High turnover among support services workers hurts NC families

More than 17,000 North Carolinians with intellectual and developmental disabilities are on a waiting list for support because there aren’t enough caregivers.  

A recent study by advocacy and services organization The Arc of North Carolina shows 20,000 new direct support professionals must be hired to address the needs of waitlist patients. Add senior care service providers to that list and the number swells to nearly 80,000. The problem is recruitment and retention: the Medicaid-funded jobs pay very little, often lack professional advancement, and turnover is high. And for the providers, expensive training programs are often met by workers leaving the job within days of starting.

The results for individuals and families missing that care are often devastating, says Kelly Crosbie. She directs the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Developmental Disabilities Division.

"There’s just the disruption of your normal life activities," says Crosbie. "Who do you shop with? Who helps you get ready for the day? Who helps you go to your job? So, you lose that. But it’s very emotionally hard too. Because this is a person that gets to know you fairly intimately, right? We’re literally talking about situations where people help you dress in the morning, eat your meals – you get to know them really, really well."

Crosbie says DHHS is currently working with an advisory committee to develop a strategic plan for recruiting and training caregivers. It will include raising awareness through pilot projects with community colleges that offer the direct support service profession as a course of study.