It is pretty known that Wisconsin is experiencing a crisis-level shortage of direct care workers.  Elders and people with disabilities aren't getting the care they need to survive.  More than 85% of people who rely on direct care in Wisconsin report that they can't find enough  workers.  This commentary article explains that the state has always been a national leader in supporting people with disabilities and older people in the community, but this care worker crisis jeopardizes that.  It suggests that high worker turnover rates and growing job openings contribute to the crisis.  Agencies struggle to keep up  with the increased costs of doing business and to pay workers competitive wages with the current reimbursement rate.   The demand for direct care is expected to increase by 28% by 2024 according to this commentary. It suggests that Wisconsin must take action now!

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