The National Direct Care Workforce Resource Center

Report March 5, 2025

Advancing Care, Advancing Careers: Implementation and Evaluation of the Care Integration Senior Aide (CISA) Home Care Role in Wisconsin

Advancing Care, Advancing Careers: Implementation and Evaluation of the Care Integration Senior Aide (CISA) Home Care Role in Wisconsin PHI's Care Integration Senior Aide (CISA) program in Wisconsin demonstrates how advanced roles for home care workers can transform care delivery while creating career advancement opportunities. The 2023-2024 evaluation reveals that CISAs enhance person-centered care coordination, address social determinants of health, and strengthen workforce stability—with partner agencies planning expansion based on promising outcomes for both clients and caregivers.

Key Takeaways

The CISA model creates compelling professional advancement opportunities that keep skilled workers in the field while improving job satisfaction for the broader workforce.
CISAs played a crucial role in mitigating social isolation and enhancing care coordination by participating in hospital discharge planning and improving communication among care team members.
Both participating agencies expressed interest in expanding the role, with one agency reporting their managed care partner indicated the possibility of covering CISA costs in reimbursement rates, showing promise for long-term sustainability.
 
Kezia Scales, PhD (she/her)
About The Author

Kezia Scales, PhD (she/her)

Vice President of Research & Evaluation
Kezia Scales leads PHI’s strategy for building the evidence base on state and national policies and workforce interventions that improve direct care jobs, elevate this essential workforce, and strengthen care processes and outcomes.

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