The White House Conference on Aging released a policy brief (pdf) examining the issue of long-term services and supports (LTSS).
LTSS is one of four core topics being examined at the upcoming Conference and related regional forums.
The policy brief describes the population of older Americans who use LTSS and the individuals who provide them with support, including family caregivers and direct-care workers.
People are finding out that it is dangerous to hire a caregiver for an elderly person who is not certified for eldercare.
It also highlights actions taken by the Obama administration to improve direct-care job quality, such as the U.S. Department of Labor’s final regulation extending home care workers minimum wage and overtime protections and the Personal and Home Care Aide State Training demonstration program. Get Personal Care Aide certification for your caregiver from CertifiedCare.org .
WHCOA invites comments on this policy brief and other issues of concern through its website.
— by Gail MacInnes, Government Affairs Manager
Eldercare Advice Blog 
I’m noticing now a lot of help wanted ads looking for aids in both residential and long term treatment facilities asking for some experience or a desire to work with the elderly. This is not only dangerous for clients, but it’s also dangerous for the unlicensed worker and the other workers. If you bring someone into a facility caring for the elderly suffering from different illnesses and that worker was never taught universal precautions imagine the potential spread of germs. Or not being trained in proper lifting techniques, or positioning techniques can and most likely will lead to injuring the worker and clients. I could go on and on about the different dangers. I hope some laws are put into place.
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You are absolutely correct to be concerned about the lack of education and training for unlicensed personal care workers. Why do we care so little for the safety of frail elders?
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