News
January 24, 2024Consumer Directed Choices, Inc. Responds to Home Care Workforce Crisis with Innovative Pilot Program
Consumer Directed Choices, Inc. (CDChoices), an Albany-based not-for-profit offering services to over 2,100 New York seniors and individuals with disabilities in consumer-directed home care programs, has announced bipartisan Statehouse support for legislation that would establish a three-year demonstration program allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to work as personal assistant workers in the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP).
The legislation addresses a severe shortage in New York’s home care workforce. There are currently about 200,000 job openings for home care aides in New York, and the shortage is expected to only get worse.
“This demonstration program is a unique and forward-looking way to address a healthcare workforce crisis with a population ready and able to jump in and fill the gap,” said CDChoices Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Chris Graber. “We’re pleased the legislation to establish the program is supported by members of both parties and are especially grateful for the leadership provided by Senator Lea Webb (D, WF – Binghamton) and Assemblymember Aileen Gunther (D – Middletown).”
“Home care services are a significant need and a vital resource for many families in our community who have vulnerable loved ones who are in need of care,” said Senator Lea Webb. “A thriving home care workforce positively impacts local economies and communities. The demonstration program has the potential to boost local economies by creating jobs for young individuals and meeting the increasing demand for home care services within communities.”
“Every effort that helps New Yorkers who need assistance with their activities of daily living to stay in their homes produces better health outcomes. This demonstration program will increase the number of people available to help people remain in their homes and will provide helpful data on best practices going forward,” said Assemblymember Aileen Gunther.
The CDPA Program, under which the 16- and 17-year-olds would be employed, permits greater flexibility and freedom of choice for chronically ill or physically disabled individuals receiving home care services under the Medicaid program. Providing the option for individuals who need some assistance with their daily activities to remain in their homes, the CDPA program offers an alternative to traditional care in nursing homes or other institutional settings.
Thousands of New Yorkers rely on CDPA workers every day for help with essential activities like getting out of bed, getting dressed, going to the bathroom, finding a job, getting to work, staying engaged in the community, and more.
Currently, CDPA workers must be 18 years or older. The legislation proposed by both houses will permit individuals aged 16 and 17 to serve as consumer-directed personal assistants, adhering to labor laws, and authorized to work no more than 8 hours a day, 6 days a week.
“We are proud to partner with Senator Webb and Assemblymember Gunther on this important legislation that is not just about today; it’s an investment in the future of home care that recognizes the workforce challenges ahead and takes bold steps to secure the continuity of home care in New York,” added Graber. “At the heart of our mission is the belief in consumer choice and independence and bringing 16- and 17-year-olds into the home care workforce will enhance that choice and independence.”
If passed this Legislative session and signed into law by the Governor, CDChoices would look to launch the program immediately. CDChoices would collect data, track results, and report those results to the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH). If proven to be effective, this program could be made permanent following the demonstration program.
