Profile of Direct Care Workers Across the Long-Term Care Services and Supports Sector
2024
Profile of Direct Care Workers in Long-Term Care
publication
Author Information
Author(s): Kelly Christopher, Kemp Candace, Morgan Jennifer Craft
Primary Institution: University of Nebraska Omaha; Georgia State University
Conclusion
Direct care workers face significant challenges including low wages, limited benefits, and high turnover rates, particularly affecting women and people of color.
Supporting Evidence
- About half of direct care workers have health insurance through their employer.
- About a quarter of direct care workers get health insurance through Medicaid or other means-tested programs.
- Half of direct care workers live under 200% of the poverty line.
- Direct care work requires a mix of technical caregiving skills and emotional intelligence.
- Turnover rates in long-term care have been slow to recover since the pandemic.
Takeaway
Most people who take care of others in long-term facilities are women and immigrants, and they often don't get paid well or have good job benefits.
Methodology
Analysis of data from the 2020-2022 American Community Survey.
Limitations
The study may not capture all aspects of direct care work and its challenges.
Participant Demographics
Predominantly women, people of color, and immigrants.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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