InSight Magazine

INSIGHT HOME CARE

FALL 2012

THE MAGAZINE FOR NORTHWEST HOME CARE AIDES

INSIDE

PEER MENTORING AND YOUR CAREER Home Care Aide DeeDee Lazik and her son, Zach.

PLUS: CARING FOR YOURSELF

ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING BENEFITS UPDATES AND MORE WWW.MYSEIUBENEFITS.ORG INSIGHT MAGAZINE

FALL 2012

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INSIGHT HOME CARE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S NOTE

STAFF

Welcome to the second issue of Home Care InSight, the magazine for Northwest

EDITOR Naomi Ishisaka

Home Care Aides.

PUBLISHER SEIU Healthcare NW Training Partnership

& SEIU Healthcare NW Health Benefits Trust

The SEIU Healthcare NW Training Partner-

GRAPHIC DESIGN Naomi Ishisaka

ship and the Health Benefits Trust care about

CONTRIBUTORS

your work and your health. As Home Care

PHOTOGRAPHER Inye Wokoma WRITERS Alison Sargent, Deanna Duff, DeeDee Lazik,

Aides, your work makes a critical impact in the lives of others every day. And while you

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

work to care for others, you must also care for

Dori Cahn, Haley Shapley, Lora Shinn, Manny Frishberg, Dr. Rick Shepard, Christine Dodson

TRAINING PARTNERSHIP David Rolf, Chair SEIU Healthcare 775NW, President

yourself, keeping you and your family healthy.

Through Home Care InSight, we want to

Nora Gibson, Secretary

provide you with skills to improve your health;

Full Life Care, Executive Director

share best practices from others in the profession; and give you the most

Sterling Harders

updated information about your training and benefits.

To this end, in this issue we explore English Language Learners, offer health and wellness tips, provide the latest updates to training and benefits information – and much more.

We hope you will find this magazine useful in your work as a Home Care Aide. Please let us know what you think – to share feedback and ideas,

SEIU Healthcare 775NW, Vice President

Seth Hemond SEIU Healthcare 775NW, Director of Member Programs and Participation

Adam Glickman-Flora SEIU Healthcare 775NW, Secretary-Treasurer

Rick Hall OFM Labor Relations Division, Acting Assistant Director

Linda Lee

please contact insight@myseiubenefits.org.

Home Care Aide and Member, SEIU Healthcare 775NW

Charissa Raynor Executive Director SEIU Healthcare NW Training Partnership SEIU Healthcare NW Health Benefits Trust

Dr. Marty Levine Northgate Medical Center, Group Health Cooperative, Medical Center Chief

Jesse Magana Home Care Consumer and Disability Advocate

Dan Murphy Washington State DSHS, ADSA, Director of Legislative & Policy Analysis

Rich Nafziger Institute for Public Service – Seattle University, Assistant Professor

Home Care InSight Magazine is a publication of the SEIU Healthcare NW Training Partnership and Health Benefits Trust to serve Home Care Aides in the Northwest.

HAVE A STORY, IDEA OR LETTER TO SHARE?

Jan Yoshiwara State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, Director Education Services HEALTH BENEFITS TRUST David Rolf, Chair SEIU Healthcare 775NW, President

Eric Erickson

Do you have a story about yourself or someone you know that would make a good topic for the next issue of Home Care InSight Magazine? We want to hear from you! Do you have a letter to the editor, a healthy recipe or question you want answered? Let us know!

CDM Services, Executive Director

Pass on your story ideas to InSight Magazine Editor Naomi Ishisaka at insight@myseiubenefits.org.

SEIU Healthcare 775NW, Director of Member Programs and Participation

Sterling Harders SEIU Healthcare 775NW, Vice President

Seth Hemond

Diane Lutz Office of Financial Management, Labor Negotiator

SHARE YOUR OPINIONS, WIN A WATER BOTTLE!

Your opinion is important to us!

Please share your thoughts and feedback on this issue of Home Care InSight Magazine at the link below.

www.surveymonkey.com/s/M2GLHZC TWO PEOPLE WILL WIN A WATER BOTTLE!

COVER PHOTO OF ZACH LAZIK AND DEEDEE LAZIK BY INYE WOKOMA. PHOTO OF CHARISSA RAYNOR ON THIS PAGE BY NAOMI ISHISAKA

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INSIGHT MAGAZINE

Dan Murphy DSHS, ADSA, Director of Legislative & Policy Analysis

Flanna Perkins ResCare Homecare, Regional Director

Misha Werschkul SEIU Healthcare 775NW, Legislative & Policy Director

© Copyright 2012 Home Care InSight Magazine. All rights reserved.

Contact Home Care InSight at insight@myseiubenefits.org for permission to reprint or republish content from Home Care InSight.

Contact Home Care InSight: insight@myseiubenefits.org, 635 Andover Park West, Suite 200, Tukwila, WA 98188

CONTENTS

Home Care Aide Paula Burr goes on one of her regular walks to stay active and maintain good health.

See Story, Page 10.

YOUR HEALTH

2 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S NOTE 4 DEPARTMENTS NO IFS, ANDS OR BUTTS: READY TO QUIT SMOKING? 11 GREAT WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS IN YOUR LIFE MOVE IT! A 30-MINUTE, 30-DAY ACTIVITY CHALLENGE COUNTRY SPOTLIGHT

PHOTO BY INYE WOKOMA

TERM SPOTLIGHT WORKER TIP

10 CARING FOR OTHERS, CARING FOR SELF FEATURES

13 GET MORE FROM YOUR GROUP HEALTH BENEFITS 15 16 18 21

ESSAY: A LOT EXTRA BUILDING LANGUAGE SKILLS A NEW LIFE, A NEW CAREER PEER TO PEER BENEFITS

25 TRAINING INFORMATION 30 HEALTH BENEFITS INFORMATION INSIGHT MAGAZINE

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DEPARTMENTS No Ifs, Ands or Butts: Ready to quit smoking?

ANSWERS

BY LORA SHINN

Take this quick quiz to find out more about the effects of smoking on health and whether or not you’re ready to quit.

1. In the United States, cigarette smoking causes how much lung cancer? a. Smoking causes 50% of lung cancer b. Smoking causes 70% of lung cancer c. Smoking causes 90% of lung cancer d. Smoking causes 100% of lung cancer 2. Smoking can cause cancer in which parts of the body? a. Mouth b. Stomach c. Kidney d. All of the above 3. How many attempts does the typical smoker have to make to quit smoking? a. 1 b. 3 c. 5 d. 7 4. What makes quitting so difficult, for smokers? a. Cigarettes taste good. b. Cigarette nicotine is as addictive as heroin. c. Smokers are lazy. d. Health isn’t important to smokers.

5. How do you know if you’re ready to quit? a. You were diagnosed with a smokingrelated illness. b. You love someone, and want to live a long time for them. c. You are worried about the costs of cigarettes – for your health and budget. d. You feel like smoking is controlling you and your life.

6. Which of the below are cigarette withdrawal symptoms? a. Dizziness 4

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INSIGHT MAGAZINE

b. Trouble sleeping c. Depression d. All of the above 7. What’s the best way to quit smoking? a. Use a quitting plan. b. Go it alone and don’t tell anyone. c. Just make it up as you go along. d. Don’t quit.

8. What are some options for when you feel like having a smoke? a. Go for a walk. b. Chew gum or suck on a hard candy. c. Call a friend or a quitline. d. All of the above.

9. What is the best thing about quitting? a. Personal health, saving money and pride in yourself. b. You’re as cool as movie stars who don’t smoke. c. You won’t have to find your lost smokes. d. Don’t have to chew gum to cover up cigarette-breath. n

HELP TO QUIT QUITLINE Washington State Quitline offers phone counseling and support coaches to help you quit and stay quit. 1-800-QUIT-NOW

1. c. Smoking causes 90% of lung cancer in the United States, and is the number one risk factor for lung cancer. Smoking just a few cigarettes per day or every once in a while increases your chance of suffering from lung cancer.

2. d. Smoking can cause all of the above – in addition to causing cancer in other places, such as the nose, throat, bladder, cervix and blood.

3. d. To quit smoking, it takes the average smoker seven attempts and five years. Most people quit because they’re worried about their health.

4. b. While cigarettes do taste good to smokers, that’s not why they’re so hard to quit. Nicotine in cigarettes is physically and emotionally addictive.

Quitting causes a physical withdrawal, along with emotional and mental side-effects.

5. a, b, c or d. Any of these reasons are good reasons to quit smoking. A smoker’s reason for quitting is often personal and unique. Quitting sends the message “I care about me,” to your loved ones and to yourself.

6. d. In fact, there are over 10 unpleasant sideeffects that result from throwing out your smokes, including increased appetite, headaches, anxiety and irritability. These symptoms may stay with you for a few days or up to several weeks.

7. a. The best way to quit smoking is through a “cessation program” or program designed by experts. In Washington state, Quitline offers an inexpensive or free cessation program, in many languages. Contact Quitline to find out whether you qualify for free services. If you are a Group Health member you can also use their free services.

8. d. Often, the desire to reach for a cigarette comes from physical need (for nicotine) and emotional need (for stress relief). Knowing that you will face these challenges helps you think of alternatives.

9. a. It is nice not to have to chew gum, search for lost smokes or worry that you’re not cool BUT quitting is a gift you can give yourself at any time in life. You’ll feel so proud you stamped out that last cigarette. You will benefit from a longer lifespan and increased health.

GROUP HEALTH Group Health members can receive help to quit through the Quit for Life program.

Call 1-800-462-5327 or visit www.quitnow.net/GHC/

DEPARTMENTS

Don’t Stress!

BY LORA SHINN

11 Great Ways to Reduce Stress in your Life Are you stressed? Don’t worry, we won’t test you. But if you’ve been facing stress symptoms such as sweating, irritability, or emotional swings, it may be time to chill out. Many situations can cause stress, such as a fight with a friend, a schedule change at work, a loss of a loved one or something as simple as missing the bus.

Long-term effects of “the stress monster” can cause you to start (or continue) smoking, overeat and may even lower your immune system. Here are 11 ways to subtract worry from your life and add calm – which equals a better day for everyone in your life, including you!

