In direct care, support often transitions into friendship. For Direct Care Worker Dallas Reim and Mike Hitchcock, this happened quickly, yet quite naturally. “They kind of almost become like a part of your family,” Mike shared, reflecting on nearly two decades of receiving support and services and forming meaningful connections with direct care workers. […]
Dan and Jennifer Digmann’s love story is one of resilience, devotion, and the power of direct care. Their journey together is deeply intertwined with their experiences living with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system. Dan was diagnosed with MS on Valentine’s Day in 2000. Initially, he managed the relapsing-remitting […]
The Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM) recently unveiled its new community training lab, marking a significant step in addressing the growing challenges faced by direct care workforce across the state. Located in Grand Rapids, the center is dedicated to equipping caregivers with essential skills and support, addressing Michigan’s critical shortage of direct care […]
We are thrilled to support your advocacy to help build a stronger Direct Care Workforce in Michigan and to announce our awardees. Read more for our complete list of all awardees.
Providing solutions for the shortage of direct care workers is a work in process. But an exciting new option exists that leverages technology so that some Direct Care Worker /Direct Support Professional (DCW/DSP) tasks can be performed remotely, making it possible for the individuals they support to have increased access to services. Lunden Home in Kentwood […]
As one of the few post-acute brain injury programs in West Michigan, Hope Network Neuro Rehabilitation has received referrals for cases it cannot currently support. However, with additional staff training and equipment, the program could expand its offerings. Hope Network Neuro Rehabilitation is a community-based brain injury rehabilitation provider serving the Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, and […]
Armed with a recent $25 million grant, Michigan State University is spearheading an ambitious initiative to address the severe shortage of direct care workers who provide health care support for some of the state’s most vulnerable residents.
Direct Care Workers (DCWs) from across Michigan convened at East Lansing’s Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center to spearhead the development of a new credentialing exam pivotal to their field. Hosted by IMPART Alliance in partnership with WorkCred, the gathering aimed to enhance training protocols and ensure DCWs possess indispensable skills for their roles. Throughout the week, […]
Imagine if you or a loved one, who is older or living with a disability, needed critical or long-term care, and there was no one to provide this type of support. This is happening right now in Michigan because we don’t have enough direct care workers (DCWs). These vital workers, who go by many titles, […]
