Home Care InSight December 2013

INSIGHT HOME CARE

WINTER 2013

THE MAGAZINE FOR NORTHWEST HOME CARE AIDES

Home Care Aide Sun Benjamin’s story. Page 8

INSIDE

WORKER SPOTLIGHT SPOTLIGHT ON KOREA

OVER THE RAINBOW

LGBTQ CONSUMERS & WORKERS

PLUS: NAVIGATING CERTIFICATION

HEALTH CARE REFORM & YOU BENEFITS UPDATES & MORE WWW.MYSEIUBENEFITS.ORG INSIGHT MAGAZINE

WINTER 2013

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INSIGHT HOME CARE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S NOTE

STAFF

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

EDITOR Naomi Ishisaka

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 Lora Shinn, Corinne Whiting,

Aides, your work makes a critical impact in

Linda Hepler, Naomi Ishisaka

the lives of others every day. And while you

BOARD OF DIRECTORS David Rolf, Chair

work to care for others, you must also care for

TRAINING PARTNERSHIP SEIU Healthcare 775NW, President

yourself, keeping you and your family healthy.

Nora Gibson, Secretary

Through Home Care InSight, we want to

Full Life Care, Executive Director

provide you with skills to improve your health;

Sterling Harders

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

SEIU Healthcare 775NW, Vice President

updated information about your training and benefits.

Seth Hemond

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

SEIU Healthcare 775NW, Director of Member Programs and Participation

Adam Glickman SEIU Healthcare 775NW, Secretary-Treasurer

Rick Hall OFM Labor Relations Division, Acting Assistant Director

Aide. Please let us know what you think – to share feedback and ideas,

Linda Lee

please contact insight@myseiubenefits.org.

Home Care Aide and Member, SEIU Healthcare 775NW

Dr. Marty Levine

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

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 and Policy Analysis

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

Jan Yoshiwara

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.

State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, Director Education Services

David Rolf, Chair HEALTH BENEFITS TRUST SEIU Healthcare 775NW, President

HAVE A STORY, IDEA OR LETTER TO SHARE?

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!

Sterling Harders

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

CDM Services, Executive Director SEIU Healthcare 775NW, Vice President

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

Diane Lutz Office of Financial Management, Labor Negotiator

Dan Murphy

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 SUN BENJAMIN BY INYE WOKOMA PHOTO OF CHARISSA RAYNOR ON THIS PAGE BY NAOMI ISHISAKA

2

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INSIGHT MAGAZINE

DSHS, ADSA, Director of Legislative and Policy Analysis

Flanna Perkins ResCare Homecare, Regional Director

Misha Werschkul SEIU Healthcare 775NW, Legislative and Policy Director

© Copyright 2013 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, 215 Columbia St., Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98104

CONTENTS

Home Care Aide Dave Lindberg, left, and his son, Tim, go for walks to stay healthy.

WORKER SPOTLIGHT

2 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S NOTE 4 DEPARTMENTS 4 NAVIGATOR PROJECT 5 CERTIFICATION SUCCESS 6 NEW TRAINING LANGUAGES

PHOTO BY INYE WOKOMA

7 SPOTLIGHT ON KOREA

8 HOME CARE AIDE SUN BENJAMIN FEATURES

10 LGBTQ HOME CARE AIDES AND CONSUMERS 14 16 18 21 26

STAYING SAFE ON THE JOB PORTAL 2.0: A LOOK INSIDE MENTAL HEALTH THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT STAYING HEALTHY BENEFITS

28 TRAINING INFORMATION 32 HEALTH BENEFITS INFORMATION INSIGHT MAGAZINE

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DEPARTMENTS It Takes a Village:

Finding Training and Certification support through the Training Partnership’s Navigator Project

BY CORINNE WHITING

I

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INSIGHT MAGAZINE

Training Partnership Navigator Olga Satyrova assists students through the training and certification process. qualified Home Care Aides as soon as an HCA enters employment. He or she will be contacted by one of the program’s highly trained Navigators who have been chosen to act as a student’s personal expert throughout the process – helping to ensure his or her success. Especially selected for this project, the representatives work out of two call centers and in multiple languages, guiding the student through each phase of training – helping the student understand the certification process and to apply for the exam. Not only are the Navigator reps experts in Home Care Aide training and certification; they are all bilingual as well (some agents may even speak more than two languages).

Hattendorf says, “Even if the student speaks English as a second language, the friendly voice on the other end of the phone will speak (his or her) native language.” After the student passes the certification exam, the representatives will follow up with a congratulatory call.

Hattendorf explains, “The Navigator representative is there for the student. It is very important to our Navigator reps to establish a

relationship with the student as they will be working together throughout the student’s training. The Navigator rep will be very focused on ensuring a positive experience for the student in regards to their training as well as the project itself.”

The Navigator Program encourages students to communicate to their rep the best times and modes for contacting them.

Hattendorf concludes, “This program not only will protect and ensure safety standards for the consumers of Home Care Aide services, allow thousands of Washington state residents access to a legitimate and stable career path they otherwise might not have had, but it will also save the state of Washington millions of dollars.”

In the end, it turns out, everyone benefits from working together as a team to meet the common goals of Home Care Aides. And as a life rule, sharing with others the challenges endured throughout the process also means that we get to share the joys when we finally succeed. n

PHOTOS BY INYE WOKOMA

t’s no secret that everything in life becomes easier when done with a support system. After all, who couldn’t benefit from a cheerleader who roots for you along the way or an advocate who provides support to catch you when you stumble? That’s why the recently implemented Training Partnership Navigator Program is music to the ears of Home Care Aides (HCAs) across the region.

In mid-October, a pilot project launched and was rolled out to all new HCAs in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties who were employed after Sept. 29, 2013. If the program proves a success, it may be expanded to reach all Washington state HCAs. The main goal of the Navigator Program? To guide new participants through the training and certification process, ultimately helping more Home Care Aides become Certified Home Care Aides. Lance Hattendorf, the Training Partnership’s Project Manager for the program explains, “We expect to see an increase in the amount of certified Home Care Aides. If anybody has been thinking of a career as a Home Care Aide, we highly encourage them to take advantage of the Navigator Program and the Fee Assistance Benefit, which pays for certain students’ application and exam fees.”

Ever since Washington state voters approved Initiative 1163 in 2011, legislation has required background checks and certification for Home Care Aides (HCAs). The new requirements create a pool of qualified and well-trained Home Care Aides to support state consumers.

To become certified, students need to apply through the Department of Social and Health Services as well as pass an exam through the Department of Health. But thanks to the new Navigator Program, students in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties now have personal support to help them through the process.

The new program offers free services to all

DEPARTMENTS

CERTIFICATION SUCCESS STORY

Home Care Aide Ruifen Du trains, passes exam in Cantonese Interviewed through an interpreter by Jennell Damron Why did you want to become a Home Care Aide?

I worked in a hospital in China. After immigrating to the United States I spent time working as a sitter. I was introduced to the home care industry by a friend, who recognized my natural compassion and the enjoyment I get when helping others. With a background in the health care industry I felt it would be a natural transition.

What are your thoughts on the training you received?

The training I received was thorough and I enjoyed my time in class. I was very excited to refresh my skills and the terminology I used while working in China. I appreciated learning new skills too, such as the proper technique for moving a consumer from one location to another and that was something new in my education. I was pleasantly surprised to find the terminology used throughout training was similar to the terminology used in my previous career in China.

I looked forward to studying my textbook, even after a full day of work! The information in the textbook was not boring!

My study schedule began after I returned home from work and prepared dinner. Typically I studied from 8 pm through 11 pm, sometimes midnight.

Did you think it was important to be trained as a Home Care Aide?

I felt that it was very important to be trained, here, to work in the home care field. It was important to me to refresh my existing knowledge, in addition to new training on the best ways to work with my clients so that I can provide good care to each of them.

PHOTOS BY INYE WOKOMA

What did you think when you were informed that it was required to take an exam to become a certified Home Care Aide?

I was not expecting an exam, but I welcomed it as part of my certification process and I studied hard to reach my goal of certification. I was very nervous though, shaking!

Did you get training in Cantonese or English?

I enrolled in the Cantonese language training course and passed my certification exam, also in Cantonese.

What were your expectations of the exam? How did your actual experience of taking the exam compare to your expectations?

My whole body shook with anxiety the morning of the exam. I arrived at the testing center an hour prior to do some last minute study prep.

The test was easier than I expected, but I think it was because of the hours and hours of study and preparation!

Some of the many notes Ruifen Du took to prepare for the exam.

Home Care Aide Ruifen Du studied extensively before taking and passing the certification exam in Cantonese.

How did you prepare for the exam?

I studied from cover to cover! While I was in class I took (many) notes, filling several spiral notebooks! I was committed to becoming certified.

What difference do you feel it will make to your career and ability to provide care, now that you are certified?

I believe that being certified will give me more confidence while working with the consumer. I want them to feel comfortable working with me and for the consumer to be confident in my ability. It’s important for them to understand the extent of my knowledge and that I take my responsibilities as a Home Care Aide seriously. I want to provide the best care and a safe environment.

Challenges when taking the exam?

Getting over my nervousness and shaking!

Do you assist other aspiring Home Care Aides who speak Cantonese to prepare for the exam?

Yes! I am working with another student who is preparing to take the exam in early December. I helped her study the skills and what she can expect on the exam. I tried to tell her not to be nervous! If she kept studying hard she would be fine. I also found out that my friend is from the same province as me! I was very excited to have someone with the same background and knowledge about where I was from in China. n

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DEPARTMENTS

Training now available in 13 languages

BY NAOMI ISHISAKA

Washington state’s Home Care Aide and consumer population is increasingly diverse, with 1 in 5 workers born outside the United States and 1 in 4 a person of color.

The home care consumer population is 38 percent people of color. It is more important than ever that home care training keep up with the changing demographics of our community and that students receive training in their native languages.

