Vernette Mahone, Detroit, MI, graduated from high school while raising two children and went on to become a certified Computer Technician. During this time her mother became ill and Vernette was determined to take care of her, but it was hard as a teen mom working and attending school. She has done PCA work ever since and says, It’s not a job. It’s a lifestyle. Like many PCAs, she’s not in it for the money, but feels the impact of work conditions she calls “horrible”.
“To be told you’re insignificant because you care about people…to be not recognized as a professional, that’s heartbreaking. How do you have to be told that you have to make a decision on buying your kids some shoes or putting food on the table?”
Vernette has become an activist. “We are the champions…we will continue to let it be known that homecare workers are important. If you don’t recognize homecare workers now, then who’s gonna take care of you?
Providers share a universe of stories that make up a Universal Caring Economy. Home-based care providers, while not recognized appropriately, are a vital part of the care team. In this day and age we face a shortage of providers. To end this crisis and help the new workers, seasoned workers should unite and mentor a new generation of workers, share their experiences, offer support, and strategize on how to improve terms, wages and working conditions for the care team in both home and hospital settings. It’s our time to stand together as a united force to strengthen our communities because our work is key to providing a better quality of life. We can change the mindset of those who lack knowledge about what we stand for and our desire for caring that includes everyone. It’s our time to be visible and heard. We can achieve this.”