Media Coverage

Home care workers are a lifeline to millions of older adults and people with disabilities. Unfortunately, many of these workers are walking away from this sector to pursue better-paying jobs. As a result, it’s nearly impossible to find and retain a highly qualified home care worker these days.

In this episode of A Question of Care™, host Robert Espinoza speaks with Dr. Madeline Sterling, a doctor, researcher, and professor at Weill Cornell Medicine. They dive into her studies on home care workers, what they reveal about this job sector, and how the U.S. should transform these jobs to benefit everyone.

As November marks National Family Caregivers Month, a Commonwealth Fund-commissioned survey sheds light on the challenges faced by the 42 million family caregivers in the US. Despite their essential roles, caregivers express overwhelming stress, financial strain, and a lack of knowledge about available support services. The survey highlights the need for comprehensive reforms and increased awareness of existing assistance programs.

Jessica King, PHI Research & Evaluation Associate, recently spoke with Crystal about her internship experience, what she learned, and her plans to integrate this experience into her academic and career trajectory.

PHI suggests creating pathways to citizenship and “caregiver visas” for immigrants in direct care, addressing workforce shortages. The report emphasizes improving job quality, training, and support for this vital sector.