Aging population fueling interest in home care regulation
Home care aides work closely some of the state's most vulnerable people -- the elderly and the disabled. But those workers often leave the field after several years to find better paying jobs, and some say the state doesn't do enough to regulate those who provide one-on-one care to people in their homes.
The Joint Committee on Elder Affairs heard testimony Monday on several bills that aim to add regulations to the state's home care industry and protect vulnerable people in need of care, as well as the workers who provide it.
"As the scales tip I think that service to our clients is not as consistent," said Brianna Vachon of Elder Services of Merrimack Valley. [Photo: Sam Doran/SHNS]
"As costs of institutional care skyrocket, more and more people are choosing to receive their health care at home. We're in desperate need of modernization," said Rep. Daniel Cullinane. "This is an industry based on trust. You should not have to simply trust. You should, as a consumer of home care, should be able to verify with certainty those providing care for your loved ones are qualified."
Cullinane testified in support of his bill (H 341) that would call on home care agencies to submit annual cost reports, acquire a license to do business and establish a registry for home care workers. The bill was also filed by Sen. James Welch (S 364).
As the state's aging population rises, home care is becoming even more vital to the state's future, Cullinane said. According to the Home Care Association of America, 70 percent of adults over 65 in the U.S. will require care at some point, and nine out of 10 adults say they want to stay in their homes for as long as possible.
"This should not be a $10 an hour revolving door," Cullinane said. "It should be a career. The work is too important."
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