Demand for Direct Care Staff To Rise; Wages Remain Low
Demand for direct care workers -- such as personal care attendants, home health aides and nursing assistants -- is expected to continue to grow as the U.S. population ages and efforts to curb spending on nursing homes and hospitals heighten. However, a new PHI report found that nearly half of direct care workers earn wages close to the poverty level. According to the report, the nationwide average wage paid to a direct care worker in 2009 was $10.58 an hour. The health reform law requires states to examine whether they have an adequate direct care work force to meet future demands.
- "Demand for Care Soars" (Eckelbecker, Worcester Telegram, 3/10).