Caregiver compensation is too low to attract sufficient staff
Asad Jung’s recent article (Oct. 27) on apartments in Dennis for people with autism highlighted the critical lack of staffing for adults with disabilities on the Cape.
This is a crisis, and inadequate compensation needs to be addressed now.
Many Cape programs serving adults with autism, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, blindness and other intellectual and developmental disorders lost up to 40% of their direct-care staff during the pandemic. They cannot hire new staff due to low pay rates set by the state. Our programs simply cannot compete with higher salaries offered by employers such as local supermarkets, hotels and restaurants.
The crisis is worse here due to the higher cost of housing, lack of affordable housing, higher food costs and the need to maintain a vehicle due to inadequate public transportation on the Cape.
Each day that people with disabilities lack adequate staffing, their health and safety are at risk.
Employees are required to obtain and maintain certifications in first aid, CPR, medication administration and non-violent restraints, and to exercise independent and compassionate judgment. They are professionals who individuals and their families rely on for their safety, health and well-being. Programs have been unable to operate at full capacity, jeopardizing safety and leaving individuals needing and deserving services without them.
How many parents have been unable to return to work in order to stay home to take care of a family member with a disability? Many Cape Codders have been out of programs for over a year.
Let us urge our legislators and Governor Baker to raise salaries and benefits for the heroic men and women who care for people with disabilities. Paying them a living wage, commensurate with their skills and training, is key. People with disabilities and their families need our support now more than ever.
I spent my entire career in human services, including 25 years as the executive director of Cape Abilities in Hyannis. Massachusetts used to be a leader in providing quality services to individuals with disabilities. Let’s work to reclaim that level of excellence.
Larry Thayer is the retired executive director of Cape Abilities.
This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: larry thayer calls attention to staff shortages in healthcare