To serve the growing need, the Training Partnership has made an investment in increasing access to in-language training for Home Care Aides who are English Language Learners (ELL). Previously, students could take classes in six languages (Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Spanish, Russian and English), in Winter 2013, the Training Partnership more than doubled the languages in which students could take training. Now, students can take their training in the

following languages as well: Arabic Cambodian Laotian Samoan Somali Tagalog Ukrainian This means that there are now 13 languages in which students can receive their Basic Training and take their certification exam.

In addition to the 13 languages, students can call the Member Resource Center to get an interpreter in other languages, first come, first served.

Director of Curriculum Susan Kerr says that teaching students in their native language is critical to comprehension and, ultimately, quality care for home care consumers.

“Home Care Aides in Washington state today receive rigorous training on complicated health and safety topics. It’s critical

13 Languages for Training, Exam New Languages: Arabic Cambodian Laotian Samoan Somali Tagalog Ukrainian

Existing Languages: Cantonese English Korean Vietnamese Spanish Russian

In addition, students can call the MRC for an interpreter in other languages on a first-come, first-served basis.

that content is not lost in translation. As the students and consumers we serve are increasingly diverse, we have prioritized language access to ensure our training keeps up with their needs,” Kerr says.

Students can select training in their language through Portal 2.0, the online learning management system. n

39 ONLINE CONTINUING EDUCATION CLASSES AVAILABLE 24-7, 365 As of December 2013, there are 39 English Continuing Education (CE) classes you can take online by going to www.myseiubenefits.org. In addition, there are eight online CE courses in Russian and Spanish available as well.

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!

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

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

ENGLISH

Supporting Behavior Changes in Consumers, Part 1

NEW COURSES:

Supporting Consumers with Mental Illness, Part 1

Protecting Worker Safety Through Violence De-escalation, Part 1

Supporting Consumers with Mental Illness, Part 2

Protecting Worker Safety Through Violence De-escalation, Part 2

Providing Consumer-Directed Care for Common Medical Conditions: Dehydration

Providing End of Life Care, Part 1 Providing End of Life Care, Part 2 Recognizing and Reporting Consumer Abuse, Neglect and Financial Exploitation Reducing the spread of infection through standard precautions 6

Supporting Behavior Changes in Consumers, Part 2

WINTER 2013

INSIGHT MAGAZINE

Providing Consumer-Directed Care for Common Medical Conditions: Urinary Tract Infections Providing Consumer-Directed Care for Common Medical Conditions: Pneumonia

WHERE IN THE WORLD?

SPOTLIGHT ON KOREA

DEPARTMENTS

BY LORA SHINN & STAFF

ISTOCKPHOTO

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 population, we will present a spotlight on a country that many Home Care Aides come from.

Korea has contributed an impressive immigrant population to the United States. But few Americans are aware of Korean history, which is affected by colonization and by a civil war that divided the country and deeply impacted both U.S.-Korean relations and the development of the Korean American population.

Korea is located just east of northern China, and the Sea of Japan separates it from Japan.

For more than 2,000 years, the people of the Korean peninsula shared a language, culture and history. But in 1910, Japan colonized Korea, beginning 35 years of repression, according to the history site “Still Present Pasts: Korean Americans and the Forgotten War.” “This oppression created an international Diaspora of Koreans comprised of migrants to China, Russia, Japan, and even Mexico and the United States, fleeing poverty and repression.”

In 1945, Korea was divided into two nations at the end of World War II: North Korea, under the influence of the Soviet Union and China; and South Korea, under the influence of the United States.

Most Korean Home Care Aides in the United States emigrated from South Korea, and more than 95 percent of Korean Americans entered the U.S. in 1965 and after.

According to the Office of Immigration Statistics, between 1976 and 1990, due to low standards of living and educational opportunities in Korea, Korea was the third largest source country of immigrants to the United States, next to Mexico and the Philippines.

According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the Seattle metro area has one of the highest concentrations of Korean-American populations in Washington state, with 52,113 people checking the “Korean” origins box.

In Korea, the population is mostly Buddhist, Protestant Christian, and Catholic. American Protestant Christian missionaries first visited Korea during the 1800s, and Christianity became more popular with the Korean population, particularly in the post-war era. Many Korean-Americans identify as Christian.

The Korean written language is written through a unique alphabet called Hangul, and written from left to right. Korean words come from diverse sources, such as Chinese, English, Japanese, and Mongolian.

Grammar and honorifics (special nouns or verb endings, such as Most Honorable Judge in English) indicate the level of respect or superior status. It is very much appreciated to address an older adult with Mr., Mrs., Miss and the family name. For Korean names, the family name comes first, followed by a two-part given name. So, Lee Jin Ha should be addressed as Mrs. Lee. n

IN KOREAN annyeonghaseyo: hello ne: yes

Kalbi BBQ Korean Short Ribs Recipe Courtesy of Allrecipes.com 3/4 cup soy sauce 3/4 cup brown sugar 3/4 cup water 1 garlic clove, minced 2 green onions, chopped 1 tablespoon Asian (toasted) sesame oil 2 pounds Korean-style short ribs (beef chuck flanken, cut 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick across bones. You can get this cut from Costco or most supermarkets).

Directions In a bowl, stir together the soy sauce, brown sugar, water, garlic, green onions, and sesame oil until the sugar has dissolved.

Place the ribs in a large plastic zipper bag.

Pour the marinade over the ribs, squeeze out all the air, and refrigerate the bag for 3 hours overnight.

Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat, and lightly oil the grate. Remove the ribs from the bag, shake off the excess marinade, and discard the marinade. Grill the ribs on the preheated grill until the meat is still pink but not bloody nearest the bone, 5 to 7 minutes per side.

aniyo: no Eotteoke jinaesimnikka?: How are you?

Kamsahamnida: Thank you ____eun hangungmallo eotteoke malhamnikka?: How do you say _____ in Korean?

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WORKER PROFILE

BY LORA SHINN

a day in the life

Home Care Aide Sun Benjamin crosses oceans, cultures to start a new life in the United States

W

hen Home Care Aide Sun Benjamin

romance and a new adventure for Sun, who

and works as a Home Care Aide for her mother,

was just 23, shopping with her

soon married the handsome stranger and

91, and her grandson, age 15, who has develop-

friend on the crowded streets in

moved with him to the United States.

mental disabilities.

Seoul, South Korea, a young American man

At home in San Francisco, Richard Benjamin insisted that she learn to drive. “I wanted to

to eat meat. She didn’t like meat at all, before

beautiful hair. “Do you know the way to the U.S.

learn English first, but he said he needed to

coming to the U.S. Her mother-in-law introduced

Embassy?” he asked. Sure, she said. “Can you

teach me how to drive,” Sun says – a stick-shift

her to beans cooked with ham hocks. She didn’t

show me where it is?” he asked. “I don’t know

car up and down hills, with a frightened Sun

drink, either. Her mother-in-law suggested she

much about Seoul.” Sure, she said. She jumped

grasping the wheel with white knuckles and

learn how to drink socially, and introduced her to

tears running down her face. But it was import-

a sweet liqueur. Gradually, she learned American

ant for her independence, he said: “If you learn

ways, with the guidance and love of her husband

– Richard – was a U.S. government employee

how to drive this car in this city, you can drive

and in-laws. “They welcomed me,” she says.

and knew exactly where the U.S. Embassy was

anywhere in the world.” So she decided she had

“When he told them about me, they said the

located – he’d been sent there six times over the

to be strong. She learned to drive up and down

culture doesn’t matter, as long as you love her,

course of years. It was just his ruse to get close

the hills with confidence.

and she loves you.”

She quickly discovered that the gentleman

to her. That motorcycle ride led to a whirlwind

Benjamin, 66, now lives in University Place

Sun Benjamin cares for her 91-year-old mother, Hyang Moon.

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INSIGHT MAGAZINE

Together, they raised two sons and a daugh-

PHOTOS BY INYE WOKOMA

onto the stranger’s motorcycle.

8

After learning to drive, she had to learn how

drove up on a motorcycle, and noticed her long,

ter, bringing them to visit Korea to

grandson’s lunch and getting him off to

introduce them to their mother’s

school, driving her mother to the senior

homeland. By his side in the U.S.,

center, filling out paperwork, cooking

she went skydiving and scuba

dinner (Korean food for her mother, Eu-

diving. He passed away in 2003.

ropean-American food for her grandson),

“I never regretted one bit living

cleaning house, doing laundry. Sometimes,

with him,” she says. He told Sun’s

she falls into bed at 8:30 p.m., but rises at

parents: “I’m taking your daughter

2 a.m. to check e-mail, read her Bible and

with me to the U.S., but don’t

enjoy quiet solitude. “It’s my peaceful time,

worry. I’m going to take care of her

my time for relaxing,” she says, and her

until I die.”

way of dealing with stress.

“He kept a fantastic promise,”

She also volunteers her skills at local

she says. “He was a fantastic

senior citizen centers, helping Korean

husband.”

older adults learn to speak English, or helping them translate necessary forms.

She also serves on the Executive Board

Cultural Transitions

for her union, SEIU Healthcare 775NW.

Sun’s mother often expresses

“If somebody needs help or needs to ask

gratitude for being able to live with her daughter – “She always says, ‘Thank God I’m in America,

Sun holds a portrait of her late husband, Richard Benjamin.

that to everyone and people in need,”

Her mother still prefers Korean PHOTOS BY INYE WOKOMA

“All the loving and caring I learned from husband and in-laws, I want to give

how comfortable I am here.’” food, and Sun remembers how

food as well. Today, one of her favorite meals

that feels. “When I first came here, it was very

is steak, baked potato and vegetables. But Sun

difficult, there were hardly any Korean grocery

says Korean older adults may have challenges

stores,” she says. Only Japanese stores offered

with U.S. food, she says, as they prefer tradi-

kim chi and soybean paste. So soon, she

tional Korean cooking.

learned to cook and eat European-American

something, I’m there to help,” she says.

she says, and says Korean culture offers a similar attitude, which she carries with her in America, and in her day-to-day life. “I would love to pay it back, with the same loving and caring.” n

Sun’s days are filled with activity: packing her

Sun provides full time care for her grandson, Nathan Drummer, who has developmental disabilities. Sun greets him at his school bus stop in front of their home at 2:15 every day.

