Aging baby boomers create high demand for home health aides even as pay remains low

CLEVELAND — Jobs for home health care aides are expected to grow at a faster rate than all others over the next decade as baby boomers age. But keeping up with the demand will be tough because of low pay and a lack of benefits.

Unions and advocacy groups say nearly half of all home care workers live at or below the poverty level. Most aides make less than fast food workers and don’t get sick days or health insurance themselves.

Private agencies that employ home health workers blame states and the federal government for failing to increase reimbursement rates for Medicaid and Medicare patients while their costs rise.

The owner of a home health agency in Cleveland says she’s left to compete with discount stores and fast food places for workers.

The latest installment in Aging America, the joint AP-APME project examining the aging of the baby boomers and its impact on society.