Virginia Association of Personal Care Assistants

Great news from Richmond: Major Home Care victories!

2012-05-17T19:09:07Z

It's official! Home Care providers and consumers have won major victories now that the state budget is final. These wins wouldn't be possible without your countless phone calls and emails and one-on-ones with elected officials.

The final Virginia budget contains the following wins for Home Care:

Gives a one percent raise for all Home Care providers
Restores Home Care for 1,500 older adults and people with disabilities
Increases the cap on personal care back to 56 hours per week
Adds 225 new ID waiver slots and 80 new DD waiver slots (more than the DOJ settlement requires)

We won better pay, better hours, more services and more waiver slots. None of these improvements were in the original budget proposed in December, and none would have been possible without the active involvement of VAPCA members and friends.

So, what's next?
We've proven that if we talk to legislators and make our cause known, they listen. The only way to hold on to these victories and continue to make progress is to get involved.

"We need to continue telling our stories and never let the importance of our jobs and the people we serve be forgotten," VAPCA member and Personal Care Assistant Julia Newton said. "We need to stay motivated and dedicated and keep our elected officials educated."

To get involved now, click here to sign up for one of VAPCA's committees.

Keep an eye out for upcoming calls and meetings in your area.

Legislature Passes Pro-Home Care Budget

2012-05-04T14:31:19Z

After months of tense negotiations, the General Assembly has passed a state budget. And thanks to your phone calls, e-mails and one-on-one visits with your legislators, this budget is a major victory for Home Care providers and consumers!

The budget, as it was just passed, contains the following additions for Home Care:

Gives a 1% raise to all Home Care providers!
Restores Home Care for 1,500 older adults and people with disabilities!
Increases the cap on personal care back to 56 hours per week!
Adds 225 new ID waiver slots and 80 new DD waiver slots (above what the recent DOJ settlement requires)!

You're reading that correctly... we're poised to win better pay, better hours, more services, and more waiver slots!

When this budget was first announced in December, none of these items were in the budget. The original budget would have meant a 1% pay-cut for PCAs; it would have cut the hours of care to 48 per week; it added no new waivers, and it would have eliminated Home Care for 4,500 older adults and people with disabilities. But we changed all that!

None of these victories would have been possible without the active involvement of you and all our Members and Friends! But our work isn't done...

The budget now heads to the governor, who will review it and who could make changes. Do you want the governor to take these victories away?

Make your voice heard! Call the governor and tell him to support Medicaid Home Care services in the state budget. You can call the governor's office at 804-786-2211 or click here to share your thoughts with him.

Tell the governor: "I'm a Virginian and I support Medicaid Home Care services for older adults and people with disabilities. I want you to support Medicaid Home Care services in the state budget."

Stay tuned for more updates on the budget. Together, we can protect and strengthen Home Care for all Virginians!

Update from Richmond: State Senate Passes Pro-Home Care Budget

2012-04-05T00:13:16Z

Richmond, VA - After receiving countless phone calls and e-mails from VAPCA Members and Friends, the Virginia state Senate has passed a budget, which would restore Home Care services for 1,500 consumers and which would give Home Care providers a long-overdue 3% raise.

However, our work is not done. While the state Senate budget has passed a budget which funds Home Care, the state House has passed a budget which cuts Home Care services, pay and hours.

Members of the state Senate and state House are currently negotiating a compromise budget.

Which Budget do you want? A Senate budget which supports Home Care or a House budget which cuts Home Care?

The choice is clear! Call your legislators today and tell them to please support the Senate version of the Home Care budget.

Calling your Elected officials is as easy as 1 - 2 - 3!

Step 1: Click here to learn who your legislators are and what their phone number is. Just enter your address and then call your Delegate and your Senate at their district phone number (not the capital phone number)

Step 2: Tell them, "Hi, my name is _______ and I live in your district. I'm calling to ask you to support the Senate version of the state budget, which will help fund Home Care services for older adults and people with disabilities. Thank you."

Step 3: Finally, click here to let us know how the call went, so that we can follow up with your elected official and make sure they support Quality Home Care. Call Today! Get your family and friends and neighbors to call as well!

And stay tuned for more updates. Some elected officials have said they might negotiate a final budget as early as this Friday. As they negotiate, VAPCA will continue to bring you all the latest news from Richmond.

