Caregiver Retention

Lead Agency: Milwaukee Aging Consortium

In response to the problem of staff turnover throughout the caregiving profession, the Milwaukee Aging Consortium has launched The Caregiver Retention Project with a mission of “fostering new models of community collaboration among older adult service providers.”  Following a survey administered to over 200 caregivers and focus groups attended by over 50 caregivers from throughout the long term care industry, the project has turned its attention to issues in the work-life of the caregiver, intra-organizational programs and structures affecting retention, and concerns across the industry.  The Caregiver Retention Project Workgroup and its task forces are comprised of professional caregivers, older adults, educational and training representatives, union representatives, and employers. 

A Caregiver Open House/Resource Fair was held in September, the first in a series of personal education sessions for caregivers re: work-life concerns.  A second session in December focused on the topic of money management.  The workgroup is exploring the creation of a “permanent” Caregiver Network as a result of feedback from those in attendance at sessions.  A survey was developed to provide baseline data re: actual caregiver retention rates and best practices among local organizations. 

The Project Coordinator continues to collaborate with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s newly-developed Training and Research Institute to develop a Caregiver training module. The Project Coordinator also plays a leadership role in the Wisconsin Long Term Care Alliance and the Governor’s Direct Care Workforce Committee in order to identify public policy issues serving as barriers to retention and to network with organizations addressing these issues.

In the second project year, survey results will be used to identify existing retention best practices and information will be disseminated to employer groups.  The Caregiver Network will continue to be developed along with the personal education series.  Staff will maintain linkages with existing workforce-related collaboratives and advocacy groups.

For more information contact Susan Duvall, Milwaukee Aging Consortium (289-0890)