OHCA The Oregon Caregiver Fall/Winter 2019

The Oregon Caregiver FALL/WINTER 2019 www.ohca.com 14 DATA & RESEARCH D irect care workers are a vital part of the long term care sector. In no place is this clearer than Oregon. The direct care workforce includes a wide variety of occupations from personal care aides and physical therapists to certified nursing assistants and registered nurses. This workforce provides the bulk of all paid care and support to aging Oregonians who require assistance carrying out their activities of daily life. But the impact of Oregon’s direct care workforce goes far beyond any economic measurement. Often, they provide emotional support and companionship to the individuals they work with each day. Indeed, Oregon’s long history as a national leader in the long term care sector is due to direct care workers. If Oregon is to remain a national leader in long term care, several steps must be taken to strengthen this workforce. These steps will allow this workforce to continue to provide care to the thou- sands of aging Oregonians with a need for services and supports. As reported in OHCA’s 2018 Oregon Long Term Care State Report , over 51,000 Oregonians are employed in direct caregiving. This includes over 19,333 personal care aides Oregon’s Direct Care Workforce: The Foundation of the Long Term Care Sector’s Success By Walt Dawson, D.Phil and 2,690 registered nurses. This workforce additionally includes over 5,900 home health aides and nearly 12,500 nursing assistants. By any measure, these figures demonstrate a significant workforce. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, occupations in direct care are some of the fastest growing jobs in the United States. This is also true for Oregon. As the state’s population grows older over the next decade, the demand for direct caregivers will similarly rise. This growing need for these occupations is a direct result of a rapidly increasing Over 51,000 Oregonians Are Employed in Direct Caregiving As reported in OHCA’s 2018 Oregon Long Term Care State Report 19,333+ Personal Care Aides 2,690 Registered Nurses 5,900+ Home Health Aides 12,500 Nursing Assistants