Home Health Care Shortage - Member Action Item

We know from years of research that most people prefer to receive care in their homes. Home care also includes many benefits. Some known benefits include preventative care, early complication intervention, face-to-face interactions, nutrition monitoring, and a better mental outlook. This vital element in the healthcare industry can prevent hospitalization and improve quality of life.

Most of us know that the home staffing situation has degraded in the last several years and has reached crisis levels in many areas. The number of PCAs, home health aides, and other home health care professions falls short of the current need. These unfilled hours directly impact the lives of veterans. Because the VA contracts most home health care out to health care agencies in the community, staff shortages in the industry immediately cascade to our veterans, affecting the level and quality of care they receive.

Usually, if the authorized hours are enough, they barely meet the mark with no surplus or cushion. When staff shortages result in missed shifts, the effects can be immediate, and patients must look elsewhere to fill the void. Family and friends become the first-line replacements. Frequently, those invited already work full-time jobs, have their own health concerns, or don’t live nearby. Private hire options remain limited due to the shortage of professionals and potential limitations based on a veteran’s financial situation.

The negative impact of missing home health care visits may occur rapidly or slowly over time. The gaps typically equate to missed showers/baths and other personal cares, missed meals, skipping important therapies, or staying in bed for long hours. This missed care can have severe consequences for our SCI-D veterans and those who rely on these services. Pressure sores, recurrent urinary tract infections, inadequate pain relief, and nutritional deficits top a long list concerning areas. Not only does the home health staffing shortage result in a significant risk of declining physical health, but it can also have dire mental health ramifications. Social isolation, poor health, and uncontrolled pain may increase suicide risk. In summary, neglect of physical or mental health can, in some cases, lead to death.

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Home care staffing issues must become a top priority to maintain the effectiveness of receiving home care and prevent unneeded hospitalizations and other complications. The Advocacy and Legislative Team at Minnesota Paralyzed Veterans of America remains committed to raising awareness and seeking solutions to this problem. The problem crosses into multiple areas, encompassing national and state systems, and affects both the veteran and non-veteran populations. The seriousness of this issue requires a lot of teamwork, creative thinking, and an unrelenting push for change. Failure to act, in this case, will lead to even more significant consequences.

Direct stories from our veterans function as a driving force to help inform and advocate for change and improvement in the vital area. If you have authorized home health care and are experiencing difficulty filling the hours due to staffing shortages or have recently experienced staffing difficulties, please get in touch with a member of the MNPVA Advocacy Legislative team or call the office at 612-467-2263.

Vicky: vickygarrison@mnpva.org

Tim: timvalentin@mnpva.org

Todd: toddkemery@mnpva.org

Impossibleisnotafact. Itisanopinion.