A Question of Care

How Are Home Care Businesses Evolving for Workers?

Home care agencies are vital in the care economy, providing essential services, employing workers, and informing government policies and industry practices. However, many operate on tight margins, and face intensified scrutiny as home care jobs remain low-quality nationwide. In this episode, host Robert Espinoza talks to Kevin Smith, CEO of Best in Care, Inc. They discuss how home care agencies should operate in today’s environment, what it means to provide good jobs, and how to optimize government and businesses to improve home care.  This podcast was produced in partnership with MODRY MEDIA.

Who Are the Care Workers in Hospice and Palliative Care?

Direct care workers employed in palliative and hospice care play a critical role in supporting individuals with serious illnesses—a sensitive and crucial stage in life. Yet the general lack of good jobs in direct care means that workers don’t stay in this job sector for long. In this episode, host Robert Espinoza talks to Brynn Bowman, CEO of the Center to Advance Palliative Care, about the workforce needs in palliative and hospice care, why good jobs will improve this care, and how government and industry leaders should intervene. This podcast was produced in partnership with MODRY MEDIA.

Why Aren't More People Using Consumer Direction?

Not enough people know about consumer direction, a policy approach allowing Medicaid recipients to pay family members to provide them with in-home care. Consumer-directed beneficiaries, or "independent providers," are growing in numbers, but not quickly enough. In this episode, host Robert Espinoza speaks with Corrine Eldridge, President and CEO of the Center for Caregiver Advancement. They discuss what consumer direction offers, why independent providers need more government attention, and how to boost this aspect of long-term care.  This podcast was produced in partnership with MODRY MEDIA.

Why Are Nursing Assistant Jobs Overlooked?

Nursing assistants are the eyes and ears of nursing homes, where many people receive 24-hour skilled care when they can no longer support themselves. As the COVID-19 pandemic tragically reinforced, our society has neglected nursing homes and nursing assistants for decades.  In this episode, host Robert Espinoza speaks with Dr. Kezia Scales, Vice President of Research and Evaluation at PHI. They discuss nursing assistants' responsibilities and pressures, how quality care and jobs are linked, and transformative solutions.  This podcast was produced in partnership with MODRY MEDIA.

Who Supports People with Developmental Disabilities?

Direct support professionals are vital to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), as well as their families. While these workers provide critical support, our country has a long way to go in ensuring they are respected and fully recognized. In this episode, host Robert Espinoza speaks with Joseph Macbeth, CEO and President of the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals, about the purpose of direct support professionals, how to strengthen these jobs, and where government should focus its efforts.  This podcast was produced in partnership with MODRY MEDIA.