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Iowa Capital Dispatch Article

Des Moines Register Editorial: Iowa caregivers ask Gov. Kim Reynolds and all elected officials to place a priority on Building a Strong Direct Care Workforce.

Click here to read the full article.

New Report Shows Direct Care Occupations Earn Median Hourly Wage of $13.80 – A Major Reason Why Employers, Consumers, and Family Caregivers Struggle to Find Help!

Click here to view the full press release.
Click here to view Executive Summary, Key Findings and Recommendations of the Direct Care Workers of Iowa 2019 Wage and Benefit Survey (electronic version).
Click here to view Executive Summary (printable version).
Click here to view the 2019 Direct Care Worker Wage and Benefit Survey

 

Protect Yourself, Your Family, and Those You Serve From Coronavirus

Iowa Department of Public Health is a Reliable Source of Information. Visit this site for information on general prevention resources for health care facilities, travel bans, and Iowa cases:  

https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus

General Prevention

It is important to note there are seven different coronaviruses known to infect humans. There are four common coronaviruses (229E, NL63, OC43 and HKU1) that circulate widely. Most people will get infected with one or more of the common human coronaviruses in their lifetime. IDPH recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of all respiratory viruses, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your mouth with your upper arm or tissue when coughing or sneezing.
• ·Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

CDC does not recommend face masks for the general public.

It takes a village to help aging Iowans, and this state needs to step up

March 1 marks the first day of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM). The Iowa DD Council, in partnership with Iowans with Disabilities in Action, has created a campaign entitled “The Spirit of Inclusion”. This campaign aims to create awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all areas of community life, as well as the barriers that people with disabilities still sometimes face in their communities.

“The Spirit of Inclusion” campaign highlights the many ways in which people with and without disabilities come together to form strong, diverse communities. Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month creates the opportunity for everyone to spread stories and share resources highlighting all of the excellent work being done.

Do YOU have a story about inclusion to share? How has “The Spirit of Inclusion” impacted your life? Tell us all about it!

Share your story here! https://idaction.org/DDAM/

It takes a village to help aging Iowans, and this state needs to step up

Des Moines Register Editorial: While abuse and neglect of seniors frequently focuses on caregivers, not having a caregiver can result in life-threatening self-neglect.

Click here to read the full article.

 

Iowa CareGivers Announces 2020 Issue Priorities

Join us in advocating for policies that place a VALUE on the importance of Direct Care and Support to Iowans!
Mark Your Calendar – March 12, 2020 Day at the State Capitol

Click here to view the 2020 Issue Priorities.

Launch of Mouth Care Matters (MCM) Phase II: A Path to Implementation - ALL SYSTEMS GO!

MCM Phase II builds upon Phase I in which the MCM curriculum was developed, MCM instructors received MCM training, and direct care workers and licensed nurses received the MCM training. MCM Phase II will test provider partners’ success in utilization of the MCM Employer Implementation toolkit. The toolkit includes Mouth Care Matters in-services for all staff; Mouth Care Matters training for nurses; Mouth Care Matters for direct care staff; various oral health campaign materials and tools to aid in the integration of oral care into day to day practices.  Community colleges will play a vital role in the sustainability of the program by including MCM classes into their regularly scheduled classes in order for their local providers to ensure they can maintain at least 50% of their staff receive MCM training.

Project partners are Home Instead Senior Care Urbandale, Iowa Western Homes (2 locations), and Senior Housing Management. Evaluators are Iowa Healthcare Collaborative and University of Iowa Collage of Dentistry. 

Click here for more details about the MCM Phase II Project 

 

	Edencrest at The Legacy in Norwalk Joy Laudick, Director of Clinical Quality Manager; Jill Clements, Manager; Michelle Johnson, Resident Assistant; Carol Van Aernam, Iowa CareGivers Mouth Care Matters Instructor
	Ballard Creek Assisted Living in Huxley Kimberly Rivera, R.N.; Sarita Nepal, Direct Care Worker; Abby Wait, Direct Care Worker; Carol Van Aernam, Iowa CareGivers Mouth Care Matters Instructor
	The Cedars of Madrid Home Assisted Living David Schmitz, Dietary Manager; Sue Hyland, MCM Instructor; Kristen Canham, Administrator; Emma Reiter, Universal Worker; Gloria Vermie, Iowa Healthcare Collaborative.
	Home Instead Senior Care Urbandale Lisa Marsh, Direct Care Worker; Mary Kelly, Mouth Care Matters Instructor; Heather Barber, Consultant, Home Instead Senior Care
	Home Instead Senior Care Urbandale Dera Aswegan, Training and Development Coordinator; Mary Kelly, Mouth Care Matters Instructor; Tina Campbell & Teresa Benson, Direct Care Workers

Mouth Care Matters (MCM) On The Move!!

Mouth Care Matters Instructors Busy Teaching MCM Classes and In-Services!

Special thanks to Lisa Hebl, MCM Instructor @ Kirkwood who was pleasantly surprised to learn that one of the MCM students had participated in the MY Daisy, Brownie, and Girl Scout troop that she led.

Click here to see photo gallery.

 

FIFTY (50) Attend MCM In-services at Pleasant View Care Center in Whiting

Impressive Numbers and Commitment to Ensure ALL Staff Have the Opportunity to Participate! Kudos to All!

Click here to see photo gallery.

 

Optimae Life Services in Bloomfield Places Priority on Oral Care

Nursing homes turn to temporary employees to fill critical vacancies

Des Moines Register Opinion piece by John and Terri Hale, Iowa View contributors

It’s not right. It costs Iowa taxpayers and consumers more, and it produces results they don’t want.

What is it? It’s the growing use of temporary certified nurse aides and nurses in Iowa nursing homes instead of permanent employees.

The situation exists because many Iowa nursing homes can’t find applicants willing and able to do the work. Workers are not applying, or aren’t staying, because during a period of very low unemployment they can often find easier work with better pay and benefits elsewhere.

So these employers turn to temporary staffing agencies to attempt to fill the holes.

Why should Iowans be concerned? 

Click here to view the entire article.

 

Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation Funds Expansion of Mouth Care Matters (MCM) Program

$20,000 Grant to Support Implementation of Mouth Care Matters Program into Home and Community Based Settings.

Click here to view the press release in its entirety.

Honoring Those Who Have Reached The Age of 100 or Older — A Highlight of Iowa CareGivers Conference!

An audience of about 150 rose in ovation to each of the eight central Iowa centenarians honored at a recent reception during the Iowa CareGivers conference.

“These amazing individuals redefine aging and defy the myths about aging. We’re humbled by this opportunity to shed a light on the enormous contributions they’ve made and continue to make to our country, state, their communities and families,” said Joel Olah, Director, Aging Resources of Central Iowa. Common themes shared by many of the centenarians when asked to what they attribute their longevity, were family and hard work!!  Some credited a family history of long lives to their longevity. Their sense of humor was also displayed. 

 

The Oldest Guest of Honor, Dorothy F Pickett, 105

Meet the Other Honorees

Congratulations to these central Iowa centenarians pictured above with their families and Eric Hanson, News Anchor, KCCI TV8 (left) and Brian Majeski, Assistant Director, Iowa Department on Aging.  

Also honored but unable to attend was Kenneth Agard, 101.

View the entire photo gallery here!

 

Governor Kim Reynolds’ Message to Centenarians

The reception was a partnership between the Iowa Department on Aging, Aging Resources of Central Iowa, Iowa CareGivers.

Thanks to KCCI TV 8 and Early Morning News Anchor, Eric Hanson, for emceeing the event.

Thanks to our reception sponsors Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield and AARP Iowa.

Narrowing the Gap: The Fashion Industry and Iowans with Disabilities

If you are a person with a disability who wants to get into the fashion/retail industry, or an industry professional who wants to learn more about hiring employees with disabilities, Narrowing The Gap will facilitate conversations and connections!

This year's event will start with an adaptive fashion expo and mingling opportunity at 5:00 p.m. Dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. with keynote speaker and disability fashion styling expert Stephanie Thomas to speak at 7:00 p.m. closing remarks will end the event at 8:00 p.m.

Guests should arrive between 5:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to sign in and observe adaptive fashion design, materials, clothing, and assistive dressing technology.

If you have any questions, or would like to inquire about sponsored tickets for students with disabilities, email amatte@driowa.org or call (515)-278-2502 x 34

To donate the cost of tickets so that students with disabilities and their families can attend visit: https://mtyc.co/29x13g

Narrowing the Gap sold out early last year, and space is limited, so buy tickets early!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/narrowing-the-gap-the-fashion-industry-and-iowans-with-disabilities-tickets-69756634973

Des Moines Conference Provides Support to State’s Caregivers

Opportunities for Education and Networking Encourage Workers to Remain in the Field

Iowa CareGiver’s 25th annual statewide conference will provide two days of educational sessions, networking, and professional development for direct care workers and those serving as family caregivers. Caregiving: It’s Universalwill be held at The Meadows Conference Center in Altoona on September 9 and 10. One-day registration is $75 and two-day registration is $105. 

Click here to read the full press release.

Keep talking about aging with presidential candidates

There are 55 million Americans 65 and over today. In 2040, that number will reach 82 million. That massive demographic shift will impact everything — the economy, health and long-term care services, public and private pensions, housing, transportation, social services and so much else.

