Document Type
Research Report
Publisher
RTC:Rural
Publication Date
11-2025
Disciplines
Economics | Labor Economics | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Abstract
The size of the Home Care Worker (HCW) workforce has not kept pace with demand, and inadequate compensation and benefits have historically contributed to poor HCW recruitment and retention. Demographic trends put further strain on the workforce, with immigrants, naturalized citizens, and Black and Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) individuals currently making up the majority of the HCW workforce.
Policy changes, cuts to benefits, and immigration crackdowns threaten to further weaken the supply of HCWs while the demand continues to rise. In this report, Catherine Ipsen and Luke Santore provide analysis and strategies to support HCWs and strengthen the Personal Assistance Services system through proactive policy solutions.
Keywords
rural, disability, independent living, personal assistance, personal care aids, home health workers, direct care workers, home care workforce
Rights
© 2025 RTC:Rural
Granting Agency
National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR)
Acknowledgement
The contents of this report were developed under a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant number 90DPKT0007). NIDILRR is a Center within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents of this report do not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL, or HHS, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.
Project Number
90DPKT0007
Recommended Citation
Ipsen, C., and Santore, L. (November 2025). Home Care Workers, Immigration, and an Aging Population. Missoula, MT: The University of Montana Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities. Retrieved from https://scholarworks.umt.edu/ruralinst_employment/52/