Speak Write down a favorite saying, religious verse or word that helps you relax. Keep it with you at all times, folded up in your pocket or purse. The saying could be a verse, a simple word like “love” or “quiet,” or a reminding phrase like “I am calm.” If you can, say the word out loud, repeating it until you feel the stress melting.

Relax Tense and relax muscles in your arms, legs or body – try tightening your hand into a fist, for example – squeezing it as hard as you can for five seconds – then letting your entire hand go limp for 30 seconds. Repeat up your arm to your neck and head, or from your toes to head.

Think People with positive thoughts better deal with stress. Don’t say anything cruel or mean to yourself that you wouldn’t say to someone else. Also, avoid friends who are always negative. Encourage yourself! Practice saying things like: “I like learning new things and making changes.”

“I take good care of people.”

“I’m creative and will try hard to succeed.”

Laugh Laughter with customers, coworkers and friends reduces stress. Watch a funny

TV show or your favorite silly movie, keep a book of jokes in your purse or listen to a comedian on your break.

Visualize Imagine a beautiful place where you feel safe, loved and at peace. Include as many details as possible to make you feel like you’re really there. For example, are you in your mother’s kitchen? Imagine the smell of her perfume, sunlight through a window, and dinner in the oven.

Activity Follow a few of the activity tips on Page 6 on a break, in the evening, or before work for a quick mood-booster. Stretch to loosen muscles that have been tightened by stress, anger or frustration. It will feel good – and may also send the body a signal that you’re no longer under attack.

Breathe Take deep “belly breaths” while counting to slow your heart rate and decrease irritability. Breathe in, pushing your stomach out, then breathe out, pulling your belly button in. You are breathing with your diaphragm, lower in your body than the lungs. Pay attention to how your muscles relax and you feel more calm as you proceed. Stretch.

Reward After a particularly stressful day, enjoy your favorite activity – perhaps taking a bath with Epsom salts (to reduce muscle tension), listening to your favorite band or singer (extra points if it’s calm music), or going to bed a little early with a beloved book.

Call Call a good friend and ask her to just listen (not solve your problems). Talking to a friend or family member about your difficult day or a frustrating situation helps reduce stress. If you know you’re going to have a stressful day, ask a friend, “Will you be around tonight if I need to call?”

Tend Imagine your social support network like a garden – you need to seed and care to keep it growing. To help it blossom, join a church, mosque or other religious community, take a free or inexpensive community college class, volunteer, and call friends back.

Thank Say thank you and offer appreciation for wonderful things in your life, whether small (a smile from a consumer) or big (a batch of cookies you received from a friend). Take a few moments on your break to say thank you or offer a compliment, and make someone else’s day more beautiful. n

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DEPARTMENTS

MOVE IT!

BY LORA SHINN

A 30-Minute, 30-Day Activity Challenge Don’t have time or money to join a gym? No problem. Instead, change your thinking and challenge yourself to just move. If you can find a way to move a total of at least 30 minutes every day, you’re ahead in the fitness game. Every bit adds up! Here are 30 ways you can move over the next 30 days – can you try a new movement every day? Being active strengthens your heart, lungs and bones and decreases health

raise leg to hip height) while sitting in a chair. Start with 8 repetitions per leg, but work to increase reps.

26. Jump rope or do jumping jacks.

27. Push a wheelchair or stroller around a path.

28. Get up to do little

risks. Being physically active is just

things – change the chan-

one more way to have fun and decrease

nel, turn off lights, etc.

stress. Let’s go!

29. Bike to work.

30. Walk the dog. n

1. Walk around the block for 30 minutes.

Sources: National Institute of Health, Fitness.gov

2. Turn up the radio and dance.

3. Play tag with your grandchild or a friend’s child.

4. Fly a kite at the beach on a windy day.

5. Park in the furthest stall at work or the grocery store and walk.

6. Take the stairs instead of the elevator.

7. When catching a bus or transferring buses, try walking a little faster.

8. Wash all the windows in your apartment or house.

9. Take dance classes at your local community center.

10. Go to the park and kick a soccer ball around.

11. Take stretching breaks while on the job.

12. While waiting on the sidewalk at stoplights or for a bus, walk/march in place.

13. View the At-Home (No Equipment) Workout from The American Council on Exercise for a workout you can do at home or during a break on the job. www.acefitness.org/ workouts/13/ Do arm curls or other

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weight-lifting exercises using cans of food.

14. Weed a garden, rake leaves or do yard work.

15. Go roller skating with a childhood buddy.

Physical Activity Recommendations

16. Rent an exercise DVD or check one out at the library.

The Physical Activity

17. Get off the bus a stop early, to add more steps.

suggest 30 minutes of

18. Replace a snack break with a walk break.

per day for adults ages

19. Go bowling with friends.

physician about increas-

20. Clean the kitchen – set a timer and see how fast you can go.

before starting on a new

21. Sweep the garage or a sidewalk.

22. Mop the floor on your hands and knees.

23. Wash, dry and iron a big basket of laundry.

24. Wear a pedometer and see if you can eventually get to 10,000 steps in a day.

25. Do leg raises (slowly extend and

Guidelines for Americans physical aerobic activity 18-64. Speak to your ing your activity intensity fitness program.

WHERE IN THE WORLD?

SPOTLIGHT ON RUSSIA

DEPARTMENTS

BY ALISON SARGENT

Ed. Note: Home Care Aides in the Northwest come from all over the world - East Africa, Asia, Eastern and Western Europe, Latin America.

To help understand the people and cultures of the Home Care Aide population, we will present a spotlight on a country that many Home Care Aides come from.

Russians and Russian-speakers have a long history in the Northwest. The territory that is now the state of Alaska was controlled by the Russian Empire in the early 1800s. When the United States purchased the territory in 1867, most Russians went back to their homeland, but some settled in Alaska and California.

According to Harvard research, during the first great wave of immigration from all of Europe to the United States in the late 1800s, most Russian immigrants were groups seeking asylum from religious persecution. These groups included Russian Jews and groups in conflict with the Russian Orthodox Church, such as the Russian Molokans and the Russian Old Believers, or Starovery.

Following the October Bolshevik Revolution and the Russian Civil War, in the years between 1917 and 1920, many members of Russia’s former wealthy ruling class came to the U.S. They mostly settled in large urban areas such as New York, Chicago, Boston, and San Francisco.

During the Soviet era, emigration was prohibited, but in 1970, restrictions were loosened, prompting another wave of Russian Jewish immigrants escaping anti-Semitism. In the years that followed, political reform prompted an increase in economic immigration and in

the early ’90s, after the fall of the Soviet Union, thousands of citizens of the former Soviet Union came to the U.S. as political refugees.

According to research by the University of Washington’s demography department, in 1999, Russians were the third largest immigrant group in Washington state, after Mexicans and Filipinos. Today there are pockets of Russians in Kent, South Snohomish County, Tacoma, and particularly Bellevue, where Russian and other Slavic languages are often heard. According to the United Way of King County, in South King County school districts, Ukrainian and Russian are the second and third most common second languages after Spanish.

For Washington state Home Care Aides, while data are incomplete, the top primary language non-English speaking Training Partnership students select is Russian.

Although census data sometimes group Russian-speakers together, not everyone who speaks Russian is Russian in nationality.

Russian is an Eastern Slavic language, closely related to Ukrainian and Belarusian, and widely spoken in Belarus, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Latvia, and Estonia.

Like many languages of Slavic origin, Russian uses the Cyrillic alphabet, developed in the 9th century during the first Bulgarian empire and formalized by Greek monk St. Cyril. The alphabet contains 33 letters, some borrowed from Greek and Hebrew, and many are reminiscent of English letters either in appearance, sound, or both. n

IN RUSSIAN “Hello” Здравствуйте ”zdrav-stvoo-tye” “Hi!” Привет! “preev-yet” “How are you doing?” Как дела́? “kahk de-la?”

“Thank you” Спасибо “spah-see-bah” “How do you say … in Russian?” Как по-ру́сски...? “Kahk pah-roos-kee”

Borscht Борщ, or borscht, sometimes spelled “borsch,” “bortsch,” or “borsh,” is a traditional soup in many Eastern and Central European countries, although it originated in Ukraine. Rich in protein, vitamins, fiber, and color, this beetbased soup is the perfect winter pick-me-up in months when Washington State starts to feel like the Siberian tundra.

3 large beets 2 medium potatoes, diced 1 medium onion, finely chopped 2 carrots, finely chopped 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1/2 head of cabbage, shredded 2 celery stalks, chopped 6 cups beef, chicken, or vegetable broth 1 bay leaf 2 tablespoons lemon juice or red wine vinegar 1-2 tablespoons chopped dill Salt, pepper, and sugar to taste Sour cream to garnish *beef, lamb, pork, and/or white or lima beans may be added for extra protein and heartiness.

Directions: Wrap the beets in foil and bake them at 400 degrees for about an hour or until they are tender enough to pierce with a butter knife. (Boiling them in water is also an option.) Once they are cooled, remove the skin and coarsely grate them either by hand or with a food processor.

(If grating by hand you may want to cover your fingers with plastic bags to avoid staining your fingers magenta!)

In a large pot, sauté the onion and carrots for 5 minutes, or until the onions are tender.

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute. Pour in the stock and blend well with the onion mixture. Add the cabbage, celery, and potatoes and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the beets and cook for 5 minutes more.

Stir in the dill, bay leaf, and vinegar or lemon juice. Add salt, ground pepper, and sugar to taste, then garnish with sour cream, dill, egg, or pickle!

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TERM SPOTLIGHT

BY ALISON SARGENT

Intellectual Disability

This Issue’s Featured Term: “Intellectual Disability” “Person with an intellectual disability” The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disability defines intellectual disability as being characterized by significant limitations both in intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior, which includes a range of everyday social and practical skills. Intellectual disabilities originate in individuals before the age of 18 and are considered a type of developmental disability, which is a blanket term that also includes largely physical issues like cerebral palsy and epilepsy.

While “intellectual disability” has been the preferred term of people with intellectual disabilities and advocates since the early 2000s, many people – from school children to newscasters – continue to use the terms “mental retardation,” “mentally retarded,” “retarded,” and even “retard” without realizing their harmful potential. “When I started to talk to people about how they felt about [the word retarded] I could see the cringing on their faces,” recalls Emily Rogers, Self-Advocacy Coordinator at the ARC of Washington State, an organization that works for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. “That’s when you know it’s time for a word change.”

