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The Need for Monitoring the Long-Term Care Direct Service Workforce and Recommendations for Data Collection

Report
February 1, 2009
The Need for Monitoring the Long-Term Care Direct Service Workforce and Recommendations for Data Collection

This paper discusses the state of the direct service workforce and its role in long-term care system changes. The paper proposes that states collect a minimum data set of information on the workforce, including numbers of direct service workers, turnover and vacancy statistics, and average worker compensation. It argues that this information is essential in order to assess the magnitude of workforce issues, design appropriate responses, and measure the impact of policies over time.

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Key Takeaways

Data systems can track issues, identify trends, inform solutions, and measure the impact of policy changes.
A minimum data set should include direct care worker numbers, workforce stability, and worker compensation.
States should incorporate these measures into their data collection systems.
 
Contributing Authors
Steven Edelstein, J.D., National Policy Director, PHI Dorie Seavey, Ph.D., Director of Policy Research, PHI

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