As we’re honoring National Family Caregivers Month this November, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Labor are also recognizing the paid workforce that provides essential home- and community-based services to millions of older adults and people with disabilities.
Without access to these critical workers, who are predominantly women, and disproportionately women of color, family caregivers have no choice but to take on more care. These direct care workers include personal care and home health aides, direct support professionals and others who help with self-care and other daily tasks. Their work supports individuals’ ability to work and live in their communities, rather than in institutions.
People may need care at any point in their life. Providing care and services to older adults and people with disabilities is important and often deeply personal work. This assistance can enable the people who need it to live, work, and be fully integrated in all aspects of community life. As policymakers, people with disabilities, older adults, and families continue to push for care in the community, the need for these workers is projected to grow more than any other occupational group.
But despite increasing demand and longstanding workforce shortages, direct care jobs often come with part-time hours, wages lower than other entry-level jobs, few benefits, little access to training, and physically demanding work. As a result, job turnover is high, recruitment and retention are challenging, and many people cannot get the care they need.
Key Points Related to this Growing Challenge
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Labor recognize the home- and community-based workforce that provides essential services to millions of older adults and people with disabilities, many of whom are women and women of color.
President Biden signed an Executive Order in April 2023 which tasks HHS and the Labor Department with analyzing existing data and identifying opportunities for improving data on the workforce in order to improve job quality and inform policies and practices.
A workgroup is developing new solutions, collecting stakeholder input, reviewing existing data sources, filling critical gaps in knowledge, and recommending key priorities to support the workforce while meeting demand for care services.
This workgroup will release its recommendations in Spring 2024, but improved data is necessary to invest wisely in care in order to expand equitable access to services for millions of people with disabilities and older adults.
Caregiving Opportunities
As statistics show, about 16% of the population in the United States is 65 years and older, the home care market is predicted to grow to $225 billion by 2024. Moreover, approximately 40% of adults aged 65 and above require daily assistance, and 70% will need care at some point. These figures indicate an urgent need for quality in-home care services, especially in areas like Rockford, Illinois.
Assisting Hands® Rockford has emerged as a beacon of hope for families seeking compassionate caregivers for their loved ones. Our organization connects families with professional caregivers who provide excellent in-home care services for seniors and veterans.
When it comes to in-home caregiver jobs, Assisting Hands Rockford sets high standards for hiring. The ideal caregiver should possess certain qualities that make them stand out. Empathy, patience, reliability, and strong communication skills are among the key attributes sought after. Caregivers are expected to understand the physical and emotional needs of their clients. They should display patience during challenging situations, be dependable, and effectively communicate with both the clients and their families.
ABOUT ASSISTING HANDS ROCKFORD
Assisting Hands® can provide assistance in the privacy of their own home for you or a loved one. Our caregivers have training and experience in providing in-home care. We assist with the day-to-day activities and overall care, so your loved one can live independently.
- Senior In Home Care
- Elderly Care Services
- Personal Care & Companion Services
- Coordination of Care
- Veterans Services
- Additional Services
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