ABSTRACT
We used data from the 2020 American Community Survey to compare direct care workers (DCWs) in home and community-based services (HCBS) with workers in other long-term supportive services (LTSS), such as skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and assisted living facilities (ALFs). Compared to DCWs in SNFs and ALFs, a higher proportion of DCWs in HCBS were over age 65, Latino/a, and single. A lower proportion of DCWs in HCBS worked for a for-profit company, worked year-round and full-time, and had employer-based health insurance.
Subject(s)
Home Care Services , Humans , United States , Aged , Community Health Services , Nursing Homes , Long-Term Care , MedicaidABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: The purpose of this article was to develop a profile of direct care workers (DCWs) in assisted living (AL). Research Design and Methods: We used data from 2014 American Community Survey (ACS) to identify the demographic and employment characteristics of AL DCWs. We collected state training requirements for AL DCWs from the administrative rules of state agencies and interviews with state officials. Results: AL DCWs were more likely than other DCWs to be younger, male, White, English speaking, U.S.-born, never married, and to have attended college. Two Affordable Care Act (ACA)-designated training topics (self-care and the role of the personal care aide) were not required in any state. Discussion and Implications: AL has tapped a unique pool of workers (i.e., younger, male as well as female, and with some college education) but needs to address its workforce needs via training, improvements to overall job quality, and the development of career opportunities.
Subject(s)
Assisted Living Facilities/organization & administration , Assisted Living Facilities/supply & distribution , Health Personnel/education , Health Personnel/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Aged , Female , Home Care Services/organization & administration , Humans , Independent Living , Long-Term Care/organization & administration , Male , Middle Aged , Surveys and Questionnaires , United States , WorkforceABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The goal of our study was to identify a representative sample of direct care aides to generate an accurate profile of the long-term-care workforce, with a special focus on home care workers. DESIGN AND METHODS: Data were taken from the 5% Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) of the 2000 Census. RESULTS: Variable coding in the 2000 Census data allowed for a more detailed identification of long-term-care workers than was available in previous studies. On the basis of this new sample, the estimated size of the home care workforce is much larger than that in previous estimates, and it is more heterogeneous. In addition, our analyses revealed more self-employed workers, higher salaries than previously reported, and greater ethnic diversity, with Hispanics or Latinos comprising a significant proportion of the home care workforce. IMPLICATIONS: Numerous state and federal programs are currently underway to increase the capacity of the long-term-care workforce. A more comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of the long-term-care workforce will facilitate more effective development of programs designed to enhance recruitment and retention of these workers to meet the increasing demands of future years.