Click here to read the full Des Moines Register Opinion Piece by John and Terri Hale.

Iowa CareGivers Awarded $3,500 Polk County Community Betterment Grant By Polk County Board of Supervisors

Polk County Mouth Care Matters (MCM) Will Focus on Oral Health Training For Licensed Nurses and Supervisors of Direct Care/Support Workers. Classes Will Be Held at Des Moines Area Community College and CEUs Will Be Offered.

For more information contact Mary Ann Young maryann@iowacaregivers.org

Click here to view the press release.

Presidential Candidate, Senator Amy Klobuchar (MN), spent time in Iowa this week to participate in the AARP Iowa hosted presidential forum

Note: Iowa CareGivers is nonpartisan and does not make contributions to or endorse political candidates or elected officials.

Iowa CareGivers Executive Director, Di Findley, had the opportunity to participate on a round table hosted by the Senator.  The Senator shared her plan on issues affecting older Americans and listened to concerns and took questions from attendees. Findley expressed the need to ensure a stable health and long term service and support (LTSS) workforce, including direct care workers by focusing on increasing wages and competency-based credentials that will follow workers from one job, setting, or population served to another. 

Her plan states she will: Support a world class long-term care workforce, increase long-term care options, and tackle disparities in long-term care.  Senator Klobuchar believes we must invest in and address shortages in our long-term care workforce. She is committed to increasing wages, improving job conditions and promoting other recruitment and retention policies, especially in rural communities facing workforce challenges. She will also support training for long-term care workers and new loan forgiveness programs for in-demand occupations that includes our long-term care workers.

Later that day Klobuchar participated in an AARP Iowa Presidential Forum along with Vice President Joe Biden, Senator Cory Booker, and former CO Governor John Hickenlooper.  All four of the candidates were asked questions about what they would do to address the shortages of direct care workers. Moderators were Kathy Obradovich, Des Moines Register, and Kay Henderson, Radio Iowa.

Whether you are a Democrat, Republican, or Independent please pay attention to the candidates’ plans and promises.  Visit their websites to read the highlights of their plans.  We will continue to reach out to all presidential candidates in the primary and general election and urge them to place a high priority on health and long term service and supports workforce, aging, disability, and family caregiving issues. Make informed decisions! 

Learn more about her plan: https://bit.ly/2JIj7wM

Presidential candidates, take the lead on aging issues

Ann Black Receives From the Heart Recognition by Iowa CareGivers

Ann Black of Earlham was honored with the Iowa CareGivers’ From the Heart recognition on July 17, 2019. Ms. Black was acknowledged for her significant volunteer contributions to Iowa CareGivers including networking, grant writing and organization of pending grant opportunities. In addition, Ms. Black was instrumental in leading the work performed through the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines’s Capacity Building grant resulting in a well-structured development plan for the organization and service on the Development Committee.

Click here to view the full press release.

Know Someone Who is 100 Years Old or Older?

Do you know someone who has reached their 100th birthday… or more? The Governor’s Office, the Iowa Department on Aging, Aging Resources of Central Iowa, and Iowa CareGivers will host an event that will acknowledge and celebrate our valuable and longest living citizens on Monday, September 9, 2019, at 4:00 p.m. at The Meadows Events and Conference Center in Altoona, Iowa. Reception sponsors are Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield and AARP Iowa.

Iowans are healthier and are living longer, but... in some cases, families and professional caregivers are supporting our older population to lead independent and dignified lives. It seems fitting that the celebration be held at the Iowa CareGiver’s statewide conference where all of these caregivers are receiving education and support.

If you know someone aged 100+ years, please contact the Iowa Department on Aging at 515-725-3333 to share the person’s contact information so that an invitation can be sent.

You may also go to www.iowaaging.gov for more information about the various celebrations that are being held across the State.

Mouth Care Matters (MCM) Phase II Grant Awarded to Iowa CareGivers by Retirement Research Foundation

Naomi Stanhaus, Program Consultant, RRF, said, “The Retirement Research Foundation places a high priority on supporting initiatives that focus on long-term systemic change to improve the quality of life for older people, and we believe that MCM has the capacity to accomplish that.”

Click here to view the executive summary

Click here to view the news release.

BWA Foundation Awards Grant to Iowa CareGivers to Enrich the Personal and Professional Lives of Women in Caregiving!

Iowa CareGivers, (IC), the non-profit, non-partisan and independent voice of Iowa’s direct care workers, is pleased to announce it has received a grant in the amount of $2,575 from the BWA Foundation. 

“The BWA Foundation has an impressive 130 year history of helping women and children and we are honored to be among the many efforts they have supported,” said Di Findley, Executive Director of IC. “They understand the challenges that women face in trying to get ahead in a society that often undervalues “caregiving” as a job or as a rewarding career choice for some.”

Click here to view the press release in its entirety.

Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines Grant Will Enable Iowa CareGivers To Strengthen Its Service To Community!

Iowa CareGivers, (IC), the non-profit, non-partisan and independent voice of Iowa’s direct care workers, is pleased to announce it has received a $2,500 Capacity Building Grant from the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines to advance organizational capacity, board management and governance and overall sustainability. IC is leveraging the Community Foundation grant to help meet the care needs of Iowa’s changing demographics.

Click here to view the press release in its entirety.

 

Iowa Healthcare Collaborative Annual Forum

Shirley Sorenson, Iowa CareGivers Board Advisor and volunteer, networking at the Iowa Healthcare Collaborative Annual Forum.

Olmstead Consumer Taskforce Taking Applications

Click here to view The Olmstead Consumer Taskforce (OCTF) membership application. Applications are due April 30, 2019.

Several seats are open, so please share broadly with anyone that may be interested. There are open seats for people that fall in any of these categories:

• Person with a disability or a parent of a child with a disability
• Can represent the needs of older Iowans
• Can represent the needs of children
• Advocacy organization

Learn more here: http://olmsteadrealchoicesia.org/new-member-application/

Thank You Terry — Welcome Jerri!

Terry Fankhauser recently retired after serving as Iowa CareGivers finance consultant for 15 years.   He embraced the IC mission and found ways to support it outside his role in administering our finances.  He will be sorely missed.  We are grateful for all he has done for us over the years and wish Terry and his spouse, Mike, the best in their retirement.  Thanks Terry!!!

Please meet Jerri Adkins.  We are pleased to welcome Jerri to our team.  She will serve as our new finance consultant. 

Hello!  My name is Jerri Adkins and I am excited and humbled to join the Iowa CareGivers team as financial consultant. After many years of working in the for profit accounting world I am looking forward to using my accounting tools to help forward the Iowa CareGivers mission.

I earned my BS, accounting degree, from Central College, Pella, Ia. I worked in the internal auditing, mortgage loan fields for Principal Financial Group, working remotely after daughters, Katlynn and Kalysta were born. Most recently, I worked as Inland Coatings controller – a coatings manufacturing company.

My husband, Chris, and I make our home in rural Dallas County – with our dog Scout and rehabilitated, educational barred owl, Strix.  Jerri

Recognizing America’s 4 Million Registered Nurses

Say Thanks to Those Who Have Mentored, Taught, and Worked Along Side of You!
National Nurses Week begins each year on May 6th and ends on May 12th, Florence Nightingale's birthday.

Ottumwa Job Corps' Direct Care Professional Students Graduate from Iowa CareGivers Student “Call to Mentoring”! Congratulations to All!!

Major Step Taken By EveryStep and We Applaud Them!! 

Large health care services provider boosts minimum wage to $15 (Reported by Business Record 3/1/19)

Des Moines-based EveryStep, a nonprofit health care services organization with operations in 47 Iowa counties, announced that it will implement a $15 hourly wage for its employees, effective immediately. The change will increase wages as much as nearly $4 per hour for some employees, and benefit 14 types of roles within the organization. In all, 44 employees will immediately benefit from the increase; more than half of those employees work as hospice and home care aides, the organization said. "We are constantly looking for ways to improve the lives of our employees, and we recognize that the first step to providing excellent care to our clients and patients is to make sure our employees are taken care of as well," said Tray Wade, EveryStep president and CEO. According to the advocacy group Iowa CareGivers, in 2016 the average wage for entry-level to experienced direct care positions ranged from $9.01 to $13.22 per hour. EveryStep, formerly known as HCI Care Services & Visiting Nurse Services of Iowa, provides care programs to more than 63,000 Iowans.

Sally Chapman and Donna Cheers, EveryStep Hospice Aides, meet Congresswoman Cindy Axne

Sally and Donna are 2017 recipients of Iowa CareGivers Leadership Award. 

Medicare does NOT cover dental care at a time when it may be most needed!

On January 3, Senator Ben Cardin from Maryland introduced S.22, the Medicare Dental Benefit Act of 2019 —a bill that, if enacted, would allow older adults and persons with disabilities to access their oral healthcare as they do their medical care—through Medicare. (Source: Oral Health America)

Iowa Selected for National Initiative to Advance Strategies for Supporting Family Caregivers

Today, nearly 17 million Americans provide care for an older parent, spouse, friend, or neighbor, and this number is expected to grow exponentially over the coming decades as the population ages. Over the 18-month initiative, Iowa and the other participating states will receive technical assistance from CHCS and leading experts on developing strategies to support family caregivers.