The history of terminology for intellectual disability is a complex one because it is constantly in flux. Due to the stigmatized nature of intellectual disabilities, the neutral terms developed to describe them – such as mental retardation – eventually become associated with that stigma and develop negative connotations. Experimental psychologist and cognitive scientist Steven Pinker dubbed this process the “euphemism treadmill,” in which words for emotionally charged concepts are continually replaced in hopes that the new terms will redefine societal attitudes towards that concept. Pinker has noted the process in the shifting vocabulary used to describe toilets (lavatories to bathrooms to restrooms), older adults (elderly to senior citizens to older adults), and ethnic minorities (negro to black to African-American, Oriental to Asian, Hispanic to Latino).

Idiocy is one of the oldest terms used to describe intellectual disability, dating back to the 13th century.

While today it is an obviously pejorative word, its original meaning in Greek society was a person who remains separate from public life.

“Feebleminded” began to replace idiot in the early 8

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Making conscious changes to our language is a first step towards making changes in our society. “Language is a huge piece of how people can show respect,” says Sue Elliott, Executive Director for the ARC of Washington State.

20th century and the words “idiot,” “moron,” and “imbecile,” were used to define sub-categories of “feeblemindedness” that were based on IQ level. The Washington state constitution originally contained the words “imbecile,” “idiot,” and “feeble-minded” in reference to people with intellectual disabilities and it wasn’t until the mid 20th century that they were replaced with the label “mentally retarded,” which was considered a neutral term at the time. Since the late ‘80s, however, in conjunction with the people-first language movement, advocacy organizations have been making the move away from the term “mentally retarded,” replacing it with terms like “cognitive” or “intellectual disability.”

In 2010 Barack Obama signed a bill, now known as Rosa’s Law, that officially replaced the terms “mental retardation” and “mentally retarded” with “intellectual disability” and “individual with an intellectual disability” in federal documents, and similar legislation was passed in Washington state in 2010.

Making conscious changes to our language is a first step towards making changes in our society. “Language is a huge piece of how people can show respect,” says Sue Elliott, executive director for the ARC of Washington State. “I think by changing the language we start to get to a place where everybody can be respected.”

Until we reach that place, terminology will continue to evolve, and each individual must do their best to remain aware of the currently accepted terms and use them in a respectful manner. In the words of Steven Pinker, “We know we will have achieved equality and mutual respect when terms for ethnic minorities stay put.” Rogers takes it a step further, adding “And when people don’t use terms to describe people.” n

– Alison Sargent

Creative Solution to Sharp Showers

WORKER TIP

Worker, consumer team up for low-cost fix to shower rail bumps we both tried to be. On the transfer out, the

SUBMITTED BY CHRISTINE DODSON

Hi! My name is Christine Dodson and I am an Independent Provider in Pierce County, Washington. My consumer, Sandie,

toes of her right foot would get caught on the track as well.

We both dream of walk-in tubs, but

is a female adult who has cerebral palsy

being a rental tenant puts that option right

and uses an electric mobility device. She

out. Household funds are limited for my

requires an extensive assist for transfers,

consumer, as they are for most of us these

walking, and bathing.

days, so we needed to find an innova-

Her home has no tub, just a walk-in

tive and inexpensive solution to avoid any

shower. She was already equipped with a

potential injury. Since my consumer shares

shower chair and hand-held shower mas-

her home with her husband and adult

sage before I began working in her home

daughter, the solution also needed to be

in November of 2011, but the design of

removable for their convenience.

From left, S andie Jones , Christine Dodson length-

the shower stall made transferring to the

While shopping together we were awe-

shower chair very difficult. Upon entering

struck by the same epiphany as we turned

slipped it right over the shower track flash-

the shower, Sandie would hit her interior left

down an aisle to see a huge box of “pool

ing! No more bumps and snagged toes. n

knee and ankle on the metal shower-door

noodles”! They cost $2! We brought one

track, regardless of how aware and careful

home, cut it to thigh height for her, slit it

1.

2.

wise down one side, and

3.

Do you have a tip to share?

Submit your tip or idea to insight@ myseiubenefits.org to be included in the next issue of the magazine!

Three easy steps to attaching pool noodles to shower rails.

COMING IN EARLY 2013: PHARMACY DISCOUNT CARD Watch your mailbox in early 2013 for a pharmacy discount card!

Thanks to a partnership between SEIU 775 Healthcare NW and RxRelief Card, all SEIU 775NW members and their families may have access to discounted prescriptions using a free pharmacy discount card. This pharmacy discount card may be used for you – and your whole family. Full details on eligibility will arrive at your home in early 2013.

PH DISCOAURMACY NT CAR CO D

MING T OY MAILBO X EARL OUR Y 2013

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is NOT an insurance card or a health coverage benefit provided through the Health Benefits Trust.

Be sure to check your health coverage information to determine if the pharmacy discount card will be helpful to you.

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BY LORA SHINN

CARING CARING FOR FOR OTHERS SELF Paula Burr discovers that taking control of her health makes her better at caring for others

S

ome people, it seems, were born into certain careers. Mozart couldn’t be anything other than a composer, with his gift for music. And with her ready laugh, chatty nature and deep empathy, Paula Burr was meant to care for others.

Burr, 48, is a Home Care Aide for the Korean Women’s Association in Shelton, Wash. She’s also been a manager at an ARC home and a

to care for. “I want to be around,” she says. “I don’t want to go young. I

thing in common with her consum-

want to spend time with my daugh-

ers, while completing the service

ters and my grandbaby.” Burr’s

plan. “I can understand what they’re

children are 29, 18 and 16.

going through,” she says. Her own

So in the past several years, she’s

diagnoses have helped her to become

made big changes. She walks two

a better Home Care Aide. “I have my

miles about every other day in her

medical issues too. Maybe not the

neighborhood. “I love the outdoors,”

same things they have, but I under-

she says. She broils her chicken

stand their pain or grouchiness.”

instead of frying it. She’s switched

The Value of Personal Care In 2009, Burr’s legs started feeling

from sugary sodas to watermelon tea and sparkling lime water.

Her weight dropped from 217 to

like they were “buzzing,” along with

170, and she’s feeling healthier than

says “I’m a caregiver. I try to make

her arms, then both would shake.

ever.

sure everybody is okay. I don’t think

At night, the pains in her legs would

I’ll ever give it up.”

get so bad that she would wake from

too – especially around smoking.

sleep, screaming.

But Burr has cut down her smoking

Burr also has a knack for con-

Her physician diagnosed her with

There are challenges, of course,

from two packs a day to a half-pack.

had been labeled “rude” in the past

neuropathy, a condition involving

When smoking, she will smoke half

by other caregivers – but he’d had a

nerve damage that causes tingling,

a cigarette, and try to toss the other

stroke (which can cause personality

burning and loss of sensation in

half. It’s a process.

changes), and was in a wheelchair,

the legs and arms. She was also

without any use of his legs. She

diagnosed with high blood pressure

sonal demon – alcohol. For years, she

found something in common with

and diabetes.

used alcohol to numb the pain. But

She’s also battled with a very per-

Something had to change, Burr

one day, about four years ago, she

liked classic rock, we both liked

thought. Her mother died of a heart

woke up and decided to start over.

NASCAR. We’d watch car races to-

attack at age 54. She has a husband

gether, but root for different racers,”

and children to love and consumers

this challenging consumer. “We both

FALL 2012

What’s her secret? She finds some-

nursing home. “It’s just in me,” she

necting. She recalls one consumer

10

she says.

INSIGHT MAGAZINE

Burr remembers today, the moment she awoke in bed and said,

YOUR HEALTH

PHOTO BY INYE WOKOMA

Paula Burr takes a brisk walk through Evergreen Park in Bremerton.

She exercises on a regular basis to maintain her health.

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11

Paula Burr’s ethnic background reflects the diversity of the Home Care Aide work force. She is Hawaiian, Chinese, Portuguese, Spanish, Aleut and Russian. Burr lived most of her life in Hawaii then moved to Washington. As a result, she calls herself a “frozen pineapple.”

‘I’m done.’ ” She realized she could start

stop working or doing what I’m doing.

Even once I’m no longer mobile, I can

“If I put my mind to something, I do it.”

Paula Burr’s Tips for Self Care for Home Care Aides

She’s been living clean for three years

•

talk.”

fresh. “I’m a strong person,” she says.

now. Her only regret? “I wish I would’ve

Step back and take a day just for yourself.

So she likes chatting with friends. And

done it sooner,” she says. “But I didn’t

•

Do something you love to do.

she has her art – she doodles, uses pens

love myself then, so how could anybody

•

Go for a walk.

to fill in complex patterns in grown-up

else love me?”

•

Go to the movies.

coloring books, and threads beads to

•

Stay home and watch soap

craft earrings and necklaces. “I get

operas.

bored fast,” she says, with a laugh.

Someone certainly does loves her.

Stan – her husband of four years – is 6’1” and towers over the 5’4” Burr. He’s

•

been her rock and partner-in-life. Togeth-

Remember things you enjoyed

Using a knitting loom, she also knits

doing when you were a child.

hats for people with cancer, a hobby

er, they went clean. Together, they go for

•

Build a sandcastle.

she picked up from her mother-in-law,

walks in their Belfair neighborhood. He

•

Find an activity that makes you

who eventually died from the disease.

laugh and smile.

She crafts warming hats of all sizes for

worries about her health and how soon she might need to walk with a cane.

RadiantCare consumers. RadiantCare is

But darker feelings still haunt Burr at times. She’s lost many people in her life – friends, family – and cared for her

the facility that cared for Burr’s mother-

Busy Hands

in-law until she passed away.

She keeps her mind active, as well.

To combat stress and sad moments,

She’s visited most of the museums in

She was in a severe car accident in 1998

Burr throws herself into life with zest and

Bremerton, and makes daytrips to Se-

that killed her ex-boyfriend and father of

excitement. “I’ll work as many hours as

attle to visit the art museum.

her children. She tries to move past the

they give me,” she says, in her day job.

difficult feelings by throwing herself into

She doesn’t want to give up on putting in

Burr and found they were on the same

activities. “If I stay depressed, it’s not go-

her hours, no matter how she ages or if

prescription. “Why are you still working?”

ing to do anybody any good,” she says.

her health worsens.

the consumer asked.

mother-in-law until she passed away.

