West Des Moines, Iowa (RI) — A study finds one of Iowa’s largest and most in-demand workforces has seen a meager increase in its average pay over the past decade and a half.
Di Findley, executive director of Iowa CareGivers, says direct care workers perform duties that are essential and critical in nature, but their take-home pay continues to be paltry.
The consequences are being felt statewide, Findley says, as employers struggle to fill vacancies, people with disabilities can’t find or keep caregivers, and family caregivers are forced to leave the workforce because backup care is unavailable.
It’s difficult to place an exact number on Iowa’s direct care workforce, though Findley says it ranges between 45,000 and 60,000.
In addition to low wages, Findley says the future is uncertain for the vital direct care workforce due to other factors like limited access to affordable health insurance and benefits, as well as burnout from chronic understaffing.
For more information, visit the Iowa Caregivers website.
KIWA Staff Photo
