A half-day forum entitled Innovations in Care Coordination: Rethinking the Role of Home Care Workers will be hosted by PHI and SEIU on March 1 in Washington, DC, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 106, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Senator Robert Casey (D-PA), who introduced a bill in December to test models that expand the role of direct-care workers, is the Senate sponsor.

The event will provide an opportunity to discuss, explore, and define innovative ways home care workers can help improve the delivery of long-term services and supports.

During this time of health care transformation, participants will consider the potential for home care workers to:

• take on additional care responsibilities;
• contribute as a proactive member of the healthcare team; and
• help achieve the goals of better care at lower costs.

Speakers

Perspectives will be heard from individuals and families; home care providers and workers; and national policymakers and heath care experts, including:

• Bruce Vladeck, PhD, Senior Advisor, Nexera, Inc.
• Judy Feder, PhD, Professor of Public Policy, Georgetown University; Institute Fellow, Urban Institute
• Thomas Edes, MD, Director, Geriatrics & Extended Care, Office of Clinical Operations, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• Steven Dawson, President, PHI

Registration

There is no charge to attend Innovations in Care Coordination: Rethinking the Role of Home Care Workers. To register, see the complete agenda, and get more information, go to the forum’s online registration site.

– by Deane Beebe

Read Making the Most of Direct-Care Workers with a New Role on the Care Team (pdf) from the January-February 2012 issue of AgingToday.

In the article, PHI Policy Analysts Gail MacInnes and Meghan Shineman propose developing an “advanced aide” position that could play a critical role on care teams to improve outcomes and cost efficiencies.