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SKILLS

BY LORA SHINN

OVER the RAINBOW

Understanding LGBTQ Home Care Aides and Consumers

A

t an SEIU Healthcare 775NW executive board meeting about a year and a half ago, board members were discussing gay union

members and consumers, and a member asked if anyone knew someone living in the closet, or hiding their love for a same-sex partner.

Executive Board Member Dave Lindberg knew he needed to say something, but his heart beat fast from nervousness. He took a deep breath and started speaking. He recalls, “I opened up, and shared my experience of living in the closet. I told them that many years ago, society said you get married, you have a family, you live according to how society says,”

bers told him how proud they were of him to take the

he explains. He’d had a wife and four kids. But it

steps to come out of the closet – or reveal his identity

wasn’t OK to be gay, or love who you wanted to love.

– to everyone at the table.

“You’re ashamed of who you are, you aren’t comfortable with who you are, and feel there’s something’s lacking. It’s like going to Pike Place Market and being

worked in restaurants, offices and even fixed copy

surrounded by hundreds of people, but feeling all

machines for a while, he says home care is very

alone.”

rewarding, as is his time on the union board.

But he doesn’t feel that way today. Speaking up

are, and don’t assume anything.” He says if some-

around the room and noticed eyes welling with tears,

one were caring for him, he’d want someone open

and a feeling of acceptance came through from

enough to accept him, and not push him back into the closet through offensive terms or acting differently around him.

INSIGHT MAGAZINE

PHOTO BY INYE WOKOMA

non-judgmental,” he says. “Accept people as they

around completely,” he says. As he spoke, he looked

“I felt totally accepted,” he says. Many fellow mem-

WINTER 2013

“It’s so important to be open-minded and

created a turning point in his life. “It turned my life

fellow board members.

10

Now, Lindberg, 70, lives in Everett and cares for his son, who lost his kidneys in 2001. Although he’s

Top left: In their small Everett home, Dave Lindberg loves to play ragtime era tunes for his son, Tim. Top right: Dave Lindberg and his son, Tim, enthusiastically document their lives in photography. Bottom left: Dave’s browses through photos of his partner on his computer. Bottom right: Dave and Tim get daily exercise during walks around their community and trips downtown to shop and run errands.

Over the Rainbow

PHOTOS BY INYE WOKOMA

Dave Lindberg was one of the speak-

seniors, and population-specific needs within the LGBTQ community.

ers at the daylong “Over the Rainbow”

About 69,000 LGBTQ seniors cur-

summit, held on Sept. 17, 2013, and

rently live in Washington state, but that

sponsored by SEIU Healthcare 775NW

population is expected to swell to nearly

and a number of other community and

111,000 by 2030, according to statistical

advocacy organizations. More than

trends. SEIU Healthcare 775NW began

200 attendees discussed how to meet

planning the event after Washington

the unique needs of an aging, open-

state’s voters passed Referendum 74,

ly LGBTQ-identified population. This

which legalized gay marriage. The sum-

population needs in-home or institutional

mit presented expert speakers such and

long-term care, but one-in-three LGBTQ

LGBTQ-identified Home Care Aides.

seniors worries about facing discrimina-

In 2010, the federal government

WHAT IS LGBTQ / GLBTQ? Acronym for “lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning or queer.” LGBTQ and/or GLBTQ are often used because they are more inclusive of the diversity of the community. Ask your consumer for their preferred term and pronouns (he, she, they).

LGBTQ people and care providers. SEIU Healthcare 775NW and the Training

funded the creation of the first LGBTQ

Partnership are working together to de-

national resource center

velop the best curriculum for caregivers

es for LGBTQ seniors, understanding

(www.lgbtagingcenter.org) to provide

so they can affirmatively care for LGBTQ

retirement and government benefits for

training and educational resources to

consumers. To that end, in March, the

tion as they age.

The summit presented best practic-

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Karen Fredricksen-Goldsen gives the keynote address during the Over the Rainbow event at SEIU Healthcare 775NW’s headquarters in downtown Seattle.

needs facing LGBTQ older

population also has distinct

adults and their caregivers,”

needs and services. Some

says Fredriksen-Goldsen.

populations even have their

Some of those unique

own unique issues. Lesbian

needs and issues include

and bisexual women are at

higher rates of disability and

higher risk of cardiovascular

more mental distress, accord-

disease and obesity. Gay and

ing to Fredriksen-Goldsen’s

bisexual men may suffer from

research. Gay consumers are

poor physical health due to

more likely to live alone than

smoking and alcohol use.

the general population. Living alone can create poor health service setting has been iden-

heavily on friends and life

Training Partnership will re-

and premature death, due to

tified as critical to providing

partners. However, friends

lease two new online Continu-

isolation from friends, family

appropriate, sensitive and

can’t always do everything –

ing Education courses on the

and society. Many LGBTQ

individualized care. Aware-

such as long-term care, when

topic of meeting the needs of

adults served in the U.S.

decision-making is required.

LGBTQ consumers.

ness helps to ensure that

military, and may face war-re-

LGBTQ older adults don’t feel

lated post-traumatic stress

place in society in the past

misunderstood, unwelcome

disorder. Most have suffered

few years. For example, in

and shut out from seeking

from abuse, prejudice or

Washington state, individ-

care and services. If shut out,

discrimination in the work-

uals can marry their same-

their health and well-being

place, from family, or others

sex partners, transgender

may suffer.

in the community, which can

veterans can get care that

contribute to suicide rates.

matches their needs, and an

About LGBTQ Consumers By 2030 more than 4 million older adults will identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ), according to Karen Fredriksen-Goldsen, an expert on LBGTQ aging and a professor of social work and director of the Institute for Multigenerational Health at the University of Washington.

Fredriksen-Goldsen presented a slideshow at the event that offered information that can help HCAs understand and provide better care to consumers: Concerns about discrimination or fear of abuse lead almost one-fourth of LGBTQ seniors to hide their gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender status. But the American Medical Association warns that if physicians don’t recognize identity and patients the secrets can lead to medical misdiagnosis.

Being aware of a health care consumer’s sexual orientation in a long-term care

WINTER 2013

INSIGHT MAGAZINE

LGBTQ seniors rely more on friends and caregivers for

Gay consumers are at-risk

Big changes have taken

LGBTQ individual’s partner

help, and less on spouses,

for serious problems, due to

children, parents and other

can visit him or her in the

disparities in physical mental

family members for their care.

hospital and help make

health, the impact of bad life

medical decisions. But about

Most LGBTQ individuals over

experiences (such as abuse

a third of LGBTQ seniors lack

age 60 are single, compared

or assault), and barriers to

a will and a durable power of

to only a third of heterosex-

care and services, such as an

attorney for healthcare.

ual seniors nationwide, and

inability to reveal their identity.

may be estranged from (not

Although the term LGBTQ

speaking to, not in communi-

is used as an “umbrella” term

cation with) family members

for the populations, each

due to discrimination.

What’s Next If you’re aware of a health care consumer’s sexual orientation or gender identity,

About one in three lesbian and gay “Baby Boomers” identify discrimination based

FIND OUT MORE

on sexual orientation as their biggest concern around

NW LGBTQ Senior Care Providers Network: http://bit.ly/18CNnTe

aging. A recent study indi-

Watch the Over the Rainbow Event: http://bit.ly/18CNn5y

cated seniors that identify as

Unique Needs

Tips from the LGBT Aging Center (lgbtagingcenter.org) • Do assume that at some point you may have an LGBTQ consumer • If you have questions, ask for help • Keep an open mind • Remember quality care means making consumers feel comfortable with who they are and who they love.

“Most services fail to take

LBGT Aging Center: lgbtagingcenter.org.

LGBTQ may be five times less likely to access needed health and social services because of their fear of discrimination.

into account the unique

PHOTO BY NAOMI ISHISAKA

don’t tell their care providers,

12

LGBTQ consumers rely

Dave Lindberg speaks during the Over the Rainbow event.

Understanding terms

From the GLAAD Media Reference Guide (glaad.org) Gay: The adjective used to describe people whose enduring

physical, romantic and/or emotional attractions are to people of the same sex (e.g., gay man, gay people). In contemporary contexts, lesbian (n. or adj.) is often a preferred term for women.

Avoid identifying gay people as “homosexuals,” an outdated term considered derogatory and offensive to many lesbian and gay people.

Lesbian: A woman whose enduring physical, romantic and/or emotional attraction is to other women. Some lesbians may prefer to identify as gay (adj.) or as gay women. you’re able to provide better

LGBTQ caregivers and family,

care. Specifically, offer a

whether related by blood or

sensitive ear to listen to their

marriage. Right now, because

needs, and tailor your care.

the FMLA doesn’t recognize

Awareness reassures your

same-sex partnerships, an

LGBTQ consumer that they

employer does not have to

feel accepted, understood

offer FMLA leave to an em-

and welcome – and their

ployee, even if his partner is

health and well-being is im-

sick or in the hospital.

portant to you and society.

But care providers need to

portant to creating supportive

have had sexual experience with both men and women; in fact, they need not have had any sexual experience at all to identify as bisexual.