FALL 2012

INSIGHT MAGAZINE

One consumer compared meds with

“I want to keep working until it’s either

“Because I love to work,” Burr said.

a risk to my consumers or my health. My

She was meant to care for others. And

consumers come first,” she says. “There

now she knows how to care for herself,

are people worse off than I am. I will not

as well. n

PHOTO BY INYE WOKOMA

12

still volunteer or talk to people. I love to

YOUR HEALTH

BY RICK SHEPARD, MD

Get More From Your Group Health Benefits Taking care of others may be part of your job. But it’s also important to make time to take care of yourself and your family.

That’s why the SEIU Healthcare NW Health Benefits Trust and Group Health have been working together to make access to care as easy as possible, and to find ways to help you have the best possible health care experience.

Here are some things that will help you get the most from your Group Health

doctor, please call Customer Service at

and case managers all work together.

1-888-901-4636.

Group Health Medical Centers also use

benefit.

Notifying Group Health of your doctor’s

1. Select a primary care physician If you haven’t done this yet, there’s

name is important because Group Health

means that everyone involved in your

reminds its doctors about recommended

care has access to the same information,

preventive services that are due, such

making it easy to coordinate care.

a good chance you will find a physi-

as mammograms, Pap tests and colon

cian near your home, since most of

cancer screening.

our members live within 10 miles of a primary care doctor. Even if you don’t

electronic medical records – which

Secure e-mail with your doctor and phone visits. You can send a secure e-mail to your doctor with questions about your care or a health condition, or

Your Group Health care team will work

2. If you live in the greater Puget Sound or Spokane areas, select a Group Health Medical Center primary care physician

together to determine what preventive

You’ll enjoy many advantages including:

visit, and won’t need to make the co-pay

services you need, such as immuniza-

Coordinated care and electronic medi-

an office visit requires.

have an ongoing medical problem, it’s important to sign up with a physician.

schedule a “telephone visit.” Both are convenient options that may mean you won’t need to take time off for an office

tions, mammograms, and colon cancer

cal records. At Group Health Medical

screenings. And your doctor will be there

Centers, a team of providers, including

be seen right away, call your physician’s

for you when you do need care. To select

your primary care doctor, specialist doc-

office. Same day appointments are usu-

or notify Group Health of your choice of

tors, nurses, pharmacists, social workers,

ally available.

Same-day appointments. If you need to

Go Online, Sign Up for MyGroupHealth This powerful online tool is easy to use.

You will need to use a computer to access it (but you don’t need to own a computer) and also an e-mail account.

To sign up, go to https://member.ghc.org.

INSIGHT MAGAZINE

FALL 2012 13

On-site pharmacies, labs, and X-rays.

When your doctor writes you a prescription, orders lab work, or wants you to get an X-ray, there’s no need to leave the building. All of these services are available under one roof at Group Health Medical Center locations.

ABOUT RICK SHEPARD, MD

for health care coverage.

Dr. Rick Shepard is Group Health’s Medical Director of Network Utilization.

5. Take the Group Health “Health Profile” In this questionnaire, you’ll be asked about your current health, your eating and exercise habits, your lifestyle, and your

3. Sign-up for MyGroupHealth

family’s health history. At the end, you’ll be

This powerful online tool is easy to use.

given suggestions for what changes you can

You will need to use a computer to access

make to improve your health. Health Profile

it (but you don’t need to own a computer)

is found on the Group Health website. A

and also an e-mail account. To sign up, go

paper version in English or Spanish is avail-

generic drugs for these conditions will be

to https://member.ghc.org, and click on

able by calling 1-866-458-5277. When you

available with no co-pay and – as with all mail

“register now.” You’ll be asked for your Group

complete the Health Profile, you’ll receive

order prescriptions – there are no shipping

Health member number, and will create a

a check for $25. Health Profiles are shared

charges. You can order them online at My-

password. That’s all there is to it! You can

only with Group Health.

GroupHealth or by phone at 206-901-4444.

6. Request mail delivery for your prescriptions

7. Avoid costly emergency room visits

order your prescriptions from this secure site, take the Health Profile (see below), and get details on your health coverage. If you get care at a Group Health Medical Center, you

When you order your prescriptions from

We want you to get the right care, at the right time, at the right place. But getting

can also e-mail your doctor, get access to lab

a Group Health Pharmacy and request

care at the emergency room – which has a

and other test results, schedule an appoint-

mail delivery, you will get a $5 discount per

$200 co-pay – is often not the best place,

ment, and more. And you can do this from

30-day medication supply. Mail delivery

unless you have a life-threatening emer-

any computer, anywhere in the world.

is a convenient option that works best for

gency. During regular office hours, start

medications that are taken on a regular ba-

by calling your primary care doctor. Many

4. Make a preventive care appointment

sis such as birth control pills and drugs for

offer same-day appointments. If you need

If you just signed up for the health care

high blood pressure, cholesterol, or chronic

care after hours or on weekends, call the

benefit, make a primary care appointment for

conditions. Prescriptions for immediate

Consulting Nurse Service. The nurse will

a preventive care and wellness visit. Getting

and short-term acute conditions, such as

listen to your concerns and direct you to the

preventive care will help keep you healthy, and

antibiotics, should be filled in person at a

most appropriate care near you. There’s no

you’ll also learn what you can do to maintain

Group Health Medical Centers pharmacy or

cost for using the Consulting Nurse Service,

or improve your health. Keeping our members

contracted network pharmacy.

and it’s available around the clock, toll-free

healthy is one way to keep health care more

Medications for diabetes, high blood pres-

at 1-800-297-6877.

If you need immediate care, Urgent Care

affordable. You will receive a check for $10 if

sure, high cholesterol, or heart failure may

you make this preventive care and wellness

be available at no out-of-pocket cost to you if

centers are available to you, at only $15 per

visit within the first three months of signing up

you purchase them through mail order. Most

visit for Group Health members. n

NEW BENEFIT FOR YOU: PEER MENTORING If you are a Home Care Aide, then you are eligible to receive 12 hours of Free Peer Mentoring from an experienced Home Care Aide.

HOW TO APPLY: Go to www.myseiubenefits.org/ training/peer-mentorship-program to learn more information and to fill out an online application.

14

FALL 2012

INSIGHT MAGAZINE

BENEFITS: Through the Peer Mentoring Program, you will • Connect with an experienced Home Care Aide with similar interests • Gain professional development skills and tools • Receive a certificate after you complete the program!

QUESTIONS?: For more questions, contact us at peer.mentorship@myseiubenefits.org or 1-855-266-5200 (toll-free)

Peer Mentor Rae

PROVIDER ESSAY

BY DEEDEE LAZIK

A Lot Extra

M

y son, Zach, began working in the

time, if there was a reason he carried the

I cried that he gave up. I hope it helped him

library in middle school as a TA for

books, and did he want me to read them to

feel a bit more included in the general popu-

one of his electives (he was in an

him? He told me no, I didn’t need to read

lation at school. I hope he was happy to give

inclusive environment except for his academ-

them. Shyly he told me that all the other kids

them up, rather than sad to go back to being

ics). One day he arrived home with three big

had books in their backpacks and he wanted

different in what he did not carry.

books in his backpack. I knew these were

to carry them also.

not books he was reading because his reading was at approximately the 1st grade level at that time and these books were at least high school age – thick with no pictures.

That was that. I didn’t broach the subject again.

He lugged those books around, checking

Zach does not want to read books that are “for little kids” and I don’t blame him. One day I wish and hope that someone will begin writing books for people with developmental

out different books once they needed to be

disabilities, as well as for those with huge reading gaps, that are age appropriate.

I asked him why he had these heavy books

returned, and more than a few times he did

in his backpack. He was vague in his response.

this. He is nothing if not diligent in his goals.

I looked to make sure they had been properly

Then finally one day he came home and the

checked out (they were) and left it alone.

books were no longer there. His pack was

DeeDee Lazik is a single parent and Home

empty, except for the 3-ring binder he carried

Care Aide to her 28 year old son, Zach,

for his daily subjects. They became too heavy

who has Down Syndrome. She spends her

and not worth the effort.

spare time writing essays and articles for the

As the weeks progressed he continued carrying the books.

After noticing he had checked out different books of the same type, once the books he

I cried that night, for the differences my

had were due back, I asked him a second

son feels and how he strives to close the gap.

Maybe I will. n

advocacy and advancement of those with developmental disabilities.

PHOTO BY INYE WOKOMA

DeeDee Lazik and her son, Zach. DeeDee is a full-time care provider for Zach.

INSIGHT MAGAZINE

FALL 2012 15

BY HALEY SHAPLEY

SKILLS

Students in OneAmerica’s technology-driven English Innovations program prepare for a class session where they engage in a coordinated curriculum of English language lessons and computer literacy.

BUILDING

LANGUAGE

English language classes and Home Care Aide training in multiple languages helps ensure a diverse work force to serve diverse consumers

SKILLS & MULTILINGUAL LEARNING

T

here is perhaps no skill more important for Home Care Aides to possess than the ability to com-

municate. For those whose first language isn’t English, taking English as a Second Language (ESL) classes can provide a much-needed boost both personally and professionally. And for Home Care Aides who care for consumers in their own language communities, it’s also critical that Home Care Aide training is available in languages that workers speak.

According to a 2010 report by SEIU Healthcare 775NW, the Home Care Aide with 20 percent born outside the United States. This population is slightly more diverse than the general population of Washington state, which is 23 percent people of color.

16

FALL 2012

INSIGHT MAGAZINE

While there are plenty of traditional classroom-based courses all across the state that students can take to learn English, one new option in the greater Seattle area is the technology-centered English Innovations program from immigrant advocacy organization OneAmerica, which is based on the idea that the entire community benefits when immigrants learn English. The pilot project was supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

“Our model is that we’re teaching Eng-

Tracy Curley, program manager for OneAmerica’s English Innovations program, helps a student.

