Proposal Presented for the Master Plan for Aging (#32)
Disclaimer
Throughout the MPA process, more than 100 proposals were developed thanks in particular to thousands of hours of work by external stakeholders and members of the public. These proposals and the MPA Council commentary are being submitted to the Governor and shared with policymakers and the public to inform policymaking. These proposals represent a starting point for discussion. Further discussion is necessary between relevant state agencies and stakeholders to both refine these proposals and assess which may be appropriate to adopt and implement.
Have DOH procure Regional Caregiver Support Hubs (Hubs). Hubs will facilitate support services for individuals training to become direct caregivers and will provide assistance in navigating changes to benefits that result from caregivers achieving full-time employment (i.e. where their employment results in them losing eligibility).
DOH is currently working to procure Hubs to work in conjunction with Regional Direct Caregiver Training Centers also being procured. The support centers will assist in providing career guidance and assistance for overcoming barriers to successful completion of training and workforce participation, which includes food security, transportation, affordable housing and childcare access.
Full Proposal
- DOH will procure Hubs to address employment barriers for Home Health Aides.
- Regional Training Centers, also procured by DOH, will operate or subcontract with Hubs. See proposal 30 for additional information on this component.
- These Hubs will assist in addressing issues such as Home Health Aides case acceptance to full time employment that eliminates eligibility for entitlements or other benefits, and career pathing. Hubs will also assist those training for direct care work in accessing services needed for them to work, including childcare, housing and nutritional support, if needed.
- Hubs will hire appropriate staff who specialize in career pathing for this population.
MPA Council Commentary
This proposal is categorized as infrastructure. Components of this proposal and proposal 30 are both currently being implemented at DOH through a Request for Applications (RFA) issued on December 3rd, 2024. DOH will consider the details of this proposal as it proceeds with the procurement process. As DOH proceeds with implementation, it will assess the impact on metrics such as employment rates and self-reported access to necessary services amongst direct caregivers.