The Elder Help Network is urging Governor Mikie Sherrill and state health officials to make bold investments in New Jersey’s home care workforce, arguing that the current shortage of home health aides is threatening seniors’ ability to age in place with dignity.

Across the state, many older adults who wish to remain in their homes are struggling to find reliable, affordable home care. Low wages, difficult working conditions, and lack of career advancement have created a severe shortage of home health aides. As a result, families are often forced to choose between expensive assisted living facilities or leaving loved ones without adequate support.

“Our seniors want to stay in their homes and communities,” the Elder Help Network said. “But without enough trained and fairly compensated home care workers, that choice is being taken away from them.”

The organization is calling for a comprehensive strategy that includes:

Significantly higher wages and benefits for home health aides

Expanded training and certification programs with paid apprenticeships

Loan forgiveness and scholarship opportunities for people entering the home care field

Better coordination between Medicaid, Medicare, and state programs to reduce administrative burdens on providers

New Jersey’s aging population continues to grow, yet the infrastructure to support aging in place has not kept up. The Elder Help Network believes that investing in the home care workforce is one of the most effective ways to reduce costly nursing home placements while honoring seniors’ desire to remain independent.

The group is asking the Sherrill administration to convene a task force on the home care workforce crisis and develop a concrete action plan within the next six months.

Learn more at https://elderhelpnetwork.com.