NATIONAL CALL-IN DAY for A STRONG ELDERCARE WORKFORCE in REAL HEALTH REFORM

Please excuse the cross posts on this important message! On Tuesday, June 23, the DIRECT CARE ALLIANCE will join other members of the Eldercare Workforce Alliance (EWA), in a National Call-in Day to send a clear message to Congress: A Strong Eldercare Workforce is Essential to Real Health Reform. What Does a Strong Eldercare Workforce Mean for You? By 2030, one in five Americans will be age 65 or older, 75% of whom will have one or more chronic conditions. Many older adults and those with chronic diseases do not receive the care they need because of an inadequately trained healthcare workforce, clinician and faculty shortages, and poor working conditions for direct-care workers. How Can We Strengthen the Eldercare Workforce? By urging Congress to include the following measures in health reform:

• Increase the federal match for all home- and community-based services funded under Medicaid.
• Expand the Geriatrics Health Professions Education and Training Programs under Titles VII and VIII of the Public Health Service Act to increase the supply of essential healthcare professionals.
• Extend greater federal minimum wage and overtime protection under the Fair Labor Standards Act to 1,500,000 home care workers.
• Provide loan forgiveness for professional training in geriatric care.
• Support appropriate care coordination services under Medicare and Medicaid.
• Provide training and support for direct-care workers and family caregivers.

Please Mark Your Calendar for June 23 and watch for upcoming e-mails on the National Eldercare Workforce Alliance Call-in Day. Thank you. Roy G Gedat, MSW National Advocacy Director Direct Care Alliance PO Box 710 Norway, Maine 04268 207 739-9179 http://www.directcarealliance.org/