October 1, 2008 Newsletter

Schuylkill County Direct Care Workers Association
Volume II Issue 4 http://scdcwa.blogspot.com/ October 2008

Which came first--The Chicken or the Egg?????
Which came first, the chicken or the egg? This question has baffled scientists, academics and pub bores throughout the ages. In the case of direct care workers, do we demand better pay and benefits before we provide better care or do we provide better care so we will deserve better pay and benefits? While there is agreement that there are a lot of adverse issues affecting direct care workers, there is no consensus among policy makers in Harrisburg or Washington on how to fix things now. The Schuylkill County Direct Care Workers Association is here to help address all of the issues we face every day and to work toward instilling a positive work ethic and better quality of care regardless of what other entities do on our behalf. This newsletter is intended to keep members informed of what is going on legislatively as well as to provide educational opportunities that you can participate in now that will enable you to provide better care to your consumers. Working together and having a unified voice, every direct care worker has the opportunity to be part of the solution to the long term care crisis this state is facing. Help us be part of the solution. Please email scdirectcareworkers@yahoo.com to be added to our email list.

Protect yourself from the Flu!
According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are a number of simple things you can do to protect yourself fro the flu even if you don’t get the flue vaccination this year. These simple actions can help stop the spread of germs and help protect you and others from getting sick.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Discard used tissues immediately into a garbage can. Don’t use your hands to stifle a cough/sneeze! Remember, your hands carry many germs and using your hand to cover your mouth can result in more infections.
Clean you hands! Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his/her eyes, nose or mouth.
Eat regular well balanced meals (6-9 servings of fruits and veggies daily; exercise (30 minutes at least 4 times a week) and get plenty of sleep (8 hours every night) and take a multivitamin.
See your dentist. Low grade infections, such as chronic gum disease, can make you more susceptible to the flu.
Quit smoking. Research studies show an increase in flue infections among smokers compared to non smokers. There is also a higher death rate from the flu for smokers.

Penny Wise
Washing hands regularly costs less than a penny, which can prevent a $50 or more office visit to the doctor to merely diagnose an infectious disease you contract!

Guitar Auction
Here we go again! The Schuylkill County Direct Care Workers Association has obtained a guitar autographed by Tracii Guns! Tracii was a member of the famous band “Guns & Roses” with Axel Rose as well as many other bands throughout the years. He is the founder of L.A. Guns, the band he presently is playing with. The guitar was signed by Tracii and two other band members after their performance at Goodfella’s Café on August 9, 2008. The guitar will be put up for auction on eBay in October so pass this information along and help the SCDCWA earn some cash for programs!

New Consulting Service for Seniors
Spectrum Senior Consultants, Inc. was created in the spring of 2007 to address the needs of seniors and their loved ones. During the aging process, life can bring about many difficult situations including financial, medical, personal, social and much more.
Often people don’t know where to turn, need extra support, or an objective friendly professional to help them feel confident they make the best decision for themselves. Spectrum will not only help clients gather information, but also make sure clients understand the sometimes complicated, confusing information. In that regard, Spectrum will refer other quality businesses so seniors know there are organizations available t help them.
We also help seniors find out if there is any financial assistance available. This includes helping them fill out applications if necessary.
Often, our seniors have no loved ones available to support them. Maybe family is not local, or there are no close friends of family. Spectrum can help with check book management and other personal management issues. We can also act as Power of Attorney. We have teamed up with Good News Consulting, Inc., a professional guardianship and care management company, to bring those services to our local seniors as well.
Spectrum was founded by Kimberly S. Noel. While doing nursing home admissions for eight years, Kim saw many seniors and their families were completely overwhelmed and not sure where to go to ease their minds. Now there is an organization to address those needs.
You can contact Kim at Spectrum by calling (570) 668-0368. The toll free number is (866) 202-1424. The pin number is 1608.

Pick-A-Ticket Auction
Covenant Home Care is hosting “the original” Pick-a-Ticket Auction on Sunday, November 9, 2008. Saturday, November 8. Browse and bid from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday November 9, 2008. Doors open at 12:00 noon. Auction begins at 2:00 p.m. Featuring ethnic foods. All proceeds benefit the Hospice Program of Covenant Home Care. The auction will take place at Saint Ambrose Parish Center on Randel Street in Schuylkill Haven. Donations are welcomed. Monetary donations, gift certificates for services/items, gift baskets, specialty baskets, new toys, antiques, collectibles, sports or other memorabilia, decorative items, handmade items, craft items…more! Browse and bid: 6pm-8pm on Saturday, November 8, 2008. Doors open at 12 noon on Sunday, November 9, 2008. Auction begins at 2pm. Donations welcomed! Monetary donations, gift certificates for services/items, gift baskets, specialty baskets, new toys, antiques, collectibles, sports or other memorabilia, decorative items handmade items craft items….more! Ethnic foods will be available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the Hospice Program of Covenant Home Care. Please contact Covenant Home Care for information 385-5222.

