Important Update
Liberty Home Choices IS CLOSING AND Your Consumers WILL BE ASKED TO Transition to a New Provider
What’s going on?
Sadly, Liberty Resources has made the decision to close their home care agency, Liberty Home Choices. As a result, over the next 60 days, consumers will be advised to choose a new provider for their ongoing care. Your union is here to support you and your consumer during this transition.
We encourage you to advise your consumer to take their time and make the decision that feels right. It is important that you are both able to transition to a new care system that values consumer independence and respects the work that you do!
If your consumer cares about Good wages / paid training / quality care / union protections — We have two recommendations on what direction to go:
OPTION #1
Participant-Direction
If your consumer believes you should continue to have the power of a union behind you, our first recommendation is for them to choose participant-directed care through Tempus. At Tempus, your consumer will set your hours instead of an agency middle-man. Union caregivers and consumers just won $21 million to raise wages above $16/hr in the Philadelphia area. Working through Tempus is the only way to do homecare and still be part of a union in Philadelphia.
For help starting Tempus enrollment, call your Member Resource Center at 1 (800) 252-3894.
DOWNLOAD TEMPUS TRANSITION GUIDE HERE
OPTION #2
HOME CARE ASSOCIATES
If Tempus isn’t right for your consumer, our second recommendation is for both you and your consumer to move to Home Care Associates. Home Care Associates is not your average agency. They are a worker owned co-op where direct care workers are paid weekly, have health insurance, get paid time off (including your birthday), and the respect that comes from having a voice. At Home Care Associates caregivers are not just employees, they are also co-owners, with a seat on the board and and a share of the annual profits. The union is working closely with Home Care Associates to assist Liberty attendants and consumers who are interested in transitioning there. To learn more call (267) 238 3215 or (215) 789 0491 or visit hca.elevate.coop.
DOWNLOAD HOME CARE ASSOCIATES BROCHURE HERE
Most important of all
Do not hesitate to encourage your consumer to take their time and make the decision that feels best for them. Be wary of home care agencies that promise a wage rate that is dependent on meeting certain benchmarks, or changes if you take on overtime. Be wary of home care agencies that promise benefits that start only after working a certain number of hours.
At Liberty Home Choices, you have had a union contract to protect you from changes in your wage rate or benefits. You will not have these protections at other agencies.
Know your rights
As Liberty Home Choice winds down, management is required to meet and negotiate over the terms of the closure to ensure you receive everything that is owed to you. If you are concerned about receiving your PTO, past paychecks, or any other benefits - contact yout Member Resource Center at 1 (800) 252-3894 immediately for support.