Mass. Senior Care Group Launches “Quality Jobs for Quality Care” Campaign
The Massachusetts Senior Care Association (MSCA) officially made living wages for skilled nursing home staff a major focus of its advocacy, formally launching its “Quality Jobs for Quality Care” campaign at its annual meeting on November 12 in Worcester.
To kick off the campaign, PHI National Director of Coaching and Consulting Services Susan Misiorski gave a keynote address defining the 9 elements of a quality job. Misiorski explained why job satisfaction is so important to retention, and highlighted meaningful support from supervisors as a key driver.
In addition to Misiorski, conference attendees heard from Gov. Charlie Baker (R). Baker spoke about his gratitude for the quality care his parents have received in the state’s nursing homes.
“For us, this has been at times an enormously difficult journey, but at other times we’ve been enormously gratified by the support and the understanding and the compassion and expertise that so many of you people have shown us in helping my mom and helping my dad,” Baker said.
Quality Jobs for Quality Care Campaign
The association’s quality jobs initiative calls for a significant state investment in skilled nursing facilities, much of which would go toward higher wages for certified nursing assistants (CNAs).
“A living wage will help retain staff, which maintains quality of life for our residents,” said Lorraine Hartmann, a CNA at Beaumont Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center, in an MSCA press release.
“No one wants to leave, but all too often our wages make it a matter of necessity for direct-care workers trying to support a family,” she added.
The campaign is also seeking legislative support for a certified nursing aide scholarship program and additional training for skilled nursing home supervisors designed to create a culture of retention in the workplace.
— by Matthew Ozga
