McKnight Senior Living

State-level policies targeting direct care workers made a difference during the pandemic — over and above federal support provided to long-term care providers. But long-term transformation is necessary for the future of the workforce, according to a new PHI report.

Although only 4% of direct care workers lost or left their jobs during the first wave of the pandemic, many more reduced their hours to quarantine or to care for themselves or family members.

PHI documented how states responded to the challenges of the country’s 4.6 million direct care workers — personal care aides, nursing assistants and home health aides — and other essential workers during the first 18 months of the pandemic (March 2020 to August 2021). The report specifically focused on hazard pay and paid sick leave policies across the country. 

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