Our New York City home care system, which includes Cooperative Home Care Associates and Independence Care System, has piloted interventions in direct care worker training and workforce supports, spurring lessons that have improved direct care in New York and across the country. And our research, policy analysis, and advocacy have provided reliable data and sound advice to policymakers at the city and state levels.
Direct care workers in New York State are expected to grow 33 percent between 2014 and 2024—from more than 437,000 workers to about 580,000 workers. Unfortunately, due to low wages and inconsistent hours, many of them struggle to make ends meet—43 percent of direct care workers in New York fall below 200 percent of the federal poverty line, and nearly half rely on public assistance. Turnover remains high in this workforce, and providers increasingly report a growing workforce shortage, particularly in rural areas. Yet demand for home care is growing rapidly as the number of older adults who require long-term care increases.
This situation is compelling New York policymakers to devise effective ways to support this workforce and transform long-term care. PHI’s policy experts and researchers work closely with state officials to achieve this vision.