Update from Richmond: Senate Defeats Anti-Home Care Budget

2012-03-01T01:00:09Z

Richmond, VA - The State Senate has defeated the Anti-Home Care, Anti-Education Budget, which was proposed last week by the Senate Finance and House Appropriations Committees. The proposed budget threatens the health of older adults and people with disabilities by slashing funding for cost-effective Quality Home Care.

The proposed budget:

- FAILS to restore 1% pay-cut for Home Care providers

- FAILS to restore the 240 cut respite hours for older adults and people with disabilities

- FAILS to restore Home Care for 4,500+ Virginians who were kicked out of the program

- FAILS to offer paid sick days for Home Care providers

That's why VAPCA members called on the Senate to defeat the anti-Home Care budget; and that's why Senators voted this budget down.

But our work isn't done yet. Now it's time for Senators to write a better budget, which restores funding to critical Home Care services.

Stand Up for Quality Home Care: Call Your Legislator Today!

2012-02-13T00:13:46Z

On Sunday, February 19, legislators in both the state House and state Senate will announce their budgets. For the past two months - since the Governor announced his proposed budget - Home Care providers and consumers have been talking to their elected officials about the importance of Quality Home Care. Will those legislators listen to their constituents and invest in our communities? Will they restore reckless cuts to Home and Community-Based Services?

The answer to those questions is up to you!

Call your elected officials today and tell them to support Quality Home Care! To find out who your legislator is, click here.

Simply enter your address and then call your state Senator and your state Delegate on their capital phone numbers.

Tell them: (1) you are a constituent; and (2) you want them to restore cuts to Medicaid Home Care providers' and consumers' pay, hours, eligibility and waiver slots. Together, we can save Virginia's Home Care system for all!

VAPCA Members Make Our Voices Heard at 2012 "Quality Home Care Day" at the General Assembly in Richmond

2012-01-25T16:03:43Z

Richmond, VA - On January 23-24, Home Care providers, consumers and advocates from across the Commonwealth gathered in Richmond at the annual VAPCA Awards Dinner and Quality Home Care Lobby Day. They shared their stories and spoke out to legislators about the need to protect and expand Virginia's Quality Home Care program.

CONGRATULATIONS to everyone who made this such a success!

Check out the below photos and stories from this amazing event:

VAPCA Members were honored during the first-annual Awards Dinner. Delegate Patrick Hope (center), along with Senator Janet Howell (not pictured), received the Legislative Leadership Award.

Home Care Provider Jewel Royal served as MC for the Awards Dinner, leading our great crowd in a discussion of how best to advocate at the General Assembly

Home Care providers and consumers from NOVA talk to Legislative Aide Karol Straub from Senator Janet Howell's office.

VAPCA Members meet with Delegate John Cox to advocate for budget amendments, which would: restore pay cuts to Home Care providers; restore respite hours; add Waiver slots; provide PCAs with paid sick days; and make sure that no one loses their home care.

January 23 - 24: Annual Dinner and Lobby Day

2012-01-10T17:14:23Z

On Monday, January 23rd and Tuesday, January 24th, join VAPCA members from across the Commonwealth for our annual Awards Dinner and Lobby Day.

We will unite together to celebrate our successes from the past year and to advocate for improvements to Virginia's Home Care system, including a restoration of pay-cuts, respite hours and more waiver slots.

Reserve your spot today! Call the VAPCA Office at 804-447-0734 to get your spot at the Dinner/Lobby Day and to reserve a hotel room (for those members from outside of Richmond)

What: Annual Awards Dinner and Lobby Day Who: VAPCA members, consumers and family
When: Monday, January 23 at 6:30pm (Dinner)Tuesday, January 24 at 8:00 am (Lobby Day)
Where: Holiday Inn, 2000 Staples Mill Road, Richmond, VA

For more information, please contact the VAPCA Office at 804-447-0734

January 16: MLK Day Vigil

2012-01-10T17:08:27Z

On Monday, January 16th, join hundreds of Virginians as we gather at the State Capitol to celebrate and honor Dr. King's legacy and values of equality, justice and opportunity. Help us bring King's message and a progressive vision of Virginia to our legislators. Please join us for inspiring reflection and song.

What: Candelight Vigil Honoring Martin Luther King Who: All are welcome!Candlelight Vigil
When: Monday, January 16 at 5:00pm
Where: Capitol Bell Tower, 9th and Bank St., Richmond, VA

For more information, please contact the VAPCA Office at 804-447-0734

Home Care Providers and Consumers Speak Out at Budget Hearings, Head to Richmond for Start of the Legislative Session

2012-01-10T16:55:50Z

Across Virginia - from Big Stone Gap to Fairfax, from Newport News to Richmond to Lexington - Home Care providers and consumers made their voices heard at Regional Budget Hearings on January 4th and 5th.

