January 2009 Newsletter

January 2009 Direct Care Worker Newsletter

WORKPLACE CULTURE
Definition: The predominating attitudes and behavior that characterize the functioning of a group or organization.

Perhaps you have heard about workplace culture. It has been a buzzword for the past few years and much of it is geared towards the corporate world rather than the Long Term Care setting. However, every place of employment DOES have its own culture and within the LTC setting- a bad culture is devastating to staff and consumers.

Signs of a “BAD” Culture include:
High turnover and absenteeism
High amount of fill in staff use
Uptight staff
Grouchy consumers
Backstabbing, gossip groups
No teamwork
Hostilities between shifts
Too many cliques
Causes of a bad culture include the actions, or lack of action from management and YOU the direct care worker. You have a huge impact on the culture of the agency you work for. Your attitudes and ability to be positive all have a large role in whether the place you work is seen as a good employer. Everyone has a set of personal values they go by; also, everyone has morals. Knowing these can be a first step towards changing your attitude and therefore becoming more upbeat. Many of the reasons/causes of an unhealthy culture are not the fault of the direct care workers, and these areas must be addressed by the agency management.

Some tips for them would include:
Hold regular staff meetings with ALL staff
At these meetings seek input and advice from staff, and ACT on items that can be acted upon. Explain why others cannot be followed through.
Break up negative cliques and do not allow little gossip groupings
Examine reasons for shift wars and implement methods to stop them
Have a mission and SHARE it with all staff- better yet- have all staff help with developing the mission statement
Maintain a positive attitude and make all decisions based up the mission statement
Catch staff doing things the right way and give them credit for doing so (Gone with the mindset that “They should be doing it this way in the first place”)
Hold staff accountable for policies and procedure breaches (attendance)

Many things are within the control of you, the direct care worker, when it comes to creating a positive culture. You have to look at things differently though, and this can be hard for old timers not used to change. Having the mindset that people are lazy and will take advantage of others, for example, will get you no where. Having the mindset that you work for an agency therefore it is the agencies problem if you don’t go to work hurts everyone. You will always be seen as a negative force. Your attitude might be why you are so unhappy at work. No one likes to be around someone who always finds fault with others- with their work, their uniforms, and their lifestyle. Negative people drain energy from others. It is hard work to remain negative- it amazes me to see how some direct care worker’s can be so miserable for so many years. It does seem that these miserable aides end up having more health problems as they get older; they LOOK so much older than they are, and they are just as unhappy at home as they are at work. The old saying “Misery likes company” may have some truth, but what I think really occurs is “Misery infests others”. Poor work culture breeds discontent with new direct care workers also contributing to the expensive cycle of recruitment and retention.

Things You Can DO, Right Now:
Try not to get involved with gossip; stay away from staff that tend to share stories about others. If you are approached with a statement like-”Did you hear” say NO and say “I DON’T WANT TO KNOW”. Walk away.
Don’t be a part of the “Call In Queen Club”. Show up for work, on time. And have a smile on your face.
Have a personal mission statement/vision if management cannot pen their own. A simple motto will work- something to the effect “I will give the best care I can and I will be a good co-worker to my peers.” Live by this. You will quickly become known as someone everyone likes to be around.
Don’t keep old baggage on your back. Forgive others for past mistakes and issues. Help co-workers to be able to do a better job. Move on. Talk with them; tell them they have another chance with you. Stand up taller, take the higher road. You will feel so much better, like a burden has been lifted.
Use your manners. Saying PLEASE, THANK YOU, EXCUSE ME, CAN I HELP YOU and I’M SORRY go so much further in the culture you create, then saying things like THAT’S NOT MY JOB, NO, DO THIS and YOU DIDN’T DO THAT.
Instead of having that “Us vs. Them” mindset, why not have a “It’s US”? All of us—nursing assistants, nurses, schedulers, billing and payroll people. We are working together, not against one another. Hopefully management can assist with this because it will take some enforcement on their part to make this work.
When you are training new staff, be kind and gentle to them. Just because they are nursing assistant’s doesn’t mean they should be treated poorly. And don’t expect them to know everything- no one knows the little tricks with consumers until they get the training you can give. Model decent behaviors and talk about being positive. This will make a lasting impression.
When fill ins are utilized, don’t be rude to them. It’s not their fault they are there- more than likely it’s partly the agency’s and YOUR fault! It all rolls back to culture- if a place is full of negatives, folks are not going to work there. People will quit or call off. Face it- a vicious cycle can occur here. When you treat co-workers poorly, they talk. They tell their bosses and they tell other aides in other facilities- we have all heard about HELL HOLE nursing homes and home care agencies- its hell because of the staff usually. I have heard some stories about staff being treated so badly by aides at certain nursing homes I would NEVER consider working at. And that is bad for you: Aides who might consider getting a job where YOU work, so you are not working short all the time- won’t even give your employer a chance. And you might wonder WHY you don’t have enough staff.