Click here to view the press release.

Gratifying to Serve the Greater Good! 

Iowa CareGivers (IC) recaps 2018 and Shifts Focus to 2019 During Annual Meeting

IC Board of Directors, Direct Care Professional Leadership Council, Consultants, and Staff participated in a “Down to Earth” Annual Meeting that featured 2018 successes, challenges, and mission-driven goals for 2019. Serving the needs of those who dedicate themselves to supporting and caring for and about others is most gratifying. 

Thanks to all!

Click here to view the full photo gallery.

 

Help protect the voting rights of the Iowans you serve!

This final edition to Residents' Rights Month 2018 "Speak Up: Know Your Rights and how to Use Them" pays tribute to our rights as citizens. It is fitting one of the submission to The Consumer Voice's Resident Voices Challenge includes the following video showcasing talents of the tenants' and residents' rights to the song "My Country tis of Thee"at Kensington Park Senior Living in Maryland.

Tenants and residents have the right to participate in the upcoming election. Residents and tenants have the right to make their voting choices free from outside influences. In September's newsletter the following guide was shared to assist tenants and residents show their voting preferences. Being able to exercise the basic right to vote in not only the Presidential or Gubernatorial elections but local elections for Mayor or school board representative assist tenants and residents to stay connected with the community. There may be elections at the facility to participate in as well including resident council elections, resident/tenant idol voting or voting on the best exhibition of creativeness. Residents and tenants may find the voting guide for the upcoming election on November 6 on our website here.  

Click here to view an article that discusses what one Iowa Falls tenant in an assisted living program is doing to increase voter turnout at the polls:  

— Courtesy of the Advocate, the e-newsletter of Iowa's Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman

Direct care workers deserve higher funding

I’ve worked in direct care for over 25 years. Elected officials need to know it is a valued, dignified, and honorable profession worthy of recognition, respect and honor. Direct care requires unique abilities, qualities and achievements in both competency and character development, as well as education and training.

We work in multiple settings and work with persons who have dementia, autism, brain-injury, physical and mental disabilities, bone fractures, diseases, and multiple issues related to aging and dying.

We provide support and services related to eating, dressing, toileting, mobility, and bathing. We are expected to do all of that with the values of hospitality, reverence for life and compassion. We are in high demand.

Yet we need reasonable work hours. Turnover and vacancies in a facility often lead to 12-hour shifts, mandatory overtime, or working eight to nine days in a row. These staffing patterns contribute to injury, burnout and turnover. So not including the direct care workforce in the Future Ready Iowa Bill is very sad.

Money isn’t everything and by far not the main motive for remaining in direct care, but we do need to make a living. For those of us who choose to remain in direct care, the real return on investment is when a resident in tears thanks me for helping them with evening cares.

— Fran Mancl, Dubuque

Click here to read the full Des Moines Register letter to the editor.

Who Are Those Masked Mouth Care Matters Instructors!!??

25 Mouth Care Matters Instructors and Iowa CareGivers staff and consultants spent yesterday discussing the current status of the Mouth Care Matters program and making plans for the future.   

It was a great day with lots of great ideas shared. 

Kudos to all! And thanks to Julie McMahon for facilitating. 

Stay tuned! 

See the photo gallery!

Iowa Recognized As Leader In Addressing Direct Care/Service Workforce Issues But Crisis Will Continue Without Vision, Sustained Commitment, And Legislative Action

Iowa’s Initiatives for Addressing Direct Care/Service Workforce Issues Recognized Nationally    
To view the PHI National Case Study, click here.

Iowa's Work On Issues Spans 25 Years and Has Impacted Practice and Policy Changes – But More Needs to be Done!

Click here to view the infographic

What Needs to Be Done to Advance the Initiatives to Ensure a Stable Direct Care Workforce? 
Support Iowa CareGivers 2018 Issue Priorities

 

Direct Care Workforce Among Top 5 Issues of Gazette’s Iowa Ideas Conference

Click here to read the full article.

Lives of all Iowans impacted by direct care workforce

Click here to learn more and read the full Des Moines Register article.

 

United Way Alice Report for Iowa. Do you know Alice?

ALICE, Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed, places a spotlight on a large population of hardworking residents who work at low-paying jobs, have little or no savings, and are one emergency away from falling into poverty.

Click here to learn more.

Chain Migration For Me, But Not For Thee?

Immigrants are needed to fill jobs that include caring for aging residents.

Click here to learn more and read the full Des Moines Register article.

Iowa CareGivers Welcomes New Member to Board of Directors

Iowa CareGivers Welcomes Rick Kozin, Retired, Polk County Health Department to Board of Directors.

Demand for Home Health and Personal Care Aides High – Pay Still Too Low!

Click here to learn more and read the full Des Moines Register article.

Johnson County CNAs Honored For “Going The Extra Mile”

June 21, 2018 marked the fifth annual Going The Extra Mile event, recognizing excellence in Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs).  Nine CNAs from Johnson county nursing facilities received the award.  The recognition ceremony included a lavish breakfast and each awardee received cash prizes, door prizes, Iowa CareGivers shirts, and donations from local businesses. 

The Going the Extra Mile awardees also received a Certificate of Excellence from the Johnson County Board of Supervisors.  Each individual CNA was recognized and their biography was read when they received this award.  The Johnson County Board of Supervisors shared personal stories about how their loved ones received kind and compassionate care from CNAs, and they all voiced a deep appreciation of the very important job each CNA completes. 

This event was sponsored by the Johnson County Quality Long-Term Care Committee, spearheaded by retired pastor Bob Welsh, and comprised of long-term care administrators, the local ombudsman, the University of Iowa College of Nursing and School of Social Work, local physicians, pharmacists, geriatric researchers, family members and community advocates.  

Just Released!

Mouth Care Matters Highlights Volume 2; Spring 2018
Learn more about the project’s status, lessons learned, and recommendations for increasing access.

Demand Medicare Dental: WE HAVE TEETH. AND WE VOTE.

Many believe Medicare covers dental care.  It does not!  Support this campaign effort because it will benefit many of the Iowans you serve and will help to ensure your own future health and well-being.

You can support the campaign as an individual or as an organizational partner.

Click here to view the flyer for Individuals

Click here to view the flyer for Organizations Interested in Being a Campaign Partner

 

Olmstead Consumer Taskforce Accepting Applications

The Olmstead Consumer Taskforce is currently accepting applications. Applications are due on June 1, 2018 by 5pm. Click here for more information.

Series of 13 Regional Direct Care Workforce 2020 Sessions Conclude in Davenport

The final, in a series of 13 regional conversations with health and long-term care/service employers, community college and workforce development representatives, and other stakeholders, wrapped up in Davenport on April 24.  Some 200 participated in the discussions that focused on solutions to recruiting and retaining those who work in direct care. The challenges facing employers, their employees, family caregivers, and others are not unique to Iowa but we may be better equipped than many states to address the issues IF the “Solutions” are implemented. The “Solutions” that surfaced were placed into a working document which were vetted and updated after each series of meetings. Next steps include developing a final report and executive summary that will be shared with all who participated, elected officials, state departments, direct care workers, Iowans in need of services, family caregivers, health and long-term care/service employers, educators, advocates, and many others at the state and national levels. Watch our website for updates on the status of implementation and please share with others who can join us in building a groundswell of support and action!!

Special Thanks to WHBF-Local 4 for covering the Davenport meeting.

Click here to view the photo gallery.  
Click here to see the video coverage and read the article.

The events were made possible through a Department of Public Health Contract.  Thanks also to all participants, to the many community colleges that co-hosted the meetings throughout the state, and to the various media that took time to cover the events, and shed light on such critical issues.

Congrats to KPACE Students that Graduated from Mouth Care Matters 

Kirkwood Community College

We wish all graduates the best in their future classes.  May you find employment that you love!

 

What is KPACE? 

KPACE is a career pathway training program designed to help individuals earn credentials in increments; enabling students options along the training pathway to either seek employment using the credential earned or to continue training, earning additional credentials that increase their earning potential. The program is intended to assist students in earning credentials in high-demand industries for the purpose of obtaining gainful employment after training. Students in PACE programming receive customized academic, career, and personal supports through a Pathway Navigator to assist them in successfully completing training, earning a credential and obtaining employment.

Lifelong Smiles Coalition and Mouth Care Matters (MCM) Co-present at 2018 Governor’s Conference on Public Health

Lifelong Smiles Coalition is a multi-stakeholder coalition that shares a common goal of assuring access to optimal oral health so that successful aging can occur. The initiative, led by Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation (DDIAF), also funded 3 major grant projects including Mouth Care Matters (MCM), an oral health specialty training for those who work in direct care; the I Smile Silver program; and the University of Iowa College of Dentistry’s Office of Education and Training. Representatives of the Coalition and the MCM project co-presented during the Governor’s Conference on Public Health. 

Direct Care Workforce Challenges and Solutions Were Focus of Health and Long-Term Service and Supports (LTSS) Employers and Educators at Southwestern Community College (SWCC) Red Oak Center

“We don’t want to be able to tell if Sue, Molly, or Joe did the work, but rather consistently good care.” (participant)

“We must lead by example.”  (participant)

Click here to see full photo gallery.

