Increase access to HCBS services and supports: Ease co-insurance burden on potential CCC+ participants whose income approaches the CCC+ maximum. Since rent and other benefits are also based on income, those with high co-insurance payments often cannot afford them and still meet their other monthly necessities.
Invest in technology and HCBS infrastructure: troubleshoot electronic log-in of aides for those areas that have no internet service (mountainous areas, basement apartment, for example)
Improve or support high-quality care and the member experience with HCBS services: provide subs when an aide is sick or on vacation; client and family in-put into plan of care and the daily schedule. More oversight of new cases by experienced aides or other supervisors. Offer training in dementia care, culture-specific cooking; how to arrange transport; English language skills; basic housekeeping, etc.. Unannounced staff checks to see that aides are actually present w/ client and engaged in relevant activity. Consider quality of life: Provide weekend hours where ct wants/needs them. Some clients may need assistance to get to and participate in religious service or other family/community events on weekends, yet most agencies cannot staff weekends. Provide gloves, gowns, and whatever PPE aides need. Most aides and their patients cannot afford to purchase these on their own.
Develop and build the HCBS workforce, including recruitment and retention strategies: offer cash bonus to new aides who train and successfully complete a year of service; provide support, extra supervisory visits for in-person instruction for new aides; Provide aides health insurance, PTO and a living wage. Offer financial incentives to complete additional training, demonstrate new skills.