Adapted from: http://nursingassistants.net/2004/11/16/culture-workplace/


Angel Food Ministries
Angel Food Ministries is a non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated to providing grocery relief and financial support to communities throughout the United States. The program began in 1994 with 34 families in Monroe, Georgia (between Atlanta and Athens), and has grown to serve hundreds of thousands of families every month across 35 states. Angel Food Ministries crosses denominational lines and has spread the good news of the gospel of Christ through salvation tracts that are placed in each food order.
Blessings by the box
Angel Food is available in a quantity that can fit into a medium-sized box at $30 per unit. Each month's menu is different than the previous month and consists of both fresh and frozen items with an average retail value of approximately $60. Comparison shopping has been done across the country in various communities using a wide range of retail grocery stores and has resulted in the same food items costing from between $42 and $78.
Generally, one unit of food assists in feeding a family of four for about one week or a single senior citizen for almost a month. The food is all the same high quality one could purchase at a grocery store. There are no second-hand items, no damaged or out-dated goods, no dented cans without labels, no day-old breads and no produce that is almost too ripe.
Also offered are specialty boxes such as steaks, chicken and pork. Many participants in this bonus program appreciate the expanded choices. Additionally, there is no limit to the number of units or bonus foods an individual can receive, and there are no applications to complete or qualifications to which participants must adhere. Angel Food Ministries also participates in the U.S. Food Stamp program, using the Off-Line Food Stamp Voucher system.
It's both a Bargain and a Blessing!
Sample Menu:
4 lb. IQF Leg Quarters
4 oz. Beef Back Ribs
1 lb. 80/20 Lean Ground Beef
2 lb. Breaded Chicken Tenders
1.5 lb. Bone in Pork Chops (4 x 6oz.)
1 lb. Ground Turkey
18 oz. Stuffed Manicotti (Cheese)
12 oz. Smoked Sausage
Betty Crocker Seasoned Potatoes
7 oz. Cheeseburger Dinner
16 oz. Green Beans
16 oz. Baby Carrots
2 lb. Onions
1 lb. Pinto Beans
1 lb. Rice
7 oz. Blueberry Muffin Mix
10 ct. Homestyle Waffles
Dessert Item
Additional information on Angel Food Ministries can be viewed at www.angelfoodministries.com
If you are interested in purchasing food from Angel Food Ministries, please contact Marcy Hudock from the First United Methodist Church in Schuylkill Haven at 385-4941 www.havenfirstumc.org

Festival of Trees
A huge thank you to Marc Freligh, president of the Association of Schuylkill County Services, for his dedication to the organization which enabled the “Festival of Trees” to be a success. The first “Festival of Trees” was held at the Schuylkill Mall from Nov. 25th through December 26th. Twenty agencies decorated trees to raise money for twenty non profit organizations. Lori’s Angels decorated a tree to raise funds for the Schuylkill County Direct Care Workers Association. For $1, individuals could vote for their favorite tree with all of the proceeds going to that organization. Additionally, 3 items were chanced off: a Wii, a Thomas Kincaid print and a Santa Noah quilt. This was the first year for this event and it promises to be bigger and better next year!
The Association of Schuylkill County Services is just that, an organization of health and human service providers that band together to network with each other and promote everyone’s services to those in need in our county. The group also provides a scholarship to an individual seeking higher education in a health or human service related field each year. For information on the ASCS please email Marc at pflagpottsville@hotmail.com