Join us - Final Direct Care Workforce 2020 Session - Be a Part of the Solution

APRIL 24, 2018

Eastern Iowa Community College
West Davenport Center, Room A/B
2950 N Fairmount
Davenport, IA 52804

To learn more, view the program flyer.
To register, click here.

 

Exhibiting at Alzheimer's Conference

Iowa CareGivers participated in the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2018 BrainWorks Conference:  Help Me Help Myself on April 10th. 

“Insights on Business” News Hour Reflects on Iowa CareGivers 25 Years  

Di Findley talks about Iowa CareGivers and why it was first created. The association this former "nurse's aid" saw a need but it has morphed into something very necessary over the 25 years. 

Click here to view Part 1 of this conversation.

The "Go To" Place for education, networking, and recognition opportunities for those who provide care and support for Iowans of all ages and abilities.

Click here to see the full list of activities and events.

Iowa CareGivers Partners with Telligen to Offer Mouth Care Matters Webinar

April 18, 2018
For more information, view the flyer here.

To register, click here.

Iowa Legal Aid’s Legal Hotline for Older Iowans is presenting five, one-hour, elder law seminars this spring

For more information, click here.

State Announces Change In Certified Nurse Aide Instructor Qualifications

Nurse Aide Training Program Instructors
The Department has received clarification from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) related to the instructor qualifications for nurse aide training programs. CMS has agreed that as long as the training program coordinator has the requisite long-term care experience, the instructors in the nurse aide program who are under the supervision of the program coordinator would NOT be required to have the one year of long-term care experience.  Hopefully this will help facilitate the hiring of qualified instructors for the nurse aide training programs. (Posted 02/12/2018) Source: Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals Health Facilities Division https://dia-hfd.iowa.gov/DIA_HFD/Home.do

Contributors Step Up To Fund Mouth Care Matters Class In Davenport

We thank the Iowa Dental Hygienists’ Association (IDHA) for their financial support, and for their role in recruiting an excellent team of hygienists who have become Mouth Care Matters (MCM) instructors and thank them for their support. Learn more at:www.iowadha.com

Mary Ann Young’s commitment to MCM is unwavering. As Manager of the Mouth Care Matters project, she has immersed herself into the project, building relationships, and promoting the program. We extend a heartfelt thank you to Mary Ann, her husband, Bill, and sister, Karen, for their generous donation in memory of their parents, Maizie and Max Hollander, and we extend our condolences for the recent loss of their father. Thank you!!

These two contributions will make possible another Mouth Care Matters class, scheduled for
September 18, 2018  in Davenport, IA.
Eastern Iowa Community College
West Davenport Center
2950 N Fairmount St.
Davenport, IA 52804

Please watch our website for more details.

 

Ottumwa Job Corps' Direct Care Professional Students Graduate from Iowa CareGivers Student “Call to Mentoring”! Congratulations to All!!

What I wish our leaders would have said about older Iowans, by John Hale

"…here are four of the items that I see as being the most critical: 1) Strengthen the financial security of older Iowans – and reduce the reliance on the Medicaid program – by coming up with new ways to pay for the costs of expensive long-term services and supports. 2) Build, and sustain, the paid direct care workforce (the certified nurse aides, home care aides, personal support attendants, etc.) needed to serve and support the growing number of older Iowans and those with disabilities. 3) Better inform, support and train the approximately 500,000 family and other informal caregivers in Iowa who we rely on to keep their family and friends as independent as possible. 4) Increase the amount and type of information and services provided by the Area Agencies on Aging, Life-Long Links, and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman; information and services essential to the health, safety, and quality of life of older Iowans.”

Click here to read The Des Moines Register article by John Hale, Iowa View contributor.

January/February 2018 Issue of HUB newsletter now available

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Conference Dates
• 2018 Issue Priorities
• Council Taking Applications
• Worth Their Weight in Gold
• CNA 8 hour Work Rule
• Article: Dry Mouth
• Mouth Care Matters Highlights
• Mentor Instructor Training Highlights
• Toughest Job You'll Ever Love
• Substance Use Disorder
• Area Agencies on Aging: A Resource
• Board and Council News
• 25th Anniversary Highlights
• Caring Contributors
• And Much More...

To view the HUB newsletter, click here.

Call 515.223.2805 with questions or to request a hard copy.

Lawmakers Urged to Place Priority on Direct Care, Family Caregiver, and Caregiving Issues in 2018

WHO TV13 Features Iowa CareGivers’ Appeal to Legislators to Implement Solutions to Caregiving Issues!
Click here to watch the video.

Turning An Alzheimer’s Diagnosis Into Something Positive

Click here to read The Des Moines Register article by Di Findley and Dr. Marianne Smith, Iowa View contributors.

The Supply of Direct Caregivers Is Worsening as Advocates Call for More Training

A new report is praising Iowa as one of three states developing solutions to the problem of a shortage of direct care workers. Advocates for caregivers in the state say they need legislative support to enact them.

Click here to view the Iowa Public Radio report.

Tax Reform Likely to Impact Charitable Giving

Under the newly passed tax reform bill, charitable giving will likely be affected. As with any economic change, you may be looking at your finances and wondering how you will be impacted. With this new legislation, the tax benefits of your 2018 charitable giving may be affected, particularly if you currently itemize. Read the full article.

Dubuque Telegraph Herald Sheds Light on Direct Care Workforce!

Certified nursing assistants are the backbone of the local healthcare industry, by Ben Jacobson. Click here to read the full article.

Iowa CareGivers Welcomes 2 New Board Members 

Welcome to Iowa: The Care Less State

Click here to read The Des Moines Register, Iowa View article by John Hale.

CARE Documentary: A Compelling Look at In-Home Care Hosted by National Organization of Women (NOW) Cedar Rapids Chapter

Iowa CareGivers Participates in Follow Up Panel

The National Organization of Women (NOW) Cedar Rapids Chapter, recently hosted a public viewing of the recently released documentary “CARE”, a compelling account of struggles of paid caregivers and the families they serve and the unbreakable and unavoidable heart-wrenching bonds between them. 

The trailer and other info are available here: caredocumentary.com
The documentary will air on PBS in January but a date hasn’t yet been confirmed.

A Message From Iowa CareGivers 2018 Board Chair

Double Vision – Laser Focus On The Future!
Rest Assured That Our “Double Vision” Will Not Blur Our Laser Focus On The Future 

Vision: 

• No paid or family caregiver will ever feel unprepared to do what is expected of them or be unable to afford to work in a field of service to others.
• No one will fear or be faced with a lack of or poor quality care, isolation, or premature loss of independence for themselves, a loved one or friend.

Greetings:
As the newly elected Chair of the Iowa CareGivers (IC) Board of Directors, I am pleased to share with you our “double vision”, and I pledge to do all I can to help lead this mission-driven and laser-focused organization to the next level of its development.  With 25 years of experience in serving the needs of direct care/service workers and in leading model public policy and practice initiatives to bring stability to the direct care workforce, it is well-positioned to advance its efforts.  The Board, Leadership Council, staff, and consultants have devoted considerable time, energy and sheer doggedness in growing this amazing organization, but the challenges never stop. 

We have reviewed our organization’s past performance and are ready for what the future brings. IC is absolutely committed in our support of those who work in direct care and the Iowans they serve. We will continue to promote and provide quality educational opportunities; increase community awareness regarding Iowa’s Care Gap; state-wide recognition of the contributions of Iowa’s 70,000+ direct care workforce; and lead on advocacy and research regarding caregiving issues.

Rest assured that our “double vision” will not blur our laser focus on the future. We are ready to take on the challenges of 2018 and beyond, and we look forward to working with you and many Iowans in this important and rewarding work.  If you would like to help IC achieve these goals, please consider volunteering, donating, visiting and sharing our websitewww.iowacaregivers.org, or getting involved in some other way.  Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Sincerely,
Anne Kinzel, Board Chair
Iowa CareGivers
515-223-2805

 

Iowa CareGivers Announces 2018 Executive Committee Members

Jerry Jenkins, Treasurer  Agency Owner, Farmers Insurance Group

Anne Kinzel, Chair Iowa State University

Deanna Lehl, Vice-Chair  Family Nurse Practitioner

Becky Pryor, Secretary Administrator, Jasper County Health Department

Iowa CareGivers Joined By Friends To Celebrate 25 Years!

Click here to see the full gallery!

Click here to view the presentation from the event!

 

Do Iowa Lawmakers Think They Will Never Grow Old?

Click here to read The Des Moines Register Article.

 

Governor Reynolds says workforce is top priority…

Click here to read The Des Moines Register Article.

Mental Illness Awareness Week

Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) takes place Oct. 1-7. NAMI will promote the theme of "Into Mental Health: Inspired, Informed, Involved" during #MIAW.

The campaign will focus on the power of starting inspiring conversations, getting informed to know the right thing to say and encouraging people to proudly proclaim that they are #IntoMentalHealth!

