More Support Needed for Family Caregivers
In the fall of 2022, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) revealed its first collaborative and strategic national plan for providing family caregivers with various supports and resources. The 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers consists of several hundred action steps that can help relieve family caregivers of the extra burdens […]
West Virginia to Use Federal Funds for Home Health Care Workers
The West Virginia Department of Health, along with Governor Jim Justice, recently announced that the state’s Medicaid program will be using federal funds to increase wages and benefits for its home health care workers. Not only will the funds be used to address staffing shortages and retain current workers, but it will also help to […]
How Adaptive Bikes Assist Individuals Living with Disabilities
Not only is bicycling a great form of exercise, but it’s also a fun leisure activity individuals can enjoy on their own or with others. In recent years, adaptive bicycles have been developed so individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DDs) can experience bike riding in a way that accommodates their needs. Direct Care Innovations […]
Growing Challenges and Possible Solutions in Senior Care
A growing elderly population combined with a shortage of home health aides will predictably pose quite a challenge for the future of senior care. Chronic illnesses are on the rise which will only exacerbate the problem further. In order to effectively care for our seniors, Direct Care Innovations agrees with many other healthcare agencies that […]
How We Are Addressing Disability Data Justice
The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed a major gap in the collection of data on behalf of individuals living with disabilities. To properly serve members of the disability community, it’s essential to have complete access to accurate data. This information is used to influence decisions made in regard to their health and well-being as well as […]
Home Health Care & Its Growing Labor Shortage
If you’re involved in the home health care industry — as a patient, family member, or provider — the growing labor shortage is probably no surprise to you. Many home health agencies are finding it more difficult to provide effective care to an increasing number of adults in need with fewer home health workers available. […]
New Quality Measures for Home and Community-Based Services
In July 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced new quality measures for home- and community-based services (HCBS). The home health industry has been consistently regulated by high-quality standards, but the personal home care industry has typically not been governed by quality measures such as these. At Direct Care Innovations, we’d like […]
4 Creative Ideas for Direct Support Professional Recognition Week
Direct Support Professional Recognition Week is September 11 – 17. While many healthcare and developmental disability agencies wish to show their appreciation for their direct support professionals (DSPs) throughout the year, September is a great opportunity to pull out all the stops and do something extra special for the DSPs who work tirelessly to serve […]
Upcoming Broadway Play Shares Experiences with Disabilities
Individuals living with disabilities and their caregivers will be the focus of a new Broadway play by Pulitzer Prize-winner, Martyna Majok this fall. “Cost of Living” will make its debut at the Samuel J. Friedman Theater in midtown Manhattan. At Direct Care Innovations, we’re excited to see that the life experiences of those living with […]
Top Facts about America’s Direct Care Workforce
As one of the largest and fastest-growing occupations, the direct care workforce is an essential part of providing quality and effective health care services. Direct care employees work with individuals who need long-term care or personal assistance on a daily basis. Not only are direct care staff valuable to those they serve, but they’re also […]