Research and Resources

Newsletters – Issue Briefs – Resources

In the newsletter and resources pages, you will find a number of helpful reports, links, videos, and community resources.The Iowa CareGivers ROC’s goal is to connect you with the information that you need.Please take time to look through the following pages and to scroll through the community resources and programs that are available below.


Preliminary Data Shows High Percentage of Iowa Nurses Began Careers As Certified Nursing Assistants or Direct Care Workers

Iowa’s nursing workforce center (The Center) is a program under the Iowa Board of Nursing and is staffed by an Iowa Board of Nursing (IBON) employee. Employment and education data is collected by the IBON through the licensure process for licensed practical nurses, registered nurses and advanced registered nurse practitioners. Statistical information is then reported in the Trends Report, and as needed and requested, by interested stakeholders

Click here to read more.
(source: Iowa’s Nursing Workforce Center - Iowa Board of Nursing).


AARP IOWA RELEASES “Across the States 2018: Profile of Long-Term Services and Supports in Iowa”

Click here to view the full report.


What Is I-Smile Silver?

Keeping mouths healthy for a lifetime. 
I-Smile Silver is a pilot project for older Iowans, modeled after the I-Smile program for children. The project is designed to improve the ability of Iowans age 60 and older to prevent dental disease, access oral health care and maintain overall health. 

As a pilot project, I-Smile Silver services are only available in these ten counties:  Calhoun, Des Moines, Hamilton, Humboldt, Lee, Pocahontas, Scott, Van Buren, Webster, and Wright. 

I-Smile Silver uses dental hygienists as I-Smile Silver coordinators to work within their communities to: 

  • identify the oral health needs of older Iowans,
  • develop referral networks with local dentists, 
  • provide trainings for direct care professionals, 
  • promote the importance of oral health within communities, and 
  • coordinate access to dental care.

Click here to read more about the pilot project.
Visit I-Smile online.


Iowa CareGivers Issue Briefs

Four NEW Direct Care Worker Issue Briefs Just Released by the Iowa CareGivers
Click here for End of Life Care. A grant partnership between Iowa CareGivers, Des Moines University, Hospice of Central Iowa, and funded by the Mid-Iowa Health Foundation has made this brief possible. 
Click here
for The Need for Data Collection on the Direct Care Workforce
Click here for Establishing Educational Standards and a Support System for Iowa’s Direct Care Workforce
NEW Click here for Improving Continuing Education Opportunities for Iowa’s Direct Care Workforce  

Resources

Resource for Providers Implementing Person Directed/Centered Care and Consistent Staffing

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.

Iowa Department for the Blind

The Iowa Department for the Blind serves blind and visually impaired Iowans to help them live independent and successful lives. The Department’s programs include vocational rehabilitation and employment services, independent living services, adult orientation and adjustment center and the Iowa Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. For more information, call 800-362-2587 or visit www.IDBonline.org.