Learn more at nami.org/MIAW

 

DMACC Students Attend Older Iowans Legislature

The Story County Accelerated Learning Experiences (SCALE) program has created a new Health and Human Services Career Exploration class as part of the Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) Career Advantage program.  The course is geared toward career exploration and hands-on experiences in the Health and Human Services field.  The SCALE program is for Story County high school juniors and seniors, and completion of the course results in 3 DMACC credit hours.  As part of this course, six students attended the Older Iowans Legislature to become more familiar with some of the the issues they will face as they begin their health and human services careers in the coming years.

How Broadlawns is changing lives in its poor north-side neighborhood

Click here to read The Des Moines Register Article.

Nursing and Other Staff Find Mouth Care Matters Class Beneficial — Hosted by Senior Housing Management Corporation

When asked what changes they would make in their personal work activities to address the delivery of oral care, responses included:

•  Discuss oral care with all residents themselves, watch 1-1 mouth care
• Notify families of poor oral hygiene
• Go to the dentist
• Closer evaluation
• Start being proactive in oral care
•  More checks
• Oral assessment/delegations
• I want to schedule time to take each aide to practice oral care to our memory care residents
• Education, role-playing
• Training
• Staff training, reminders
• Delegation of oral care

100% said the program was excellent or very good

100% said the training enhanced their knowledge about the link between oral health and one’s overall health and well-being.

100% said the training better prepared them to support other staff under their supervision and/or co-workers in providing good oral care.

Special Thanks to Mary Kelly and Carol Van Aernam, Mouth Care Matters Instructors and to Iowa Valley Community College for Providing Nursing CEUs. Iowa Valley Community College in Marshalltown may be hosting another Mouth Care Matters class in the future.  

See photo gallery!

 

Iowa CareGivers 2018 Issue Priorities Call For Policies To Benefit Those in Direct Care & The Iowans They Serve

Join Us In Standing Up For Direct Care!

·       Consistent educational standards that follow you wherever you go in Iowa

·       Central direct care workforce database system to maintain your education and certifications

·       Better wages/compensation

Click here to view the 2018 Issue Priorities.

Call Di Findley at 515-249-0138 for information.

Share your stories about WHY DIRECT CARE WORKFORCE ISSUES ARE IMPORTANT TO YOU!!!!!  information@iowacaregivers.org  

Community Conversation 2.0

The next Community Conversation 2.0 meeting will be on Tues., Sept. 19.  It is a neutral occasion to find out what’s going on in the community in regards to mental illness and substance abuse.

Location:  Machine Shed on Hickman Road in Urbandale
Time:  11:30 Soup and Salad luncheon - free
Speakers:  Noon to 2 PM

Please RSVP your attendance to our Executive Director namigdmdirector@gmail.com or call 515.850.1467

Speakers will be from:
Disability Rights Iowa (In Jail and Out of Options report),
Fifth Judicial District (Who We Are and What We Do) 
Young Women's Resource Center (YWRC Youth Resiliency Matters Project)

3 Prepare to Care and Mouth Care Matters Graduates Featured at IALA Conference

Three Senior Housing Management Direct Care Professionals who recently graduated from Prepare to Care and Mouth Care Matters shared their experiences and opinions about the training during the Iowa Assisted Living Association’s Annual Conference and some of their quotes are referenced below. Kudos to all! 

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“I learned more through Prepare to Care and Mouth Care Matters than I did through the CNA training. The Mouth Care Matters slides grossed me out, but because of the training, I was able to comfort an agitated individual who was in hospice care simply by cleaning the individual’s mouth.”  Thomas Anderson

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“The Prepare to Care and Mouth Care Matters programs teach them (direct care staff) to think outside the box.”  Lee Hogg, Healthcare Coordinator, Country Meadow Place, Mason City

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“Prepare to Care and Mouth Care Matters give us the confidence to do the job more effectively, and to better serve our residents and their families.”  Audra Randles

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“I got my CNA through a high school class, but Prepare to Care and Mouth Care Matters is different from the CNA class because it gets deeper into the training and includes information on ethics and professionalism.”  Cierra Johnson

AARP Iowa Receives A 2017 From the Heart Recognition...

...for its advocacy efforts in the eleventh hour of a very difficult legislative session to support direct care workforce recruitment and retention initiatives. We and those we serve are extremely grateful to AARP Iowa, its amazing staff, board, and volunteers for understanding how vitally important both family caregivers and direct care workers are in ensuring older Iowans have access to the services they need.

(Pictured L to R) - Anthony Carroll, Associate State Director for Advocacy, Ann Black, Associate State Director for Communications, Kent Sovern, State Director, Don Corrigan, Iowa Executive Council member; Martha Willits, AARP Iowa State President and for Iowa CareGivers; Maribel Slinde, Board Chair, Di Findley, Executive Director, Betty Grandquist, Board Advisor, and Nancy Anderson, Board Secretary.

Iowa CareGivers Welcomes 2 New Board Members 

Johnson County "Going The Extra Mile" CNA awardees 

Back row, left to right: Danni Slaymaker (Solon), Yvonne Nampore (Briarwood), Steven Abdo (Oaknoll), Danielle Hillyer (Pioneer Park, Lone Tree), Amy Horrell (Iowa City Rehab), Judy Curley (Crestview). Front row, left to right: Jhenni Carrasco (Windmill Manor), Alexis Newberry (Lantern Park), Elizabeth Michael (Atrium Village).

June 15, 2017 marked the fourth annual Going The Extra Mile event, recognizing excellence in Certified Nursing Assistants.  Nine Certified Nursing Aids from each Johnson county nursing facility received this award.  In addition to a lavish breakfast and recognition ceremony, each awardee received cash prizes, plus many door prizes, Iowa CareGivers swag, and donations from local businesses. 

The Going the Extra Mile awardees were also recognized by the Johnson County Board of Supervisors, and each recipient received a Certificate of Excellence, signed by the entire Board.  Each individual CNA was recognized and their biography was read when they received this award.  The Johnson County Board of Supervisors shared personal stories about how their loved ones received kind and compassionate care from CNA’s, and they all voiced a deep appreciation of the very important job each CNA completes. 

This event was sponsored by the Johnson County Quality Long-Term Care Committee, spearheaded by retired pastor Bob Welsh, and comprised of long-term care administrators, the local ombudsman, the University of Iowa College of Nursing and School of Social Work, local physicians, pharmacists, geriatric researchers, family members and community advocates.  

Iowa City Nurse Wins Award After She Fled Violence in Burundi

Click here to read The Press Citizen Article.

Register Reader Pays Tribute to Direct Care!

Click here to read The Des Moines Register article.

NICC Dubuque Hosts Mouth Care Matters (MCM) Class 

"The Mouth Care Matters training was excellent. The information was very valuable in terms of taking back the information to our place of employment and putting it to use in our profession as caregivers."

Fran Mancl, Certified Nursing Assistant, Stonehill Franciscan

Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) in Dubuque hosted its first MCM Class!  It was a great class and thanks to the students, NICC, and Linda Rowe, Nancy Miller, and Carol Van Aernam, Dental Hygienists, and MCM instructors! 

Click here to see the photo gallery!

Older Iowans Not A Priority! by John Hale

Click here to read The Des Moines Register article.

Have an opinion on this piece?  Want to see a higher priority placed on aging issues?
Submit a letter to the editor at the Des Moines Register!

Kirkwood Mouth Care Matters Graduates! 

Congratulations to 12 new Kirkwood Community College students and 2 direct care professionals from Meth Wick who learn about the importance of ensuring that they and those they serve receive good oral care.

Students Have Fun Testing the Effectiveness of Brushing Teeth Using Pink Disclosing Solution

Click here to view the full photo gallery.

Mouth Care Matters in Marshalltown 

Congrats to grads at Iowa Valley Community College!

Click here to see the full photo gallery.

 

The Gazette Iowa Ideas Conference

Sept. 20-22 – Cedar Rapids

Alec Ross, innovation expert and best-selling author, to keynote Iowa Ideas 2017

The Iowa Ideas Conference will include 80 sessions and more than 250 speakers across eight tracks. The statewide gathering will mix panel discussions, one-on-one conversations and thought-provoking experiences to help move complex issues forward. Iowa Ideas is for anyone who wants to be part of the conversation about the future of our state.

Click here to learn more.

Importance of Oral Health Addressed in Register Letter to Editor

Click here to read The Des Moines Register article.

Mouth Care Matters (MCM) Graduates Promote Program at Iowa Dental Hygienists’ Association Annual Meeting

Sally Chapman and Donna Cheers, Hospice Aides with HCI/VNS (Creston Iowa Area), take time from their busy schedules to attend, on behalf of Iowa CareGivers, the Iowa Dental Hygienists’ Association’s Annual Meeting in Cedar Rapids to promote the MCM training.

MCM is a one-day oral health course for those in direct care.  IT is an initiative of the Lifelong Smiles Coalition and funded by Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation, Mid-Iowa Health Foundation, and Iowa Department of Public Health.

 

Iowa Dental Hygienists' Association (IDHA) Presents Friends of Dental Hygiene Award to Iowa CareGivers

The IDHA presented their “Friends of Dental Hygieine Award” to Iowa CareGivers during their annual meeting in Cedar Rapids. The award is given to those supporting the mission of IDHA to improve the total health of Iowans.  More specifically the award highlights the partnership between their two organizations on the Mouth Care Matters program, an oral health specialty for those who work in direct care, an initiative of the Lifelong Smiles Coalition and funded by Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation, Mid-Iowa Health Foundation, and the Iowa Department of Public Health.

