Initiative 1029

On November 4, 2008 the Washington voters passed initiative 1029. The initiative requires the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to develop the home care aide profession. Under the initiative, certain long-term care workers will have 150 days from the day they start working to be trained and certified as a home care aide. DSHS will do background checks on applicants and set the training curricula. DOH will develop and administer a written and skills examination and credential applicants. Both agencies will complete the rulemaking process for the initiative. The agencies will be able to share information on background checks, training, continuing education, and credential status.The initiative requires this work be completed by January 1, 2011.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at Homecareaides@doh.wa.gov.

Lifeline Service

Living at home for as long as possible is a goal that most of us share, but as we age, changes occur in our ability to function mentally and physically, making it a challenge to remain at home. These changes often necessitate thinking through next steps and taking action, such as installing safety devices and getting support when needed.

Developing a plan for the future can be difficult, but not having a plan can be more costly, and cause more heartache. That’s why Philips Lifeline is sponsoring the Independent Living Assessment for older adults and their families to plan for the future while continuing independent living at home.

Philips Lifeline, the #1 medical alert service, is easy-to-use and designed to reduce the risk of living alone. In the event of a fall or an emergency, help is available at the push of a button. The Lifeline Personal Help Button connects you to a trained Personal Response Associate who can send help quickly - 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Call Lifeline now for more information 1-800-380-3111

New Home Care Assessment

The Personal Touch, LLC is now offering low cost home care assessments. This assessment is for family caregivers, to assess the needs for their loved ones. We will give professional suggestions on making caregiving easier for the family members. Please call for your low cost assessment or more information, please call (360) 895-3980.

The Personal Touch, LLC coming soon to California......When quality of care is your number one priority.