Autographed Guitar Winners!
Autographed guitars were raffled off on December 22, 2008. The winners were: Mary Moyer, Covenant Home Care who won the Tracii Guns (LA Guns and formerly of Guns & Roses fame) guitar and Jimi Long (winning ticket sold by Lori’s Angels) won the Johnny Only and Dez Cadenza of the Misfits guitar. Thank you to everyone who helped sell or purchased tickets. We ended up losing money on this endeavor but appreciate everyone who helped us try.

H&R Block
As with any organization, the Schuylkill County Direct Care Workers Association is in need of financial support. Educational programs, recruitment & retention initiatives and even this newsletter cost money. H&R Block has offered the SCDCWA the opportunity raise funds painlessly! Attached with this newsletter is a form that individuals can give to H&R Block representatives when they are new tax customers for 2008 taxable year (new customers are customers that did not have H&R Block prepare their 2007 taxes). For every form received by H&R Block, the SCDCWA will receive $25.00! We respectfully ask employers and individuals to print this form and pass it out to as many people as possible. The SCDCWA is not endorsing H&R Block and assumes no liability for the work they do for any individual, but if someone is planning to have their taxes done by them, why shouldn’t we benefit??? Many other non profit organizations are benefiting (Children’s Home Society, Relay for Life teams, the Boston Marathon, Universities…..) Thank you for helping us meet our financial needs.
Spot Light: Staying Healthy For & At Work
Published by Heather at 12:15 am under CNA Tips & Advice, Spot Light Series
The work we CNA’s do is HARD; some say brutal. The stress we put upon ourselves while performing our duties takes a high toll on our bodies. We have to take care of ourselves. And I mean that- especially at work.
Some of the things I do to make sure I’m ready and physically able to do my job are pretty main stream, or so I thought. Lately I’ve noticed newer aides not bothering to do simple things that can make such a difference.
The usual items we hear about are par for the course: Eat right, exercise and get plenty of sleep! Easier said then done in today’s busy world. Family, friends, commitments, kids’ games and activities all keep us, at times, TOO busy to care for ourselves.
We use our legs, arms and backs for the vast majority of the tasks we perform. It makes sense to stretch these muscles before we use them. Before I go to work, each shift, I do some simple little stretches and exercises that really have helped me stay limber, and I believe they help me perform the lifts and other harsh aspects of this work without pain, and without injury. Please seek your doctor’s opinion before attempting these. The links take you to a site that illustrates how to do the stretches.
SHOULDER STRETCHES
UPPER BACK STRETCH
LOWER BACK STRETCH
SPINE ROTATION
HIP FLEXORS
I do three sets of 10- if you haven’t stretched in a long time, do less.

· One thing I always have on my person is my own GAIT BELT. I don’t use the ones work provides; I prefer my own since I take care of it. Actually I have three belts- and it’s important to wash them between shifts. Think of all the germs that come into contact with these things! I have a small can of Lysol spray in my locker and every so often I use it on the belt…to kill the germs.

· When I am working, I ALWAYS CARRY a small bottle of hand sanitizer. The stuff comes in sprays and pen form now too. I use it A LOT. I work with an aide who will rub it all over her face every so often- and she never gets sick! I use it every time I touch a door knob, or answer the phone. Some of my peers think I’m a little crazy about this- but I rarely get sick. I use it liberally and purchase several trial size bottles at Wal Mart.

· Staying hydrated. A big one for me. Where I work it’s dry and the air is filtered, so little fresh, outdoor air comes in. I used to not bother drinking water because I didn’t think I had time. I always felt thirsty and my throat hurt due to the dryness. I don’t care for straight water; but I do like Vitamin Water- which comes in many flavors, is very low in calories and tastes good. I get them at Wal Mart for less a dollar each and only buy them for work; I bring two or three bottles with me.