JOB CORPS STUDENTS MENTOR FELLOW STUDENTS

The Iowa CareGivers Mentor Program was approved for use in the Job Corps’ federally approved health care apprenticeship program developed and tested by Ottumwa Job Corps.  Congratulations to all!

Back Row:  Dakota Parrish, Elizabeth Hommer (both in the college program LPN now), Robin Carmichael (Job Corps) and Front Row: Deserea Laterza, Nicole Holder, just hired at Vinton Hospital, and Ali Tagal who is going to take Phlebotomy before going to the University of Iowa to work.

 

65 Enjoy “Nurse Aides Are Special” Event Hosted by Northeast Iowa Community College in Dubuque

Iowa Nursing Facility Staff Turnover Summary Report 2012 – 2015

Turnover of Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and other nursing home staff has been the subject of many studies over the years, and has been a concern expressed by those working in the field, those residing in nursing homes and their families, employers, and others.  Iowa’s nursing homes have been required, for a number of years, to report their staff turnover by worker classification (Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Director of Nursing (DON), Administrator, Dietary, etc.) on their cost reports submitted to the Department of Human Services (DHS).  The Department is then required to submit an analysis report to the Iowa Legislature annually.  Unfortunately, the report to the legislature contains nothing more than a list of nursing homes and their turnover rates for each of the designated worker classifications.  There is no in-depth analysis on the data being conducted nor was there ever any criteria established by the legislature on what the analysis might include.  We have prepared a 4-year summary of the turnover data with recommendations on how to better utilize the data.  We hope that this report will become a catalyst for further exploration into determining how analysis of the existing data can lead to enhanced quality of care for nursing home residents, and the quality of jobs of those who work in the field.  Please contact Di Findley with questions di.findley@iowacaregivers.org

Click here to view the Iowa Nursing Facility Staff Turnover Summary Report.

 

Direct Care Workforce Central Data Base System

Currently, there does not exist, a state-based central data base system that maintains records of the training and/or credentials of all who work in direct care.  The Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA) is required by the federal government to manage the Iowa Nurse Aide/Direct Care Worker Registry.  The Registry maintains a list of Certified Nursing Assistants who work in nursing homes only.  Those working in other settings like assisted living, home care, and even hospitals do not have the option of being included on the Registry and record keeping is sketchy and fragmented.  This lack of consistency creates challenges for those working in the field as well as their employers.   

An issue paper on this topic has been prepared by the Direct Care Workforce Initiative to shed light on the need for such a system.  Those who work in the field deserve to have a system in place that will provide them with assurances that their training is valued enough to be part of a permanent record that can follow them from one place or person served to the next.  Contact Di Findley with questions di.findley@iowacaregivers.org

Click here to view the issue paper.

 

Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation & Lifelong Smiles Coalition Receive Iowa CareGivers 2017 From the Heart Recognition for Their Commitment to Improved Access to Good Oral Health Care For Older Iowans Through Mouth Care Matters, Oral Health Training for Those in Direct Care!   

 

Donna Cheers and Sally Chapman, Hospice Aides, receive Iowa CareGivers 2017 leadership award!

L to R: Donna Cheers and Sally Chapman, Hospice Aides, HCI/VNS

Click here to read more.

 

Ottumwa Job Corps Students Attend Iowa CareGivers Conference on Scholarships and Benefit From “Bob Sorenson Memorial”.

Pictured are students and staff from the Ottumwa Job Corps Program with Shirley Sorenson (front and center). In memory of her late husband, Bob, a fund was set up at Iowa CareGivers to help promote the direct care profession. Through that fund, Shirley designated use of the funds to purchase “Toughest Job You’ll Ever Love” t shirts for everyone at conference. Shirley’s husband, mother, aunt and uncle have received assistance and care from those in direct care, so she knows first-hand how important they are to those they serve and their families.

Valerie McDaniel, Madison County Public Health Receives Margaret Swanson Legacy in Giving Award for 43 Years of Service in Direct Care

L to R: Ginger Mrzena and Kathy Allsup, co-workers receive on Valerie’s behalf due to a family emergency.

 

Congrats to Iowa Valley Community College Students – Marshalltown For Completing “Prepare to Care” Core on April 3rd and 4th

Pictured L to R:  Front - Wanda, Jess, Jenessa
Back - Misty, Sharon, Miekka, Matalie, Audra 

 

Family Provides Conference Scholarship to Their Caregiver!

As a token of their appreciation, the Wolnerman family provided a scholarship to the Riding the Wave conference to Andrea Morales, who provides caregiving assistance to the family.

Pictured L to R:  Michael Wolnerman, David Wolnerman, and Andrea Morales

American Society on Aging Conference Participants Hear About Prepare to Care and Mouth Care Matters!

2nd and 3rd from left, are Di Findley and Maribel Slinde, Iowa CareGivers, pictured with some attendees of their session. Thanks to Claudia Cook, LivHOME (far right), for sharing the photo.

Solutions Obvious for Iowa’s Direct Care Crisis

Click here to read more.

Findley to Receive Grandquist Lifetime Achievement Award

Click here to read more.

Shortage of direct care workers is real

Click here to read The Des Moines Register article.

To fix caregiver shortages, we need officials to start leading

Click here to read The Des Moines Register article.

 

20 From Warren County Public Health and Senior Housing Management Embrace Mouth Care Matters! CONGRATS! 

Click here to view Photo Gallery

95% of attendees indicated that taking Mouth Care Matters contributed to the likelihood they will stay in the field of direct care and with their current employer.

“After struggling with the use of temp agencies, implementing referral-based bonuses, new employee appreciation incentives, and advertising employment on everything but water and air, we think we're finally on the right track to developing and growing a class of “prepared” and reliable health care employees through a partnership with local colleges.  With this free training, coupled with tuition reimbursement, a competitive wage, lucrative 401k program and full benefits, we have seen an uptick in employee development and a genuine interest and passion in their day to day routines.” Kayle Jenson, Senior Housing Management

Iowa CareGivers Welcomes 3 New Board Members 

Mouth Care Matters Training to Be Piloted With Family Caregivers 

Carol Van Aernam, Dental Hygienist demonstrates to Ann Black, AARP Iowa and Kay Vanags, Family Caregiver program, and partners in the effort, an approach to assisting an individual with brushing their teeth. I Smile Silver will also serve as a resource to family caregivers in the mini-pilot.

Caregiver shortage demands focus on solutions, not status quo 

Click here to read The Des Moines Register article.

Consider the following solutions vetted by workers, employers, educators, and advocates!  Time to Act!!!
Click here to view.

 

Paid caregiver shortages will impact everyone

Click here to view the "Better Iowa" piece written by John Hale, A Better Iowa contributor

Direct care is a credible career I highly value… 

Click here to read the Telegraph Herald article.

Click here to read the Telegraph Herald response article.

Thinking Big on Solutions to Address Direct Care Workforce Crisis

Series of Direct Care Workforce 2020 Sessions Wrap Up at Iowa Valley

“mandated hours…workforce burnout… rural challenges… too few workers…burdensome regulation…too much time for criminal background checks…lack of career advancement opportunities…need for ESL training programs…WalMart paying better than what we can pay…people lose child care and other vital benefits if we pay them more…”

Iowa Valley Community College in Marshalltown hosted the final, in a series of eleven regional Direct Care Workforce 2020 sessions.  About 160 health and long-term services and supports (LTSS) providers, community college and workforce development educators and experts have participated in discussions about the looming Direct Care Crisis.  A recognition of the challenges was followed by efforts to craft a solutions-focused agenda to ensure systems and strategies needed to attract people to the field of direct care and keep them in it. Those who work in these high demand jobs include certified nursing assistants, home health aides, direct support professionals, and others who provide most of the direct hands-on care and service to Iowans of all ages and abilities.  Employers are facing increasing challenges in finding and keeping people.

Solutions ranged from establishing more standardized education across care and support settings to wage enhancements and public awareness.  A final “Solutions” document will be prepared and distributed to all who participated, as well as other stakeholders, elected officials, community colleges, advocates, and others.  The Solutions, along with other research conducted by Workforce Development will inform public policies and practices in 2017 and well into the future.  The events were made possible through an Iowa Department of Public Health Contract #: 5887NW02. We thank the community colleges for co-hosting the events and for their direct participation.  For more information, call us at: 515-223-2805.

Click here to view the Solutions document.
Click here to view the photo gallery of the Marshalltown event.

Family Caregivers Learn the Importance of Oral Health 

I Smile Silver and Mouth Care Matters Initiatives share information at family caregiver conference hosted by Milestone Area Agency on Aging in Ottumwa.

Johnson County Looks at Workforce and Family Caregiver Challenges 

Click here to read the full newsletter.

 

Is This The Year For Direct Care?  Read, Share, Comment, Tell Your Story!!! 

The paid caregiver shortage: too much talk, too little action. Click here to read the Des Moines Register article by John Hale, A Better Iowa contributor.

