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Issues

Advancing Quality Care When America Needs It Most

WE TAKE ON TODAY’S PRESSING ISSUES

Across the country, direct care workers provide most of the paid, hands-on care for millions of older adults and people with disabilities. These workers are one of the fastest-growing occupations in the country. They form a critical segment of the long-term care sector, which must expand dramatically to support a rapidly growing population of older adults.

Unfortunately, this necessary expansion is jeopardized by low wages, thin benefits, and limited career advancement opportunities, which together contribute to high turnover rates and a growing workforce shortage of paid caregivers. Our families increasingly rely on direct care workers for support, but the supply of workers simply isn’t meeting demand.

PHI exists to address these concerns—our services, research, and advocacy tackle the many challenges facing workers and consumers alike.

 

Studying States & Cities Nationwide

Studying States & Cities Nationwide

Between 2012 and 2024, we produced landscape studies, fact sheets, and issue briefs on cities and states around the country. Contact us to learn how to produce a research report in your area.

By the Numbers: Direct Care Workers

5 million

Number of direct care workers across home- and community-based settings, nursing care facilities, assisted living facilities, group homes, intermediate care facilities, and hospitals. Source: PHI, 2024

8.9 million

Number of direct care job openings between 2022 and 2032, including new direct care jobs and job openings produced by workers who leave the field for a new occupation or leave the labor force altogether due to retirement, disability, or some other reason. Source: PHI, 2024

88 million

Projected population of people aged 65 and older in 2050. Between 2015 and 2050, this population will nearly double, growing from 47.8 million to 88 million. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2014

Our Issues

Reports & Multimedia

Take a look at our latest reports, issue briefs, and multimedia resources on the direct care workforce and long-term care.

New York City System

Our New York City home care system supports—and learns from—thousands of workers and consumers every year.

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