FACT SHEET: Resource Centers Should Consider Hosting Matching Service Registries
Aging and disability resource centers (ADRCs) are uniquely positioned to effectively host, maintain, and market matching service registries (MSRs) to home care consumers and workers, according to a fact sheet authored by PHI and published by the National Direct Service Workforce Resource Center.
These registries can help match supply and demand, allowing consumers to tap into an up-to-date registry of available workers, while allowing workers to signal their availability for employment, the fact sheet states.
MSRs can help ADRCs meet their evolving mission of providing long-term care consumers with a “one-stop shop” for information, counseling, and supports, authors Dorie Seavey and Abby Marquand write. Currently, many ADRCs maintain hard-copy lists of independent providers, but generally with minimal information about worker interests, specialty areas, and availability.
“Compared to many community organizations, state ADRCs are likely to have the capacity and knowledge to build MSRs into existing resource database infrastructures and to manage a dynamic system through skilled resource managers,” the fact sheet notes.
“They are also well positioned to market the value of the MSRs to individuals of all disabilities and income levels,” it continues.
Background on Registries
The fact sheet also answers many frequently asked questions about MSRs.
Most matching service registries that help in-home caregivers match up with clients have been established in the past several years. Today, fifteen states maintain statewide MSRs. (Regional registries are in operation in four other states.)
Additionally, West Virginia passed legislation earlier this year requiring a statewide MSR to be established, while Wisconsin and Michigan de-funded their registries.
The PHI Matching Services Project compiles information about MSRs across the country, as well as the most up-to-date news and research on these registries.
— by Matthew Ozga
