They are Essential Workers Now, and Should Continue to Be: Social Workers and Home Health Care Workers during COVID-19 and Beyond

Abstract

Social workers, despite their roles in hospitals and nursing homes, are not being recognized as “essential” workers. Similarly, home health care workers, despite caring for older adults with those with disabilities, functional deficits, and medical comorbidities, are invisible essential workers in many states during COVID-19. As COVID-19 overwhelms our healthcare and social service systems, and more older adults are asked to manage their symptoms at home, the role and importance of community-based supports, especially home health care workers, will become increasingly important for patients. Yet, because home health care workers are in close contact with frail, elderly, and medically complex clients, they are at an increased risk of exposure to COVID-19. As community spread of COVID-19 continues, and as more Americans shelter in place, the burden of care will be increasingly placed on home health and direct care workers, a group of front-line caregivers that has historically been overlooked and undervalued by the healthcare system and society at large.