· Eating at work can be challenging. We all know that our breaks are often interrupted, or short to begin with. It’s important to bring your own meal with you unless the facility provides them. Even then, I would opt to pack my own lunch. I know a lot of aides who skip meals altogether. That isn’t healthy. I pack a small lunch: A sandwich or pita wrap; some fruit, a granola type bar…keep it simple. Yogurt with nuts is good; a medium size salad can fill me up as well. I try to incorporate the major food groups: Meat, veggie, fruit…protein and the like. Pre made pasta salads are very good as well.

· Vitamins. A lot of people take them. Many or a few or even one. We each have our own needs and desires with this stuff. I take a multi vitamin AND lots of extra Vitamin C: We are exposed to a lot of germs and viruses every day. It’s important to stay well nourished and the food we eat should provide us with all the daily requirements…however, there are some vitamins that don’t absorb well due to medications or lifestyle habits. It’s important to seek medical advice before embarking on any vitamin regime.

· Finally, I always have on my person, a bunch of things that might be needed (and from experience, have indeed BEEN needed!)…A small bottle of Tylenol/Advil/Bufferin or whatever pain reliever works; some TUMS, a little bottle of IMODIUM; band aids…all travel size bottles or packages- that fit neatly in my bag or in the glove compartment. One never knows when the headache from you-know-where will come along; it’s good to have some relief on hand.
What things do you do to stay healthy, as part of your lifestyle or specific things for work only?


Careers In Caring
Thank you to the 17 employers who participated in the Careers in Caring event at the Fairlane Mall on November 6th. Positive feedback about the day was received from all participants so plans are underway for a repeat of the event next November 5th. With more lead time this year, hopefully we can get more providers to participate.

Advocacy Corner
DCW Training Subcommittee
The PA Center for Health Careers DCW Training Subcommittee continues to meet, discussing basic core competencies for direct care workers. The present system of training for direct care workers varies widely based on type of employment and employer internal requirements. Present mandated requirements range from no training requirements at all (hospitals) to an 80 hour approved training program (CNA). Continuing education also varies widely from none to 24 hours annually. At present there are five state departments that manage portions of the direct care workforce—Dept. of Aging, Dept. of Long term Living, Dept. of Health, Dept. of Welfare and Dept. of Education. The proposed Consumer Workforce Counsel has requested an exemption for any training requirement the state imposes on agencies/facilities because their DCWs are employed by the consumers directly. The DCW Training subcommittee continues to work towards an acceptable basic core entry level training program for all DCWs that will appease all groups involved as well as look at other issues affecting the recruitment and retention of quality DCWs in Pennsylvania.

Healthcare Initiatives
Schuylkill Healthcare ACTION
I am a CNA working 50 hours a week total for 3 agencies. None of my employers offer health insurance at any rate and I can’t afford to purchase insurance and pay my rent, put food on the table and take care of my family. I signed up for Adult Basic and am on a 2 year waiting list! What do I do in the mean time? I need health insurance!
I am a direct care worker employed full time for a company that provides health insurance. The monthly co-pay is killing my budget and if I actually have to use the insurance for a routine illness, I won’t be able to pay the co pay for the doctor appointment and prescription. I often think of looking for a second job but who will care for my children then?

Schuylkill Healthcare ACTION is a citizens group founded to learn about and advocate for legislation that would make health insurance available and affordable to all Pennsylvanians. Our group has been meeting for about a year; following legislative developments regarding PA Adult Basic Insurance, discussion about insurance industry reform, community clinics, etc. Our ranks include employers, community activists, health care providers, doctors and uninsured/uninsurable individuals. We need your help to get the message through that this is not an issue that can wait years for a resolution. It needs to be addressed now.
Our work begins anew in January 2009. Health insurance coverage for all Pennsylvanians continues to be a “hot” topic in Harrisburg and Washington. The PA Senate ended its 2008 session without the passage of SB 1137 which would have expanded health insurance coverage for thousands of low income Pennsylvanian’s who presently do not have health insurance coverage. With the elections over and a new year about to begin, Schuylkill Healthcare ACTION invites everyone to participate with us in educating ourselves, our neighbors, our employers and our legislative representatives on possible solutions to the healthcare crisis in Pennsylvania. This is an opportunity for citizens to become involved in the process of solving the healthcare crisis, having input in the decision making process and encouraging a solution. A solution is possible you’re your help. Our elected officials want our opinions! (No public speaking or trips to Harrisburg are required)
Be part of the solution to a problem that affects everyone whether you have health insurance coverage or not. Please contact Lori Michael at Lori’s Angels 570-385-8450 (Monday thru Friday 9am-4pm) or email scdirectcareworkers@yahoo.com to join our citizens action group or for more information.