QuietCare
Mom says she’s fine at home. With QuietCare, you know she is! QuietCare alerts you in case of an emergency and gives you notification of potential health problems before they become emergencies. You get the right information to provide the right care at the right time. QuiteCare uses a series of activity sensors to learn Mom’s normal health behaviors and conditions 24/7. Wake up time, potential bathroom fall, medication usage, meal preparation, sleep habits, bathroom usage, household temperature. Activity sensors are small and wireless and are strategically placed throughout the house. Mom’s activities are automatically reported over the phone line via a toll free connection and are analyzed on QuietCare’s computers. Changes in the senior’s activities are analyzed so caregivers can be alerted to problems by call center professionals, or via e-mail, cell phone, text message or pager or by checking a password protected web site. What makes QuietCare unique is that it “learns” each individual’s normal behavioral patterns and notes any significant changes from them. And because it doesn’t require the elderly person to wear anything or push anything, it can summon help even when they can’t. Besides alerting caregivers in emergency situations, the QuietCare system gives caregivers insights in to emerging conditions before they become problems. This system can be accessed by anyone the consumer designates via online access with password protection--including providers and family members thousands of miles away. For more information on this affordable way to have peace of mind for your consumers 24/7 call Lori’s Angels at 1-877-264-3505. (Installation and monitoring fees covered by Waiver programs)
Early detection + Early warning = Better allocation of resources + better care


SCDCWA Recruitment Event
The Schuylkill County Direct Care Workers Association is hosting a DCW Recruitment Event on Thursday, November 6th from 10am to 4pm at the Fairlane Village Mall. Tables are available on a first come first serve basis for employers for the small fee of $20. This charge is to cover advertising costs associated with the event. Come out and let prospective employees and consumers know what services you provide and what career opportunities you offer. Plans are also underway to provide some basic education for prospective employees on topics such as safe lifting and transferring, how to care for oxygen equipment, introduction to hospice care etc. Anyone interested in participating as a prospective employer or being a presenter is requested to contact Lori at Lori’s Angels before October 15th so that we can set an agenda for the event. (570) 385-8450. At the end of this newsletter is a “Hold Harmless” form from the mall that must be filled out, signed and returned to Lori at 223 Route 61 South, Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972 by October 27th along with the $20 fee to complete your registration. We look forward to a successful event and great networking!

Quote: When you rob Peter to pay Paul, the only one not complaining is Paul!

Advocacy Corner
Ban on Mandatory Overtime Legislation headed for passage
The Senate Labor and Industry Committee unanimously approved the House passed measure, after adding a compromise amendment providing some exceptions, to ban mandatory overtime for nurses and nursing assistants. The bill appears to be headed to final passage during the last few remaining days of this legislative session. The bill does allow nurses and nursing assistants to volunteer for overtime at all health care facilities but bans disciplinary action against those who choose not to work overtime. The compromise defines an emergency as a terrorist act, natural disaster, widespread disease outbreak or extraordinary and unpredictable event that increases the need for health services. Overtime could still be mandated if patient safety is at issue. The bill will stop the use of mandatory overtime as a tool to deal with staff shortages. Supporters say the ban will reduce medical errors, persuade nurses who left the profession to renew their licenses and encourage young people to become nurses. The health care industry is concerned that a ban would leave them short-staffed during unforeseen emergencies.

DCW Training Subcommittee
The PA Center for Health Careers DCW Training Subcommittee has been working on a plan to ensure that all direct care workers have the basic skills and knowledge necessary to perform entry level work as a direct care worker in all settings that employ direct care workers. Last spring, the SCDCWA was given an opportunity to comment on the proposed training plan. The committee continues to discuss issues such as what workers should be included in the training program, what topics need to be included in the basic curriculum, length of the program, how it can interface with CNA certification/LPN/RN programs, who can teach the program, how a program would be compliant with current state/federal regulations, etc. At the August meeting, Ms. Sheri Weidman from the Dept. of Education announced the DOE’s fast tracked initiative to increase the number of required hours of training for CNAs from 75 hours to 120 hours. Current CNAs that participated in a program of less than 120 hours will be grand mothered.

