Direct care workers (DCWs) are responsible for most of the hands-on care for older adults with physical, cognitive, and intellectual/developmental disabilities. This essential workforce, however, is vastly underpaid, has scant opportunities for training or career advancement, and experiences high turnover. To better support DCWs, the California Department of Aging is engaging in cross-agency planning to develop a DCW Training and Stipend program, funded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act.
This brief summarizes insights from California stakeholders to help guide effective design and implementation of the Training and Stipend Program, based on interviews with providers and associations that administer Community-Based Adult Services, Multipurpose Senior Services, and Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly programs in California.