07-13-2007, 05:48 AM
Our group got together after a USDA demonstration grant was funded in 2005. Original Task Force Members included representatives from Bay Clinic, Hilo Medical Center, Office on Aging, Services for Senior, etc... What our group is seeking currently, in summer 2007, is community input regarding what kind of home care services are needed, where are they most needed, who needs services (e.g. senior living alone in Kapoho, or a family member who needs respite from caring for disabled child in Honomu). There is tremendous turnover in caregivers (CNAs and chore workers) in what is termed the "pink collar" wage ghetto. Hourly wages are low, benefits rare (WalMart model), physical and emotional work demands, and an autonomous "on your own" work setting, nationwide. We want a worker owned business, a co-op, to thrive here like the home care co-ops in Wisconsin (cooperative care.com and circleofcare.coop.org). We'd like to taylor our first year of operation towards those who are not receiving the quality, consistency, and professional in home care they deserve and desire.