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A message to direct care workers and friends,
All to
often public figures and sometimes even our friends demean the value and
critical importance of OUR work as direct care and support workers. Our jobs and roles are sometimes described in ways that devalue our skills and contributions to the
safety, care and independence of our elders and persons living with
disabilities. I am asking for your help in educating policy makers and others
about our essential role and to demand respect for our profession.
Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee recently expressed this type of insensitive and demeaning view that perpetuates disrespect for the work of direct care
workers. As I direct care worker I ask you to join me in support of the Iowa
Caregivers Association strong defense of our work and role.
Join me in
supporting the Iowa CareGivers and EXPECT RESPECT. Finally, don't forget to sign on to the DCA's Respect for Homecare campaign.
Take
Action today. See below for instructions.
John
Booker
DCA Board
Chair
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Expect Respect!
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Presidential
candidate Mike Huckabee raised the ire of direct care workers across
the country with his demeaning and thoughtless comments on Larry King
Live last week.
When asked about pardons he made while Governor of
Arkansas he said:
"....there was
a 17-year old girl who wrote a hot check and now she's 35, and that hot check,
put on her record so that now - because of the background checks that are
required for someone working in a nursing home - she can't get a job emptying a
bedpan." The
Iowa Caregivers Association have responded to this all too common
attitude by making it an "issue" in the last few days of the Iowa
Presidential Caucus. Here is the letter they have sent out. Congratulations to the Iowa Caregivers for their timely response and excellent letter.
Let's
start the new year and use this opportunity to educate the public
through writing a letter to the editor and communicating with
candidates of all types and political persuasions about the importance
of respect for the direct care and support professions.
Here are some tips on how to write a letter to the editor provided by:
Call or email either of us if you need any assistance or further information in order to take action now.
With Respect,
Leonila & Roy
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