(Undated)– Advocates for Iowans with disabilities are sounding the alarm over what they describe as a caregiver crisis. They’re pleading with lawmakers to give the issue more priority, so individuals aren’t pushed from their homes because of the scarcity of providers. The workforce shortage has been building for years and officials say it’s gotten worse in the past year and-a-half.
Advocates say the crisis is largely driven by low wages for caregivers. According to Indeed, the average starting pay for in-home caregivers in Iowa is around 13-dollars an hour. Lutheran Services in Iowa estimates it has been forced to reduce its client base by 350 in recent years.
Cody Lewton directs Lutheran Services’ statewide support program for people with disabilities. He says they’re down roughly 250 caregivers, citing the struggle to pay them enough money…
The Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council says it’s also concerned about the crisis, adding it will be the group’s number one legislative priority next session.
