Elderly Paying the Price for America's Home Care Workers Leaving
Summary
High turnover among home care workers is worsening staffing shortages as demand for care grows, according to research and aging-service agencies. Low pay, limited benefits and demanding work may contribute to workers leaving, while shortages can reduce or delay support for older adults who need help at home.Key Facts
- A Brookings analysis found fewer than half of direct care workers stayed in long-term care roles the following year.
- Home care workers moved into and out of employment at an annual rate of 16 to 17 percent, compared with 11 to 12 percent for residential care workers.
- About 7.3 million Americans receive care at home or in their communities.
- The population aged 65 and older is projected to increase from 59.7 million in 2024 to 72.5 million by 2034.
- Medicaid covers nearly 70 percent of U.S. home care spending; the article cites estimated federal cuts of $911 billion to the broader program over a decade.
- An August USAging survey found that 89 percent of local aging agencies reported staffing shortages had reduced care visits for some older adults, and 81 percent said some older adults went without essential services.
- In the USAging survey, 84 percent of agencies said some older adults entered nursing homes when adequate support might have allowed them to remain at home.
- Brookings researcher Krista Ruffini said workers leaving home care for other industries earn nearly $3 more per hour on average and are more likely to have full-time jobs and benefits.
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