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
www.schuylkillhca.org

REAL Coalition Express Concerns with Proposed Consumer Workforce Council
Council Could Require Workers to Join State-funded Homecare Agency
Harrisburg – (November 20, 2008) – A coalition of home and community-based providers testified today at a hearing of the House Republican Policy Committee to express concerns about a proposal that could require workers who provide in-home care to seniors and individuals with disabilities to join a state-funded homecare registry called the Consumer Workforce Council. “We commend Rep. Mike Turzai, Rep. Mauree Gingrich and the House Republican Policy Committee for holding this hearing to learn about the growing challenges facing the homecare workforce and the concerns that many consumers and providers have in the creation of the Consumer Workforce Council,” 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. “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.” “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.
William Kepner, Senior Vice President and COO, United Disabilities Services testified at the hearing that this proposal could take away consumer control. “Consumers could be forced to have the direct care workers they employ join the Council’s registry, which officials have already implied would eventually become a union leading to increased costs including training fees and dues. Consumers don’t need another bureaucracy duplicating services and adding costs; what they do need are more funds earmarked to help them maintain their independence and remain in their own homes.”
Additional information on the Coalition for REAL Home and Community-Based Services in Pennsylvania can be found at www.realinhomecarepa.com

SENIOR DRIVING
As a senior citizen was driving down the freeway, his car phone rang. Answering, he heard his wife's voice urgently warning him, "Herman, I just heard on the news that there is a car going the wrong way on Interstate 77... Please be careful!"
"Heck," said Herman, "It's not just one car. It's hundreds of them!"

Training Opportunities!
PA Direct Care Workers Association 5th Annual Conference
Save the date! Monday, May 18th, 2009 is the date for the 5th annual PA Direct Care Workers Association Conference. The conference will be held at the Harrisburg Country Club. Cost: $50 members, $60 non members. The conference planning committee continues to meet to finalize the agenda. If anyone is interested in attending, please contact scdirectcareworkers@yahoo.com for more information as it becomes available.

Certified Nursing Assistant Course Funding Available
Thanks to the late Senator James Rhoades, the Schuylkill County Direct Care Workers Association in partnership with Schuylkill Technology Center, Frackville, has obtained funding for incumbent workers to participate in the certified nursing assistant program at STC. A total of $33,000 was received from the Commonwealth of PA for CNA training at STC. The grant covers $1000 of the $1150 cost of the program. The day program is 5-6 weeks in duration (providing no days are missed). An evening program is also in the works. Anyone interested in benefiting from the grant funding should contact scdirectcareworkers@yahoo.com for more information or call Lori at 570-385-8450 M-F 9am to 4pm.


Schuylkill County DCW Association 2009
Is anyone interested in planning a local conference for direct care workers—helping to provide workers with an opportunity to learn new job skills, strengthen existing skills, feel professional and network with individuals who do the same type of work for support? Is anyone interested in a direct care worker Appreciation event? There are lots of fun, easy things we can do to make direct care workers feel appreciated and supported. Please contact scdirectcareworkers@yahoo.com or call Lori at 570-385-8450 M-F 9am to 4pm if you have any ideas or want to help in any way. Thank you



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!


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 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: January 26 @ 8am Lori’s Angels, 223 Route 61 South, Schuylkill Haven Please RSVP your attendance plans 570-385-8450 or 1-877-265-3505