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"Whether you work in a facility, home care or community-based services, do you have an adequate number of co-workers on duty to allow you to provide the level of service you would like?"
Yes
No


2010 Direct Care Worker
Annual Conference Registration
Now Open

August 30 and 31, 2010 at the Ramada Tropics Resort and Conference Center, Des Moines, IA.

NEW You can register and pay online: Cost is $30 for one day and $45 for two.

For more information, click here.
 

What's So Special About The Iowa CareGivers Association?

The Iowa CareGivers Association (ICA) is unique! You may ask what sets us apart from others, and the most important element is this: We are the INDEPENDENT voice for direct care workers. We are able to stay true to our mission and the direct care workers we serve because we are not owned by another organization, association, or agency. Click here to see how some graduates of the ICA Leadership Program describe the ICA.

U-ROC Registration

We call the Iowa CareGivers Association’s Direct Care Worker Resource and Outreach Center the “ROC”. It is important that you register with the ROC so you will:
  • Be aware of ICA programs and events that are tailored to your needs and interests.
  • Be aware of opportunities on ways to grow professionally and become more involved in your profession.
  • Be informed about Issues that impact you at the state and federal levels.
  • Be aware of opportunities to network with other direct care workers statewide. 
  • Receive newsletters and other important information.

Click here to download a PDF version of the U-ROC postcard that you may print out and mail in, or you may also register by filling out the form here.


New Issue Brief

Improving Continuing Education Opportunities for Iowa’s Direct Care Workforce
Click here to view this issue brief, newsletters, additional resources and more! 

New Resource

New Resource for Providers Implementing Person Directed/Centered Care and Consistent Staffing
The ABCM Corporation has produced a video on person directed/centered care. Click here to read more and view the video!

Pressure Ulcers: Goal is Zero
Iowa Foundation for Medical Care (IFMC) provides a number of resources to help you and your employers to reduce pressure ulcers.

In an effort to help direct care workers and their employers decrease pressure ulcer rates, the IFMC has a number of resources available on their website. The resources include several educational checklists, a printable poster and tools to track and assess pressure ulcers. Your Residents are Counting on You! Find out What You Can Do to Prevent Pressure Ulcers.

Be sure to check out the IFMC Patient Safety - Resources and Publications webpage for the list of pressure ulcer resources and other resources on MRSA, restraints, surgical care, drug safety and more! 

To view resources click here  













Nearly 200 direct care workers participated in two ICA Regional Conferences held in Mason City and Dubuque.
Click here to view the Mason City May 18, 2010 program photo gallery
Click here to view the Dubuque May 25, 2010 program photo gallery


GREAT NEWS!!!

The Des Moines Register Sheds Light On Direct Care Worker Issues
 The May 23rd issue of the Des Moines Sunday Register featured a story about Becky Johnson, a Home Health Aide; an editorial on the health and long term care workforce; and a taped interview with ICA Direct Care Worker Leadership Council member, Anthony Wells, ICA Policy Director, John Hale; and ICA Executive Director, Di Findley. The interview covers the waterfront of issues impacting direct care worker recruitment and retention, and serves as an excellent overview of the public policy challenges now in front of the Congress and state legislatures throughout the nation.
Click here to read the story about Becky Johnson.
Click here to read the Opinion piece.
Click here to view the video.


AARP Puts New Health Care Law In A Nutshell

The new health care law…It's big. It's complex. It's very, very important to direct care workers and their families...and all Americans. Trying to boil it down and make it understandable is a real challenge. AARP recently did that, and we are providing the link for you to check it out here. Find your situation and read away! Our thanks to AARP for their valuable information and assistance.


Your Hub Newsletter has a new look!

Current Issue NOW Available! Click here to see the July issue.


The Cindy Chronicle

How One Story Helped Shape Health Care Reform
Click here to read the article.


The Iowa Legislative Session for 2010 Is Over –
What Happened & What Does It Mean for Direct Care Workers?

Click here to see the Summary Report.

Direct Care Worker Day at the State Capitol a Success!

“I liked the tour of the Capitol that Representative Reichert gave me.”
Adam Drawbaugh

Click here to see more photos.

Direct Care Worker Day at the State Capitol receives national attention

 Click here to view PHI’s newsletter article about Direct Care Workers Day in Iowa.

 

ICA Issue Briefs

NEW! In Their Own Words: What Direct Care Workers Say ABout Providing Spiritual Care Through End of Life. Also briefs on: Educational Standards for Direct Care Workers and The Need for Data Collection on the Direct Care Workforce. Click here to view the ICA Issue Briefs.

Senator Tom Harkin
Secures Funding
to Establish Direct
Care Worker Resource
& Outreach Center (ROC)

Click here for News Release.

Senator Tom Harkin Recipient of ICA's "Above and Beyond" Award
Click here to read news release.

“As the Chairman of Appropriations committee that funds labor, health and education initiatives and Senator from Iowa, I am proud to support ICA’s unique efforts to provide so many worthwhile programs and services for direct care workers in our state—especially during a time when we are dealing with a shortage of health care professionals. The public safety and welfare of older Iowans, persons with disabilities, and all communities as a whole depend on our ability to recruit and retain direct care workers. I commend the dedication of our direct care workers and congratulate ICA ROC’s pioneering spirit and service to our communities.” –Senator Tom Harkin

 


“New Dependent Adult Abuse Rules Raise Questions”

by Di Findley, Executive Director, Iowa CareGivers Association

There is no way the Iowa CareGivers Association would have supported these rules, or any other rules, if they were not a step forward for you, your profession, and the Iowans you serve every day!. Di Findley, Executive Director, Iowa CareGivers Association

Read ICA Director’s Comments

Read ICA’s comments submitted to the state 
 

DIA to Conduct Dependent Adult Abuse Training in April

Click here to view the press release along with the training sites/schedules.
Click here to view the Training Content and the list of Frequently Asked Questions (See the Media Release dated April 5, 2010).

 

Iowa CareGivers Association (ICA) Resource and Outreach Center (The ROC)linn_salasberry

“As someone who has been a certified nursing assistant (CNA) for over 40 years, my involvement with the Iowa CareGivers Association (ICA) has changed my life and it can change yours.”
– Lin Salasberry, Certified Nursing Assistant

See how you can get involved!



Representative Heddens Walks in the Shoes of Direct Care Workers

View press release of "Come Care With Me Campaign."

 

 

heddens

View a video of the Come Care With Me Event. The Atlantic Philanthropies annual report contains a video of the Iowa Come Care With Me event, a partnership effort between PHI and IowaCareGivers Association and funded by The Atlantic Philanthropies.
 
To access the report, click on “ageing,” then on “PHI.” From there, you can read the text of the report, see pictures of the event, and view the video.