Direct Care in Homes: the Work, the Workers

Workers are a cornerstone of our nation's long-term care system, and they also earn some of the lowest wages and benefits in the country. Unionization, coop models, advocacy campaigns, and legal strategies for home health workers have increased awareness of these jobs and led to significant policy improvements. Local elected officials should implement policies to improve wages, benefits, and labor protections for these workers. When job quality for in-home care workers improves, so do health care outcomes and cost savings in the health care system.