February 15, 2023 Washington, DC — LeadingAge, the association of nonprofit providers of aging services, issued a call to action for National Caregivers Day, urging Americans to demand state and federal lawmakers address the workforce shortage that is limiting access to services for older adults and, in some cases, jeopardizing providers’ existence. National Caregivers Day is February 17, 2023. 

“Front-line caregiving professionals are the backbone of aging services,” said Katie Smith Sloan, president and CEO, LeadingAge. “These invaluable caregivers deliver the quality care and extra help that allows millions of older adults to live life to their fullest. Without them, there is no care.

“National Caregivers Day is an opportunity to recognize caregivers. It is a time to redouble our efforts to demand greater support for the millions of professionals who serve older adults. Changing demographics that drive increasing demand for care, a national workforce shortage, inflation and the global pandemic combine to create a crisis for families and push aging services providers to the edge of survival.”

An important step is passage of the Better Care Better Jobs Act, which would make critically needed long-term investments in Medicaid-funded home and community-based services. To send a message to federal lawmakers, advocates can visit the LeadingAge Advocacy Center. 

Meet Professional Caregivers

• The nation needs millions more professional caregivers such as Latrice Payne, Marcia Hansen, and Sarah Forshey. Many of them will serve at adult day centers to provide family caregivers time for work, other family duties, or rest.

“I love the bonding that naturally happens between our participants and staff. Working with older adults is like gaining a loved one you’ve had since you were born,” said Latrice Payne, PCA, part of the team at Circle Center Adult Day Services in Richmond, VA.

Christa Coleman sees many benefits in her mother Delia’s engagement at the center. “Mom is very social so being at home all day would not do. She loves talking with her friends at the Center–other participants and the staff. And, I am able to work part-time and also care for my husband.”

• Home health aides have a valuable look into their clients’ lives–and sometimes intervene beyond the scope of their duties, as Marcia Hansen did for client Carolyn in Syracuse, NY. Marcia learned that Carolyn’s bed was destroyed by a fire in the neighbor’s apartment.  Carolyn was sleeping on the floor. Nascentia Health arranged for a new bed for Carolyn. 

“Marcia is very caring and understanding; and I love her. With her getting me a new bed so I can have a good night’s sleep, she made me feel like a queen. I’m just so thankful for all of her help and how she’s made me feel so good.”

Carolyn’s story reflects the rewards Marcia finds in her home health aide profession. “I know that I’m really helping people. What puts a smile on my face is going to work every day and being able to take care of my patients to the best of my ability. When they say, ‘thank you, Marcia, for all you’ve done’–it’s a great feeling.”

• Sarah Forshey, caregiver at United Church Homes, The Glenwood Community, an independent and assisted living residence in Marietta, OH, chose the same career as her mother. 

“My mom was a caregiver, and I followed her wherever she went. Since I was little I either helped her with older adults or with the kids she babysat. With the help of my mom in job hunting, I was blessed to find a job serving at The Glenwood Community where I’ve gained another family.”

LeadingAge has increased its focus on workforce solutions to support our mission-driven providers. Solutions, tools, and initiatives are found in the Workforce area of our website. The LeadingAge LTSS Center @UMass Boston published Feeling Valued Because They Are Valued, a vision for promoting the long-term care workforce.

We represent more than 5,000 nonprofit aging services providers and other mission-minded organizations that touch millions of lives every day. Alongside our members and 38 state partners, we use applied research, advocacy, education, and community-building to make America a better place to grow old. Our membership, which now includes the providers of the Visiting Nurse Associations of America, encompasses the continuum of services for people as they age, including those with disabilities. We bring together the most inventive minds in the field to lead and innovate solutions that support older adults wherever they call home. For more information visit leadingage.org.