As anyone who needs a helping hand knows, whether at home or in a care facility, it is often very hard to find that help. Wisconsin is facing a serious shortage of long term care workers. The county and tribal agencies are hard at work solving this problem, so that people who are aging or have disabilities can receive the care they need.

The Workforce Project was developed under the guidance of the Bureau of Aging and Long Term Care Resources. Some 30 projects are underway with county social or human services agencies and county aging units working together. Listed below are some of the programs in progress.

Finding and Keeping Paid Home Care Workers

Several counties are trying financial incentives such as pay increases for current workers, finder’s fees in which workers are rewarded for referring new workers, bonuses for working on Sundays or holidays, and sign-on bonuses for new workers. Many counties hold picnics, dinners, or parties where workers are recognized and thanked. One county gives a personal day off for every 200 hours worked. In some cases, workers are given a share of the profits.

Workers are being brought together for training and encouraged to form caregiver organizations with newsletters – all of this to promote pride in their work and an understanding of how important this field is. In some cases, workers can upgrade their skills with help for schooling to become Certified Nursing Assistants. Benefits such as paid time off, health insurance, and help with childcare are being offered.

Increasing Public Awareness About Caregiving

There are radio, TV, and newspaper ads, billboards, bus posters, and job fairs where attention is given to help the public become more aware of the importance of being a caregiver. Two slogans are: "Make more than a living – Make a difference" and "Long Term Care Workers – Making a difference every day." Currently workers in counties using these ads and posters report feeling proud that positive recognition is being given to the work they have chosen.

Looking to Non-Traditional Sources for Workers

One project recruits former welfare recipients under W-2, pays for their school, books, childcare, transportation, and a stipend. They receive one-on-one mentoring from an experienced worker as they begin, and assistance continues for six months. Battered women’s shelters may be another source of workers as women seek employment. Other counties are looking at high school students and retired people who would like part-time work. Also, people with developmental disabilities or mental illness may be able to help with household chores. In a neighbor-to-neighbor project, neighbors volunteer to fix a leaking faucet or help with yard work.

Innovative Win-Win Matches

A unique example is that in which people coming out of court situations who are ordered to do community service can help people in their homes. Also, people with disabilities often come with a job coach who helps them. This can be a real opportunity for those who want caregiving as a career.

Collaborations to Develop and Share Universal Workers

In some counties, nursing homes, community-based residential facilities (CBRFs), home health agencies, adult day care, and Community Options Programs (COP) are working together to find, cross-train, support and share their workers. This benefits the workers who receive training in varied settings and also benefits the facilities.

Peer Support

Peer support models are being created. In one project, older people are trained to support or advocate for people going through the assessment process or accompany them on their doctor visits. In these cases, they stay throughout the process or visit and make sure the person is listened to and all their questions and concerns are addressed. In another, people with serious or persistent mental illness who may be in a stable period provide friendship and assistance to peers with similar diagnoses. The positive examples and moral support are probably as important as the assistance provided.

Retired nurses have also been recruited. As they visit with people in their homes, they may spot many health concerns overlooked by case managers. Positive relationships develop, people are helped to get the health care they need, and retired professionals get to utilize and be recognized for their training and experience.

Employment Agencies for Home Care Workers

Several employment agencies have been formed to help private home care workers. The agencies handle payroll, withholding taxes and social security. They also provide training to new workers and ongoing training as well, not only to teach new skills, but also to help the caregivers take care of themselves so that they can feel good about their lives and their jobs.

The agencies make sure that the caregivers know about health insurance for working families under BadgerCare Plus and are finding out about other affordable insurance. Reports are being circulated among all the counties so that successful programs can be copied.

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Last Revised: December 30, 2008