The origins of better jobs better care

Abstract

Better Jobs Better Care was the nation's largest single initiative created to reduce the high vacancy and turnover rates of direct care workers and improve workforce quality through both policy and practice changes. In this article, we describe the important role and key characteristics of direct care workers, what motivated the unique partnership between a provider association and a direct care worker advocacy organization to create this initiative, and how the initiative was designed to respond to the key challenges through applied research and demonstration projects. We conclude by discussing how BJBC has influenced providers, policy makers, and direct care workers to think about these frontline caregivers, who are the crux of the long-term care workforce. Copyright 2008 by The Gerontological Society of America.