Why You Should Care About the Direct CARE Opportunity Act

Congress is trying to pass a new bill focusing on the creation, advancement, and retention of employment of direct care workers.

What is a direct care worker?

A direct care worker is someone who provides daily assistance to the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, or disabilities. Your home care and home health care workers are considered direct care workers.

Why should I care about this bill?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, an additional 5.2 million direct care workers will be needed by 2024. The issue here is that being a direct care worker is not seen as an attractive career to many people. The workforce is vulnerable to low wages, economic insecurity, and difficult working conditions. 

It will be extremely difficult for your company to keep up with the demand if you struggle to find caregivers.

How will this Act help?

• Provide funds to invest in recruitment, retainment, and advancement strategies  
• Implement models to make the industry more attractive
• Respond to the needs of the growing segment of people needing assistance from direct care workers 
• Help prevent more expensive costs of care 

In the meantime, you can attract and retain caregivers without federal assistance. Check out The Ultimate Guide to Recruiting and Retaining Caregivers.