Direct care industry needs improved workforce protections and benefits

Executive Vice President of Policy for PHI, Robert Espinoza, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the work done by PHI with direct care workers. Espinoza also discussed enhancing support for immigrant direct care workers and the economic impact that these workers could have on America.

PHI works to transform eldercare and disability services to foster dignity, respect and independence for those that receive care and those that provide it. As the nation’s leading authority on the direct care workforce, PHI promotes quality direct care jobs as the foundation for quality care and constantly seeks ways to improve the industry. Recently, PHI released a new report, Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Support for Immigrant Direct Care Workers and Meeting Long-Term Care Needs, detailing how to improve the direct care industry.

According to the new report, over 9 million direct care openings are projected between now and 2030. One year ago, this number was only 7 million, but due to turnover in the industry, the number of jobs needing to be filled increased. The workforce is critical, as these jobs are responsible for the work done in retirement homes and home healthcare. Currently, immigrant workers comprise nearly 27 percent of the industry, but they receive less support than they should, Espinoza said.

There are very few career options available for direct care workers. Policies to provide wage increases, advancement and educational opportunities must be passed to improve the industry, Espinoza said. To support immigrants, programs to help them navigate the system and receive citizenship must be added, he said. If these improvements are made, the immigrant workers will fill the gap and should assist in solving the workforce shortage.

Please press play on the show above to hear more about the direct care industry.