Tackling the Critical Shortage: New Legislation Seeks to Attract More Home Health Aides in NY

A new piece of legislation has been proposed in New York to address the critical shortage of home health aides in the state. The Long Term Care Workforce Support Act aims to attract more workers to the field by increasing salaries and providing $100 billion in federal grants. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand introduced the bill, which also seeks to improve labor protections for home health workers.

One individual who has been impacted by the shortage is Terry Ann Hamilton, a certified nursing assistant who works three jobs caring for elderly individuals. Due to not having a car, she relies on cabs to travel between her jobs and provide care to those in need. Hamilton shared that she considers the people she cares for as part of her family, highlighting the strong relationships that can develop between caregivers and clients.

The shortage of long-term care workers in New York has reached critical levels, with over 1.2 million home care workers needed across the state. At a home health aide training institute on Long Island, there is a struggle to keep up with the demand for certified workers in the field. Maria Santiago, the school’s president, mentioned that agencies are constantly reaching out for trained aides to provide care for their clients, reflecting the urgent need for more workers in the industry.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand emphasizes the importance of compensating and supporting long-term care workers for their essential work they provide. She believes that low wages offered for long-term care jobs are one reason why many workers find it challenging to make ends meet despite working demanding hours and providing vital services to families. Christine Dorsay, a 91-year-old recipient of home care services commended dedication and compassion of these caregivers who assist her daily basis and advocate higher pay to reflect difficult nature of their job.

The hope is that this legislation will increase support for the home health aide industry and lead to a more sustainable and fulfilling career path for those providing essential care to vulnerable populations