The Iowa CareGivers Association holds its annual conference in Des Moines beginning Monday. Pam Biklen, spokesperson for the group, says some 300 direct-care workers are expected to attend including certified nurse assistants, home health aides, and home care techs.
Biklen says there is a shortage of workers in the industry and one of the things the group is trying to do is recruit more people into the profession. Biklen says even though they provide 80-percent of the direct care — the profession often gets overlooked. Biklen says one of the things they try to do is improve the profession so more people recognize the importance of direct care and the services they provide.
The Iowa CareGivers Association conference runs Monday through Tuesday.