There are between 20 and 25 students

lish and digital literacy combined,” says

in each class, with one tech coach and

Tracy Curley, program manager. “The

four to five volunteers. Each student has

student comes away from the class with

a laptop that runs LiveMocha software,

better English skills and the ability to use

which serves as their English teacher.

the computer to fill out an application

Classes run about 13 weeks, with

online, see how the kids are doing, and

students coming in three times weekly

Skype with people back home.”

for two hours at a time. The locations

PHOTO BY INYE WOKOMA

workforce is 28 percent people of color,

The Tech Connection

are based on where there’s need and

LANGUAGE RESOURCES AVAILABLE

have been held at sites such as Sea-Tac

Alternate Language Home Care Aide Training

Airport and Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria in the Wallingford neighborhood of Seattle.

“Attendance is a huge factor because the class is built on creating a strong community within the class,” Curley says. “If you’re not there one day a week on a regular basis, chances are you’re not going to build that community.”

There is no cost to students at this time, and each is given the resources needed to be successful in learning to use technology and improving English reading, speaking, writing, and listening skills.

“We give students a laptop for the duration of the class, along with an (Internet card), which allows them to have Internet access anytime, anywhere,” Curley says. “They’re able to do homework and take tests at their own speed, in the comfort of their own home or wherever they’re at, and they’re able to get correct answers to their questions right there rather than waiting for next week’s class.”

The end result so far has been

Instructor-led Training The Training Partnership offers training in five languages other than English: Cantonese, Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese and Russian. Call the Member Resource Center and speak with a multi-lingual representative to schedule classes in alternate languages. In addition, if you speak a language other than those six, you can use a community interpreter to help you in class.

Online Continuing Education (CE) There are 10 online CE courses available for students in Russian and Spanish. You can log in and take training anytime at www.myseiubenefits.org

English Innovations At this time, the next scheduled round of classes will be in Spring 2013.

For more information and to see a schedule, go to www.weareoneamerica.org/english-innovations

English as a Second Language Classes There are a number of ESL options all across Washington state. For a classroom setting, a community college near you is likely to have courses. Whatcom County College, for example, offers ESL classes in listening/speaking, reading/writing, civics, job skills, and family literacy every quarter. Tuition is $25. Libraries, too, house many programs aimed at the ESL learner. The Seattle Public Library system features Talk Time (conversation groups), computer-assisted learning with special software and free training, basic computer skills classes, and English classes and grammar workshops, all at no cost.

promising. “The overarching thing we’ve seen is the student comes away from the class with a lot more confidence, whether it’s at their job or in their personal life,” Curley says.

Culturally Sound Training In addition to learning English,

eral organizations that provide trainings

in languages including Cantonese,

in workers’ native languages.

Mandarin, Korean, and Vietnamese.

“While I think it is always important for

“One of the things that we’ve encoun-

people who want to learn English to be

tered in feedback from people who have

able to do so, in the case of home care

attended trainings in other places is the

training Home Care Aides in their pri-

workers, I think it is even more important

need for culturally based and culturally

mary language is critical. This ensures

that they receive training and testing in

sound training,” says Ben Cantrell, ACRS

students understand the training and

their own languages,” says Diane Nara-

home care training program supervisor.

communities have access to care from

saki, executive director of ACRS. “Those

Still, for those who want to improve

workers who can clearly communicate

who speak a language other than English

their ability to communicate in English,

with them. The Training Partnership

are usually linguistically and culturally

ACRS offers opportunities in that area as

provides training to Home Care Aides in

competent to serve clients in the same

well. “For employment training programs,

Korean, Vietnamese, Cantonese, Rus-

language; these workers are critical to

we do have a strong emphasis on helping

sian and Spanish. Through a contract

the home care infrastructure in com-

the students or job seekers to gain their

with one of the Training Partnership’s

munities where English is not the first

vocational English (skills) to meet the

training networks, the Asian Counseling

language.”

standards,” says Gary Tang, ACRS Aging

and Referral Service (ACRS) is one sev-

To that end, ACRS classes are offered

and Adult Services director. n

INSIGHT MAGAZINE

FALL 2012 17

PHOTO BY INYE WOKOMA

E WOKOMA

Anna Rudova, top, cares for her mother/consumer, Mira Rudova, bottom, at her mother’s home in Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood.

WORKER PROFILE

BY DORI CAHN

a new life, a new career Leaving behind Russia and a career as a doctor, Anna Rudova started over in the U.S. as a Home Care Aide

L

ike many Home Care

heart from me, too.” She loves

Aides, Anna Rudova trav-

the opportunity to help her con-

eled thousands of miles to

sumers do things they might not

come to the U.S. to start a new

normally do – go out to parks, eat

life. Leaving behind her home

different foods, or compare their

country of Russia and a career as

lives in America with life back

a doctor, Rudova and her family

home. “(It’s) not enough for (a)

immigrated to the U.S. 12 years

caregiver to just tell ‘hi’ and ‘bye,’

ago.

” says Rudova. As a Home Care

A friendly and energetic

Aide, “you can help people. This

woman, Anna Rudova spent the

is my general sense all my life,

past 11 years as an Individual

help people. Do what I can do

Provider Home Care Aide caring for multiple consumers. Adjusting to a new language and culture

Anna Rudova, right, helps her mother/consumer, Mira Rudova, with her jacket at her mother’s home in Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood.

PHOTO BY INYE WOKOMA

was a challenge, but Rudova’s

and more.”

The decision to leave Russia was not easy for the family; they would only leave if they could go

natural ability to connect with

how Rudova cares for others. She brought

together. Now, “we have very big

people and her boundless energy helped

many skills from her background in the

and very good family here, everybody (is)

turn the challenge into an opportunity.

medical profession in Russia that help her

here in Seattle,” she says proudly.

Through her work as a Home Care

with her work: how to take care of people,

Caring for her mother also gives her

Aide, Rudova says she has learned new

how to speak with them and how to

a chance to spend time with, and learn

ways to care for people. “I have learned

explain things and help people feel better

from, the “very, very smart and bright

how to care for people, not just treat

about aging or illness. But she believes

woman” who now needs Rudova’s help as

them.” She also says home care work has

family support is what really helps people

she ages.

exposed her to U.S. culture and helped

live better lives as they grow older.

her learn English more quickly.

Sometimes that means HCAs need to

Rudova says while learning English is important to her and other Russian-

“It has opened me up to a different

step into the role of family member for

speaking Home Care Aides she knows,

life in America,” she says. “It’s been very

their consumers, especially if they have

she also says that training in a Home Care

good for me.”

no family with them. “I try to be more

Aide’s native language is invaluable.

Her own family provides a model for

close to my clients, because they need

Rudova has taken her Continuing

INSIGHT MAGAZINE

FALL 2011 19

Anna Rudova cares for her mother/ consumer, Mira Rudova at her mother’s home in Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood.

It was done great.” Once she took the

Healthcare 775NW getting other Home

online classes, she helped other Home

Care Aides involved in advocating for

Care Aides learn how to log in and take

themselves. She sees her work with the

classes too. She said of Russian online

union as part of her mission to serve.

classes: “(It’s) absolutely, 100 percent

Working for the union “took me from my

better to understand in Russian. Nobody

caregiver life and brought me into union

had trouble understanding. (There is)

activities,” she says. “It’s very good for

some confusion in English.”

me because I can help more people.” It’s

Rudova says sharing a language with

also helped her learn more about life in

your consumer makes a huge difference

the U.S. “Here I can converse, I can see

in the consumer’s life. “(There are) a lot

absolutely another American life,” she

of benefits from having caregivers speak

says. “This is (a) very good experience,

the same language. Old people don’t

and I am happy that year by year, I know

have people who are around to talk to

more about American life, and I love it.”

them. They have no English, no friends.

Rudova’s advice for new Home Care

When I came to them, everyone was

Aides? She says it’s very important for

happy to talk together, discuss problems,

Home Care Aides to expand their knowl-

discuss problems in the U.S., discuss

edge through Continuing Education.

Education through the Training Partner-

movies and books. Large benefits (to

“(With) more education, more under-

ship’s Russian language online classes.

speaking the same language). For

standing,” she says. “If someone get a

“It was good to take training in Russian,”

caregivers too – native language is native

higher level of education, they can get

she said. “Good classes, good program.

language.”

higher earning.” n

Easy to understand, good translation.

Today, Rudova is involved in SEIU

Training Partnership Recognized as Top “Trailblazer and Innovator” Apprenticeship Program Honored by U.S. Department of Labor The SEIU Healthcare NW Training Partnership’s registered apprenticeship program was one of 70 awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor for being a “Trailblazer and Innovator.”

From left, U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, Training Partnership Executive Director Charissa Raynor, and John Ladd, Administrator, U.S. Office of Apprenticeship and Training Administration.

For More on the Apprenticeship Program, go to www.myseiubenefits.org/training/apprenticeship-program To Read the Whole Announcement, go to http://goo.gl/EkX5b

20

FALL 2011

INSIGHT MAGAZINE

PHOTO BY INYE WOKOMA

The recognition was given Aug. 1 in Washington, D.C., at an event with U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis to mark the 75th anniversary of the National Apprenticeship Act, which launched the Registered Apprenticeship program. The Training Partnership’s registered apprenticeship program is designed to increase the skills and opportunities of Home Care Aides by offering basic and advanced training, peer mentorship, and a Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship certificate.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

BY MANNY FRISHBERG

Peer to Peer Peer Mentors Offer Support, Help Build Health Care Career Ladder

B

eing a Home Care Aide can be a tough job. The work

key Training Partnership programs available to Home

can be physically and emotionally demanding and the

Care Aides.

hours often unpredictable. Turnover is high.

To help new workers build skills to be successful in the job

and provide a career pathway forward, the Training Partner-

Peer mentoring is designed to build professional skills and

ship created two programs: the Peer Mentoring program and

provide emotional support for new and entry-level Home Care

Apprenticeship program.

Aides through the mentoring guidance of experienced Home

The Peer Mentoring program offers no-cost, dedicated

Care Aides. Program participants, or mentees, are matched

mentoring to workers entering the field, offering support and

with peer mentors according to the mentee’s preference,

guidance. The Apprenticeship program is a career-building

including location and area of specialization.

opportunity for workers to add advanced specialization to their skills. Both programs offer unique benefits for the field and are

PHOTO BY INYE WOKOMA

Peer Mentoring Program

Mentees complete interactive sessions with their mentors designed to strengthen skills that can elevate mentees to the

Mary Catherine Booth, left, and Mahndesha Barber engage in role playing exercises as mentor and mentee in a Home Care Aide mentor training class.

