PHI President Discusses Workforce Issues at IOM Workshop
PHI President Jodi M. Sturgeon spoke about the direct-care workforce at an October 6 meeting of the Institute of Medicine‘s Forum on Aging, Disability, and Independence in Washington, D.C.
The day-long workshop, entitled “Policy and Research Needs to Maximize Independence and Support Community Living,” convened experts in the long-term care and aging fields to discuss, among other subjects, ways to finance community living and emerging technologies that can better allow elders and people with disabilities to remain in their preferred care settings.
Sturgeon spoke during an afternoon panel discussion called “Workforce Needs to Support Community Living.” She provided background on direct-care workers and addressed the various challenges that need to be resolved — including low wages and poor benefits — in order to improve the quality of care they provide.
The workforce panel was facilitated by Michelle Washko of the Health Resources and Services Administration. Other speakers included:
- Anne Montgomery, senior policy analyst at the Altarum Institute
- Susan Chapman, professor at the University of California, San Francisco
- Polly Pittman, associate professor at George Washington University
The Forum on Aging, Disability, and Independence meets several times a year to “foster dialogue and address issues of mutual interest and concern related to aging and disability,” according to its website.
PHI has joined the forum as a sponsor. Additionally, PHI Vice President of Policy Robert Espinoza, who also attended the October 6 meeting, was appointed to the forum earlier this year.
— by Matthew Ozga
