The final publication in a three-part series focusing on racial and ethnic disparities within the direct care workforce, this research brief closely examines Asian and Pacific Islander direct care workers, including differences among ethnic subgroups. While these workers represent a small share of the total direct care workforce, their numbers are growing faster than any other group. Asian and Pacific Islander workers are predominately comprised of immigrants. While they are less likely overall to live in poverty than other racial groups, there are nonetheless significant disparities within Asian and Pacific Islander subgroups. Tailored training and on-the-job supports would help stabilize employment for Asian and Pacific Islander direct care workers, which would improve care for the growing numbers of older adults and people with disabilities.
Key Takeaways
Asian and Pacific Islander workers make up 6 percent of the direct care workforce.
From 2005 to 2015, Asian and Pacific Islander direct care workers nearly doubled from 117,000 to 219,000.
85 percent of Asian and Pacific Islander direct care workers are immigrants.
