Direct Care Workforce

This report is the third in a series of publications from the MLTSS Institute. The report identifies the challenges and promising practices in addressing the mismatch between supply and demand for direct care workers in long term services and supports programs, all viewed through the lens of MLTSS programs. This report is co-authored by ADvancing States and Sage Squirrel Consulting, LLC.

While faced with new challenges, reduced budgets, and growing populations requiring more services, states are stronger than ever, and the work they do is more effective than ever in reaching individuals and addressing their needs. The National Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Conference 2018 highlights these achievements, allowing states to share best practices, present unique partnerships, and recognize the work of their peers.

These resources are intended to be used for education and outreach to raise awareness about the availability of Medicare benefits for low-income beneficiaries, namely the Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) and the Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS/Extra Help) program. These outreach materials include posters to educate Medicare beneficiaries with disabilities about the low-income subsidies.

This report describes the current state of the direct support professionals (DSP) workforce as a crisis. DSPs promote participation in the U.S. economy, and yet the average DSP wage is $10.72, most work two or three jobs, and the average annual DSP turnover rate is 45%. This report explores how these issues affect individuals, families, and human services systems; the factors that contribute to these issues; and promising practices to strengthen the direct support workforce.

This webinar describes two community-based organizations' challenges and strategies around preparing and persuading staff, thinking about services, costs, and administration in new ways, understanding infrastructure needs, working with new partners, and more.

The AAHD Health Promotion Resource Center for People with Disabilities is intended to provide visitors with current and valuable information about multiple aspects of health promotion and wellness for people with disabilities.

This paper discusses the long-term services and supports landscape; individuals who work with a direct service worker; the direct service worker profession; the direct service worker shortage; challenges for individuals served by direct service workers; and pathways to improvements.

The Genworth Cost of Care Survey is a tool that details the costs of different types of care in various locations. This is a tool that can assist with long term care planning, and help individuals and families plan for long term care expenses. The 2017 survey covered 440 regions across the United States.

The I&R Support Center holds a call or webinar on a monthly basis with I&R Specialists concerning topics of interest to those who work in the field of aging and disability I&R/A. Notes, PowerPoint presentations, and an audio recording from each call can be found here.

Presentations from the 2014 National Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Conference.