Healthcare Initiatives
The Schuylkill Healthcare ACTION group, which includes Debbie Kramer (Addus Healthcare) and Lori Michael (Lori’s Angels) as well as other concerned citizens and organizations, met with Senator Rhoades early in September regarding health care legislation that is being discussed by Senate and House leadership. The group urged Senator Rhoades to work with his party to come to a bipartisan agreement that would start to address the problem of unaffordable health insurance for working Pennsylvanians. Below is a summary of the requests made to the Senator by the group.

Legislative Priorities for Health Care Reform as proposed by Schuylkill Healthcare ACTION
Health Care Reform is a significant issue that needs to be addressed by the Pennsylvania State Legislature. While the legislature is considering specific bills that vary in content and extent, Schuylkill Healthcare Action would like you to consider the following points that we feel are imperative for a sustainable piece of legislation that, while it may not solve the issue of complete coverage, it will bring us closer to an ideal healthcare policy.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND NEED
Provide financial incentives for small business owners to provide employee coverage by using “community rating” to assess risk and “rate bands” when setting premiums.
Address the working poor, and in particular direct care workers and those who are low wage earners with unstable hours but are in much and ever increasing demand, in particular those who do not always work the traditional 35 to 40 hour per week schedule.
Address reimbursements paid to medical providers, in particular dentists, whose costs exceed the reimbursement rate, as well as fee schedules paid to home health care workers.
Allow for tax credits to medical providers that offer services at discounted rates. This would encourage medical providers to participate in health care programs such as Medical Assistance, Medicare, adultBasic, and programs like the Schuylkill Alliance.
Allowing DCW’s to obtain health insurance through the state would allow them to continue to work for agencies or the consumer hire program and not have to increase the reimbursement rates paid through MA for those services.
Because of the direct correlation between mental and physical health, and dental and physical health, these aspects need to added to any bill and considered for coverage.
Bring adultBasic up-to-date so that it will qualify for federal funding. This means adding prescription drug and behavioral health coverage.
Expand adultBasic so many more of the uninsured can purchase coverage.
Fund the expansion of primary care to include dental in adultBasic.

9/17/08 PHAN Press Conference in the Capital Rotunda
Lori Michael was invited to speak at a press conference in the Capital Rotunda sponsored by the PA Health Access Network. The press conference was held to let our State Senators and Representatives know that access to affordable health insurance needs to happen now—not in 2 years. Lori Michael spoke about the need for government assistance with health care for direct care workers in order to keep incumbent workers and attract new workers to the expanding field of home care. Lori reminded her that Pennsylvania has made a commitment to rebalance the long term care system allowing individuals the choice to remain at home as they age. Assistance with affordable health insurance for those who will be caring for those Pennsylvanians is essential in maintaining a quality consistent workforce for our elderly and disabled consumers. After the press conference, Lori was able to speak with the chief of staff for Senator Charles T. McIlhinney Jr. (R-Parts of Bucks & Montgomery).
The SCDCWA urges everyone to contact their State Representatives and Senators asking them to support a bipartisan agreement that would expand affordable health care for working Pennsylvanians now. A great website for information on this topic is http://www.insurepanwo.org/ Thank you for supporting direct care workers!

PA AdultBasic
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania presently offers health insurance coverage to eligible low income Pennsylvanians under the program PA AdultBasic. While there is an 18 to 24 month waiting list for coverage, eligible individuals are encouraged to apply for the program anyway. Getting on the waiting list will help reinforce the need for our government to allocate additional funding for the program. The sooner an individual applies, the sooner they will be able to get health insurance coverage. For information on how to apply please call 1-800-GO BASIC. Applications can also be filled out on line at http://www.humanservices.state.pa.us/compass/CMHOM.aspx

