Transforming Direct Care Jobs, Reimagining Long-Term Services and Supports

The diverse array of individuals who receive long-term services and supports share one common experience, which is the need for assistance with personal care and/or other daily activities. The direct care workers (including nursing assistants, home health aides, and personal care aides) who provide this assistance play a critical role in keeping individuals safe, supporting their health and well-being, and helping prevent adverse outcomes. Yet despite decades of research, advocacy, and incremental policy and practice reform, direct care workers remain inadequately compensated, supported, and respected.