For the complete LEAN Report, visit http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/reports/ltc-services-adults.shtml and see the last item under Direct Care Workers Taskforce Materials.
Helen Hanson
I have been working with friends and allies across the state to push the Department of Health and Human Services to present the LEAN Report. After meeting with Senator Mitchell’s office and several others, it finally happened.
On February 24, Diana Scully, the Director of the Office of Elder Services, presented the report. She took the committee through the process we went through as part of the Lean Team and described the many issues workers face on a daily basis. We had reached consensus that the system’s seven programs should be consolidated into just three, and Ms. Scully outlined the changes that would need to take place. She also described the recommendation on rebalancing the funding of Maine’s Long-Term Care System so that home and community-based care receives as much funding as nursing home care.
Following Ms. Scully’s presentation, Mollie Baldwin spoke. Ms. Baldwin is CEO of Home Care for Maine, one of the state’s largest employers of direct care workers in home-based care. She expressed concern that the consumer waiting list issue was not addressed and that home-based care in Maine has never sufficiently funded. She voiced concerns that the recommendations would not lead to cost savings, but that she was not opposed to change if it meant the system would work better for elders and those with disabilities.
I then had the chance to speak and presented a letter from Maine PASA, thanks to Nicole Brown. In it, we voiced concerns that the LEAN recommendations would not be implemented – we want to ensure that this work will continue to move forward! The letter also requested comparative budgets so that we can see what the current system costs versus the recommended three-program system. In January I’d told them that the LEAN Team had not done a budget analysis, and at this meeting I reinforced the need for a comprehensive budget.
I felt compelled during my presentation to also speak out about how important direct care has been to the elderly people I’ve worked with over the years. None of them have ever told me they’re ready to sell everything they own and go into a nursing home. After my comment, someone mentioned an AARP survey that found seven percent of elders do want to go into a nursing home. I tell you this: those 7% are not elders I’ve worked with.
This process has been an incredible experience, and the real work will begin if the Department actually begins implementation. Though some of the timelines may get pushed back, the Department is willing to start on the programs that are state funded and don’t need rules changes from CMS. I will monitor the implementation of the recommendations and look forward to continuing to work with the LEAN Team.
It is an exciting time to be a direct care worker in Maine!
Helen – Your Lean approach and proposal to reduce the number of programs from seven to three sounds like a no-kiddin’ ring people can grab on to. It sure beats the conventional emotional pleas which don’t usually go anywhere. I believe your experience also confirms the importance of involving employers in our advocacy work so they stand next to us saying the same things.
Dear Helen, Good work and I know it is a result of your dedication and persistence to improve the direct care job for direct care workers in Maine. I know that for you it is about the quality of the care and services and the quality of the job. If only seven percent of elders express an interest in a nursing home, then that means the vast majority prefer to stay in their homes, with their loved ones being autonomous for as long as possible. Direct care workers make it possible for millions of people to lead autonomous lives with their loved ones and in their communities. The priorities you are advocating for via the LEAN Report are essential in order to provide quality services. Balancing funding between nursing home and home care should indeed be a priority, individuals should be able to access independent living supports just as they can access institutional care. Improving pay with benefits for direct care workers and making sure elders and people living with disabilities receive the services they need to live independently by ending waiting lists are crucial issues. Keep up the good work Helen!