Direct Care Workers in Long-Term Care

Flashcards covering key concepts related to Direct Care Workers in Long-Term Care settings.

Who is considered a direct care worker in long-term care?

A paraprofessional, non-licensed individual who provides hands-on care and over 90% of the direct care in LTC.

What are some other names for direct care workers in various settings?

In nursing homes, they are called Certified Nursing Assistants; in home care, Certified Home Health Aides, Home Care Aides, or Homemakers; in assisted living, Personal Care Attendants; and in adult day care, Activities Assistants.

What percentage of direct care workers are female?

90% of direct care workers are female.

What is the typical age range for most direct care workers?

They are typically between the ages of 25-44.

What percentage of direct care workers are African American and Hispanic?

35% are African American, and 15% are Hispanic.

What is the average annual salary for direct care workers?

Approximately $35,000.

What are the training requirements for Medicare-certified organizations like CNAs and HHAs?

They require 75 hours of training and 12 hours per year of in-service training.

What is a significant issue affecting direct care workers in long-term care?

High turnover rates, which can be as high as 100%.

List some reasons for the high turnover rates among direct care workers.

Low wages, few benefits, hard work, little career mobility, lack of respect, lack of empowerment, not enough staffing, and poor supervision.

What impact did COVID-19 have on skilled nursing facilities (SNFs)?

It affected the quality of care, cost of care, and access to care.

What were some calls for change in the direct care workforce following COVID-19?

Wage increases, changes in Medicaid eligibility, and improvements in job importance through 'Culture Change'.

What did the National Health Care Workforce Commission call for regarding direct care workers?

They called for state training programs for personal and home care aides and required training in dementia and abuse prevention.

What did the GAO study focus on about nursing homes?

It focused on nursing home transparency, the 5-Star rating system, and the National Background Check Program.