Community allies, older adults and people with disabilities joined VAPCA members to call on legislators to restore the Governor's proposed cuts to pay rates, hours and waiver slots.

"I make just $11.46. I don't have health insurance. I don't have sick days. I don't have vacation days. I don't have a pension," said Home Care provider Vellon Harris of Arlington. "At a time when the Governor is giving tax-breaks for millionairs to buy yachts, is this really how we want to treat those who care for our seniors and people with disabilities?"

Julia Newton, a Home Care provider and mother of a consumer from Norfolk, testified: "My son was on the waiting list for 10 years. This July he finally got a waiver, but there are other families still waiting. I'm here today advocating for all families."

To see media coverage, watch the Channel 6 story here: http://www.wtvr.com/news/wtvr-virginia-budget-hearings-arc-of-virginia-larrick-student-center-senator-henry-marsh-deborah-greene-intellectual-disabilities-in-virginia-20120106,0,2746742.story

And read the Daily Press story, which features VAPCA Member Alexis Edwards, here: http://www.wtvr.com/news/wtvr-virginia-budget-hearings-arc-of-virginia-larrick-student-center-senator-henry-marsh-deborah-greene-intellectual-disabilities-in-virginia-20120106,0,2746742.story

Up next: Home Care advocates are heading to Richmond to make their voices heard during the 2012 General Assembly session, which begins on January 11. For more information about upcoming events - including the January 16th Martin Luther King Jr. Day Vigil and the January 23-24 Lobby Day - please contact the VAPCA office ay 804-447-0734.

Make Your Voice Heard: Attend the Budget Hearing Closest to You on January 5th or 6th

2011-12-18T00:05:19Z

Every year, Home Care providers, consumers and allies attend state budget hearings across the Commonwealth to fight for Home Care funding . We unite together to tell our elected officials how Home Care keeps people with disabilities and older adults in their homes while also saving the state money. And it works! In recent years, thanks to the efforts of great advocates like you, we've helped win a raise for providers and have saved the program from elimination.

But 2012 is not just another year. It will take everything we have to restore the cuts that the General Assembly made to Home Care earlier this year, including a 1% pay-cut for providers and a cut of 240 hours of much-needed respite care for consumers.

Join us at the Hearing closest to you! For the full list of Budget Hearings, see below:

Northern Virginia (Fairfax)
Friday, January 6th at 9:00 AM (Speakers sign-up at 6 am)
George Mason University, Fairfax Campus, Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030-4444

Richmond-Area (Richmond)
Friday, January 6th at 10:00 AM (speakers sign-up at 8 am)
Medical College of Virginia, Larrick Student Center
900 Turpin Street (Near 9th & 01th Streets downtown)
Richmond, VA

Hampton Roads (Newport News)
Friday, January 6th at 10:00 AM
Christopher Newport University, Ferguson Center, Music and Theater Hall 1 University Place, Newport News, VA

Central Virginia (Lexington)
Friday, January 6th at 10:00 AM
Virginia Military Institute
Marshall Center for Leadership and Ethics, Hall of Valor
512 Letcher Avenue, Lexington, Virginia

Southwest Virginia (Big Stone Gap)
Thursday, January 5th at 9:00 am
Mountain Empire Community College, Goodloe Center
3441 Mountain Empire Road, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219

Vote for Quality Home Care this Election Day - Tuesday November 8th - Polls are open from 6 am - 7 pm

2011-11-07T22:26:12Z

On November 8th, Virginians across the state will go to the polls and vote for candidates for Delegate, state Senator and local elected office. Meanwhile, VAPCA members are making sure that the voices of home care providers and consumers are heard on Election Day by knocking on thousands of doors and making thousands of phone calls for pro-Home Care candidates.

Make Your Voice Heard on Election Day - Vote to Save Home Care!

Don't know what district you live in? Just click here

Don't know where your polling place is? Just click here

The polls are open from 6 am until 7 pm.