 

Direct Care Professional and Iowa CareGivers Representatives Complete Prepare to Care Core Instructor Training

It was a tremendous honor to attend the Prepare to Care Core instructor training at  Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) recently. I count it a distinct honor to be among the first Direct Care Professionals welcomed to teach Direct Care Professionals. It will be an honor to put this information to use with my peers and (my hope) with family care givers within the community. Thank  you to Iowa CareGivers for leading the way towards elevating the image of care givers in Iowa through education and advocacy – Leslie Hayenga Adams

We are pleased that Leslie Hayenga Adams, Iowa CareGivers Leadership Council member;  Kim Downs, Iowa CareGivers Board Advisor; and Carol Van Aernam, Dental Hygienist, Mouth Care Matters Instructor, and Iowa CareGivers Consultant, recently completed the Prepare to Care Instructor Training.

Please contact MaryAnn Young, Iowa CareGivers at maryann@iowacaregivers.org  as soon as possible if you would like to see a Prepare to Care Core class in your area.

To learn more about Prepare to Care:  http://www.iowapreparetocare.com/

A "Point in Time" survey conducted by Iowa Workforce Development for Iowa CareGivers revealed

• 287 of 319 Health and Long-Term Care/Service Employers reported a total of  1,826 vacancies for direct care positions.
• 539 expected direct care position retirements in the next year.
• There are over 40,000 working in the occupational titles: certified nursing assistant, personal care aide, and home health aide.

(A Direct Care Workforce Initiative committee  of Iowa Departments of Workforce Development, Inspections and Appeals, Human Services, Public Health, Education, and Aging, and Iowa CareGivers, and others  estimated another 20,000-25,000 working under other titles or titles not yet recognized by Department of Labor such as consumer directed attendant care workers, private duty, psychiatric aides, and others serving individuals with disabilities)

Average Wages for Entry Level to Experienced Direct Care Positions:

• Certified Nursing Assistants:     $10.00-$13.22/HR
• Home Health Aides                   $9.23-$11.74/HR
• Personal Care Aides                 $9.01-11.63/HR

 
Click here to read a brief summary.
Click here for the full report.
Click here for news release.

Summit Hosted by Iowa Department of Public Health on Direct Care Workforce Sheds Light on Challenges and Solutions

About 30 stakeholders participated in a discussion led by Director Gerd Claybaugh, on key challenges related to the recruitment and retention of the direct care workforce.  Panelists included Fran Mancl, Certified Nursing Assistant who said, “I had to work a second job to supplement my income so I could afford to work in the direct care job that I love.”; Michael Wolnerman, Pharmacist and family caregiver, who stated, “Our family had 50 different home care aides and nurses in one year’s time assigned to help my mother before she passed”; read more here and Michele Meadors Omaha, who, following a car accident was left quadriplegic said, “I thought my worst nightmare, upon moving to Des Moines, would be transportation and housing, and they were.  But my biggest nightmare was finding people to come into my home to assist me.”   Other panelists included: Gene Leutzinger, Hawkeye Community College; Dr. Brad Richardson, University of Iowa, NRCFCP; Courtney Greene, Iowa Workforce Development, who commented on a recent report indicating a high number of direct care job vacancies that health and long term care providers are having difficulty filling; and Joyce McDanel, Unity Point in Des Moines; who further commented on the difficulty in finding and keeping both direct care workers and licensed nurses, and Di Findley, Iowa CareGivers, who stressed the need for policies and infrastructure to maintain the training credentials and supply and demand of the direct care workforce and to identify and implement strategies to enhance compensation.

Panel presentations were followed by a discussions involving all participants, some of the leading recommended priorities that surfaced included, wages and compensation and to build upon the work that the Department is already doing.

Click here to view the Direct Care Workforce Initiative Summit Report.

Learn more about the Mouth Care Matters pilot project

Mouth Care Matters, administered by Iowa CareGivers, is an initiative of the Lifelong Smiles Coalition and supported in part by the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation through a two-year $150,000 commitment. 

Click here to learn more about the Mouth Care Matters pilot project.

 

Mouth Care Matters Graduates Host Exhibit

Donna Cheers (left), Sally Chapman (right), Hospice Aides, HCI, with Carol Van Aernam, Lifelong Smiles Coalition member and Mouth Care Matters instructor (far right), hosted an exhibit for the Lifelong Smiles Coalition and Mouth Care Matters during the Iowa Dental Hygienist’s Association’s conference at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) in Ankeny.  They were able to share, first-hand, the value of the Mouth Care Matters training. Thanks Donna and Sally!

Click Here for Photo Gallery

Mouth Care Matters: First Specialty Under Prepare to Care

Mouth Care Matters is the first state-recognized, competency-based specialty under the Prepare to Care curriculum in the area of oral health care.  Those who successfully complete the training receive a state-issued certificate.

To get a glimpse into the highlights of the first two years of the project, please click here.

 

Mouth Care Matters Evaluation Yields Positive Results

Click here for Mouth Care Matters Executive Summary

Click here for Mouth Care Matters Full Evaluation Report

 

TWO MORE YEARS!  Thanks to Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation (DDIAF) and Mid-Iowa Health Foundation (MIHF) and Iowa Public Health Foundation (IDPH) Through a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Cooperative Agreement (#DP13-1307)

L to R (top):  Dr. Bob Russell, Suzanne Heckenlaible, and Jeff Russell, all of Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation; Carol Van Aernam, Maribel Slinde, Pam Biklen, and Mary Ann Young, all of Iowa CareGivers; and Dr. Jeff Chaffin, Delta Dental.

Click here to read Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation’s news release

L to R (bottom):  Katie Foley, Intern, Mid-Iowa Health Foundation (center) pictured with Mary Ann Young (left), and Pam Biklen (right), Iowa CareGivers

Click here to read Mid-Iowa Health Foundation’s news release

 

Public Radio Features Mouth Care Matters

WVIK News - Quad Cities National Public Radio (NPR) shared highlights about Mouth Care Matters with listeners!

Click here for story.

Hawkeye Community College Hosts First Direct Care Mentor Instructor Training

Thirteen become instructors for Iowa CareGivers’ “A Call to Mentoring”: A Direct Care Professionals Guide to Mentoring.  The train the trainer model will enable more direct care workers in all health and long term care settings to have the opportunity to become mentors.  And employers are afforded greater access and flexibility in their administration of the mentor program which can easily be tailored to their organizations.  This is a partnership between Hawkeye Community College, Virginia Gay Hospital, Kirkwood Community College, and Iowa CareGivers. Congratulations to All!

Click here for photo gallery.

For more information about “A Call to Mentoring”, please contact:

Bev Riege
Kirkwood Community College
319-398-4970
Bev.riege@kirkwood.edu  

Robin Martin
Virginia Gay Hospital
rmartin@vghinc.com
319-472-6375

Mary Ann Young
Iowa CareGivers
515-223-2805 or
maryann@iowacaergivers.org

 

Health and Long-Term Care Workforce Priority for Older Iowans Legislature (OIL) in 2017

Click here to read more
Click here to view the photo gallery.

To Learn More About Older Iowans Legislature: http://www.olderiowans.org/

“Prepare to Care” Instructor Training

October 25-27, 2016
DMACC in Ankeny

If interested please visit the state’s wiki site at https://directcare.training-source.org/   

Click on http://www.iowapreparetocare.com and scroll to the bottom of the page to learn more about the instructor training application process and class schedule.

 

Do You Know ALICE?

Groundbreaking Study Reveals 31% of Iowa Households Struggle to Afford Basics!

Click here to read ALICE report.

Good Participation in 
Elevate Aging Conversations

About 35 turned out at the Des Moines Botanical Center for a conversation on “Helping Older Adults Maintain the Highest Quality of Life Possible.”  Five other locations around the state participated remotely. 

Please check back later for a report on the concerns expressed and potential solutions presented by participants.

Click here to view the original event flyer  

Click here to view photo gallery

Click here to view KIMT Coverage of Elevate Aging Conversations at Elderbridge Area Agency on Aging in Mason City

Why Iowa should lead on aging issues

A Des Moines Register article by John Hale, A Better Iowa contributor.

Click here to read the full article.

Family and Paid Caregiver Issues To Be Among Topics Discussed at 6 Elevate Aging Conversations on August 4

Click here to view the flyers.

Click here to view the press release.

Congratulations to ALL who Completed Prepare to Care “Core” Class At Hawkeye Community College!!!




Home Care Aides at Jasper County Health Department Graduate from Prepare to Care Core Training!  Congratulations!!

Click here to view the press release.

Drawbaugh Receives Iowa CareGivers 2015 Leadership Award

Click here to read the press release.

 

Madrid Home And Wesley Acres Join Iowa CareGivers In Oral Health Care Project

Click here to read the press release.

 

The Courage to Care – A Tribute to Men in Caregiving

Men make up only about 10% of the direct care workforce.  Men who work in direct care deal with unique challenges in a field that is already challenging.   Society tends to view caregiving as women’s work, implying that it is “easy”!   Anyone who has ever done direct care…male or female…knows that is not true.  Men in caregiving were recognized during the Iowa CareGivers conference for having the Courage to Care.  Congratulations to all the men who join many women in a field that is tough both physically and mentally but rewarding on so many fronts!!