INSIGHT MAGAZINE

FALL 2012 21

Research has shown that peer mentoring will improve job satisfaction, increase job commitment and enhance career success for

Anita Guild is in training to be a mentor to newer Home Care Aides.

mentors and mentees alike. For a field with relatively high turnover, peer mentoring is key to making the workforce stable and able to sustain higher demands for long-term care.

next professional level of health care worker. The sessions also create a safe space to support the mentees’ challenges from someone who has lived in their shoes and are ready to offer their life-learned lessons. Peer mentoring most often takes place in person, but can also be done over the phone to accommodate the Home Care Aides’ real life schedules.

The Peer Mentoring program concept is rooted in addressing the isolation of Home Care Aides, which makes it difficult to learn from others in the field and to stay with the job. Catherine Booth, a peer mentor with 10 years of experience and a former instructor, recounted her early days as a Home Care Aide: “Having gone through that experience, being alone (because

In addition to improved problem solving, mentors can help

it’s very isolating) I would have loved to have someone that I

with the sometimes difficult transition between the training

could call or sit down and talk to.”

environment and the home care setting. Booth says, “From a

Linda Barney, a new Home Care Aide and mentee in Yakima,

mentor perspective, I know that during the classes we provide

says, “I want to be the best I can be. If there is something I

a lot of information to people. Then the caregiver goes back

don’t know and (that will help me) be as professional as I can

to their world and sometimes it’s hard to translate what you’ve

be … I would certainly be (interested in) that.”

learned into your own particular situations.”

For new mentee Vladimir Shinkorenko, his top three field

Through practical tips, the peer mentoring program increas-

challenges are “communication with client, care (for) clients

es the confidence of mentees to effectively apply the skills they

with different backgrounds and how to act professionally in the

may already have, with an added professional touch.

difficult situation.” For Shinkorenko, his mentor can help ad-

Barney views the peer mentoring program as a path to ad-

dress these issues by covering specific modules that bolster his

vancing her career in health care. “I believe it would be a step-

effective communication, diversity awareness, and professional

ping stone,” she said. “I want to go as far in nursing as I can.”

relationships.

For example, one module peer mentors use is the “Prob-

The Peer Mentoring program is supported by SkillUp Washington, an organization that works with employers to align

lem Skills” module. In this one-hour module, the mentor and

workforce training with industry needs and help workers get

the mentee review four steps to effective problem solving.

trained and advance in their fields.

The mentee is asked to share a personal situation she or he typically encounters in life, such as balancing home and work schedules. Then, the mentor works with the mentee through

Apprenticeship Program In addition to the Peer Mentorship program, the Training

that can be used in the mentee’s life.

Apprenticeship Program.

At this time, the Apprenticeship Program is only available to

satisfaction, increase job commitment and enhance career

employees starting out in the field at four home care agen-

success for mentors and mentees alike. For a field with

cies: ResCare, Full Life Care, Korean Women’s Association and

relatively high turnover, peer mentoring is key to making the

Addus Healthcare. It combines twice as many hours of peer

workforce stable and able to sustain higher demands for long-

mentoring with 70 hours of Advanced Training, on top of the

FALL 2012

INSIGHT MAGAZINE

PHOTO BY INYE WOKOMA

the four steps to develop and implement workable solutions

Partnership also offers a U.S. Department of Labor Certified

Research has shown that peer mentoring can improve job

22

term care.

PEER MENTORING AND APPRENTICESHIP BASICS 70-hour Basic Training all Home Care Aides take. The Training Part-

PEER MENTORING

APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

nership’s Apprenticeship Program

What does Peer Mentoring involve?

• One hour of one-on-one weekly mentoring contact with an experienced Home Care Aide mentor for a total of 12 weeks or 12 hours

What does the Apprenticeship Program involve?

• Twenty-four hours of one-on-one weekly mentoring contact sessions with an experienced Home Care Aide mentor, including 12 hours of extended peer mentoring • Seventy hours of Advanced Training – a deeper look into topic areas introduced in Basic Training

was recognized as a “Trailblazer and Innovator” by the Department of Labor in August 2012 for its unique approach to building career pathways in long term care.

There are two parts to the Apprenticeship Program. The first part is 24 hours of mentoring for a new Home Care Aide from a seasoned Home Care Aide. This extended peer mentoring includes topics such as financial planning and self awareness. The second part is 70 hours of Advanced Training. Advanced Training delves deeper into specific topics such as physical disabilities or dementia.

It gives apprentices more in-depth training and it makes them better Home Care Aides. When they’re done they get a small raise from their employer. While it depends on the employer, the raise they receive ranges from $0.20 to $0.40 per hour. In addition, workers who complete the program receive a certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship division.

Maria Chomyszak, project manager of the Apprenticeship program, says ideally, the long-term goal for the program is to offer a career ladder up from home care to a medical assisting or skilled nursing credential.

In the future, Chomyszak says the goal would be to have Apprentices take the Advanced Training and then Mentorship and use it for Prior Learning Experience, so they could get credit when they go into a medical assisting program or a nursing program. n

Who is eligible for peer mentoring?

• Any currently employed Home Care Aide, including Individual and Agency Providers, who can commit up to one hour a week and are Washington state residents What can a Peer Mentor help me with?

Peer Mentors can help you by: • Serving as a resource as you navigate your training and job requirements • Supporting your challenges on the job through practical guidance and emotional support • Strengthening your professional skills, including problem solving, effective communication and career goal setting What will I get after completing the program?

• Participants will receive a Training Partnership certificate after completing 12 hours of peer mentoring How do I apply?

• To learn more information and to apply, please go to our website: www.myseiubenefits.org/training/ peer-mentorship-program, e-mail us at peer.mentorship@ myseiubenefits.org, or call us at 1-855-266-5200

Who is eligible for the Apprenticeship Program?

• Any currently employed Home Care Aide who works for ResCare, Addus Homecare, Korean Women’s Association or FullLife Care, who can commit up to one hour a week for Mentoring and 70 hours for Advanced Training and is a Washington state resident What can the Apprenticeship Program help me with?

Peer Mentors can help you by: • Serving as a resource as you navigate your training and job requirements as an apprentice • Supporting your challenges on the job through practical guidance and emotional support • Further strengthening your professional skills, including career goal setting, self-awareness, motivation and several financial tools (balancing income and expenses, building savings) and setting professional goals Advanced Training can help you by: • Enabling you to gain specialized training in an area of interest such as dementia, mental health and physical or developmental disabilities What will I get after completing the Apprenticeship Program?

• Upon completion of the Apprenticeship Program the apprentice will receive a Certificate of Completion from U.S. DOL Office of Apprenticeship and a salary increase from their employer.

How do I apply?

• To learn more information and to apply, please e-mail us at apprentice@myseiubenefits.org, or call us at 1-888-801-1223 INSIGHT MAGAZINE

FALL 2012 23

GENERAL

BENEFITS BeneFItS INFORMATION InFORMatIOn

UPDATED DECEMBER 2012

In this Section This section of the magazine will highlight important information about your Training and Health benefits. It supplements your Benefits Book, which you should have received in July 2012 or at time of hire. If you do not have a Benefits Book and would like one, please contact the Member Resource Center at 1-866-371-3200.

CONTINUING EDUCATION Q: Do You Know Your CE Ce Deadline?

A: a: Your Birthday!

If You Are Required to Take CE, You Need 12 Hours By Your Birthday For Home Care Aides who are required to take CE, your Birthday is your deadline for your 12 hours of Continuing Education.

Check your training standards chart on Page 28 to determine your Continuing Education standard.

You can fulfill your CE requirements by taking classes online or in person. For help determining your standards and to find classes that meet your needs, you can call the Member Resource Center at 1-866-371-3200.

ID BADGE UPDATE Beginning Jan. 1, 2013, Bring ID to Check In for Classes Beginning Jan. 1, 2013, students will no longer be issued ID Badges to check in for class. Instead, students will check in for classes using a state issued photo ID. This ID can be a state ID, a driver’s license or a passport. Make sure to bring your ID to class so you can get credit for your time.

For assistance in english If you are a Home Care Aide and need help with registering for classes, finding your training standards or have other questions, you can call the Member Resource Center at 1-866-371-3200 or use the contact form at www.myseiubenefits.org/contact.

For Multi-lingual assistance Comuníquese con el Centro de Recursos para Miembros al 1-866371-3200 si necesita asistencia para registrarse en su entrenameinto o para saber cuál es su elegibilidad para los beneficios de salud.

如需在安排培训日程或了解您是否有资格获取保健福利方面 获取协助，请致电 1-866-371-3200 联系会员资源中心。 Hãy gọi Trung Tâm Nguồn Lực Thành Viên theo số 1-86624

FALL 2012

InSIght MagazIne

371-3200 nếu quý vị cần được trợ giúp trong việc lên lịch đào tạo hoặc tìm hiểu về điều kiện để nhận phúc lợi y tế. 훈련일정을 잡거나 건강혜택 자격 확인을 위해 도움이 필요 하시면 회원지원센터 1-866-371-3200로 전화주세요. Если у Вас есть вопросы, связанные с определением расписания занятий, или относительно получения Вами пособия по нетрудоспособности, обращайтесь в Учебнометодический центр по телефону 1-866-371-3200.

TRAINING

BENEFITS INFORMATION

DOH Certification The certification process is implemented by the Department of Health (DOH), through a partnership with a company called Prometric.

In an effort to help workers be successful through the process, partner organizations such as the Department of Social and Health Services and the Training Partnership are working to help share information about the DOH exam with workers.

If you are required to become certified, the Training Partnership is currently recommending the following timeline to allow ample time to work through the certification steps.

Follow the Steps for Success

the Application Fee immediately. You can submit your application before the training begins. Download the Certification Application Packet under “Applications and Forms” at www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/HCAides/

STEP 3: Register for Training Individual Providers • Create your username and password to log into the portal at www.myseiubenefits.org • Go to www.myseiubenefits.org to register for training or call the Member Resource Center at 1-866-371-3200 Agency Providers • Check with your employer on the best way to register.

The steps below outline the SUGGESTED timeline for the process.

