Long-Term Care Summit Tackles Workforce Challenges
On July 9, the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board, in partnership with the Department of Social and Health Services held a summit focused on Washington state’s long-term care workforce. A major goal at the event was to discuss workforce policy recommendations to address the growing need for more direct care workers in our state.
The WTB is exploring how to improve workforce recruitment, retention and stability to elevate the quality of patient care and in-home client care. This Summit was a collection of policy recommendations to enhance the outcomes that several groups developed over the previous eight months. Those recommendations include developing a statewide residency program for long-term care nurses and supporting policies offering home care aides consistent hours to ensure they have a dependable source of income. For more information on the Long-Term Care Workforce Initiative, click here.
The day kicked off with a keynote presentation by Dr. Kezia Scales, VP of Research and Evaluation with PHI. Scales shared five pillars of direct care job quality, which are quality training, fair compensation, quality supervision and support, respect and recognition and real opportunity. Dr. Scales noted that in the last decade the number of caregivers needed in Washington state has more than doubled. She also outlined five ways Washington state can lead the nation in its direct care workforce, which includes strengthening supportive work environments, providing career advancement opportunities and tackling housing and transportation challenges.
One of the most impactful parts of the day was a panel discussion of direct caregivers from many LTC settings. They included paid and unpaid family caregivers, individual providers, home care agency workers and facility caregivers. Overall, these caregivers value providing a positive impact on their clients. They find a sense of fulfillment through direct impact and the difference they are making in someone’s life. However, even with satisfaction in the work they are doing, it does not come without difficulties.
Takeaways from the day included:
· Caregivers expressing concern about a lack of paid time off and an inability to take sick leave.
· Many caregivers stated they typically work 70, 80 and sometimes 90 hours per week.
· Concerns about how to access personal protective equipment and some caregivers have experienced job sites that are not sanitary or safe.
· A lack of respect for what caregivers contribute, including the need for livable wages.
· The process to become a caregiver is not straightforward nor easily understood.
The summit was successful with excellent interaction among participants, healthy discussion around policy recommendations and listening to direct care worker feedback.