Schuylkill Alliance for Healthcare Access
The Schuylkill Alliance for Health Care Access is a private non-profit organization that provides a vital link between Schuylkill County residents in need of greater access to healthcare and healthcare providers who are willing to help anyone struggling with affordability issues. According to the Schuylkill County Health Care Needs Assessment done in 2003, 33% or 50,000 residents of the County are uninsured, underinsured or lack access to health care. The Alliance programs include:
Pharmacy Program: We offer a free referral service that provides information for affordable and no-cost medicines for those who qualify.
Health Care Referral: We provide links to healthcare practitioners and providers who offer affordable services to those with limited funds.
Health Insurance Links: for those who are interested in obtaining medical insurance, we offer general information on various public plans and provide links to public assistance and other government programs. We also offer support with the registration process. Information on private health insurance programs is also available for those who do not qualify for public programs.
For more information on the services available contact the Alliance at 628-5515 or 1-877-628-5515
http://www.schuylkillhca.org/

Intergovernmental Agreement creating the Quality Home Care Commission
The Dept of Labor and Industry has proposed an Intergovernmental Agreement to establish a Quality Home Care Commission. The Dept of Public Welfare and the Dept of Aging were not involved in its development. Consumers, providers and other stakeholders were likewise not involved. Proponents of this Commission argue that without it, consumers will go without services and direct care workers will have poor pay and no benefits. The Commission would be a new quasi-government entity and registry for all consumer hire direct care workers. Workers would be required to work through the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and pay dues to the union. The Commission would maintain the registry, criminal background checks, training records, etc for DCWs (as home care agencies presently do) and provide DCWs with information on consumers in need of services. If you are interested in additional information about this proposal, please send an email request to scdirectcareworkers@yahoo.com

R.E.A.L. Coallition Response
Harrisburg – (September 25, 2008) – A coalition of home and community-based providers today strongly criticized a proposal under consideration by Acting Secretary of Labor and Industry Sandi Vito that could require workers who provide in-home care to seniors and individuals with disabilities to join a state-funded registry called the Consumer Workforce Council. “Having what is in essence a state-operated homecare agency would be redundant and a very unnecessary expense for Pennsylvania taxpayers. There is already an expansive home and community-based provider network in the commonwealth. There are nearly 800 homecare agencies caring for thousands of our elderly and individuals with disabilities every day,” said Vicki Hoak, executive director of the Pennsylvania Homecare Association, whose organization is a member of the Coalition for REAL (Respected, Empowered, Accessible and Loyal) Home and Community-Based Services.
“While we agree that direct care workers need better pay and health care benefits, we disagree with this proposal to achieve that, especially in light of our state’s present financial climate. There are many other ways – for example, yearly cost of living adjustments – to ensure that direct care workers have better wages and benefits. “If our state government truly wants to increase the wages and benefits of direct care workers, it must increase the reimbursement for these vital services,” Hoak said.
The REAL Coalition opposes the proposed Council concept in part because it would create a new level of bureaucracy. While there are similar public authorities operating in a handful of states, including California and Washington, Hoak emphasized that those states’ programs and provider networks were not as extensive and sophisticated at the time their authorities were created as Pennsylvania’s are now. “We do not have an access problem. Consumers have a variety of options when it comes to getting in-home care. They can choose from the 800 existing homecare and attendant care providers in the state, or they can hire their own direct care worker, such as a friend or family member,” explained Hoak. “Creating this Council would only add additional costs to a system that is already seriously under-funded.”
Other organizations in the REAL Coalition include the Pennsylvania Association of Area Agencies on Aging, the National Private Duty Association and the Pennsylvania Providers Coalition Association.
Deborah Yacobozzi, attendant care program manager with Community Resources for Independence in Erie, said this proposal would take away consumer control. “Consumers could be forced to have the direct care workers they employ join the Council, which officials have already implied would eventually become a union. We don’t need another bureaucracy; what we do need are more funds earmarked to help people remain in their own homes.”
Additional information on the Coalition for REAL Home and Community-Based Services in Pennsylvania can be found at http://www.realinhomecarepa.com/

On the Lighter Side: THE LADIES
Two elderly ladies had been friends for many decades. Over the years, they had shared all kinds of activities and adventures. Lately, their activities had been limited to meeting a few times a week to play cards. One day, they were playing cards when one looked at the other and said, "Now don't get mad at me, I know we've been friends for a long time, but I just can't think of your name! I've thought and thought, but I can't remember it. Please tell me what your name is."
Her friend glared at her. For at least three minutes she just stared and glared at her. Finally she said, "How soon do you need to know?"