Sexual Orientation: The scientifically accurate term for an individual’s enduring physical, romantic and/or emotional attraction to members of the same and/or opposite sex, including lesbian, gay, bisexual and heterosexual (straight) orientations. Avoid the offensive term “sexual preference,” which is used to suggest that

work quickly – baby boomers

care facilities – so HCAs can

are now aging into consum-

sign up for cultural com-

ers, but research, policy and

petency training and help

practices are not yet in place.

develop plans to combat dis-

identity and/or gender expression differs from the sex they were

More research must be done

crimination based on sexual

assigned at birth. The term may include but is not limited to:

by federal, state and local

orientation or gender identity.

transsexuals, cross-dressers and other gender-variant people.

being gay or lesbian is voluntary and therefore “curable.”

Transgender: An umbrella term (adj.) for people whose gender

Transgender people may identify as female-to-male (FTM) or

government on the strengths

Washington’s Depart-

and challenges around aging,

ment of Social and Human

male-to-female (MTF). Use the descriptive term (transgen-

sexual orientation and gender

Services, aging network and

der, transsexual, cross-dresser, FTM or MTF) preferred by the

identity. Using this informa-

long-term care providers are

individual. Transgender people may or may not decide to alter

tion, guardians and caregiv-

developing outreach and

their bodies hormonally and/or surgically.

ers can receive awareness

services that are culturally

and training on the needs of

sensitive to the needs of

LGBTQ older adults.

LGBTQ older adults.

Enforcement of laws ban-

PHOTO BY NAOMI ISHISAKA

Home Care Aides are im-

Bisexual: An individual who is physically, romantically and/ or emotionally attracted to men and women. Bisexuals need not

The SEIU Healthcare NW

Queer: Traditionally a negative term, queer has been appropriated by some LGBTQ people to describe themselves. However, it is not universally accepted even within the LGBTQ community and should be avoided unless quoting or describing someone who

ning discrimination based on

Training Partnership, the

sexual orientation and gender

Washington Area Agencies

identity is also important,

on Aging and Jewish Family

whether in senior centers or

Service have begun efforts

long-term care facilities (such

to provide LGBTQ-sensitivity

as nursing homes). As well,

training and family caregiver

Offensive terms: homosexual, gay lifestyle, sexual preference.

additional laws could affirm

support programs for LGBTQ

Also, offensive slurs like: “fag,” “faggot,” “dyke,” “homo,” “sod-

access to LGBTQ-friendly

individuals, respectively.

omite,” “she-male,” “he-she,” “it,” “shim,” “tranny.”

health care, or federal and

Keep an eye out for upcom-

state benefits. Amending the

ing workshops, events and

Family and Medical Leave

summits. n

self-identifies that way.

Homophobia: Fear of LGBTQ people. Prejudice is usually a more accurate description of hatred toward LGBTQ people.

Act (FMLA) could cover

INSIGHT MAGAZINE

WINTER 2013 13

SAFETY

Staying Safe

on the Job

Continuing Education helps workers learn best practices

BY LORA SHINN

I

magine that you’ve been working

SAP: Stop, Assess and Plan

with a home care consumer for over

“Don’t be a SAP when it comes to healthy, safe movement,” says course

a week. Then, after transferring them

instructor Deb Snyder, a former Home Care Aide, and now a faculty

from their bed to a wheelchair, you feel

development program manager. She explains that SAP stands for:

a pain in your back. The pain makes it

Stop: Before moving or lifting anything Assess: What you need to do to correctly move or lift Plan: The safest way to proceed for you and your consumer

difficult to work. How could this have been prevented?

You can learn more about these concerns and others at “Annual Training

This phrase helps HCAs remember the three-step plan for injury prevention.

on Hazards of Blood-borne Pathogens in the Workplace and Preventing Workplace Injuries.” This two-hour Continuing Education course is a review of workplace

Identify common, avoidable Home Care

safety, including common avoidable inju-

Aide injuries. For example, did you know

ries, hazards of blood-borne pathogens,

that the No. 1 injury cause is overexer-

strategies for reducing overexertion, and

tion that results from handling people?

avoiding and reporting “slip, trip and fall”

Overexertion causes an average loss of

injuries. Here’s a quick rundown on what

79 days on the job. Other common caus-

you’ll learn:

es of injury include slips, trips, and falls, handling objects incorrectly, moving your

Strategies for preventing blood-borne pathogen exposure, the spread of infectious disease, along with what to do if

from aggressive animals.

There’s also time to share and learn

exposed to a pathogen, and how to report

from one another. Group facilitators will

exposure. Attendees will learn about

ask if you’ve ever strained your muscles

blood-borne pathogens and infectious

in the workplace: your back, neck or

diseases such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis

arms. Did it limit you? How long did heal-

Review strategies for preventing over-

C, HIV, and AIDS. They will also learn

ing take, and did you seek health care to

exertion and bodily reaction injuries and

about common mistakes and misunder-

recover from the injury? What would you

slips, trips and falls. For example, to pre-

standings around pathogens or infec-

have done differently, knowing what you

vent overexertion, facilitators will teach

tious diseases, testing procedures, and

know now?

simple, easy-to-implement tips, such as

prevention.

14

body in the wrong way, and even bites

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INSIGHT MAGAZINE

Students practice safer transfer techniques in the Training Partnership classroom in Seattle.

the importance of pre-work stretch-

consumer hides the sore, won’t let

es, stress reduction, rest and sleep.

you look at it, or won’t get medical

Even something as basic as water

attention, worried that they’ll be

can boost proper body mechanics

sent to a nursing home. Or more

and muscle strength.

concerning: a consumer shows

To try out their new skills,

signs of a dangerous medical

attendees are broken into pairs

emergency (like a heart attack or

and given challenges to achieve.

a stroke), but won’t allow you, the

In one class, HCAs were asked to

HCA, to call an ambulance – once

maintain healthy body movement

again, worried about cost.

while picking up a pencil from the

In short, the class offers a quick

floor, grasping a spray bottle under

but important review of key skills

the sink, or a handing a book to a

you need to do your job, and the

partner from a bookshelf.

opportunity to learn alongside fel-

PHOTO BY INYE WOKOMA

PHOTO BY INYE WOKOMA

low HCAs. You’ll learn about safety

Top Nine Causes of Health Care Aide Injury Overexertion – handling people: Picking up people and hurting your body, such as your back, neck or arms.

Slips, trips and falls – same level of floor: Falling on slippery or uneven surfaces.

Overexertion – handling objects. Picking up and moving objects and hurting body parts, such as neck, back or arms.

Bodily motion/bodily reaction: Skinned knuckles, putting too much weight on a body part.

Motor vehicle accidents: Car and bicycle accidents.

Aggressive acts: By animals: Bites.

Aggressive act: By people: Pushes, punches, bites.

You’ll learn how to report con-

on the job, and how to deal with

Slips, trips and falls: On stairs.

cerns when a client refuses care

concerning situations and chal-

or makes choices that present

lenges. The upcoming L&I course

Falls from height: from stairs, ladders, step-stools or other heights.

a possible safety concern. For

is an engaging, interesting way to

example, a consumer refuses to

learn more about yourself, your job

seek medical attention for aches

and your consumers. n

and pains, might say she can’t afford a doctor and would rather take Tylenol. Perhaps a raw spot on the consumer’s hip or buttock indicates a pressure sore, but the

Student Home Page Easily acce

TOOLS

PORTAL 2.0 A LOOK INSIDE THE REDESIGNED MYSEIUBENEFITS.ORG SITE

The SEIU Healthcare NW Training

Student Dashboard Get help, fi

Partnership and Health Benefits Trust launched Portal 2.0, the new learning management and benefits portal for Home Care Aide students and Health Benefits Trust members.

The new portal launched at www.myseiubenefits.org on July 29, 2013.

Portal 2.0 is a replacement to the old portal system used by students and their employers to register for classes, take online Continuing Education, check their training requirements and enroll for health benefits. In addition to newer technology, some features of Portal 2.0 include:

Better Communication Portal 2.0 allows for better communication and tracking so workers can follow how their issue or concern is being addressed.

More Accurate Contact Information Portal 2.0 enhances the students’ and employers’ ability to update contact information, allowing students to be contacted by their preferred methods and provide the most recent language preferences for classes.

Multi-language Capability Portal 2.0 will make it easier in the future for the Training Partnership and Health Benefits Trust to provide training and health information in multiple languages.

New features and improvements are planned for rollout every 4-8 weeks.

16

WINTER 2013

INSIGHT MAGAZINE

Student Support View and man

ess important sections

find training, view history, print certificates

nage support requests

How to Log In to the Website 1. Sign up to log in to Portal 2.0

Enter your first name and last name.

• If you know your Student ID enter it in the Student ID field.

• If you don’t know your Student ID, enter the last four digits of your Social Security number along with your birthdate (mm/dd/yyyy). (Note: If you work for DSHS, you must use your Student ID instead of your birthdate and last four digits of your Social Security number.)

2. Fill out the basic student information

Fill out the information and click Next.

3. View your student profile page

This screen is to verify your information. You will be asked to verify your information regularly. Make any necessary changes and click Save.

4. Email confirmation

If you have provided your email address (recommended), you will receive an email notification.

INSIGHT MAGAZINE

WINTER 2013 17

YOUR HEALTH

BY LORA SHINN

Mental health one key to wellness Staying mentally healthy a critical part of overall health Sure, holiday lights brighten the night during December. But do you feel less than cheerful – per-

may be caring for an individual who celebrates a

haps lonely, frustrated over money or angry about

different holiday. You may need to cope with family

your health care consumer’s demands? Are you

members – your own or your consumer’s. The holi-

tired of juggling expectations and unable to come

day season can take a toll on your mental, physical,

up with new solutions?

and emotional energy, and lead to depression and

For many Home Care Aides, it is difficult to find Many imagine depression as sleeping all day on the couch, crying, and feeling hopeless. But depression can manifest in

anxiety.

is playing the same “tape” of negative

not force yourself to be happy. You may

thoughts, again and again.

even find it difficult to imagine leaving

Talking about your depression or anx-

your consumer to get the help you need,

many ways, along with its close cousin,

iety with someone you don’t know (such

or put off getting help – thinking you will

anxiety. For example, depression could

as a mental health counselor) can feel

get help “tomorrow.”

look like increased feelings of boredom,

difficult or maybe even impossible, says

As a result, some Home Care Aides

irritability, and distraction.

