WHY THERE IS A COALITION OF
WOMEN IN LONG-TERM CARE

By Sharon Flippen-Edward, Charter Member

Long term healthcare (LTC) is, in many respects, a women's issue. Women comprise 75% of the nursing home resident population, 97% of professional long term caregivers and the vast majority of family members caring for relatives at home. This demographic reality gives rise to a lot of issues, from healthcare delivery to pay equity and fringe benefits.

Ironically, but not surprisingly, the majority of leadership and policy-making positions, both in long term care and in government, are occupied by men. The question becomes: How can we bring women's unique perspectives and situations, as they pertain to long term care, to the full attention of the board rooms, the legislatures, and the executive agencies of the government?

The Coalition of Women in Long Term Care (COWL) created a forum to LTC issues as they pertain to women in public policy. We were convinced, as an organization and remain convinced, that our objectives are best accomplished through a nationwide network of women, from the housewife caring for an elderly parent to a nursing assistant or to a home health nurse. Membership in COWL is open to anyone - women and men - with an interest in women's issues in long term care.

What are COWL's objectives? They fall into two broad categories: political and professional. Our primary political goal is to make an impact on local, state and national law as it affects long term care, and to encourage implementation of policy. To that end, we promote the development of long term care delivery systems that provide consumer choice, reward quality, demonstrate cost-containment, and partner effectively with private resources. Our professional category agenda covers paid and unpaid caregivers. COWL advocates increased wages and access to health insurance for frontline caregivers in the continuum of long term healthcare, the certified nursing assistant in nursing homes, the home health aide and the nursing assistant in assisted living.

For more info please contact us at phone: 615-444-1836 or email us at Membership@Cowl.org