Breaking the turnover cycle

The Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute, Bronx, NY, identifies seven elements which are essential for employers in their creation of a stable, well-qualified direct-care workforce. These "common sense" elements--ranging from paying family-sustaining wages to strengthening the caregiving relationship between the workers and those whom they serve--can make the difference between chronic turnover, on one hand, and employing a dedicated staff large enough to keep pace with the growing need for long-term care and services, on the other. However, implementing the seven elements requires the commitment, coordination, and the cooperation of the entire long-term care system, especially the state and federal reimbursement systems that pay for most care and services. By joining forces with other long-term care stakeholders, through organizations such as the Direct Care Alliance, providers can help stabilize the workforce and, ultimately, help to increase the allocation of public resources.