Stuckey. Many people feel embarrassed,

suffer silently. According to the National

ashamed and guilty about their struggles,

Center on Caregiving, many caregivers

Sarah Stuckey, a psychotherapist and

and too worried to ask for support. You

have higher-than-average levels of de-

regional manager with Group Health. “It

may put everyone else’s happiness be-

pression, anxiety, and fatigue, particular-

can look like not having the energy to get

fore your own, even if you are struggling.

ly if caring for someone with dementia.

up and go for walk, having social anxiety,

You may attempt to distract yourself,

“Depression can be subtle,” says

It is normal to feel sad at times, but

or anxiety around abusive consumer

avoid these feelings or worry that you are

tiredness, irritation, boredom, and frus-

experience.” It may feel like your brain

somehow weak or mentally ill if you can-

tration that lasts for weeks or months is

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INSIGHT MAGAZINE

ISTOCKPHOTO

18

free time to take care of seasonal duties. Or you

10 Common Signs of Depression and/or Anxiety

How does depression and/or anxiety show up?

If you can check off at least two of these common signs, you may be

Mood: Frustration and irritation can often be signs of

depressed, anxious, or both. These signs may show up slowly, over a

depression and anxiety. For example, your young daugh-

long period of time, or arrive more suddenly and noticeably.

ter might be excited and running through the house. In response, you feel very irritated and annoyed, and you find

q More irritability (for example, the behavior of children, partners, or friends may be more annoying than usual).

yourself yelling at your daughter – mad at her, and mad at

q More frustration than usual and lasting longer than usual at other people and situations (e.g., traffic, lines).

to calm down.

yourself. You might also find yourself nervous and unable

q More anger (injustices or problems bothering you more than usual).

Mental: Anxiety can also cause other problems or interfere

q Difficulty sleeping, interrupted sleep, or waking and not being able to return to sleep several nights in a row.

with everyday life. For example, when going to the store,

q Feeling different or decreased hunger, maybe even missing meals.

forgetfulness, anxiety, or worry. Friends may say you are

q Thoughts that you would be better off dead.

distracted, or perhaps you miss appointments. You may

q Trouble focusing on simple things.

become so worried that you cannot go to work or even

q People in your life noticing or telling you that you are very distracted.

leave the house.

q Feeling nervous, on edge, and unable to calm yourself down normally. q Not being able to stop worrying.

you are unable to complete your shopping list due to

Physical: Anxiety can show up in the body, too. For example, if you feel short of breath (like you cannot catch a full, deep breath), a tingling sensation in your hands, or having

Urgent Signs of Depression/Anxiety: If you or a friend shows any of these signs or symptoms, get help immediately. Do not wait. Crisis Line: 866-427-4747 (866-4-CRISIS) Examples: •

Putting yourself in harm’s way and hoping somebody will hurt you.

•

Planning to harm yourself.

•

Feeling paralyzed, unable to move, feeling like you cannot

a hard time understanding what others are saying to you.

You may have difficulty sleeping, waking up often or other types of insomnia. Food may not seem interesting to you, or you want only certain types of food.

breathe, tightness in your chest.

something a professional can help you

or bring whomever you want or need.

resolve. You don’t have to suffer alone.

Translation services are available, and it

Guide to Services Overwhelmed? Stressed? Angry? Group

Home Care Aides who are enrolled

is OK if you feel uncomfortable at first.

Health or Kaiser can help you. If you

in health insurance through the Health

Let the counselor know that this is your

are a Group Health member, call the

Benefits Trust can find support during

first time, and he or she will help you feel

“Access” center during the day to speak

the hectic holiday season (and beyond)

at ease. A counselor is a non-judgmen-

with a professional. He or she will guide

with the help of Group Health and

tal, non-biased source of support; he or

you to assistance and care. You and the

Kaiser’s behavioral or mental health ser-

she is on your side, and a compassionate

professional staff will identify and match

vices. Every day, HCAs who are enrolled

resource. A counselor listens to your

you to the right type of service: individual

in health insurance through the Health

problems and concerns, and can offer

therapy or group therapy and the right

Benefits Trust call in to set an appoint-

you new stress-management tools for

practitioner.

ment, and get help. Taking that first step

your work and personal life. He or she

– calling – can feel overwhelming, but

will keep your discussion private.

starts members on a road to success and a happier, more joyful life.

Going into a mental health center for

“Everybody is going to have a time where life is really difficult,” Stuckey

The mental health professional will tell you the correct co-pay amount for the visit, and give directions to the clinic nearest to you or other ways to access care.

says. “You may feel hesitant to come in,

an appointment can feel awkward as

or worry that you will be in therapy for a

well, especially if you are shy or anxious.

long time. But a little bit of the right help

But you do not need to feel alone. “Bring

can go a long way.”

your mother with you,” Stuckey suggests, INSIGHT MAGAZINE

WINTER 2013 19

7 Small Ways to Manage Stress Group Health

When you call, information

206-901-6300 or

requested could include the

1. Take a two-to-three minute break in the bathroom to gain some

1-888-287-2680 for

following:

privacy. Let cold water run over your hands for one minute.

assistance and consultation.

•

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8

What is your name, your health care ID number,

will help reduce stress and calm your body.

a.m. to 5 p.m. If this is an ur-

and a daytime phone

gent situation on a weekend or

number?

3. Focus your attention on doing only one task at a time. Do not

Who is your emergency

think about anything else. This approach helps get your mind

Consultative Nurse Services

or back-up contact

back on track for other tasks you have to do at work or at your

at 206-901-2244 or

person?

home.

during evening hours, call our

1-800-297-6877.

Kaiser Permanente

•

• •

1-800-813-2000 (toll free) Hours: Open Monday

•

through Friday from 8 a.m. to •

Steps to Help:

•

Decide to call the num-

What are you calling about?

4. Tell yourself your stress “makes sense” given the many things

How urgent is your

you have to get done and be responsible for. Do not beat yourself

situation?

up for feeling stressed.

Do you feel like hurting yourself?

6 p.m.

•

Have you been seen

•

•

• •

Speak with the support

6. Call a friend. Ask him or her to listen to you for five minutes, without interrupting or trying to solve your problems/stress for

like to be seen in?

you. Ask friends to offer an understanding, no-judgment statement, like “That sounds really hard.”

Depending on the situation, staff may ask more questions

concerns.

to decide when, where, and

Make an appointment

what level of practitioner they

for an individual visit or

recommend for you. Answer-

to join a group.

ing questions can feel difficult

Attend intake appoint-

when you are upset. The

ment at a clinic.

professional speaking with you

Attend an individual or

understands this. But plan to

group session: learn

carve out some time and they

others you can share experiences with.

will meet your needs.

When you arrive for your first appointment at a clinic,

When you call the behavioral or mental health services

mation to best serve you. The

The third option is group ther-

of like weight-lifting for the

apy for members who experi-

brain. Group meetings typically

ence depression and or anxiety

take place in the late afternoon

symptoms.

or evening, and last about 45

Most individual appointments last about 45 minutes,

minutes for each session, for about eight weeks.

To follow up – particularly if

appointments can be sched-

like schizophrenia, bipolar, or

goals for seeking support.

uled in the evening.

extreme depression – nurses

What to Expect

Groups of 7-12 people meet

with you between appoint-

weekly (usually evenings) to

ments over the phone. n

questions, but will also ask for more information, and your

Counseling may take place in a one-on-one counseling

confidential, just like all other

session, where you and a kind,

medical information. Group

caring psychiatrist, psycholo-

Health and Kaiser want you

gist or therapist meet privately

feel comfortable, get to know

to discuss your emotional

more about the services, and

concerns. You may meet with a

feel comfortable when you

nurse who helps you under-

seek mental health support.

stand medication options,

INSIGHT MAGAZINE

emotions and concerns – sort

you are struggling with an issue

information requested is kept

WINTER 2013

along with hands-on life skills.

daytime hours, although some

center, the professional helping you will request specific infor-

7. Get enough sleep at night – at least eight hours if possible.

and typically take place during

the clinic staff may ask similar Intake Questions

blood sugar level.

Which clinic would you

professional about your

new coping tools, find

5. Eat healthy snacks every two hours to steady your

anywhere before?

bers above.

20

2. Go outside into the fresh air and take 10 deep breaths. This

You might also join a group.

or physicians will stay in touch

discuss symptoms of depression and anxiety and care management if you have had very serious challenges. Another group teaches “dialectical behavioral therapy” or DBT, a type of therapy that teaches “tricks” to help regulate

YOUR HEALTH

The Affordable Care Act and you

There are more options than ever for low-cost health insurance

BY LINDA HEPLER

ing and breast cancer screening), and

I

immunizations.

t seems that everywhere you go these days, people are talking about the Affordable Care Act (ACA), sometimes

called “Obamacare.” What exactly is the ACA, and how does it benefit you?