STEP 1: Take Safety & Orientation

STEP 4: Target Completion of Basic Training

Watch the Safety & Orientation DVD that was provide to you at time of hire. Call to confirm completion 1-866-483-1397. You will need your confirmation number and the last 4 digits of your Social Security number. Complete prior to providing care.

Take your training as soon as possible to ensure best access to classes in your area and your preferred language.

STEP 5: Submit Candidate Exam Application Immediately upon completing training, download and read the Candidate Information Booklet and the Sample Candidate Applica-

STEP 2: Submit DOH Certification Application You should submit your Department of Health Home Care Aide Certification Application and

BY DEANNA DUFF

tion Form and submit the application form, Application Fee and Training Certificate for the Prometric Home Care Aide Exam. You should allow four weeks for your application to be processed. Download the forms at www.prometric.com/WADOH

STEP 6: Self Study and Prepare for the Exam To prepare for the exam, review the “Exam Preparation Materials” found on the Prometric website for the Home Care Aide Exam. There you will find practice questions, skills checklists and instructions that will help you be successful in the exam. In addition, review the Practice Exam. www.prometric.com/WADOH

STEP 7. Take Exam Report to test location prepared to following testing guidelines in the Candidate Information Booklet and General Instructions. www.prometric.com/WADOH

STEP 8. Get Certified Your results are reported to DOH and they will send you a letter confirming you are officially certified.

tion Form. Download the Candidate Applica-

SUGGESTED TIMELINE FOR TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION DAYS

1

14

30

60

120

90

150

STEP 1. TAKE SAFETY & ORIENTATION DAY 150: STANDARD HOME CARE AIDES ARE REQUIRED TO RECEIVE CERTIFICATION

STEP 2. SUBMIT DOH CERTIFICATION APPLICATION STEP 3. REGISTER FOR TRAINING STEP 4. TARGET COMPLETION OF BASIC TRAINING

DEADLINE FOR COMPLETION

STEP 5. SUBMIT CANDIDATE EXAM APPLICATION STEP 6. SELF STUDY AND PREPARE FOR THE EXAM STEP 7. TAKE EXAM STEP 8. GET CERTIFIED INSIGHT MAGAZINE

FALL 2012 25

TRAINING

BENEFITS INFORMATION

Training and Certification: A Look Inside

BY DEANNA DUFF

Heather Rayburn is passionate about helping others. From an early age, the

Home Care Aide Heather Rayburn, left, cares for her brother-in-law, Arthur Clark, in Puyallup.

36-year-old has cared for family and friends with health issues. While she already had a successful job in business, she recently realized that a health career was the path for her. In 2012, she began the process to become a Department of Health certified Home Care Aide.

“The process has allowed me to (provide better care). The Home Care Aide certification process is something that anyone with compassion and ability can do,” says Rayburn.

“It’s a wonderful calling. The work is engaging and it’s an honor to help people,” says Rayburn.

While the training process can present challenges, the rewards from the work far

involved in advocating for the exam and

surpass the setbacks.

helping to develop the test.

As a recent student, Rayburn complet-

“It’s a great opportunity for Home Care

ed her initial paperwork and was regis-

Aides to have this certification curriculum

tered in a class within 10 days. Her class

and test. It teaches people what they

size averaged 25 people from all different

need to learn and recognizes this as a

backgrounds and previous professions.

valuable profession,” Washington says.

“The instructor was wonderful, very

“Home Care Aides do many things and

informative and entertaining. She treated

students experience and learn most of

us like adults, made the expectations

those skills in class,” says Washington.

clear and kept things interesting,” says

“People learn everything from consumer

Rayburn.

and home care rights to the actual,

It can be challenging to balance class

physical part of doing the work such as

with outside work and family obligations,

assisting people with walking, hygiene

but Rayburn assures fellow new Home

and actual care skills.”

Care Aides that it’s not only doable, but a fantastic opportunity.

“You’re getting a valuable education in

Kendra Pitzler, program manager for DOH’s Healthcare Aide Program says timing is very important when it comes to

“This is the first healthcare exam

certification. “We encourage everyone to

we’re aware of in any state that’s given in

know what they’re doing and care about

go through all of the steps as quickly as

multiple languages. Interpreters are also

your learning. It’s helpful to keep in mind

possible because the 150-day timeframe

provided for the skills exam and we’re

that you’re getting an incredible amount

goes quickly.”

looking into adding more languages in

Karen Washington, faculty instructor,

The test includes a written/oral exam and skills portion. Additionally, the test

the future,” says Pitzler.

“As this process has evolved, we’re

SEIU Healthcare NW Training Partner-

is offered in multiple languages: English,

seeing higher scores and higher passing

ship Academy, has a unique perspec-

Cantonese, Russian, Spanish, Korean

rates than we did a couple months ago,”

tive on the training and the certification

and Vietnamese.

Pitzler reports. n

FALL 2012

INSIGHT MAGAZINE

PHOTO BY INYE WOKOMA

a short period of time from people who

of training in 70 hours.”

26

exam. As a Home Care Aide, she was

TRAINING

BENEFITS INFORMATION IMPORTANT CURRICULUM UPDATE: PROPER DISPOSAL OF SHARPS There is an important update to the “How to Dispose of Sharps” section of Safety & Orientation, Home Care Aide Basic Training, and Accelerated Basic Training. Specifically, there are updates to the sharps disposal instructions that appear in the curriculum regarding proper sharps containers, labeling and disposal method. The updated safe disposal of sharps is listed below.

• • • •

• • •

Different counties and cities in Washington state have different requirements for sharps disposal and workers are responsible for verifying that local requirement.

•

GENERAL GUIDELINES •

WHAT ARE SHARPS?

and out of the body.

WHY ARE USED SHARPS DANGEROUS? • •

Injure people Spread germs

•

Spread disease

PROPER HANDLING OF SHARPS • • •

Treat all sharps as if they are infectious.

Put only sharps in the sharps container.

When your sharps disposal container is about three-quarters (¾) full, follow your community guidelines for

Never use a needle more than once.

HOW TO DISPOSE OF SHARPS

IMPORTANT

Examples of sharps include: Needles – hollow needles used to inject drugs (medication) under the skin Syringes – devices with needles used to inject medication into or withdraw fluid from the body Lancets – also called “fingerstick” devices – instruments with a short, two-edged blade used to get drops of blood for testing.

Auto Injectors – including epinephrine and insulin pens – syringes pre-filled with fluid medication designed to be self-injected Infusion sets – tubing systems with a needle used to deliver drugs to the body.

Connection needles/sets – needles that connect to a tube used to transfer fluids in

proper disposal methods.

Do not bend or break a needle.

Do not put a cap on a used needle.

Never take a used needle out of a syringe.

• •

THE DANGERS OF SHARPS A 44-year-old trash collector was stuck in the leg with a needle from

Wash your hands.

Put on disposable gloves.

Remove the lid of the sharps container (see acceptable containers below).

Instruct the consumer to drop the sharps, needle first, into the container. If the consumer is unable to then use a tool such as tongs rather than handling directly.

Replace the lid securely. If needed put tape on lid to secure it.

Remove and properly dispose of gloves.

someone’s

Wash your hands.

neighbors, children, janitors, house-

SHARPS DISPOSAL CONTAINERS •

FDA-cleared sharps disposal containers are generally available through pharmacies, medical supply companies, health care providers, and online • If an FDA-cleared container is not available, the FDA Sharps Disposal website offers the following guidance: Some organizations and community guidelines recommend using a heavyduty plastic household container as an alternative. Household containers should also have the basic features of a good sharps disposal container described below.

All sharps disposal containers should be: • made of a heavy-duty plastic; • able to close with a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid, without sharps being able to come out; • upright and stable during use; • leak-resistant; and • properly labeled to warn of hazardous waste inside the container.

Check with your local authority on ap-

trash. A year later, he started having stomach pains. His doctor told him that he had caught Hepatitis C, probably from being stuck by the needle.

Doctors have not been able to help him, and he is now in chronic liver failure. He will likely die from this disease.

It’s not just trash workers who are at risk of needle sticks – it’s also your keepers, and pets.

That’s why used needles should not be thrown in the garbage.

– Environmental Protection Agency

HOW TO DISPOSE OF A SHARPS CONTAINER Home Care Aides are generally not responsible for disposal of consumer’s sharp container. Home Care Aides should clarify with their employer if they are asked to do so by their consumer.

Once sharps container is ¾ full or ready for disposal: • Seal the lid tightly with tape.

• Dispose of the sharps container at an approved sharps disposal location.

RESOURCES: Find Wash. county Health Departments: www.doh.wa.gov/lhjMap/LhJMap.htm Safe Community Needle Disposal 1-800-643-1643 www.safeneedledisposal.org

proved disposal guidelines.

INSIGHT MAGAZINE

FALL 2012 27

TRAINING

BENEFITS INFORMATION

TRAINING STANDARDS

UPDATED DECEMBER 2012

NOTE: If you work for multiple employers, have multiple roles or multiple consumers, you may have different training standards than the chart indicates below.

ORIENTATION AND SAFETY

BASIC TRAINING

CREDENTIAL

INITIAL CONTINUING EDUCATION (CE)

ONGOING CE

Orientation 2 Hours

Safety Training 3 Hours

Accelerated Basic Training 30 Hours

Basic Training 70 Hours

Parent Provider (DDD Only) Class 7 Hours

HCA Credential Required?

Continuing Education 12 Hours

Continuing Education 12 Hours

Standard HCA Individual Provider (IP) & Agency Provider (AP)

Completed prior to providing care

Completed prior to providing care

Not required

Within 120 days of starting to provide care

Not required

Yes

By your second birthday after your Home Care Aide credential is issued

By your birthday

Standard HCA IP or AP hired before 1/7/2012

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

No

By your birthday in next calendar year after completing Basic Training

By your birthday

Parent Individual Provider (HCS/AAA)

Completed prior to providing care

Completed prior to providing care

Within 120 days of starting to provide care

Not required

Not required

No

Not required, unless you voluntarily obtain your HCA credential

Not required, unless you voluntarily obtain your HCA credential

Parent DD Individual Provider (DDD)

Completed prior to providing care

Completed prior to providing care

Not required

Not required

Within 120 days of starting to provide care

No

Not required, unless you voluntarily obtain your HCA credential

Not required, unless you voluntarily obtain your HCA credential

Limited Service Provider

Completed prior to providing care

Completed prior to providing care

Within 120 days of starting to provide care

Not required

Not required

No

Not required, unless you voluntarily obtain your HCA credential

Not required, unless you voluntarily obtain your HCA credential

Adult Child Individual Provider

Completed prior to providing care

Completed prior to providing care

Within 120 days of starting to provide care

Not required

Not required

No

By your birthday in next calendar year after completing Accelerated Basic Training

By your birthday

No

If CE is required in table above, then your CE is due by your birthday following your last non-HCA credential renewal date.

