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 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.
Contributing Authors
Emily Dieppa Colo, McKayla Brady, Kathleen Graham, Jessica King, Sarah Angell, and Lina Stepick
