Iowa: Giving Direct-Care Workers a Voice
A project of Better Jobs Better Care
Field of Work: long-term-care workforce needs in Iowa
Problem Synopsis: Unprecedented vacancies and high turnover among nursing assistants, home health aides and personal care attendants have affected both home- and community-based providers and nursing homes, which have reported annual turnover rates ranging from 40 percent to more than 100 percent. These recruitment and retention problems affect both the quantity and the quality of long-term-care services.
Synopsis of the Work: The Iowa Better Jobs Better Care project was a 20-member coalition included AARP, Iowa Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, community colleges, and state agencies. Some 13 long-term-care nursing facilities and home care agencies were involved in developing, implementing and evaluating the practice interventions.
Key Results: A peer-mentoring program reduced direct-care worker turnover and facilitated culture change in provider sites. The coalition trained some 141 direct care staff, including 39 home care workers, at a two-day workshop focused on leadership and communication skills to be trained as mentors.
Coalition members produced 10 research studies to inform policy recommendations and educate legislators.
Better Jobs Better Care Sidebars
Stories from the RWJF national program, Better Jobs, Better Care: Building a Strong Long-Term Care Workforce
Read the Program Results for Better Jobs Better Care View all