NEW YORK – Women aged 55 and older are projected to make up 30 percent of the nation's direct-care workforce by 2018 – up from 22 percent 10 years ago, according to PHI's recent analysis of employment demographics for direct-care workers.
By 2018, there will be 1.2 million nursing home assistants, home health aides and personal and home care aides (known as direct-care workers) over 55, according to Dorie Seavey, PhD, director of policy research at PHI.
Analyzing U.S. Census Bureau statistics, Seavey said the increase in older direct-care workers is anticipated in part because the overall workforce is growing dramatically, from 3.2 million to 4.3 million workers. Older women in particular are expected to be more prevalent in the direct-care workforce because the nation's entire workforce is aging.
Seavey said people are often surprised to hear that women doing the hard work are older workers, particularly older women.
"There are concerns about this age group," she said. Women 55 and older are vulnerable to poverty, especially as they lose their spouses, she said. They are also very difficult to insure, with health insurance premiums often doubling for individuals over age 55.
According to Seavey, health insurance is a critical issue for direct-care workers, one-third of whom don't have any coverage. The new healthcare reform bill should help with insuring this workforce, she said, though it won't take effect for four years.
Turnover is also a big issue for direct-home care, Seavey said. The average turnover rate is 40 percent to 50 percent, she said. Retaining direct-care workers often involves guaranteeing a full work week, providing compensation for seniority and allowing seasoned workers to mentor their peers.
Organizations that have applied these strategies have lowered their turnover rate to 20 percent, Seavey said.
According to PHI President Steven Dawson, national and state policymakers must work together to ensure that direct-care jobs, which are primarily funded through public dollars, are quality jobs that attract a stable, compassionate workforce.
At a March 17 National Council on Aging/American Society on Aging conference in Chicago, Dawson said, "Without these workers, families will not be able to provide the support elders need to live independently and to continue to enjoy the relationships and activities that give their lives meaning."
