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Long-Term Care Consumers Family Members Advocates

Don't Delay Minimum Wage and Overtime Protections for Home Care Workers

In September, 2013 the Department of Labor released a final rule that would extend basic labor protections to our nation's home care workers. The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care (Consumer Voice) supported this rule because providing workers with minimum wage and overtime protections under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is critical to enhancing the quality of long-term services and supports consumers receive in their homes.

From our interactions with consumers, it is evident that home care workers are essential to the quality of life and quality of care for consumers receiving services and supports in this setting. Providing home care workers with minimum wage and overtime protections will result in better quality care for the consumer through attracting additional workers to the job; reducing the turnover rate in the profession; and enhancing the overall quality and professionalism of this ever-growing workforce.

The Department of Labor is now being pressured to delay the January 1, 2015 implementation date of this final rule. After waiting 40 years to be covered by minimum wage and overtime law, home care workers may be forced to wait another 1.5 years. 

The Department of Labor needs to hear from you! Click on "Select this recipient" below to send Department of Labor Secretary Perez a letter asking him not to delay the implementation of these basic protections for home care workers.

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Help to Honor World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15th June 03, 2014

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15th, 2014. Find out more information about how you can participate in this important event.

Take Action
Let Your Legislators Know You Support Elder Justice Funding! May 02, 2014

Elder abuse is rising, while federal funding for the Elder Justice Act has remained the same – nothing. However, progress may finally be underway. The President has done his part and included important elder justice funding in his budget. Now it’s up to Congress! Tell your legislators to support the Administration’s request today.

Take Action
Tell Congress to Reauthorize the Older Americans Act! April 25, 2014

The OAA was supposed to be reauthorized in 2011.  With every day that passes, the future of critical programs that serve seniors is more and more uncertain.  Help us send a message to Congress about this important program.

Take Action
Progress on the Elder Justice Initiative in the Senate, but your help is still needed! June 11, 2014

Yesterday, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor-HHS-Education concluded the markup of its Fiscal Year Appropriations bill. This legislation, which puts forth funding amounts for all programs under the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), and Education, included $10 million for the President’s Elder Justice Initiative. However, your help is still needed to urge Congress to fund this important initiative!

Action Update
Join Us for the Virtual Kick-Off of our Staffing Campaign! June 11, 2014

You are invited to the Virtual Kickoff of our Nursing Home Staffing Public Awareness Campaign; Tuesday, June 24, 2014; 2:00 – 3:15 pm ET. This 75 minute webinar/teleconference that will include both an official launch and an educational and action component.

News Article
Consumer Voice Staff Present on Nursing Home Transitions June 09, 2014

On May 28th, the Consumer Voice’s Sara Cirba and Amity Overall Laib presented in a webinar hosted by the National Legal Resource Center entitled “Supporting Consumers Who Transition Out of Nursing Homes.”

News Article
Applications Now Available For FREE Advocacy Skills Trainings! June 09, 2014

As part of our Consumers for Quality Care, No Matter Where initiative, the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care (Consumer Voice) is offering FREE state-based, in-person advocacy trainings for individuals and groups with the capacity to make an impact on policy and contribute to the Consumer Voice’s national efforts. Applications for these trainings are now available - we welcome long-term care ombudsman programs, Citizen Advocacy Groups, family/caregiving groups, consumer alliances, disability groups, community organizations, senior organizations and others to apply to receive these trainings.

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