Pennsylvania officials push for workforce solutions amid home care staffing crisis
January 28, 2025 | Aging & Older Adult Services, House of Representatives, Legislative, Pennsylvania
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The Aging & Older Adult Services Committee meeting held on January 28, 2025, focused on critical issues surrounding workforce development and care services for older adults in Pennsylvania. Key discussions included the need for updated wage studies and strategies to engage able-bodied workers in the home care sector.
A significant point raised was the ongoing executive review of a rate study commissioned by the Office of Long-Term Living and the governor's office. This study, the first of its kind in over a decade, aims to assess wages and the total cost of personal assistance services. Committee members expressed hope for swift completion of the review to inform future policy decisions.
Workforce challenges were also a major topic. Representatives highlighted the potential of engaging approximately 170,000 able-bodied adults who currently do not meet the 20-hour work requirement. The discussion emphasized that even a small increase in workforce participation could significantly alleviate staffing shortages in home health care facilities, which currently have around 376,000 job postings against 260,000 available workers.
Concerns were raised about the barriers preventing home care providers from participating in workforce development programs, primarily due to insufficient reimbursement rates set by the state. This creates a cycle where providers cannot offer competitive wages, thus limiting their ability to attract workers.
The Pennsylvania Home Care Association has been proactive in addressing these issues by offering free online training resources for the direct care workforce. They are set to launch an updated platform to enhance training opportunities, which could help bridge the gap in workforce skills.
The meeting underscored the urgent need for collaboration between government and care providers to develop effective strategies for workforce engagement and to ensure that older adults receive the care they need. As discussions continue, the committee aims to explore innovative solutions to these pressing challenges.
A significant point raised was the ongoing executive review of a rate study commissioned by the Office of Long-Term Living and the governor's office. This study, the first of its kind in over a decade, aims to assess wages and the total cost of personal assistance services. Committee members expressed hope for swift completion of the review to inform future policy decisions.
Workforce challenges were also a major topic. Representatives highlighted the potential of engaging approximately 170,000 able-bodied adults who currently do not meet the 20-hour work requirement. The discussion emphasized that even a small increase in workforce participation could significantly alleviate staffing shortages in home health care facilities, which currently have around 376,000 job postings against 260,000 available workers.
Concerns were raised about the barriers preventing home care providers from participating in workforce development programs, primarily due to insufficient reimbursement rates set by the state. This creates a cycle where providers cannot offer competitive wages, thus limiting their ability to attract workers.
The Pennsylvania Home Care Association has been proactive in addressing these issues by offering free online training resources for the direct care workforce. They are set to launch an updated platform to enhance training opportunities, which could help bridge the gap in workforce skills.
The meeting underscored the urgent need for collaboration between government and care providers to develop effective strategies for workforce engagement and to ensure that older adults receive the care they need. As discussions continue, the committee aims to explore innovative solutions to these pressing challenges.
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