A state-employee style of pay for direct-care workers
Posted by Patti on October 31st, 2007 / Print This Post
In South Dakota state legislators are considering using the state pay model for it’s nursing homes and training centers.
PIERRE - Turnover caused by low pay is creating what one lawmaker called a “looming crisis” in staffing South Dakota’s nursing homes and adjustment training centers.The Legislature’s Appropriations Committee recently discussed - without taking action - a possible pilot program to use a state-employee style of pay for direct-care workers in nursing homes and training centers, which work with people with disabilities.
Such a plan could cost millions of dollars from the state treasury. Without action, a center or nursing home might close, throwing the burden of care for its residents or clients onto the state, some lawmakers fear.
Sen. Jerry Apa, R-Lead, said some reports show turnover rates of 48.5 percent for some direct-support staff.
“The fact of the matter is, we have a looming crisis here, and if we don’t get a hold of it and address it, one of the ATCs is going to close,” Apa said, according to audio minutes of the meeting.
Rep. Jim Putnam, R-Armour, who helps lead the Joint Appropriations Committee with Apa, also anticipates a growing problem unless change is made.
“I don’t think anyone in the state wants to have a nursing home or an ATC or any of the other folks that care for people close up,” Putnam said. “I don’t know that’s a problem at the moment, but it certainly could be one on the horizon.”
Read the rest of this article; some interesting stuff!