Who seems not to notice... the things that you do.
And forever is losing... a sock or shoe?
Who, resisting or not... lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding... the long day to fill?
Is that what you're thinking?... Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse... you're not looking at me.
I'll tell you who I am... As I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, ... as I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of ten... with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters... who love one another
A young boy of sixteen... with wings on his feet
Dreaming that soon now... a lover he'll meet.
A groom soon a twenty... my heart gives a leap.
Remembering the vows... I promised to keep.
At twenty-five now... I have young of my own.
Who need me to guide... and a secure happy home.
A man of thirty... my young now grown fast,
Bound to each other... with ties that should last.
At forty, my young sons... have grown and are gone,
But my woman's beside me... to see I don't mourn.
At fifty, once more, ... babies play 'round my knee,
Again, we know children... my loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me... my wife is now dead.
I look at the future... I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing... young of their own.
And I think of the years... And the love that I've known.
I'm now an old man... and nature is cruel.
'Tis jest to make old age... look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles... grace and vigor, depart.
There is now a ston... where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass... a young guy still dwells,
And now and again... my battered heart swells.
I remember the joys... I remember the pain.
And I'm loving and living... life over again.
I think of the years... all too few... gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact... that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people... open and see
Not a crabby old man. Look closer... see ... ME!!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Review of Yesterday's Meeting
The Lehigh Valley Chapter of the Direct Care Workers Association held our monthly meeting yesterday. The group discussed:
1. The State Direct Care Workers Association
2. This Blog
3. The conferences on May 16th and July 25th
4. The future direction of the LV Chapter of DCWA.
We were very excited to have two managers from different facilities attend for the first time!
1. The State Direct Care Workers Association
2. This Blog
3. The conferences on May 16th and July 25th
4. The future direction of the LV Chapter of DCWA.
We were very excited to have two managers from different facilities attend for the first time!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Meeting Today!
Today, Tuesday, April 15th from 2:30 - 3:30 will be the Lehigh Valley Chapter Meeting for the PA Direct Care Workers Association. There is no fee to join and you do not need to be a member to attend. So, please feel free to stop in and join us!
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
2200 Avenue A, Third Floor
Bethlehem, PA 18017
Conference Room
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
2200 Avenue A, Third Floor
Bethlehem, PA 18017
Conference Room
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Seniors Rock!
Lynn Marie Houghton, RN BSN of Seniors Helping Seniors sent me this wonderful video this morning with the following words, "Seniors Rock!"
Yes, they do!
Yes, they do!
Monday, April 7, 2008
Pennsylvania Holds Hearing on the Direct-Care Workforce
"I care for the seniors, but I care just as much for my co-workers and those who are looking to come into this profession. We need your help to invest in the direct-care workforce," hospice nurse aide Brenda Nachtway told the Pennyslvania House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee on April 2. Nachtway, who is co-chair of the Pennsylvania Direct Care Workers Association, was one of several direct-care workers, employers, and other stakeholders to testify at a public hearing on the direct-care workforce.
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