While the ACA is in the news a lot these days, it’s not exactly new. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was signed into law four years ago, on March 23, 2010. Prior to the ACA, millions of people in the United States went without health insurance because they couldn’t afford to pay for it. In addition, insurance companies could refuse to pay for health care or even drop people from a plan if they became sick and needed costly treatment. Some health plans failed to cover preventive health services, which is the care you need to help prevent you from becoming sick or needing hospitalization. Preventive care includes medical check-ups, screenings (such as cholesterol screen-

Since that time, there have already

WHAT IS THE HEALTH BENEFITS TRUST? The Health Benefits Trust is a

been changes in our health care system

multi-employer plan formed

that have helped individuals and fami-

by SEIU Healthcare 775NW

lies. For example, small businesses are

and participating employers. A

now eligible for tax credits to help pay

multi-employer plan allows a

for health insurance coverage for their

group of employers to join togeth-

employees. Limits on health insurance

er to contribute to a trust fund for

premiums make it easier for people to

health and other benefits for their

take advantage of health coverage of-

employees. The Health Bene-

fered at their jobs. And consumers have

fits Trust works with top health

new rights to appeal insurance company

insurance carriers in the region

decisions regarding payment for health

to assemble high-quality health

services.

insurance benefits that support

Many of the most crucial health care

the specific needs of long-term

system changes will happen next year.

care workers. Its aim is a healthy,

Beginning in 2014, the ACA will address

stable workforce.

three major issues: making health coverage more affordable, ending discrimination in health care coverage, and moving toward a “wellness” model of care rather than an “illness” model of care. Let’s look at each area separately:

INSIGHT MAGAZINE

WINTER 2013 21

Three Choices for Coverage

Making Health Care Affordable People who work part time are often ineli-

and existing group plans (the type of health

gible for insurance through their employers.

coverage you get through an employer) from

Health Benefits Trust

And some employers don’t offer health

setting annual dollar limits on coverage.

If you are an Individual Provider or your

insurance, even for full time workers. These

This means that if you have a chronic health

agency employer participates with the

uninsured individuals and families may

condition that requires expensive medical

SEIU Healthcare NW Health Benefits

earn too much to be eligible for government

treatment, there is no dollar limit to the

Trust, you may be eligible for health

funded insurance like Medicaid, but too

amount of treatment that is covered.

coverage through the Trust. To qualify

little to pay for private insurance. One of

for this coverage, you must work 86

the most important goals of the ACA is to

Moving Toward a Wellness Model

hours each month for three months in a

reduce the number of Americans who go

of Health Care

row. Learn more about this coverage on

without health insurance.

page 31. To enroll, contact the Member

Beginning in 2014, if you are not eligible

Many people fail to get regular preventive health care because their health insurance

Resource Center at 1-866-371-3200.

for health insurance through your employer

doesn’t cover it. But research shows that

To continue to receive this benefit, you

because you work too few hours, or if your

regular medical care, including check ups,

must work 86 hours each month and

job doesn’t offer insurance, you will be able

screenings, and immunizations, helps

continue to pay your monthly premium

to buy it directly in an “affordable insurance

to prevent disease and chronic health

share.

exchange.” An exchange is an insurance

conditions. And even if you do develop

marketplace, where you will be able to look

a chronic health condition, you’re less

Group Health Exchange Plans

at various health plans and choose one that

likely to suffer complications when you

Even if you’re not currently eligible for

best meets your needs and your budget.

see your doctor regularly. For example,

health benefits through the Trust, the

Depending upon your family size and

if you get treatment for diabetes or high

Trust and Group Health want to make

income, you may be eligible for tax credits

blood pressure very early on, you’re less

sure you and your family get the health

that will help you pay for health insurance

likely to have a stroke or a heart attack –

care you need. You’re encouraged to

premiums as well as deductibles, coinsur-

complications of these conditions if left

enroll in a Group Health plan for indi-

ance and copayments.

untreated.

viduals and families through

In addition to the new affordable insur-

Beginning in 2014, the ACA calls for all

Washington Healthplanfinder

ance exchanges, some states, including

health insurance plans created or bought

(wahealthplanfinder.org), Washington

Washington state, have chosen to expand

after March 23, 2010, to contain certain

state’s new online exchange market-

Medicaid eligibility to many who have previ-

preventive health services at no cost to you.

place. On this website, you’ll be able

ously been ineligible for this coverage.

These include medical check ups, blood pressure, cholesterol, colon cancer and

to make side-by-side comparisons between health plans and choose one

Ending Discrimination in Health Coverage

breast cancer screenings as well as immuni-

that best suits your needs. Signing up

Under the ACA, insurance companies will

for Group Health through Washington

no longer be able to exclude those who have

Healthplanfinder ensures that if you

pre-existing conditions. A pre-existing con-

later become eligible for coverage from

dition is a health condition that was present

as with everything, along with rights come

the Trust, you will not need to change

before someone applies for health coverage.

responsibilities. Under the law, if you can af-

your health care providers.

Insurance companies will also be prohibited

ford health insurance and you fail to get this

from refusing to renew coverage for those

coverage, you may have to pay a fee. This

Premium Subsidy & Medicaid

with chronic medical conditions that require

fee, which will go up each year after 2014,

When you look for coverage through the

expensive medical treatment.

is sometimes called the “individual respon-

Healthplanfinder, you’ll be able to find

22

The ACA prohibits new insurance plans

In addition, insurance companies will not

zations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The ACA offers you many new rights. But

sibility payment.” We all have a responsibil-

out whether you qualify for help paying

be able to charge different rates according

ity to take charge of our own health, which

for your monthly health plan premiums,

to health status or gender. They will be able

includes making sure that we have helped

including whether you are eligible for

to charge more for age, though, with older

to pay the bill. When those without health

Medicaid. Depending upon family size

persons, who usually require more medical

coverage get expensive medical care and

and income, even if you receive health

care, paying more. And they can charge

don’t pay for it, this results in higher costs

insurance through the Trust, you may

more for those who make lifestyle choices

for everyone. n

want to apply for Medicaid for its wrap-

that may lead to health problems, such as

around benefits.

smoking.

WINTER 2013

INSIGHT MAGAZINE

2 Select “Find Quality Coverage.”

1

Go to www.wahealthplanfinder.org and select “Find and Compare Health Plans.”

(Note: You don’t have to create an account to browse plans.)

How to Find o find Group Health plans on wahealthplanfinder.org

s on wahealthplanfinder.org Select “Find Quality Coverage.”

finder.org nd Plans.”

offered inin yourcounties where Applies toplans workers 2 area. To get detailed Group offersand Exchange plans Select Health cost information

“Find Quality Coverage.”

1 2

Group Health3 Plans Enter your ZIP code on WAhealthplanfinder.org and county to find

Go to www.wahealthplanfinder.org and select “Find and Compare Health Plans.”

customize your search, you’ll need to enter your date of birth, gender, and estimated household income. Then select “Show Plans.”

(Note: You don’t have to create an account to browse plans.)

ve nt to

3

3

Enter your ZIP code and county to find plans offered in your area. To get detailed cost information and customize your search, you’ll need to enter your date of birth, gender, and Instructions courtesy of Group Health estimated household income. Then select “Show Plans.”

Enter your ZIP code and county to find plans offered in your area. To get detailed cost information and customize your search, you’ll need to enter your date of birth, gender, and estimated household income. Then select “Show Plans.”

INSIGHT MAGAZINE

WINTER 2013 23

4 Scroll down the “Customize My Search” column.

Place a check mark (✔) next to Group Health (under “Insurance Company”). Then select “Update.”

5 Click on each plan to see more details, including the plan brochure, summary of benefits, optional benefits, and more.

6 When you find a plan that’s right for you, select “Apply.” You can now create an account (or login to an existing account) with Washington Healthplanfinder and enroll in the plan you’ve selected.

24

WINTER 2013

INSIGHT MAGAZINE

5

You can now view all the Group Health plans available to you.

Click on each plan to see more details, including the plan brochure, summary of benefits, optional benefits, and more.

6 When you find a plan that’s right for you, select “Apply.” You can now create an account (or login to an existing account) with Washington Healthplanfinder and enroll in the plan you’ve selected.

©Group Health Cooperative

2241IF-2013-10

INSIGHT MAGAZINE

WINTER 2013 25

Staying Healthy Health Benefits Trust Helps Home Care Aides Use Benefits Well

Home Care Aide Paula Burr walks to stay healthy.

H

BY CORINNE WHITING

I

It’s important to be proactive when it comes to looking out for

t’s important to be proactive when

yourself. Only after you attend to yourself, can you efficient-

it comes to looking out for your own

ly and effectively care for your consumers. And there is now

health. Only after you attend to your-

self, can you efficiently and effectively

excellent news when it comes to taking full advantage of the

care for your consumers.

Group Health and Kaiser benefits currently at your disposal.

There is now excellent news for Health Benefits Trust members when it comes

A new easy-to-follow, three-step program will not only help

to taking full advantage of the Group

you learn how to get the most out of your plan, but you’ll walk

Health and Kaiser benefits currently at your disposal. A new easy-to-follow,

away with extra cash at the end of the process, too.

H

three-step program will not only help you learn how to get the most out of your plan, but you’ll walk away with $100 at

and can earn $100 at the same time.

process is quick and easy, and once

the end of the process, too.

Brooks emphasizes the importance

online, you will find links to information

of connecting with your primary care

such as the 24-hour consulting nurse,

Health, Kaiser and the Health Benefits

provider (PCP), even if you don’t think

refilling prescription medication, primary

Trust, the Engaged Sponsor Program

you need one now; you never know what

care providers, urgent care centers,

(ESP) ensures you’ll know how to opti-

unexpected life circumstances might

getting medical test results online and

mally use your care options. Director of

arise down the road.

communicating with your doctor over

Through a partnership between Group

Health Improvement Programs Marissa Brooks wants employees to understand

26

This new incentive program requires that you take three simple steps:

secure email.

On the website, you’ll also find links

that “if you have healthcare through the

STEP 1. Sign up for MyGroupHealth

Health Benefits Trust, you have a huge,

online (www.ghc.org) or Kaiser’s online

card, updating member information,

rich packet of benefits” at your fingertips

portal (www.kp.org). The registration

even giving feedback about Group

WINTER 2013

INSIGHT MAGAZINE

for such services as ordering a new ID

W

fr in

WHY SHOULD I PARTICIPATE? COMPLETE A PREVENTIVE VISIT • Get to know your doctor

REGISTER ONLINE • Email your medical providers

•

Make sure tests are up-to-date

•

Easy Rx refills

•

Get test results

Early diagnosis and treatment of

•

Find Urgent Care

•

health concerns

Centers

YOUR HEALTH

COMPLETE A HEALTH PROFILE • Help your medical team learn more about you to help meet your needs •

group and medical history (for example, important preventive exams include mammograms and colonoscopies).

