In the Community

Nonprofit fights to maintain in-home care services

Leaders from Ability360 talk about the assistance provided by in-home caregivers and the worsening strain on the industry.

PHOENIX (STN) – According to the AARP, the number of adults 65 years old and older seeking in-home care, as opposed to nursing care facilities, is expected to skyrocket in the coming years. As the need for in-home care increases, so does the need for in-home caregivers – and that system is already suffering from severe staffing shortages.

“You’re constantly churning people, through trying to replace what you’ve lost,” said Penny Fore, Vice President of Home Care Services for Ability360, a nonprofit that provides comprehensive assistance programs for people of all ages with any disability, including a vitally important in-home care program.

“If my caregiver doesn’t show up in the morning, I am stuck in bed, and that could be a health crisis for me,” said Ability360 Early Intervention Coordinator Don Price. Price suffered a severe spinal cord injury in a swimming accident 40 years ago. He believes people don’t fully grasp the necessity of an in-home caregiver.

“I think people think of caregivers, they’re thinking about somebody making breakfast or putting on your shoes or something,” he said. “It is so much more than that. For me, it’s existential.”

Watch the panel discussion in the video below

A Global Coalition on Aging report says that by 2030, there will be a shortage of more than 151,000 in-home caregivers. This number is expected to more than double a decade later.

The problem can be attributed, at least in part, to competition. In-home care programs like those at Ability360 can be strapped for funding. That, according to Fore, keeps wages low for a job that can be difficult and unpredictable.

As CEO and President of Ability360, Chris Rodriguez said he understands the effects low wages and time demands can have on in-home caregivers, even when the work they do is so critical and meaningful. That’s why he is looking to partner with private corporations to raise awareness and help provide funding that Ability360 can use to show appreciation for them.

“I encourage folks to learn more about it,” Rodriguez said. “Anything that you can contribute to any part of the organization would be so appreciated and have such an incredible impact.”
For more on Ability360 and the programs they offer, click here.