Published: May 10, 2019

May 2019

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Care Power

Info and action about our movement
to change the way we care for each other in Oregon

Stacy Heath, Lorna Burnell, Irene Hunt, Ann Lyndsay

Care Power: Addus Bargaining

Winning a strong contract for private-agency homecare workers

More than 500 SEIU 503 caregivers at Addus, a private homecare agency serving consumers mostly in Eugene, Salem and Medford, are working together to set goals for negotiating their new union contract this summer. Addus caregivers are completing a survey to identify the issues that they will bargain over to ensure that caregivers—and the consumers in their care—will get what they need.

“Being a caregiver is more than a job,” says Irene Hunt, a caregiver at Addus for three years. “It is a career that should be treated with the respect and dignity it deserves. Caregiving is a skilled position that demands physical, mental, and emotional fortitude. Caregivers need career growth opportunities and excellent training so we can provide a healthier life for our clients.”

Care Power: The Care Agenda

Caregivers take action at the capitol to improve private agency homecare

Early this month, more caregivers descended on the State Capitol to share their experiences working for private agencies providing in-home care.

“We talked to Senator Beyer about the need for SB 669 which will provide more oversight and better training for private agency homecare. After he listened to our experiences, he committed to support SB 669,” said caregiver Rachel Bennett.

Care Power: Care @Work

Workers’ Comp and caregiver on-the-job injuries

Caregivers Heather Wagner and Keisha Alexander met with the Oregon State Workers’ Compensation DIvision in April to share stories of on-the-job injuries and to help advocate for workers’ comp coverage for private agency caregivers. The State has agreed to issue guidance for private agencies to help ensure workers’ rights are respected.

Care power activists at the Oregon State Legislature

Care Power: The Care Agenda

Legislative update: Revenue to fund long term care

As we enter the final two months of the legislative session, a number of key bills that directly impact care providers are moving through the legislature. Care power activists are focused on winning funding at the legislature to protect workers’ rights and benefits, consumer hours, and service quality.

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Universal Homecare Standards

Contact your legislator to help win universal standards for Oregon homecare workers and consumers.

Take action today!

Care Power: Upcoming Events

Help build Care Power in Oregon!

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Caregiver Wellness

Portland, May 18

Yoga for Caregivers!
First in an ongoing series. Free! Beginner-level class, all are welcome!

More info / RSVP

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Rally for Revenue

Salem, May 20

Join us to tell elected officials: Invest in caregiver wages and hours for consumers!

More info / RSVP

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Caregiver Workshop

Wilsonville, June 22

6 Free CEUs for AFH Providers: “Self-Care: Who, What, How?” and “Trauma and Long Term Care”

More info / RSVP