Due to funding constraints, until further notice, Commonwealth Corporation will not be accepting any new grant applications, unless submitted by an organization that is currently in receipt of a planning grant. If you have any questions, please contact Pat Caron at (617)727-8158 or by email at pcaron@commcorp.org.
Program
Commonwealth Corporation assists long-term care employers to design career advancement programs, which incorporate coaching, education, and skills training for direct-care workers.
Need
The quality of service for seniors and disabled individuals suffers due to high employee turnover and chronic worker shortages. Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) have demanding careers that are vital to the industry, but they frequently move on to other jobs because they have few opportunities for professional, economic, or educational advancement.
Solution
The Extended Care Career Ladders Initiative (ECCLI) addresses the recruitment and retention of nursing staff by providing them with flexible educational opportunities and incentives. A framework for Nursing Home Quality was also implemented in order to encourage better workplace conditions for CNAs while simultaneously promoting workplace culture change.
Impact
Since 2000, ECCLI has helped more than 172 nursing homes and home health agencies train over 9,000 individuals. ECCLI sites report improved worker retention rates and reductions in the cost of doing business, while improving the quality of patient care. Direct-care workers who completed at least one training module have received a wage increase at an average of $0.53 per hour.
