State leaders in Connecticut have introduced a new grant program aimed at enhancing safety and security for home health care workers in response to the increasing importance of their role. With $6 million in American Rescue Plan funds, the initiative includes new training programs, emergency response buttons, GPS monitoring, and more. This comes after the tragic death of Joyce Grayson, a visiting nurse who was killed while on duty in 2023.
The program also addresses the high risks and challenges faced by caregivers, with statistics showing that a significant percentage of workers have been verbally, physically, or sexually abused. Home health care agencies will be able to apply for the grant program starting in August, with the initiative set to take effect on October 1.
According to Governor Ned Lamont, the launch of this new program is a way to honor Joyce Grayson and prioritize the safety of all home health care workers. Safety measures, such as emergency alert buttons and GPS trackers, are seen as crucial to ensuring the well-being of those in this essential profession. The Grayson family’s attorney, Kelly Reardon, emphasized the importance of making these devices accessible to all home health workers, especially those working for smaller companies that may need financial assistance to prioritize worker safety.
Source
Photo credit www.wtnh.com