Training Opportunities!
Home Care Volunteer Training
Covenant Hospice is hosting a training session for individuals interested in volunteering to support terminally ill patients and their families. The training session will be held on October 9th, 2008 from 9:30 am to 4 pm at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 94 Walnut Road, Hamburg, PA. Refreshments and lunch are included. Covenant is also seeking clerical, community education and fund-raising volunteers. If you are interested, please call Julia Sophy RN, MSN at 570-385-5222 or 1-800-726-8761 for Schuylkill County opportunities; Vince Chiles, LCSW at 610-779-6432 or 1-800-300-3007 for Berks County. Covenant Home Care…bringing skilled compassionate care home.

Schuylkill Medical Center South Jackson (Pottsville Hospital)
Enter a healing environment filled with positive and soothing energy...The Pottsville Hospital and Warne Clinic Wellness Program for Cancer Survivors and their care givers (you are a survivor the moment you are diagnosed with cancer)
GENTLE YOGA
Instructor: Michele D'Agostino, Kripalu Yoga Teacher
Friday evening* 6:00PM-7:00PM School of Nursing Building Multi Purpose Room, 450 Washington Street, Pottsville. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat, towel, blanket, and/or pillow. Program is free of charge for survivors; $5.00 for care givers. Partially funded by Courageous Chic Creations. For more information, please call Debbie Herb at 621-5047. *Classes will be held every Friday except for the following: October 3, November 7, November 28, December 12, and December 26
Chemo-Connect Support Group
The Chemo-Connect Support Group is open to recently diagnosed cancer patients as well as long term survivors and family members. This support group provides confidential, mutual support and experience sharing. The Chemo-Connect Support Group meets the third Thursday of each month at 6:00 P.M. in Conference Room A of the Main Hospital Building. For additional information, please contact Deb Herb at (570) 621-5047. Additional Dates for 2008: 10/20, 12/18

Breast Cancer Awareness
October 15, 2008 at 6pm South Jackson Street Campus—Medical Conference Rooms A&B
Speaker: Dr. Marylou Rainone, Rainone General Surgery. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Join our CHAT as Dr. Rainone leads the discussion on Breast Cancer Awareness. This is a FREE program and healthy snacks will be served. For more information please call Deb Herb at 621-5047

Schuylkill Rehab (now part of Schuylkill Medical Center)
Stroke Support Group
Meeting date Oct. 3, 2008 at 12 noon (11/7/08 & 12/5/08)
Join fellow stroke support group participants at the Schuylkill Rehabilitation Center for our monthly meeting to discuss you thoughts, feelings and concerns regarding how stroke has affected you and your circle of family and friends.

Fibromyalgia/MS/Chronic Pain Support Group
Meeting date: Oct 3, 2008 at 6pm (11/7/08 & 12/5/08)
Join fellow Fibromyalgia/MS/Chronic Pain Support Group participants at the Schuylkill Rehabilitation Center for our monthly meeting to discuss your thoughts, feelings and concerns regarding how Fibromyalgia/MS/Chronic Pain has affected you and your circle of family and friends

Anthracite Brain Injury Support Group
Meeting date Oct. 10, 2008 at 6pm (11.14.08 & 12/19/08)
The Anthracite Area Brain Injury Support Group was organized for individuals with brain injuries, their families, their friends, and other interested individuals, as a way to develop a supportive group network and to advocate for increased awareness of the needs of persons with brain injuries.

Amputee Support Group
Meeting date: Oct 14, 2008 at 6pm (11/21/08 & 12/19/08)
Share your experiences whether you are someone with an amputation or a family member/friend. We need everyone’s support to help make this group successful.

Walk-Aide Newest Technology for Foot Drop
Meeting date: Oct. 14, 2008 at 6:30pm
Join Kris Robertson, Certified Orthotist and Jen Herndon, LPT to learn about one of the newest treatments for foot drop that employs Myo-Orthotics Technology. The Walk-Aide is designed to stimulate the typical nerve-to-muscle signals in the leg and foot which cause the foot to lift at the appropriate tie in the walking cycle.

Exercise for Seniors
Meeting date: Oct. 21, 2008 at 6pm
Join Michelle Hendricks, PTA on October 21, 2008 at 6pm to learn how a daily exercise routine and a healthy diet can improve the overall quality of your life

Bell’s Palsy and The Role of Physical Therapy
Meeting date: Nov. 25, 2008 at 6:30pm
Join Marianne Schaeffer, PTA and Sue Schuettler, Speech Therapist on Nov. 25 to learn how treatment modalities may be used to assist you with your recovery.

