Erin Sorensen advocates increased funding for North Dakota home care services

The Senate Appropriations - Human Resources Division meeting held on March 18, 2025, focused on critical discussions surrounding funding for home and community-based services in North Dakota. The meeting began with a review of various topics, leading to a significant address by Erin Sorensen, a registered nurse and owner of Home Instead, a qualified service provider in the state.

Sorensen highlighted the essential role of home care services in supporting seniors and individuals with disabilities, allowing them to remain in their homes. She emphasized the importance of adequate funding, specifically requesting the approval of the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services executive budget and House Bill 1012. This bill includes crucial funding aimed at increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates for home care providers.

During her presentation, Sorensen pointed out the challenges faced by home care agencies, particularly in recruiting and retaining skilled caregivers due to insufficient reimbursement rates. She noted that many caregivers travel significant distances to provide care, underscoring the need for fair wages and proper training to maintain a dedicated workforce. Sorensen argued that investing in home and community-based services is not only a moral obligation but also a financially responsible decision that benefits families and small businesses across North Dakota.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for continued support of home care services, emphasizing the need to ensure that North Dakotans can age with dignity in their preferred settings. The discussions underscored the growing demand for in-home services and the importance of addressing workforce shortages in the caregiving industry.