By your birthday

No

If CE is required in table above, then your CE is due by your second birthday following your non-HCA Credential issuance date.

By your birthday

For Workers Who Have a Current Non-HCA Credential, the Chart Below Applies Provider with a Renewed Non-HCA Credential

Provider with a Newly Issued Non-HCA Credential

Not required

Not required

Not required

Not required

HOME CARE AIDE DEFINITIONS

Not required

Not required

Not required

Not required

Not required

Not required

A provider may fall into more than one of these definitions.

Home Care Aide (HCA)

Provide care to a consumer living in his or her home. Employed by a private, Medicaid homecare agency or DSHS.

HCA Credentialed

Home Care Aide (HCA) who has succesfully passed the DOH certification exam.

Agency Provider (AP)

Home Care Aide (HCA) employed by a private, Medicaid homecare agency.

Individual Provider (IP)

Home Care Aide (HCA) whose employer of record is DSHS.

Standard HCA

Home Care Aide who does not work with their own parent or child. Works more than 20 hours or has more than one consumer.

Parent Individual Provider (HCS/AAA)

This is an IP who provides care to his/her own adult child and contracted through Home and Community Services (HCS) and/or an Area Agency on Aging (AAA). This is often referred to as a non-DDD Parent Provider.

Parent DD Individual Provider (DDD)

This is an IP who provides care to his/her own adult child with a developmental disability and is contracted though the Division of Developmental Disabilities.

Limited Service Provider

This is any IP who provides care 20 hours a month or less for one consumer.

Adult Child Individual Provider

An adult child providing care for his/her biological, step or adoptive parent.

Non-HCA Credentialed

This is an HCA with a current healthcare credential, such as a Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Nursing Assistant Certified (NAC).

28

FALL 2012

INSIGHT MAGAZINE

TRAINING

BENEFITS INFORMATION

28 ONLINE CONTINUING EDUCATION CLASSES AVAILABLE 24-7, 365 Online Continuing Education Courses ENGLISH ONLY Respiratory Conditions Skin Care Basics Hearing and Vision Conditions Cultural Competency: Pain Management and Health Literacy Arthritis & Acute Mental Status Changes Cultural Competency: Pain Management and Assumptions Gaining Consumer Cooperation for Oral Health Oral Health Basics As of November 2012, there are 28 English Continuing Education (CE) classes you can take online by going to www.myseiubenefits.org. In addition, there are 10 online CE courses in Russian and Spanish available as well.

Denture Care and Cleaning

With online classes you pick the time and topics that work for you. You can see the available courses, register and access courses, receive credit, and navigate help information – all online and all 24 hours a day!

Best Practices for the Professional HCA

Each online course takes about one hour to complete, which may vary depending on learning style, material covered and Internet connection speed.

Infection Control and Workplace Safety

REMINDER: Your birthday is your deadline for completing your Continuing Education

Coming Soon: Heart Conditions (CHF & COPD)

Using Household Cleaning Chemicals Safely Green Cleaning Cultural Competency - Nutrition Multiple Sclerosis Traumatic Brain Injury Body Mechanics Better Health through Nutritious Cooking Coming in December: Stroke and Seizure

AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH, SPANISH AND RUSSIAN An Introduction to Developmental Disabilities An Introduction to Physical Disabilities

PRINT YOUR OWN CERTIFICATE

An Introduction to Mental Illness

Students (and Agency employers and DSHS staff) can now print their own certificates. Once you have completed your training, log in to your account and go to:

Best Practices for the Professional HCA

An Introduction to Dementia Multiple Sclerosis Traumatic Brain Injury Body Mechanics

1.

Important Note: The following courses were available in early 2011 for a short time so if you took them at that time, you cannot take them again. If you did not take them then, they are available to take online.

Relationships Between Consumers

2.

Home Care Aides Make a Difference Supporting Consumer Independence The Faces of Down Syndrome Dispelling Disability Myths Promoting Creativity

INSIGHT MAGAZINE

FALL 2012 29

HEALTH

BENEFITS INFORMATION

POLICY UPDATES 2012-2013 Medical Plan Highlights • • • • • •

Prescriptions for some value-based drugs will be free using mail order services Office visit co-pay will change from $10 to $15 Prescription/Rx co-pays will be cheaper (except for non-formulary brand name drugs) Self-Insured Dental network will change to Delta Dental (Washington Dental Service) All changes are effective 8/1/2012 Your $25 monthly payroll deduction will stay at $25

Your Current Insurance Plan

EFFECTIVE AUG. 1, 2012

Monthly Cost Share Unchanged Your monthly cost share (how much workers pay) will remain the same at $25 per month.

If you are currently enrolled in the Trust, you are enrolled in one of the following plans depending on your ZIP code: Group Health POS – you live within 30 miles of a Group Health Medical Center or contracted facility Group Health PPO – you live more than 30 miles from Group Health Medical Center or contracted facility Kaiser Permanente HMO – you live within the Kaiser Permanente service area (southwest Washington/ Portland, OR only)

If You Enroll for Coverage Effective 8/1/12 or Later If you enroll for coverage effective 8/1/12 or later and you live within 30 miles of a Group Health Medical Center of contracted facility, you will be covered under Group Health Options Select - HMO Plan. This plan only has coverage in-network. There are no out-of-network benefits.

HEALTH BENEFITS PARTICIPATING EMPLOYERS Washington employers whose employees are eligible for benefits through the Health Benefits Trust. NOTE: This list may change, check with your employer to verify participation.

Addus Healthcare Amicable Healthcare Inc. Catholic Community Services of Western Washington CDM Services Chesterfield Health Services Coastal Community Action Programs Concerned Citizens Korean Women’s Association Lower Columbia CAP Olympic Community Action Programs ResCare of Washington Inc. Senior Life Resources Northwest Inc. State of Washington (employer of record) Visiting Nurse Home Care – Updated 11.13.2012

30

FALL 2012

INSIGHT MAGAZINE

BENEFITS INFORMATION HEALTH BENEFITS QUICK START Check Your Eligibility for Health Benefits •

You must work at least 86 hours per month for three consecutive months to be eligible for these benefits. You do not need to wait until you are eligible to enroll, you can complete the form after you’re hired.

Enroll n Individual Providers: You can enroll by logging in to

URGENT CARE

www.myseiubenefits.org and filling out the enrollment form.

n Agency Providers: Talk with your employer about enrollment.

Look for Your ID Card After you are eligible and enroll you should receive an ID card in the mail. You will need the ID card number to access your benefits. If you do not receive the card by the 10th of the month that your coverage starts, call the MRC at 1-866-371-3200. If you are an Individual Provider or, if you are an Agency Provider, talk with your employer. Look for and write down your nearest Urgent Care Center and keep it with your card for reference.

Fill Out Your Health Profile The Health Profile is an online quiz and report to help you manage your health. To help encourage participation, you will receive a check for $25 for filling it out. If you do not have computer access, you can fill out the profile in paper format as well.

Call 1-888-901-4636 for help with a paper copy.

HEALTH

DID YOU KNOW? Urgent Care is a much more affordable option for Home Care Aides through the Health Benefits Trust. The out-of-pocket cost for a trip to the emergency room is $200 (waived if you are admitted to the hospital) vs. just $15 for a trip to Urgent Care with Group Health Options and $30 with Kaiser.

Where to Find Urgent Care GROUP HEALTH OPTIONS: Seven Group Health medical clinics have Urgent Care Centers, most with evening, weekend, and holiday hours.

Use the Provider Directory online to find urgent care providers in other areas. http://www.ghc.org/provider/ directory.jhtml KAISER: Find an Urgent Care Center at www.kp.org

URGENT CARE

Make a Primary Care Appointment Use the online provider directory at www.ghc.org or www.kp.org to find a primary care doctor who’s a good match for you. You will receive $10 for completing a primary care appointment within the first three months of your coverage.

URGENT CARE

Locate Your Nearest Urgent Care Center URGENT CARE

As soon as possible, you should identify the closest urgent care center to you in case of an emergency. You can find urgent care centers online at www.ghc.org or www.kp.org.

Manage Your Prescriptions If you have existing prescriptions, have them transferred to Group Health or Kaiser Permanente. Next, set up mail order prescription refills online to save money and save time.

URGENT CARE

Who do I contact if I have questions about my benefits?

Contact your insurance provider directly for an explanation of benefits and/or questions you have about claims.

Group Health (POS, POS, HMO) 1-888-901-4636 www.ghc.org Kaiser Permanente 1-800-813-2000 www.kp.org Delta Dental (Dental) 1-800-554-1907 www.deltadentalwa.com Willamette Dental 1-800-359-6019 www.willamettedental.com INSIGHT MAGAZINE

FALL 2011 31

635 ANDOVER PARK W. SUITE 200, TUKWILA, WA 98188

WWW.MYSEIUBENEFITS.ORG

ADVERTISE WITH HOME CARE INSIGHT WHAT IS HOME CARE INSIGHT? Home Care Insight is the go-to magazine for over 50,000 Home Care Aides in Washington and Montana. Its relevant writing engages readers with columns and articles that highlight the interests, needs and experiences of the Home Care Aide, as well as detailed information they need to access the best of their benefits. Other articles encourage readers towards healthier living, through nutrition, good use of health care and exercise. Home Care Insight is an indispensable resource for Home Care Aides and their families, consumers and employers.

CIRCULATION Home Care Insight is mailed directly to more than 40,000 actively employed Home Care Aides. It is available at more than 100 agency and state offices, reaching thousands more direct care workers in healthcare. Total Circulation: 50,000; Readership: 150,000+ 32

FALL 2012

INSIGHT MAGAZINE

Editorial Calendar, Ad Rates and Production Specifications For details on our editorial calendar, ad rates and production specifications, contact Home Care InSight at insight@myseiubenefits.org.