Education:
Jump On Recruitment, Referral Opportunities During National Home Care Month
Published on Thu Oct 23, 2003
Set aside time in Novembr to honor your staff and educate referral sources. It's that time of year again - no, not the holidays, but National Home Care Month. In addition, November is National Hospice Month and host to National Home Health Aide Week (Nov. 9-15), notes the National Association for Home Care & Hospice. This year's themes are Home Care: Where the Healing Begins; Hospice: Great Care At Last; and Home Care Aides: We're Part of the Family. Now's the time to get cracking on plans for the events. In addition to educating the public and the media on the role of home care, here are some tips from NAHC on making the most of the events that are mere days away: For recruitment & retention: Honor employees and volunteers with gifts such as pens, license plate holders and mugs. Distribute cookies or other small items on Nov. 17, the designated "National Day of Caring," to all employees. Post an email and paycheck message to all staff, thanking them for their skill and commitment. Establish and announce a "Home Care Aide of the Year" award Nov. 17. For referral cultivation: Establish and announce a "Physician of the Year" award Nov. 17. Establish and announce a "Case Manager of the Year" award Nov. 17. Establish and announce a "Caregiver of the Year" award Nov. 17. Editor's Note: Free guidance on conducting activities for the month, including a media kit, is available at
www.nahc.org.