Participants should be aware of the following financial/non-financial relationships:
Robert Espinoza, MPA: I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.
Direct care workers are essential to the quality of life of millions of older adults and people with disabilities. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic and highly challenging job quality have driven workers out of this field and made it nearly impossible for many providers to recruit and retain enough workers. This session will provide an overview of this workforce, share what workers are naming as the top factors that influence their longevity in the field, and describe PHI's framework for job quality in direct care with concrete examples from long term care providers. This session will also share information on two recently launched offerings: an institute focused on promoting equity among these workers and a new e-learning course with AHCA/NCAL focused on coaching supervision in long term care.
Learning Objectives:
Describe two of the top factors influencing direct care workers' intent to stay on the job or leave the field.
Name at least five employer-based strategies for improving job quality for direct care workers.
Discuss the realities and challenges encountered by direct care workers.