A CONSTELLATION OF OPPORTUNITY
VOICES FROM THE
FIELD
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Direct care workers, consumers, employers, managed care organizations, and state leaders are all navigating the same fragmented system. From the frontlines of long-term care to the offices that finance and regulate it, the message is consistent: the current structure does not work.
Direct care workers tell us they want high-quality jobs and training that counts everywhere. Credentials that travel. Wages that reflect skill. Clear pathways into leadership. In short, they want careers.
“We want to keep clients at home and out of the hospital. Sometimes the aide knows more about their health than a physician or family member. When she reports something... it should not be disregarded because of her title.”
MARISOL RIVERA
Care Integration Senior Aide, CHCA
Brooklyn, NY
“Education should stay with you and give you something to build on. There are many experienced caregivers who want to grow in this field but are often limited by the role being viewed as entry-level. When we offer an opportunity to grow, we create meaningful career paths. When experienced caregivers can stay and develop, new staff have someone to learn from, and clients get better care."
ALICIA JELLEN
Care Integration Senior Aide, GT Independence
Sugar Camp, WI
Public and private payers bear the cost of workforce instability — in rising expenses and disrupted care. Employers see the same inefficiencies from another angle. And state Medicaid leaders, who finance, regulate, and oversee long-term services and supports, see the fiscal implications clearly.
“Without clear career pathways, these challenges increase costs and contribute to ongoing workforce instability, ultimately impacting our ability to deliver consistent, high-quality care.”
TERESA WEIDNER
Regional Vice President, Nicolet Staffing
Wisconsin
“Every time a worker looks at the path ahead and sees they’ll have to start from scratch at a new agency or in a new state, we risk losing them entirely.
Portable credentials and shared standards aren’t aspirational — they’re overdue.”
RYAN HAEFELE
Executive Director, Jasacare
New York
Share Your Story
This Initiative is informed by lived perspective on this sector. Whatever brings you to this page—your perspective matters. Add your voice to the constellation.