Pro-Home Care Senate candidates endorsed by VAPCA Members

1st Senate District: Senator John Miller
6th Senate District: Senator Ralph Northam
13th Senate District: Shawn Mitchell
17th Senate District: Senator Edd Houck
21st Senate District: Senator John Edwards
22nd Senate District: Bert Dodson
30th Senate District: Adam Ebbin
31st Senate District: Barbara Favola
32nd Senate District: Senator Janet Howell
33rd Senate District: Senator Mark Herring
34th Senate District: Senator Chap Petersen
35th Senate District: Senator Dick Saslaw
37th Senate District: Senator Dave Marsden
39th Senate District: Senator George Lincoln Barker

VAPCA Advocates for Quality Home Care at NVAN Legislative Breakfast

2011-10-07T15:43:11Z

Fairfax, VA - On October 6th, VAPCA members joined other Long Term Care providers and advocates at the 12th annual Northern Virginia Aging Network (NVAN) Legislative Breakfast. Over 200 people - including more than two dozen candidates for the General Assembly - gathered together to discuss the best policies for ensuring that older adults can live independently at home and in the community. NVAN is comprised of the Area Agencies on Aging, Councils on Aging and non-profits in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Falls Church, Loudoun and Prince William. "It was wonderful to be in a room filled with so many people that understand the need for home care and who are willing to fight for it," said Home Care provider and VAPCA Political Committee member Susan Edwards. "More people in our country are understanding the need of caring for our older population, and our members play a vital role in that."

Candidates Speak Out for Quality Home Care

2011-08-23T00:29:05Z

Fairfax, VA - On Saturday, August 20th, 20 candidates for state and local office attended VAPCA's Election Launch event. Candidates - including Quality Home Care champions Senator Janet Howell, Senator George Barker and Delegate Patrick Hope - spoke out about the need to restore cuts to Virginia's Medicaid Home Care system, including cuts to providers' pay and consumers' hours.

VAPCA members were joined by Local 5's Fairfax County Employee members and Loudoun County Employee members to stand together in support of quality public services, living wages and health care for all Virginians.

This November, voters across Virginia will go to the polls to vote for all 100 state House members and all 40 state Senators. These legislators are the ones who make decisions about Home Care funding, pay, hours and benefits.

To get involved in VAPCA's 2011 Election efforts, contact our Richmond office at 804-447-0734.

Sunday, August 28: Attend the Regional Meeting Closest To You!

2011-08-22T23:45:30Z

Home Care providers, consumers and advocates are coming together across the state to improve the quality of Home Care for all Virginians. Will you be there?

Want to find out more about VAPCA's efforts to restore the cuts to respite hours and home care workers' pay? Want to find out what you can do about it?

Attend the Regional VAPCA "Quality Home Care" Meeting closest to you...

Sunday, August 28th at 2:00 pm

4 Meetings across Virginia! In: Christiansburg, Norfolk, Richmond and Winchester.

For more info, call VAPCA at 804-447-0734.

VAPCA Members Help Launch "Better Choices for Virginia"

2011-08-05T23:03:10Z

Richmond, VA - Speaking at a press conference at the General Assembly Building on August 3, VAPCA Member and Home Care provider Laura Clark helped launch the "Better Choices for Virginia" Coalition. Better Choices for Virginia is made up of 27 organizations committed to a stable and prosperous Commonwealth, and finding balanced solutions to Virginia's budget problems. During the past General Assembly session, legislators balanced the budget by making cuts to critical Home Care services, including pay-cuts for home care workers and respite care-cuts for home care consumers. VAPCA members advocated strongly that Virginia should invest in crucial, cost-effective home care services.

"For Virginia to continue to be a state we're proud of, a place where want to raise our children, we've got to get our priorities straight," said Clark at the press conference. "Sensible revenue solutions instead of just making cuts in services can be a big part of making sure that older adults and people with disabilities are able to live healthy and comfortable lives."

Clark joined with Johanna Hoffman and Cherral Moore, two Coalition members, to write an Op-Ed in the Richmond Times-Dispatch. They write:

"Sometimes the people are ahead of the politicians. Virginians know that over the years leaders of our state -- Democrats and Republicans -- have made the choices that lead to jobs and a strong economy. Those who came before us made the right choices, and now it's up to us to make the right choices for our children and their children."

To learn more about Better Choices Virginia, and to join their e-mail list, visit: http://betterchoicesva.org/

To read the full Richmond Times-Dispatch Op-Ed, click here.

Make Your Voice Heard: Complete the Consumer-Directed Home Care Survey Today!

