Issue Paper: Direct Care Funding

SUPPORT FUNDING FOR DIRECT CARE EMPLOYEES IN NURSING HOMES AND CENTERS FOR DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED

The Medicaid Program, which is part of our state budget and is matched by federal funds, is the funding mechanism for the overwhelming majority of patients in the nursing homes in Rhode Island.  State funds are also the critical component for the developmentally disabled people whose care is provided for by the non-profit agencies that were established when the state de-institutionalized several years ago.

The employees who work in these facilities do an excellent job of providing care for our elderly, disabled, and in many instances, our most vulnerable citizens.  However, they are not adequately compensated, and in many instances do not receive adequate health care benefits or pension benefits.

In addition, because of a lack of funding, there is a shortage of staffing, making their jobs even more difficult and severely impacting the quality of care.

We believe there is a strong correlation between a well paid and well trained workforce and the quality of care received, as it has a major impact on the continuity of care by reducing turnover and absenteeism.

AFL-CIO POSITION

The Rhode Island AFL-CIO supports a state budget which includes funding for nursing homes and centers for the developmentally disabled at rates automatically greater than the cost of living, and that the funding be targeted to the wages and benefits of the direct care workers.