Learn How Our Workinetics Dept. Can Help YOU Return to Work
Meeting date: Dec. 9, 2008 at 6pm
Join Lauren Shandor, ORT/L to lean about programs offered that can transition employees back to work safely, develop safe job performance to prevent re-injury and to reinforce proper body mechanics at the workplace.
For additional information on these programs or directions to the center please contact Schuylkill Rehab at 621-9500

Alzheimer’s Support Group
Please join Providence Place and Manor Care at their Alzheimer’s Support Group meetings. This group meets monthly alternating meeting locations each month. The next meeting is at Providence Place October 21st where Dr. Chawlick will be speaking about Alzheimer’s/Parkinson’s disease. The next meeting will be at Manor Care Nov 18th. There is no meeting in December. All meetings start at 5pm. If you would like to join everyone for dinner, please pre-register for the program. Anyone interested is welcome to attend. Please contact Providence Place at 628-6950 or Manor Care at 622-9582 if you would like more information or to register for the meeting.

Parkinson’s Disease Support Group
Will be held every second Friday of the month. For more information & to pre-register, call Schuylkill Medical Center East Norwegian (Good Samaritan) 570-621-4572.
This support group is for people with Parkinson's disease and their loved ones. Parkinson's is a life altering illness. Come join others, learn, broaden your circle of friends, help others and just be yourself. This is a non-formal opportunity to share experiences, explore your community, feel better, and enjoy each other's company. Refreshments and free parking will be available.

Type 2 Diabetes Support Group
Will be held the first Thursday of the month, 6:00 pm. For more information & to pre-register, call 570-621-4572. Monthly meetings alternate between Good Samaritan and Pottsville Hospitals. Educational topics will be presented. Light refreshments will be served. Dates/Locations: October 2 - Good Samaritan, November 6 - Pottsville Hospital, December 4 - Good Samaritan

Free Publicity For Your Organization’s Community Education Programs
The SCDCWA is looking to advertise free training and education programs as well as support groups that would be of interest to direct care workers. Any agency or facility that offers educational programs is asked to contact scdirectcareworkers@yahoo.com to be included in the next quarterly edition of this newsletter!

Fundraising for the SCDCWA
As everyone knows, nothing in this life is free. The SCDCWA is in need of funding to help offset the costs of the programs we are trying to provide. While those working on behalf of the Association are not paid, we do have expenses that must be covered. Our biggest expense is ADVERTISING! Below are some opportunities for individuals &/or businesses to help support the Schuylkill County Direct Care Workers Association. Please contact us for information about deducting monetary donations on your taxes! All fundraising programs at this time are managed through Lori’s Angels at 1-877-264-3505 or scdirectcareworkers@yahoo.com
Reflective Address Markers
The Association is selling the green reflective address markers for $20 each. The markers are life savers when emergency response providers need to find your home fast. Signs are made up for each individual to post at their driveway or roadside mailbox to make their home easily identifiable, especially at night! These signs also help direct care workers locate the homes of new clients!

Schuylkill County Direct Care Workers Association, Inc.
The Vision
Honoring, Valuing, Respecting and Training the Direct Caregiver, thus assuring that people who need care are treated with Skill, Dignity, and Compassion
Our Mission
To increase the number of trained, qualified Direct Caregivers to care for elders and disabled individuals and to decrease turnover rates.
The focus of the Schuylkill County Direct Care Workers Association is to:
Provide quality educational opportunities for workers within the county.
Provide for monthly meetings where paid caregivers can receive the same type of support and information that unpaid and family members receive through various programs.
Promote Direct Care positions as a worthwhile respectable profession for prospective workers.
Publish a newsletter aimed at providing Direct Care Workers with information affecting their positions—such as new techniques or advancements, legislative changes, tips on performing their jobs better, promoting professionalism and promoting educational opportunities.
Advocate for direct care workers, providers and consumers on legislative issues affecting the profession.
Some day many of us will be in need of the services of a Direct Care Worker at home, in a facility or for a loved one. Our hope is that when that day comes, a caring, educated professional will be the person providing for our needs. Please join our group and work with us to achieve our goals.

To be added to (or removed from) our email list please contact scdirectcareworkers@yahoo.com
Next meeting: Wednesday, October 15 @ 8am Lori’s Angels, 223 Route 61 South, Schuylkill Haven Please RSVP your attendance plans 570-385-8450 or 1-877-265-3505