“Report: Nearly 20% of SNF nursing assistants live below poverty line”

“Report: Nearly 20% of SNF nursing assistants live below poverty line,” by Emily Mongan, McKnight’s LTC News

“Close to 20% of nursing home assistants are living below the federal poverty line, a result of low wages and part-time positions, according to a new report. The Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute report noted wages for these workers had ‘barely kept up with inflation’ over the past decade. The average hourly wage for a direct care worker was $12.34 in 2016, compared to $12.35 in 2006, the report found. Comparatively, 7% of workers across all industries live below the poverty line, the PHI data showed.”

LTC Comment (from Stephen A. Moses, President, Center for Long-Term Care Reform):
Why are so many caregivers on welfare? Because welfare (Medicaid) pays their wages and won’t (can’t) pay more. More private payers at market rates are the only solution, but Medicaid crowds out private pay with easily avoided spend-down rules, huge home equity exemptions, and policies that discourage private LTCI.

Report: Nearly 20% of SNF nursing assistants live below poverty line

#goldencareagent
#poverty