The 2009 "Spotlighting the Direct Care Workforce" Conference series took place on May 12 & 13 in Houston, at the University of Houston Hilton Hotel. The first day was for the leaders and supervisors of direct care workers, from all types of long term care settings, i.e. home care, assisted living, nursing facilities, etc. Care for Elders is proud to have had so many of our members in attendance as well as new organizations and individuals. There were several national speakers that presented at the conference.
On the second day a little over 170 direct care workers attended the 12th Annual Conference for Direct Care Workers Who Care for Older Adults. The day featured MariaElena Del Valle, New York Trainer for PHI as the keynote speaker, Ready for Life awards and exciting presentations given by local professionals.
Putting the conference together took a lot of hard work from many individuals, including the volunteer committee who met on a regular basis to make "Spotlighting the Direct Care Workforce" Conference series a success. Thank you to all the attendees, speakers and members of the Care for Elders partnership.
Registration Brochure 
Save-the-Date Postcard
2009 READY FOR LIFE AWARD
Aging is a process- it's part of life, and it's filled with both challenges and blessings. No matter what age, there are things that individuals can do to enrich their lives and make sure they are ready for whatever comes their way - "ready for life". Direct care workers are in key positions to help older adults manage the challenges they face and remain "ready for life".
With acknowledgement and respect for this critical role, Care for Elders is proud to present the "Ready for Life" Award. The award ceremony was on May 13, 2009 at the Conference for Direct Care Workers Who Care for Older Adults. Congratulations to everyone that was nominated for the award.
2009 Ready for Life Award Recipient
Maryi "Yani" Garcia, Personal Care Assistant
Com for Care
2009 Ready for Life Award Recipients- Honorable Mention
Joyce Jordan, Senior Services Coordinator
Neighborhood Centers, Inc.
Susan Hollins, Personal Care Attendant
LivHOME
2009 Ready for Life Award Nominees
Norma Baysinger, CNA Mentor
Seven Acres Senior Care Services
Charmion Brooks, Community Caregiver
Cameo Caregivers
Linda Buckley, Attendant
CHRISTUS Visiting Nurse Association of Houston
Marcia Charles, CNA
CHRISTUS Visiting Nurse Association of Houston
Sonya Davis, Administrative Assistant
Sheltering Arms Senior Services, Day Center
Ruth Juarez, Personal Care Assistant
Com for Care
Barbara Lytle, Activity Assistant
Sheltering Arms Senior Services, Day Center
Lucille McGruder, CNA
Sheltering Arms Senior Services, Day Center
Maria Mendez, Care Attendant
Com for Care
Patti Nevels, Home Health Aide
Cameo Caregivers
Deloris Rawls, Division Manager
YWCA
Alyssa Simmons, Care Partner, CNA
The Buckingham
Patricia Ward, Personal Care Assistant
Sheltering Arms Senior Services, Day Center
2009 LEADERSHIP CONFERNECE 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
