On May 12, 2009 Care for Elders hosted its first conference for leaders and supervisors of direct care workers. This conference targeted those who supervise and lead hands-on, direct care staff serving older adults- regardless of the setting. National and local experts discussed current trends in the field along with best practices for improving the recruitment, training, and retention of this critical workforce.

Thank you to all the speakers, conference attendees and volunteers who contributed to the success of the conference.

SPEAKERS AND PRESENTATIONS

Judith B. Clinco, RN, BS, Executive Director, CareGiver Training Institute
A Community Solution to the Unnecessary Crises in Long Term Care 

Jeff Kaufman, Manager, Policy Analysis and Support Center for Policy and Innovation
Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services
Texas Efforts to Address Direct Care Workforce Challenges

Mary Beth Hardy, Regional Director, LivHome
Fishing, Feeding and Fun: The Art of Caregiver Recruitment and Retention 

Sean Becker, JD, Partner, Vinson & Elkns, LLP
Legal Considerations and Best Practices for Addressing Union Issues in the Direct Care Environment 

Shirly McElroy-Weber, Business Development Manager, Home Health Resources
You're Hired! Proven Screening & Interviewing Strategies for Hiring the Right Caregivers 

Vickie Ragsdale, MSN, RN, Director of Education for Buckner Retirement Services
Establishing a Career Ladder for Direct Care Workers 

Leslie Hendrickson, Ph.D, Hendrickson Development
The Impact of Unions on Quality Care