 2010 Direct Care Worker
Annual Conference Registration
Now Open
August 30 and 31, 2010 at the Ramada Tropics Resort and Conference Center, Des Moines, IA.
NEW You can register and pay online: Cost is $30 for one day and $45 for two.
For more information, click here.
Why We Support the Iowa CareGivers Conference
An Employer Perspective
"When I attend my conference next month, the cost of my travel, my lodging, my meals, and my wages will be covered…..Our Direct Care Workers should expect nothing less."
Alexa Mayner, COO, ABCM Corporation
Read more on this topic or visit the ABCM website for more information!
2010 National Direct Support Professional Week
September 12 - 18, 2010
To honor the direct support workforce and the tremendous difference they make each day in the lives of millions of Americans with disabilities, ANCOR, through its National Advocacy Campaign, is proudly sponsoring National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week.
U.S. Senate Declares National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week.
Governor Culver Announces Iowa’s Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan
If you are a direct care worker (or any Iowan) who is uninsured due to a pre-existing medical condition, you now have an option!
On August 10, Governor Culver announced that a new health insurance pool will begin to accept applications from Iowans with a pre-existing medical condition who have been uninsured for at least six months.Governor's announcement is available here.
PLEASE NOTE: The enrollment in this new health insurance pool will be LIMITED!! If you are interested in filing an application, it is important to do so as soon as possible. To file an application, see a local agent who sells health insurance, go to the Iowa Insurance Division website or call toll free to 877-505-0513.
Iowa Public Radio Exchange Program Draws Attention to Importance of Direct Care Workers
Listen to Ben Keiffer’s interview with 100 year old Mildred Pierce who still lives independently with a little outside assistance and the support of family, good friends and neighbors.
Kieffer talked with Di Findley, Executive Director of the Iowa Care Givers Association and Dana Petrowsky, Presdient and CEO of the Iowa Association of Homes and Services for the Aging. Listen to the entire podcast here.
You can also access the State Profile Tool report from the Iowa Department on Aging’s website. The report provides an assessment of Iowa’s long term care system and reveals statistical information about how Iowa lags behind the rest of the country in providing more in home care over nursing home care. Two additional chapters on the direct care workforce and the informal caregiving network will be added by the end of September. To read the current report click here.
ADA Turns 20: A Nation Transformed!
The ADA has broken down barriers, created opportunities and transformed lives.Today, we recognize that people with disabilities – like all people – have unique abilities, talents and aptitudes. And our nation is better, fairer and richer when we make full use of those gifts. The ADA is America at its very, very best.
In honor of the 20th anniversary of the American's with Disabilities Act, Senator Tom Harkin recorded a message to all who have worked to help advance disability rights.
What's So Special About The Iowa CareGivers Association?
The Iowa CareGivers Association (ICA) is unique! You may ask what sets us apart from others, and the most important element is this: We are the INDEPENDENT voice for direct care workers. We are able to stay true to our mission and the direct care workers we serve because we are not owned by another organization, association, or agency. Click here to see how some graduates of the ICA Leadership Program describe the ICA.
U-ROC Registration
We call the Iowa CareGivers Association’s Direct Care Worker Resource and Outreach Center the “ROC”. It is important that you register with the ROC so you will:
- Be aware of ICA programs and events that are tailored to your needs and interests.
- Be aware of opportunities on ways to grow professionally and become more involved in your profession.
- Be informed about Issues that impact you at the state and federal levels.
- Be aware of opportunities to network with other direct care workers statewide.
- Receive newsletters and other important information.
Click here to download a PDF version of the U-ROC postcard that you may print out and mail in, or you may also register by filling out the form here.
New Issue Brief
Improving Continuing Education Opportunities for Iowa’s Direct Care Workforce
Click here to view this issue brief, newsletters, additional resources and more!
New Resource
New Resource for Providers Implementing Person Directed/Centered Care and Consistent Staffing
The ABCM Corporation has produced a video on person directed/centered care. Click here to read more and view the video!
Pressure Ulcers: Goal is Zero
Iowa Foundation for Medical Care (IFMC) provides a number of resources to help you and your employers to reduce pressure ulcers.
In an effort to help direct care workers and their employers decrease pressure ulcer rates, theIFMC has a number of resources available on their website. The resources include several educational checklists, a printable poster and tools to track and assess pressure ulcers. Your Residents are Counting on You! Find out What You Can Do to Prevent Pressure Ulcers.
Be sure to check out the IFMC Patient Safety - Resources and Publications webpage for the list of pressure ulcer resources and other resources on MRSA, restraints, surgical care, drug safety and more!
To view resources click here
Nearly 200 direct care workers participated in two ICA Regional Conferences held in Mason City and Dubuque.
Click here to view the Mason City May 18, 2010 program photo gallery
Click here to view the Dubuque May 25, 2010 program photo gallery
GREAT NEWS!!!
The Des Moines Register Sheds Light On Direct Care Worker Issues
The May 23rd issue of the Des Moines Sunday Register featured a story about Becky Johnson, a Home Health Aide; an editorial on the health and long term care workforce; and a taped interview with ICA Direct Care Worker Leadership Council member, Anthony Wells, Public Policy Consultant, John Hale; and ICA Executive Director, Di Findley. The interview covers the waterfront of issues impacting direct care worker recruitment and retention, and serves as an excellent overview of the public policy challenges now in front of the Congress and state legislatures throughout the nation.
Click here to read the story about Becky Johnson.
Click here to read the Opinion piece.
Click here to view the video.
AARP Puts New Health Care Law In A Nutshell
The new health care law…It's big. It's complex. It's very, very important to direct care workers and their families...and all Americans. Trying to boil it down and make it understandable is a real challenge. AARP recently did that, and we are providing the link for you to check it out here. Find your situation and read away! Our thanks to AARP for their valuable information and assistance.
Your Hub Newsletter has a new look!
Current Issue NOW Available! Click here to see the July issue.
The Cindy Chronicle
How One Story Helped Shape Health Care Reform
Click here to read the article.
IOWA’S CARE GAP: Direct Care Workforce Issues Affect Us All
By nature, the issues are about:
- Access to care
- Workforce and economic development
- Education and professional development for direct care workers, and
- Social justice
NEW VIDEO: Iowa Braces for a Looming Care Gap: Building a Stable Direct Care Workforce ©2009 ICA.
To view a short version of the video, click here. To see the entire video by segment, click here. To view the full-length 26 minute video, click here. |
