Carol Rodat (pictured), PHI’s New York Policy Director, was the keynote speaker at the Ithaca College Gerontology Institute’s Annual Conference on September 18.

Her address, titled “The Workforce Crisis in Long Term Care: Proven Tools to Help Meet the Challenge,” laid out the demographic imperative for improving the quality of direct-care jobs through evidence-based practices that improve retention.

Rodat focused on collaborative efforts underway in New York State to improve training, provide greater supports to direct-care workers, and develop opportunities for advancement.

Rodat also held a workshop on “The 12 Steps for Creating a Culture of Retention,” using PHI’s work developed for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to assist organizations aiming to bolster retention practices. Workshop participants used the workbook and checklists (pdf) developed by PHI to identify and solve challenges in their own organizations.

Joining Rodat on the program was Carol Helsel, Vice-President of Human Resources for Porter Hills Retirement Communities & Services in Michigan, who presented the workforce initiative OPEN – Opportunity Partnership & Empowerment Network Health Field Collaborative.

Aaron Toleos, Online Communications Director
atoleos@phinational.org