Ensure you get the right tests and treatment

STEP 3. Complete the health risk assessment form; this can be done online (www.ghc.org or www.kp.org) or by call-

PLUS: DO ALL THREE? COLLECT $100!

ing the customer service hotline number listed on the back of the membership card. By calling the hotline, you can

Health or Kaiser when you’d like to have

sure you’ve selected a primary care phy-

request a paper copy in English or Span-

your voice heard.

sician that works for your specific needs.

ish and send it back to Group Health or

STEP 2. Complete a preventive care

(It’s greatly important to make sure your

Kaiser.

visit, whether this is an annual check-up

PCP is a good fit for you!) During these

or simply arranging an appointment to

preventive care visits, patients can con-

been completed – in any order – a

touch base with your primary care pro-

firm that they’re up-to-date on the latest,

check for $100 will be mailed to you and

vider. This gives you the chance to make

recommended tests based on one’s age

received within six to eight weeks. n

Once all three of these steps have

e s y.

HEALTH BENEFITS TRUST MEMBERS:

DID YOU KNOW? YOU CAN EARN JUST FOR USING YOUR HEALTH BENEFITS!

H1

COMPLETE A PREVENTIVE CARE VISIT

Complete a preventive office visit with a Primary Care Provider (PCP).

A preventive office visit gives you and your doctor a chance to talk about your health.

URGENT CARE NEXT STEPS

How to choose a primary care provider: Visit www.ghc.org or call 1-888-901-4636 Visit www.kp.org or call 1-800-813-2000

2 H

REGISTER ONLINE

Register online at www.MyGroupHealth.org or www.KP.org to take advantage of online access to medical information, ordering prescriptions, making appointments.

URGENT CARE

3 H

$100 COMPLETE YOUR HEALTH PROFILE

Complete a Group Health Health Profile or Kaiser Total Health Assessment online or on paper so your health care providers can better assist you in your care.

URGENT CARE

NEXT STEPS

NEXT STEPS

Go to www.MyGroupHealth.org or www.KP.org to sign up today.

Go to www.MyGroupHealth.org or www.KP.org to fill out your profile or contact Customer Service for a paper copy.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Once you complete these three activities between 8/1/2013-7/31/2014, if you are with Group Health, you will receive a check rom the Health Benefits Trust for $100 within 6-8 weeks. If you are with Kaiser, contact the Health Benefits Trust at 1-866-771-7359 after completing all ncentive activities. If you have already registered online (step 2), you will still receive the $100 if you complete the Health Profile and Preventive Care Visit.

INSIGHT MAGAZINE

WINTER 2013 27

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.

GENERAL

BENEFITS INFORMATION

CONTINUING EDUCATION Q: Do You Know Your Ce Deadline?

Follow the Steps for Success a: Your Birthday!

UPDATED DECEMBER 2013

DOH Certification

The Department of Health (DOH) isto Take CE, If You Are Required You Need 12 Hours By Your Birthday Prior to Providing Care: NEW CERTIFICATION FEE BENEFIT responsible for the certification process.

Take Safety & Orientation ForWA Home Aides who are required to take can fulfill your by taking This is the StateCare agency responsible Watch the SafetyYou & Orientation DVDCE thatrequirements As a new benefit bargained for Home Care Aides CE,Home your Birthday your deadline forwas your 12 online or inCall person. help determining to issue the Care Aideiscredential provided to classes you at time of hire. to For by SEIU Healthcare 775NW, students who started hours of Continuing Education. your1-866-483-1397. standards and toYou find classes that meet (HCA). DOH contracts with a testing confirm completion to provide care on or after 9/1/13 will no longer your needs,number you canand call the Member Resource companyCheck namedyour Prometric to implement will need your confirmation need to pay application and exam fees to DOH training standards chart on Center at 1-866-371-3200. the HCA written and skills test. In an effort the last 4 digits of your Social Security and Prometric.

Page 28 to determine your Continuing

to help workers be successful Education standard.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.

number. Complete prior to providing care.

All workers are required to complete a name and date of birth background check before you can begin work. You will work with the contracting staff to complete this. After the name and date of birth background check is complete If you are required to become certified, the you are required to schedule a fingerprint Training Partnership is currently recomwithIDyour employer for Jan.timeline 1, 2013, students willappointment. no longer be Talk issued mendingBeginning the following to allow directions to complete Badges to check forcertificaclass. Instead, studentson willhow check in for this. ample time to work throughinthe classes usingbelow a state issuedthe photo ID. This ID can be a state ID, tion steps.

The steps outline STEP 1: Submit DOH Certification Application a driver’s license or a passport.

SUGGESTED timeline for the process. Make sure to bring your ID to DOH requires that you submit your class so you can get credit for your time. application to become a Home Care Aide within 14 days of hire. If you are limited English proficient you must indicate this

MAKE SURE TO CHECK THE BOX To receive your certification benefit, check the box “State Pay” on your application form.

ID BADGE UPDATE Beginning Jan. 1, 2013, Bring ID to Check In for Classes

on your initial application. This means if your ability to read, write or speak English is limited you may be issued a provisional certification allowing up to 60 additional days to become a certified HCA. You

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.

Pe a e manaomia le fesoasoani mo le toleniina poo 371-3200 nếumaloloina, quý vị cần được trợatugiúp trong việc lên lịch faamanuiaga tau le soifua faafesootai le Ofisa Tutotonu o đào Faamanuiaga (Member Resource ile tạo hoặcmo tìmSui hiểu về điều kiện đểCenter) nhận phúc lợi y tế. www.myseiubenefits.org/contact poo le 1-866-371-3200.

Comuníquese con el Centro de Recursos para Miembros al 1-866잡거나 건강혜택 자격 ama 확인을 위해 도움이 필요 Haddii aad 훈련일정을 caawimaad ugu baahan tahay tababar dheefaha 371-3200 si necesita asistencia para registrarse en su entrenameinto caafimaad, kala xiriir Xarunta Macluumaadka Xubinka 하시면 회원지원센터 1-866-371-3200로 전화주세요. o para saber cuál es su elegibilidad para los beneficios de salud. www.myseiubenefits.org/contact ama 1-866-371-3200.

For Multi-lingual assistance

Если у Вас есть вопросы, связанные с определением 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 Si necesita asistencia sobre capacitación o beneficios de salud, занятий, contácteseрасписания con el Centro de recursosили paraотносительно miembros en получения Вами 获取协助，请致电 1-866-371-3200 联系会员资源中心。 如果您需要訓練或健保福利方面的協助，請造訪 www.myseiubenefits.org/contact o al 1-866-371-3200. пособия по нетрудоспособности, обращайтесь в Учебно www.myseiubenefits.org/contact 或致電 聯絡 Hãy gọi Trung Tâm Nguồn Lực1-866-371-3200 Thành Viên theo số 1-866Kung kailangan ninyo ng tulong sa pagsasanay at mga методический центр по телефону 1-866-371-3200. 我們的會員資源中心。 24

FALL 2012

InSIght MagazIne

.

교육 또는 의료 보험 지원이 필요하신 경우 Member Resource Center www.myseiubenefits.org/contact 또는 1-866-371-3200 로 문의하십시오 Если Вам нужно содействие в получении пособия на медицинское обслуживание, пожалуйста, обратитесь в Информационно-ресурсный центр по адресу в интернет-сети www.myseiubenefits.org/contact или по телефону 1-866-371-3200.

benepisyo sa kalusugan, makipag-ugnayan sa Member Resource Center sa www.myseiubenefits.org/contact o 1-866-371-3200.

Якщо Ви потребуєте сприяння в отриманні допомоги на медичне обслуговування, будь ласка, зверніться до Інформаційно-ресурсного центру за адресою в інтернет-мережі www.myseiubenefits.org/contact або за телефоном 1-866-371-3200.

Nếu quý vị cần được hỗ trợ về các quyền lợi y tế hoặc đào tạo, hãy liên lạc với Trung Tâm Nguồn Lực Thành Viên tại www.myseiubenefits.org/contact hoặc gọi tới số 1-866-371-3200.

и о-

can submit your application before the training begins. Download the Certification Application Packet under “Applications and Forms” at www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/ HCAides/ Send your completed application to the DOH. Updated 8/28/13: Students who started to provide care on or after 9/1/13 will receive a fee assistance benefit and do not need to pay the application and exam fees.

STEP 2: Register for Training Individual Providers •

•

Create your username and password to log in to the portal at www.myseiubenefits.org Go to the website 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

date Application Form.

Updated 10/28/13: Download the Candidate Application Form and submit the application form to Prometric, and make sure to check the box that says “State Pay” (only for students who started to provide care on or after 9/1/13). You do not need to have completed training at the time you apply for testing. On the application form you will attest that you are in training and to the estimated date you will complete the required 75 hours. You should allow four weeks for your application to be processed.

Download the forms at www.prometric.com/WADOH

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 6: Take Exam Report to test location prepared to follow testing guidelines in the Candidate Information Booklet and General Instructions. www.prometric.com/WADOH

STEP 7: Get Certified Your results are reported to DOH and they will send you a letter confirming you are officially certified. You can check the DOH website listed in Step 2 to see if your certification is Active. If you are Pending it means that DOH does not have all the information they need to complete certification. Make sure you have fully completed the application, completed the background check, fully explained any personal history that could affect your ability to get certified and you have successfully passed your written and skills examination through Prometric. * Date you started to provide care.

STEP 4: Target Completion of Basic Training Take your training as soon as possible to ensure best access to classes in your area and your preferred language.

