Growing field, low pay

What am I talking about? Home health care.

A NY Times editorial directs attention to the fact that caregivers for the elderly (and people with disabilities) lack protection on their jobs for minimum wages and overtime pay, although the demand increases as America ages. They also do not receive health care benefits in many areas. No federal law protects those who do home care.

Despite the moral issues involved ( via the article: It is unconscionable that workers who are entrusted with the care of some of the nation’s most vulnerable citizens are themselves unprotected by basic labor standards.), the article states it is also unwise:

...because poor pay for long hours leads to high turnover, which undermines the quality of care. Turnover also drives up the cost of providing home care — a needless drain on Medicaid, which pays for many home care services. And that is not the only way that poor quality home care jobs end up costing taxpayers. Nearly half of home care workers rely on food stamps or other public assistance, so taxpayers ultimately compensate for their low pay and inadequate benefits.

I am ever grateful to Meredith, who continues to assist me despite these issues and is right now coming over in the snow. But I have gone without help due to the high turnover, low wages and other issues involved in the past which was a hellish way to live.

I join in the point of view of this editorial, hoping that federal protections are granted to home care workers as our government works toward creating jobs for the future and that those doing these jobs receive fair wages and benefits commensurate with their dedication.