Aging in Place Planning should consider and account for all risks, including availability/unavailability of paid health care workers. The Michigan home health care worker shortage is discussed in an article here, and in a newscast video here.
The reports suggest that Michigan home health care workers are paid only nine dollars per hour, and often call off. Of course, there is a vast array of choices in health care agencies (public, private, for profit, and non-profit), and every agency deals with worker retention and availability differently.
Our office is aware of only one private agency that will certify availability of an aide 24 hours a day; their workers agree that they cannot and will not leave until they are relieved, and the company assures availability by always having supervisory staff and periodic staff available to fill needs.
Regardless, the challenge of caregiver availability is one that must be considered in making aging in place decisions. Availability of temporary or respite services, workers, or sometimes, charitable hospice services, may provide relief when worker a home care worker shortage exists. Outside custodial care, respite care, or adult day care may relieve risk upon lack of availability, but transport and cost must be considered.
No comments:
Post a Comment