STEP 5: Self Study and Prepare for Exam STEP 3: Submit Candidate Exam Application Immediately upon registering for training, download and read the Candidate Information Booklet and the Sample Candi-

TRAINING

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

SUGGESTED TIMELINE FOR TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION DAYS

1

14

30

60

120

90

200

PRIOR TO PROVIDING CARE TAKE SAFETY & ORIENTATION STEP 1. SUBMIT DOH CERTIFICATION APPLICATION STEP 2. REGISTER FOR TRAINING STEP 3. SUBMIT CANDIDATE EXAM APPLICATION STEP 4. TARGET COMPLETION OF BASIC TRAINING

DEADLINE FOR COMPLETION

STEP 5. SELF STUDY; PREPARE FOR EXAM STEP 6. TAKE EXAM **If you are a limited-English speaker, you may have additional days to receive certification.

STEP 7. GET CERTIFIED

INSIGHT MAGAZINE

**

DAY 200: STANDARD HOME CARE AIDES ARE REQUIRED TO RECEIVE CERTIFICATION

요

BENEFITS INFORMATION

WINTER 2013 29

TRAINING

BENEFITS INFORMATION

TRAINING STANDARDS

UPDATED JULY 2013

ORIENTATION AND SAFETY

BASIC TRAINING Accelerated Basic Training 30 Hours

Basic Training 70 Hours

Completed prior to providing care

Not required

Within 120 days of starting to provide care

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

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

Not applicable

Not applicable

Parent Individual Provider (HCS/AAA)*

Completed prior to providing care

Parent DD Individual Provider (DDD)*

CREDENTIAL Parent Provider (DDD Only) Class 7 Hours

INITIAL CONTINUING EDUCATION (CE)

ONGOING CE

HCA Credential Required?

Continuing Education 12 Hours

Continuing Education 12 Hours

Not required

Yes

If your first renewal period is less than a full year from the date of certification, no CE will be due for the fist renewal period.**

By your birthday

Not applicable

Not applicable

Yes

By your birthday following your last HCA credential renewal date

By your birthday

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

No

By your birthday in next calendar year after completing Basic Training

By your birthday

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

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

Orientation 2 Hours

Safety Training 3 Hours

Standard HCA Individual Provider (IP) & Agency Provider (AP) hired after 1/7/2012 in process or Newly Issued HCA credential

Completed prior to providing care

Standard HCA IP or AP hired after 1/7/2012 renewed certification

*NOTE: If you work for multiple employers, have multiple roles or multiple consumers, you may have different training standards than the chart indicates below. ** If you are credentialed on your birthday then your CE is due on your first birthday following your non-HCA Credential issuance date.

For Workers Who Have a Current Non-HCA Credential, the Chart Below Applies (Not LPN or RN)*** Providers with a renewed NAC or Special Education Endorsements Providers with an new NAC or Special Education Endorsements

Not required

Not required

Not required

Not required

Not required

Not required

Not required

Not required

Not required

Not required

No

If CE is required in table above, then your CE is due by your first birthday after you start working as an HCA IP or AP.

By your birthday

No

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

By your birthday

***If you are currently certified as an LPN or RN, CE is not required for your role as an Individual Provider (IP) or Agency Provider (AP). You must maintain your LPN or RN credential and be in good standin with the state of Washington.

30

WINTER 2013

INSIGHT MAGAZINE

ng

BENEFITS INFORMATION HOME CARE AIDE DEFINITIONS

TRAINING

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

Home Care Aide (HCA)

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

HCA Credentialed

A worker who has successfully passed a test and been credentialed by Department of Health as a Home Care Aide.

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

HCA who does not work with their own parent or child. Works more than 20 hours a month 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 is 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 (DDA)

This is an IP who provides care to his/her own adult child with a developmental disability and is contracted through the Developmental Disability Administration.

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), Nursing Assistant Certified (NAC) or special education endorsement.

WHO TO CONTACT FOR TRAINING SUPPORT INDIVIDUAL PROVIDERS

Class registration and rescheduling

AGENCY PROVIDERS (Senior Life Resources, OlyCAP, CoastalCAP, Concerned Citizens, Full Life)

AGENCY PROVIDERS

AGENCY PROVIDERS

(Addus, Chesterfield, KWA, ResCare, SeaMar, Amicable)

(Catholic Community Services , CDM, AAA Residential)

Website or MRC

Website or MRC

Your Employer

Your Employer

How to complete your Website or MRC training

Website or MRC

Your Employer

Your Employer

Username and Website or MRC password assistance

Website or MRC

Website, MRC or Employer

Your Employer

Confirmation Code

Website or MRC

Website or MRC

MRC

Your Employer

Confirming class schedule

Website or MRC

Website or MRC

Website, MRC or Employer

Your Employer

Training requirement Primary DSHS Contact and deadlines

Your Employer

Your Employer

Your Employer

Questions about payment

Primary DSHS Contact

Your Employer

Your Employer

Your Employer

Change of address

Primary DSHS Contact

Your Employer

Your Employer

Your Employer

Change in training standards due to change in employment status

Primary DSHS Contact

Your Employer

Your Employer

Your Employer

Requesting a certificate

See Next Page

See Next Page

See Next Page

See Next Page

1.

INSIGHT MAGAZINE

WINTER 2013 31

HEALTH

BENEFITS INFORMATION

UPDATES FOR HEALTH BENEFITS TRUST MEMBERS 2013-2014 MEDICAL PLAN HIGHLIGHTS New Incentives The 2013-2014 Health Benefits Trust plans include a new incentive program. Incentive activities are marked by a in this section. IMPORTANT NOTE: For Group Health, the incentive will come automatically up to 6-8 weeks after you complete all three incentive activities. If you are with Kaiser, please contact the Health Benefits Trust after completing all three steps. If you have already registered online, you can still receive the incentive for doing the other two activities between 8/1/2013 and 7/31/2014.

H

EFFECTIVE AUG. 1, 2013

MONTHLY COST SHARE UNCHANGED The monthly cost share for Home Care Aides will remain the same at $25 per month.

You can earn $100 by doing all three of the following things each year:

H H H

Register Online: Register online at www.MyGroupHealth.org or www.kp.org. If you have already registered, you do not need to again.

Health Risk Assessment: Complete a Health Profile (Group Health) or Total Health Assessment (Kaiser). See Page 55 for instructions.

Preventive Office Visit: Complete a preventive office visit with a Primary Care Provider (PCP). A preventive office visit gives you and your doctor a chance to talk about topics that can help prevent disease and improve your health.

Recommended tests and immunizations can be given during your preventive visits or at appointments between those visits.

DID YOU KNOW? YOU CAN EARN JUST FOR USING YOUR HEALTH BENEFITS!

1 H

COMPLETE A PREVENTIVE CARE VISIT

Complete a preventive office visit with a Primary Care Provider (PCP).

A preventive office visit gives you and your doctor a chance to talk about your health.

URGENT CARE NEXT STEPS

How to choose a primary care provider: Visit www.ghc.org or call 1-888-901-4636 Visit www.kp.org or call 1-800-813-2000

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

2 H

REGISTER ONLINE

Register online at www.MyGroupHealth.org or www.KP.org to take advantage of online access to medical information, ordering prescriptions, making appointments.

URGENT CARE

3 H

$100 COMPLETE YOUR HEALTH PROFILE

Complete a Group Health Health Profile or Kaiser Total Health Assessment online or on paper so your health care providers can better assist you in your care.

URGENT CARE

NEXT STEPS

NEXT STEPS

Go to www.MyGroupHealth.org or www.KP.org to sign up today.

Go to www.MyGroupHealth.org or www.KP.org to fill out your profile or contact Customer Service for a paper copy.

Once you complete these three activities between 8/1/2013-7/31/2014, if you are with Group Health, you will receive a check from the Health Benefits Trust for $100 within 6-8 weeks. If you are with Kaiser, contact the Health Benefits Trust at 1-866-771-7359 after completing all incentive activities. If you have already registered online (step 2), you will still receive the $100 if you complete the Health Profile and Preventive Care Visit.

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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 to apply for these benefits. You do not need to wait until you are eligible to apply, you can complete the application form after you’re hired.

Apply n Individual Providers: You can apply by logging in to

URGENT CARE

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

n Agency Providers: Talk with your employer about applying.

Look for Your ID Card After you apply, are found eligible and pay your premium, 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.

Register Online

H and Fill Out Your Health Profile H

Register online at www.MyGroupHealth.org or www.KP.org to get the best care from your health provider. Once you are registered, complete the online Health Profile. The Profile is an online quiz and report to help you manage your health.

Make a Preventive Care Appointment H

URGENT CARE

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. Then make a preventive care appointment.

URGENT CARE

Locate Your Nearest Urgent Care Center URGENT CARE

As soon as possible, you should identify the closest Urgent Care Center to you for when you need Urgent Care treatment. You can find Urgent Care Centers online at www.ghc.org or www.kp.org

HEALTH

DID YOU KNOW? Urgent Care is a much more affordable option for Home Care Aides through the Health Benefits Trust.

$$$$$ Emergency Room pay: $200 (waived if you $$$$$ You are admitted to the hospital) $$$$$ $$$$$

$200

$$ Urgent Care

You pay: $15 (Group Health) You pay: $30 (Kaiser)

$15-$30 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. www.ghc.org/provider/directory.jhtml KAISER: Find an Urgent Care Center at www.kp.org If you are not sure where to get care, contact the consulting nurse line: Group Health Consulting Nurse 206-901-2244

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 or through customer service to save money and time.

URGENT CARE

H

Complete Three Starred Activities and Receive $100!

If you have 1) registered online for MyGroupHealth.org or KP.org; 2) completed your Health Assessment; and 3) had a preventive care appointment, you will receive a check for $100.

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215 COLUMBIA, SUITE 300, SEATTLE, WA 98104

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. 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.

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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.