2011-08-02T20:03:01Z

The Virginia Association of Personal Care Assistants is partnering with the Virginia Association of Centers for Independent Living on a grant to increase the number of professionals who provide consumer-directed support to people with disabilities.

As part of the grant, we want to hear from YOU! People who provide and receive consumer-directed services are the people who best know how to imprtove those programs.

Make Your Voice Heard Today!

Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and then pass this on to anyone you know who provides or receives consumer-directed services. The deadline for completing the survey is this Friday, August 5th.

If you are a PCA who provides consumer-directed services, please complete the survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CDProfessionals

If you are a person who uses consumer-directed services, please complete the survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CDemployer

Call Congress Today at 877-736-7831: Tell Them To Stand Strong Against Cuts to Medicaid and Medicare

2011-07-30T11:56:20Z

Right now, Washington is debating a disastrous debt deal, with massive cuts to Medicaid and Medicare. These cuts could have a devastating impact on the quality of Home Care in Virginia, and could undo all the victories we've won in Richmond. Home Care services for older adults and people with disabilities are on the line. Home Care jobs are on the line.

Won't you call your Senator right now? Tell them to stand strong against cuts to Medicaid and Medicare.

Calling your Senator is as easy as 1-2-3.

1: Call toll-free 877-736-7831

2. Listen to the message and enter your 5-digit zip code. You will then be connected to your Senator's office.

3. Tell them: Don't cut Medicaid and Medicare!

VAPCA Members Honor the Life and Legacy of Shirley Crawford

2011-07-20T23:22:19Z

We are very saddened to announce that, on Monday July 18th, VAPCA Leadership Council member and Home Care consumer Shirley Crawford, passed away. Shirley will be remembered by all who knew her as a passionate and skilled advocate for all those who provide and receive Quality Home Care services. In recent years, she helped coordinate speakers at statewide Budget Hearings as well as VAPCA's "Quality Home Care Days" in Richmond, leading teams of members through the General Assembly to talk with their legislators.

"Shirley was a wonderful advocate," said PCA and fellow VAPCA member Shareen Miller. "She was an inspiration to all she met."

Her fellow VAPCA members honored Shirley with a moment of silence at a monthly leadership committee meeting on Tuesday. Those interested in finding out more about how to honor Shirley's legacy should contact the VAPCA office.

Saturday, April 16: Christiansburg Meeting

2011-04-11T14:04:38Z

Home Care in Virginia is changing! Join providers, consumers, family and friends to discuss how the new home care budget will affect hours and pay, and our plan moving forward, now that the legislative session is over.

What: VAPCA Meeting

Who: Home Care workers, consumers, facilitators, allies, advocates, family and friends.

When: Saturday, April 16th, 2:00 - 4:00 pm

Where: Christiansburg Rec Center (old Lowes Building)

1600 North Franklin Street, Christiansburg, VA 24072

RSVP: To reserve your space, call Mark, 540-230-7897

General Assembly Passes Budget: Victories and Set-Backs for Quality Home Care, as the Fight Continues

2011-02-28T17:39:55Z

Richmond, VA - The General Assembly adjourned late on Feb. 27, after passing a compromise budget, which includes both victories and set-backs for Quality Home Care. VAPCA Members and Friends have worked hard for months -- making thousands of phone calls, speaking out at Budget Hearings, and rallying in Richmond on Quality Home Care Day -- advocating for legislators to restore dangerous cuts to reimbursement rates, waiver slots, respite care and more.

The budget, which passed both the Republican-lead House and the Democratic-lead Senate, reflects real victories on these issues. The budget will:

● Restore 4% of Home Care workers' pay (reducing a proposed 5% cut to a 1% cut)
● Restore 240 respite hours per consumer per year
● Add 275 ID Waiver Slots and 150 DD Waiver Slots

These restorations will help ensure that older adults and people with disabilities are able to access cost-effective Home Care, and that Virginia taxpayers will not be forced to pay for unnecessary and costly institutional care.

However, we recognize there is much left to accomplish. Legislators capped personal care hours at 56 hours per week per consumer. Though the legislature established an exception for individuals who can demonstrate they need more than 56 hours per week, VAPCA will continue to advocate aggressively against arbitrary caps on Home Care. VAPCA Leaders will also continue to call for a Living Wage and Healthcare Benefits for PCAs, full restoration of Respite Care Hours, and an End to the Waiting Lists.

For more information on how you can help advocate for Quality Home Care, contact our Richmond office at 804-447-0734