A new poll commissioned by The John A. Hartford Foundation (JAHF) found that 73% of people in America think direct care workers are underpaid and 94% believe oversight of nursing homes and home care agencies is important.

Direct care workers provide hands-on care with daily tasks like bathing and dressing in
peoples’ homes and in long-term care facilities, including nursing homes.

• People underestimate the care they will need as they age.
  • Nearly half of respondents said they do not think they will need support from a direct care worker as they age. In reality, 66% will.

• An overwhelming majority support higher pay and more training for direct care workers. The current median wage is $13/hour and federal guidance suggests nine business days of training.
  • 72% of Americans overestimate how much direct care workers are paid.
  • Upon learning the median wage, 73% say direct care workers are underpaid.
  • 60% think direct care workers would benefit from more training.

• People expect government oversight to help direct care workers protect older adults.
  • 94% of people believe government oversight of nursing homes and home care agencies is important to help direct care workers protect older adults.