Welcome to the Consumer Direct Care Network Tennessee (CDTN) newsletter! Published quarterly, this newsletter shares CDTN news, helpful hints, and training topics for members, caregivers, and employers.
Caregiver Spotlight—
Aaron Warren
This month, we are proud to recognize our amazing member, Aaron Warren. Aaron is the creator and CEO of Zipped (wearzipped.com). His company makes popular shoes easier to wear for people with disabilities. Zipped adds zippers to well-known shoes. This helps people put on their shoes more easily while wearing the styles they love.
As Aaron says, "We hand-modify the world's most popular shoes by installing zippers, so people with disabilities can wear the shoes they want."
Aaron's shoes help people of all ages, from babies to older adults. They give people more comfort, confidence, and independence. His work has been featured in many news stories. He also uses social media to support disability awareness, inclusion, and accessibility.
People know Aaron for his positive attitude, great sense of humor, and kind heart. He enjoys helping others and encouraging people to live life to the fullest.
Thank you, Aaron, for making a difference and helping create a more accessible world. We are proud that you chose CDTN.
Go, Aaron!
Helpful Reminder: Hospital Visits
If a member goes into a hospital or nursing facility, Consumer Direction caregivers cannot provide paid services during that stay.
While the member is getting care, TennCare does not allow caregivers to be paid through Consumer Direction services. The member's Managed Care Organization (MCO) will place services on hold.
Services can start again after the member leaves the hospital or nursing facility and the MCO removes the hold.
Do not submit a shift while the member is in the hospital or nursing facility. Any time submitted could be reported as suspected fraud, which could lead to an investigation. If there is an investigation, the caregiver would be put on hold and cannot work. The caregiver's return to work depends on the results of the investigation.
Caring for Yourself
While Caring for Others
Being a caregiver is rewarding. It can also be hard.
When you spend so much time helping others, you may forget to take care of yourself. Over time, this can lead to burnout.
Signs of burnout include:
Feeling tired most of the time
Feeling stressed or overwhelmed
Feeling anxious or easily upset
Losing interest in things you enjoy
If this sounds like you, remember that you are not alone.
Taking care of yourself is important. Get enough sleep. Eat healthy foods. Take short breaks. Spend time with family and friends. Ask for help when you need it. When you care for yourself, you can better care for others.
Remember: You can't pour from an empty cup. Take time
to refill yours!
Important Steps to Hiring a Caregiver
Hiring a new caregiver is simple. After you choose the person you want to hire, there are a few steps to complete before they can start working.
First, the new worker must complete First Aid and CPR training through an approved in-person provider, such as the American Heart Association. Next, send the worker's information to your Supports Broker. They will prepare the hiring forms and send them through DocuSign.
After the worker finishes their forms, you will complete the rest of the paperwork, including the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification form. Then return everything for review. Consumer Direct Care Network Tennessee (CDTN) will complete the required background checks and make sure all required training is finished. When everything is approved, you will receive notice that your worker is ready to begin.
Important: Wait until you receive the official start date from CDTN before scheduling your worker to provide paid care.
You can now see your Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) Compliance Score on the home page of your DirectMyCare portal. TennCare requires caregivers to keep an EVV score of at least 90%. If your score drops below 90%, the EVV bar in DirectMyCare will turn red. Click the EVV bar to see which shifts affected your score. The next screen explains what makes a shift compliant or non-compliant. You can also click the View icon to find the shifts that lowered your score.
Fun Fact:
Did you know that The Muse Knoxville offers free admission for personal care attendants who help visitors with disabilities?
According to The Muse Knoxville, nurses, therapists, aides, personal care attendants, and visual interpreters may receive one free admission ticket when helping a paying visitor or member who needs medical or physical support during their visit. Be sure to ask for the free ticket when the visitor or member checks in.
We obey federal and state civil rights laws. We do not treat people in a different way because of their race, color, birth place, language, age, disability, religion, or sex.
Do you think we did not help you or treated you differently? Then call for free:
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