Filling the Care Gap

Abstract

With an aging population and provider shortages, personal care aides (PCAs) hold potential for providing low-cost, high-quality in-home supports and services. They comprise an unprecedented workforce in terms of size and rapid growth. However, this workforce is also characterized by costly high-turnover rates that threaten quality of care and outcomes. It is imperative that measures be taken to improve PCA skills and stabilize their employment. In 2010, a PCA training program was developed titled “Building Training . . . Building Quality” as part of a national demonstration. Key findings were that learners’ skills, employability, and job satisfaction significantly improved, and “intent to stay” was associated with increased confidence in ability to do the job. This report details findings of value to those interested in retaining high-quality PCAs.