Health Care Crisis
For those who work in the home-based care space, there was no issue identified by this Perspective, “Here in the Medical Capital of America, Why Is It So Hard to Find a Home Health Aide?” (June 11), that we aren’t acutely aware of and working to solve. More must be done to support our workforce and ensure that reimbursement is determined in a way that can support competitive wages and the cost of delivering care. For private — or familyfunded home care — there is a delicate balance between paying adequate wages and benefits and keeping the service affordable to most. We need creative solutions to incentivize workers entering the field such as tax credits, affordable housing or rental credit programs, child care support, training, and career pathways.
Jake Krilovich
Hull
My father lived with my family for three years when he had advanced Parkinson’s disease. I was working full time and had three school-age children. Managing the logistics of his care alone took 10-15 hours a week, not to mention the actual physical care. And we could never find anyone who was willing to provide all the care he needed, so we were forced to do most things ourselves. I was shocked that our society essentially leaves it to the disabled person or the kindness of relatives not only to find care, but to manage all the logistics involved in getting and maintaining it.
lawyermom95 posted on bostonglobe.com
We had to leave Boston despite an above-average household income; we couldn’t afford to live in the area. How could a home health aide on that salary find housing? It’s not sustainable. The answer is higher pay and more affordable housing.
Carla Bloomfield Burke Hollow, Vermont
This article underscores how important it is, when you do find an excellent caregiver, to treat them with respect. Respect does not take the place of adequate pay, but when someone has their choice of jobs [with] monetary payments being equal, they will stay longer and choose places where they are appreciated!
bratface1 posted on bostonglobe.com