 

Direct Care Professional Honored For Over 40 Years of Service

Click here to read the press release.

 

 

Polk County Health Department and Iowa Dental Hygienists’ Association Recognized for Community Service

Click here to read the press release.

Dental Hygienists’ Association and Polk County Health Department Honored by Iowa CareGivers 

The screenings are so valuable because it’s difficult to get off work to go to the doctor and it’s expensive. By doing the free health screenings you can find out if there is something going on before you go to the doctor.”

– Tracy Hoveland, CNA.

Click here to view the press release.

Fair Pay and Direct Care Workforce Topics on Iowa Public Radio 

Click here to listen to the show hosted by Emily Woodbury.

Veteran’s Home… Despite Higher Pay… Tough Filling Direct Care Positions 

Marshalltown Veteran’s Home Good Paying Direct Care Jobs Difficult to Fill                                            
Iowa Veteran’s Home Commandant, Jodi Tymeson, recently discussed direct care workforce issues with Di Findley and Bailey Phares, Iowa CareGivers.  Despite the fact that the Veteran’s Home direct care jobs are among the highest paid in the state, they, like many in the private sector, are now finding it difficult to fill direct care positions.  Direct care positions at the Veteran’s Home pay between $15 and $20 an hour with good state benefits compared to $9 to $12 an hour for these same jobs in the private sector.  This only further validates the concern about the gap that exists between the availability of an adequate number of qualified direct care workers and those in need of their services.

The Commandant gave us a tour of the facilities and we were struck by how she was able to address every staff member and veteran by their first name.  In addition, we attended a ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of the renovated Malloy Building which now consists of 180 beds with both single rooms and couple suites for long-term nursing care. Learn more.    

 

Ottumwa Job Corps Students Empowered With Scholarships 

Since 2012 approximately 90 Ottumwa Job Corps health care students have received scholarships to attend the Iowa CareGivers educational conferences and leadership training.  These scholarships have been made possible through a contract with the Department of Public Health.   

One of those scholarship recipients, Tiffany Dixon, is now studying to become a licensed practical nurse at Indian Hills Community College (IHCC), and was the regional winner for the “We Can Do It” campaign by the National Office of Job Corps.

During a recent Job Corps stakeholder meeting Iowa CareGivers was recognized for their support of the students.  Robin Carmichael, Job Corps, said, “I believe the Iowa CareGivers has a great deal to do with the empowerment! Knowing Iowa CareGivers is behind our trainees empowers me as a nurse!”.  Accepting the recognition on behalf of the Iowa CareGivers was Di Findley. 

IA White House Conference on Aging to spark conversation about helping older adults maintain independence

Click here to read the press release.

Successful Financial Training Program Expands To Reach 5,000 Iowa Healthcare Workers In 2015

Click here to read the full article.

Direct-care professionals undervalued in workforce

By Fran Mancl, Certified Nursing Assistant

Click here to read the full article.

Legislators Called Upon to Support Health and Long Term Care Workforce 

Iowa CareGivers Director, Di Findley, Visits With IOB Producer, Michael Libbie, And Calls Upon Legislators to Focus On Iowa’s Health and Long Term Care Workforce – When a Home Care Aide Isn’t Available…It Means One Doesn’t Get Out Of Bed, It Means No Shower, No Nourishment or Oral Care, and No Transportation to the Doctor, Work, or School.

Listen to the podcast here

Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds Experienced First Hand the Importance of Those Who Work In Direct Care

Click here to view Lt .Governor Reynolds’ Come Care With Me Experience

McCoy: Improving access to quality health care services

Click here to read the full article.

Ask Legislature to pass House File 106

Click here to read the full article.

Weak Rules for Care Facilities Worsen

Click here to read the full article.

Relax rules for for direct-care instructors

Click here to read the full article.

 

Hicks: State must finally act on direct-care 'disaster'

Click here to read the full article.

 

Fran Mancl, CNA, Shares Experience Calling On State Lawmakers to ACT!

Click here to read the full article.

 

Direct Care Professional Shares Concerns at Legislative Forum in Dubuque

A Telegraph Herald article by Ben Jacobson.

Click here to read the full article.

 

Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation Grants To Improve Access to Oral Health Care Of Older Iowans

Iowa CareGivers recently received a grant from Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation (DDIF) to develop and test a competency based training program for direct care workers who provide about 80% of the direct hands on care in the homes of people served, nursing homes, and other locations.  The new educational opportunity will be offered in the Des Moines Area Community College’s 11 county region.  The oral  health training will become the first specialty under the Department of Public Health’s new Prepare to Care program, intended to provide those who work in direct care with more standardized and portable education, opportunities to grow professionally within the field, and ultimately reduce worker turnover and enhance the quality of care being delivered.

Click here to read the full article.
Click here to view the press release.

 

Nursing homes wrong to blame flaws on federal funding

A Des Moines Register article by Dean Lerner, A Better Iowa contributor.

Click here to read the full article.

 

Use credible sources to evaluate nursing facilities

A Des Moines Register editorial by Steve Ackerson.

Click here to read the full article.

Iowa View: Ebola shows why public health needs support from feds

A Des Moines Register guest editorial by Jeneane Moody.

Click here to read the full article.

Senior ‘lawmakers’ grill candidates for governor

Iowa CareGivers participated as a delegate at the Older Iowans Legislature. Read about what candidates for Iowa Governor had to say about direct care workers.

Click here to read the full article.

 

It's time for accountability for nursing home quality

A Des Moines Register article, by John Hale.

Click here to read the full article.

Fix nursing home staff turnover

A Cedar Rapids Gazette article, by John Hale.

Click here to read the full article.

There is a tie-in between staff turnover and care

A Letter to the Editor/Des Moines Register article, by Di Findley.

Click here to read the full article.

Nursing home data only good if used

A Letter to the Editor/Cedar Rapids Gazette article, by DiFindley.

Click here to read the full article.

Iowa nursing homes need more attention from regulators

A Des Moines Register/Cedar Rapids Gazette article.

Click here to read the full article.

Sexuality in care centers is a real issue

Di Findley, executive director, Iowa CareGivers, West Des Moines, Letter to the Editor

Click here to read the full article.

Iowa nursing homes lose more than 40 percent of staff each year

High turnover linked to poorer outcomes for residents.

By Erin Jordan, The Gazette

Click here to read the full article.

Iowa View: Let's make sure this doesn't happen again

A Des Moines Register Opinion piece by John Hale.

Click here to read the full article.

 

Veteran Dumped by Nursing Home

Des Moines Register opinion piece by John Hale, former policy consultant, IowaCareGivers.

 

Iowa Commission on the Status of Women Receives a “From the Heart” Thanks from Iowa CareGivers

Upon accepting the recognition on behalf of the Commission, Phyllis Peters, Commission Chair, had this to say, "This is a large and expanding workforce that profoundly affects the lives of Iowa women and their families from the perspective of it’s mostly-female workers who provide the care, and from those who receive the care. “Given Iowa's aging population and the Governor's emphasis on wellness and health, we need to do all we can to increase training and professional opportunities for Iowa's Direct Care workforce.”

Click here to read the news release.

Iowa CareGivers Leadership Council Member, Becky Johnson, interviewed by Globe Gazette in Mason City

Group pushes training, recognition for direct care providers.

Click here to read the full article.

Iowa View: What Iowans should expect from workers in public health

Iowa Public Health Association Weighs in on Topic of direct care workforce.

One Who Works in Direct Care Weighs In On Direct Care Issues in Des Moines Register Letter to the Editor.

Article from Gazette's Business section

"In caring for the elderly, more want to stay home"

Click here to view the entire article.

Iowa Public Radio Honored by Iowa CareGivers

Iowa Public Radio was honored with the Iowa CareGiver's "From the Heart" recognition on July 16, 2013!

Click here to view the news release. Click here to view the photo published in The Des Moines Register!

 

Being a Caregiver in Iowa”

Rob Dillard's Iowa Public Radio Series Ran February 4 - 8, 2013

Below you can see the topics covered during the series. On February 8th, the River to River show aired an hour-long wrap up of Dillard's "Being a Caregiver in Iowa"

Please listen to the daily shows and then listen to the one hour wrap up program. 

February 4, 2013

Click here to listen

Topics:1) Iowa CareGivers Discusses Direct Care Workforce Issues and State Educational Standards 2)  Lisa Davis, Certified Nursing Assistant Discusses the Rewards and Challenges of Being a Direct Care Professional.

 

February 5, 2013

Click here to listen

Topic: Family Caring for Son with Autism

 

February 6, 2013

Click here to listen

Topic: Woman Diagnosed with Early Onset Dementia Receives Support From Her Husband

 

February 7, 2013

Click here to listen

Topic: HCI Takes You into the Life of a Hospice Nurse and Volunteer and a Family Served During the End of Life

 

February 8, 2013

Click here to listen

Topic: Iowan is Grateful for the Care He Receives in His Home

 

One-hour Wrap-up

Click here to listen

Iowa Public Radio’s “River to River” pulls the week-long series together in their one-hour program that includes a more in depth discussion about caregiving. Several of those who appeared in the “Being a Caregiver in Iowa” are interviewed.