Home care worker shortage significant for people with disabilities

A workforce shortage among home care workers and those who work with people with disabilities is worsening, according to a Wisconsin State Journalreport. The COVID-19 pandemic is said to have accelerated the workforce shortage and wages among home care workers are failing to keep up with inflation and other types of jobs. The recruitment and retention challenges have affected area clients, especially those needing long-term care for permanent disabilities. The median hourly wage for home care workers in Wisconsin was $13.65 in 2021, up 16% from $11.80 in 2011, according to a report from the Economic Policy Institute (EPI). The EPI said home care workers in Wisconsin should be paid a living wage of $21.96 an hour.