Comments on: Report on the Baltimore “Symposium”

By: renee tillman/CHPNA

renee tillman/CHPNA — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:11:00 +0000

The Symposium was a eye opener for me. I have been trying to find out how it is i reach my goal for TANA. I know now this has to be a collabrate effort for all of the associations to stand together to make the change for caregivers through out the nation.I had the oppurtunity to network with folks who care about us. Thw information was overwhelming prepared for us.I hope i can attend the next workshop or even be apart of the program.

By: Jenn Craigue

Jenn Craigue — Thu, 22 May 2008 03:55:00 +0000

I was completely in awe that the directcare worker movement has come this far. The symposium not only allowed us to learn about what is up and coming but it provided us valuable time to network. It was also wonderful to see a good amount of direct care workers’ in attendence and it seemed completely natural.

By: Leonila

Leonila — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:19:00 +0000

Julie your comment is right on. There is an urgency to reform and improve the workforce in long term care. Our elders will face shortages that will greatly impact quality of life unless we act proactively now and improve the profession from a policy standpoint. I am hopeful given the breath and committment shown at the conference.

By: Julie Bell

Julie Bell — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:05:00 +0000

I thoroughly enjoyed the Baltimore Syposium. It’s nice to finally see the Federal and State govern-ments taking a hard look at the issues facing direct care workers today and in the future. I’m very hopeful that symposiums such as this will move our cause forward in the near future versus later.

By: Anderson Waldon

Anderson Waldon — Mon, 12 May 2008 23:52:00 +0000

As a direct care worker, I was amazed at the many levels I encountered at the Baltimore Symposium. From ghrassroots organizers to federal managers of funds for direct care workers. My primary insight is the need for a Nation Steering Committee. Some one to focus those many and varied groups into a powerful force of one or two or three. A foucused voice much like beams of light focused upon an object, generates heat. It would have been nice to know of those funding opportunities before, as that is some time a stopping point in growth for many organizations. Also those funds were for short term projects that would have allowed you to put numbers to your project and maybe make it sustainable. A National Steering Cmte. would be a great asset!

By: Terry Bucher, Ex. Dir

Terry Bucher, Ex. Dir — Mon, 12 May 2008 19:35:00 +0000

The Baltimore Symposium, May 7-9, 2008 was a marvelous opportunity for gaining insight and knowledge on the federal, national and state initiatives that have taken place, are currently underway and being explored to secure workforce development in all areas of long term care. Sessions featured individual speakers from all aspects workforce services from researchers to developers to policy development and most important the workers themselves, direct care and support services, as well as the consumers they serve.
A wealth of information was given and shared by participants from approximately 40 States! The symposium allowed us to gain a wealth of statistical and research information, share best practices, and communicate first hand with experts in numerous partnering departments and organizations.
I wish to thank the Planning Committee for an informative and successful symposium.