DID YOU KNOW…
There is a national shortage of in-home caregivers. While there are programs at the national, state, and local levels to facilitate the placement of caregivers in the homes of those in need, there are not enough qualified caregivers available. This is where the Caregiver Incentive Project comes in!
WHY THE SHORTAGE?
Currently there just aren’t enough people entering into the job. There is no career path, training or accreditation for in-home caregivers. There are misperceptions about the job, like it’s a family responsibility or it can be considered “elderly babysitting”. The work shifts can be very unstable and the pay is low, with a national median pay around $9.55 per hour (BLS 2016).
Our focus is to reach out to increase the number of in-home caregivers, regardless of academic or career experience. Our intent is to increase the number of in-home caregivers by providing cost free training and financial incentives in the way of scholarships, grants, stipends, and potential student debt repayment matching funds.
START LOCALLY
We are currently working with with high schools, colleges, and universities to establish intern programs for students regardless of their chosen program of study. The internship placement will further enhance programs of study in fields such as, but not limited to, medical, social work, education, and clergy by providing “real life” experiences prior to entering those career fields. The program will provide cost free training for working as an in-home caregiver and incentives in the form of grants and scholarships based on the amount of time an individual works as an in-home caregiver. College students choosing to use their earnings to pay off their student debt may also qualify, upon application, to receive matching funds to be used toward their student debt.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
START LOCALLY
STEP 1: INFORM
We are raising awareness at the local, state and national level about
- Why the shortage exists.
- What the public, high schools, colleges, universities and appropriate agencies can do to help eliminate this crisis.
- What the Caregiver Incentive Project is doing to address this issue and be part of the solution.
STEP 2: TRAINING
We are establishing a higher standard of training and certification for entry level in-home caregivers by:
- Establishing a career path for those that spend their lives as in-home caregivers.
- Set a standard of ethical behavior expected from caregivers.
- Provide and pay for training and certifications.
STEP 3: INCENTIVIZE
We are informing, encouraging, and inspiring individuals to provide in-home care and team up with high schools, colleges and universities so they can be part of the fix by:
- Informing their faculty, employees, and students about this national crisis.
- Promoting and advertising the Caregiver Incentive Project and the potential benefits that students may garner from being involved in the Caregiver Incentive Project.
- Encouraging student participation in solving this crisis.
- Establishing incentives for student participation in being part of the solution.
We are working with retired individuals from professions such as, but not limited to: nurses, teachers, social workers, first responders, etc. to find ways for them to help end this crisis.
OUR INSPIRATION
DOROTHY PAAD
As part of the ‘Moving Mountains Adaptive Program’ – a non-profit organization in the Upper Peninsula dedicated to providing winter outdoor recreation instruction to those with disabilities – Paad’s inspiring story was represented by a short film commissioned by the organization.
HOW WE WILL BE USING YOUR DONATION:
The Caregiver Incentive Project is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Charity.
100% of your donation goes to putting an end to the national shortage of qualified in-home caregivers in your area.
If the national shortage of qualified in-home caregivers is not resolved, it will affect us all – many as we near the end of our own lives.
Meet the Team!
Eric Paad
Eric Paad Founder and President Eric grew up on a dairy farm in Northeastern Michigan. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Professional Aeronautics and a minor in Aviation Business Management from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Eric served in the U. S. Air Force for twenty-two years and was awarded the U.S. Air Force...
Dr. Kristi Robinia
Dr. Kristi Robinia Director Dr. Robinia is the Associate Dean and Director for the School of Nursing at Northern Michigan University. She holds a PhD in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University and a Masters of Science in Nursing Administration from the University of Utah. Dr. Robinia has worked as a Professor of Nursing in...
Odessa Adams
Odessa Adams Director Odessa Adams holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biopsychology from the University of California Santa Barbara. She began her career while in college, working as a caregiver in an assisted living community. Odessa has worked in the field of social services for 13 years in various positions supporting senior citizens and...
Sarah R.W. Shell
Sarah R.W. Shell LMSW Special Projects Team Leader For the past sixteen years Sarah has worked as a clinical social worker; fourteen years in the medical setting. Eleven of those years have been at Michigan Medicine in Children and Women Services. She hold a Master of Social Work degree from Wayne State University. She has...
Dorothy Paad
Dorothy Paad CIP Spokesperson The inspiration for the Caregiver Incentive Project, Dorothy Paad, joins the CIP team as spokeswoman. Dorothy has completed three years as a student at Northern Michigan University on a modified program, studying for a degree of Associate of Applied Science with a Concentration in Theatre and Fine Arts. She has appeared...
Ellen Rapp
Ellen Rapp Caregiver Action Group Team Leader Ellen Rapp joins CIP’s team as Team Leader of Caregiver Action Group, which was created for in-home caregivers to gather and network. She is a student at Northern Michigan University studying social work, has volunteered at Beacon Hospitality House promoting healing and emotional support to others during medical...
Kara Vernon
Kara Vernon - Caregiver, Advisor, and Mentor As one of Dorothy’s most memorable friends and caregivers, Kara Vernon is a special person to CIP’s team. Kara is a Northern Michigan University graduate with a Bachelor's degree in management of health and fitness with a minor in dance. During her tenure as a student at NMU,...
906 Technologies
906 Technologies 906 Technologies is a growing tech company that has been based out of Marquette, MI since 2005. Their highly motivated team is dedicated to staying on top of the latest in the ever-changing world of technology. They offer a variety of services involving IT Service and Sales, Web & Software Development, Computer Repair,...
Invent@NMU
Invent@NMU | Strategic Partner Invent@NMU continues its partnership with CIP to aid in marketing efforts to push forward the nonprofit's overall mission. Invent@NMU is the idea incubator® based at Northern Michigan University powered by students, and led by professionals. From products to small businesses, the program offers a variety of innovative and entrepreneurial support to...
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"Throughout this experience there were many unexpected and lasting benefits. Things I have learned that I can utilize the rest of my life in social and work atmospheres"
Kara Vernon In-Home Caregiver & Student
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