Direct Care Work Force Career Ladder

Developing a career ladder for direct care workers is one activity under way within the Department of Health and Human Services. A job category for Medication Aide is established. A curriculum for Geriatric Aide is developed and is currently in the pilot phase.

The Geriatric Aide curriculum builds on the competencies obtained in the Nurse Aide I curriculum. The goal of the program is to build on existing skills and develop new, specific skills to address the complex needs of individuals in nursing facilities. Using a "best practices" approach, the Geriatric Aide program pays special attention to adapting enhanced care strategies to meet the needs of older adults.