The second in a three-part series focusing on racial and ethnic disparities within the direct care workforce, this research brief closely examines the demographic and economic well-being of Hispanic/Latino direct care workers, including differences among ethnic subgroups. Hispanic/Latino direct care workers typically earn lower incomes than their non-Hispanic/Latino white peers—and many live in poverty and rely on public assistance. Nearly half of Hispanic/Latino workers are immigrants who commonly face language barriers in their daily lives and on the job. Tailored training and employment supports would improve the jobs and livelihood of Hispanic/Latino workers and help guarantee stable long-term care for the growing numbers of older adults and people with disabilities.
Key Takeaways
From 2005 to 2015, the number of Hispanic/Latino direct care workers increased from 332,000 to 592,000 workers—a 78 percent growth.
In 2015, one in six direct care workers were Hispanic/Latino.
Many Hispanic/Latino workers live in poverty and rely on public assistance to support themselves and their families.
