ADVOCACY ALERT! Caregiver Staffing Crisis

THE ISSUE: CAREGIVER STAFFING CRISIS

• People with developmental disabilities or mental illness rely on direct care workers for essential supports which enable them to access their community, work, and live full, meaningful lives.
• Inadequate wages have created a critical direct care shortage.
• Turnover rates average 37%. Some providers have been forced to discontinue services.
• Direct care starting wages, which are tied to Medicaid funding, are too low. Service providers cannot compete with other businesses that hire at the same level, often with fewer work demands.

ACTIONS NEEDED TODAY

• PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL your state representative and state senator.
• ASK THEM to support additional Medicaid funding for a $0.75 per hour wage increase for direct care workers in the Fiscal Year 2019 Supplemental Appropriations Budget. This allocation is intended to recognize the impact of the upcoming minimum wage increase and reduce turnover rates.
• EXPLAIN that a staff wage increase advances the objectives of improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and increasing their access to supports and services.
• SHARE your story: how the staffing crisis negatively affects you, as a person receiving services, family member, direct care worker or service provider.

Find your state representative here.
Find your state senator here.

For more information, please see talking points or contact Salli Christenson at the Arc Michigan. salli.c@arcmi.org or 800 292-7851, ext. 130

Supported by: MARO, MALA, Arc Michigan, CMH Assn. of Michigan, NAMI Michigan, Autism Alliance of Michigan, MPAS, Community Living Services, ACMH, Mental Health Assn. in Michigan, Michigan Disability Rights Coalition

Official Position Statement: Increased Wages for Direct Care Workers