ST. PETERSBURG, Florida—The direct care workforce, a backbone of the health care industry, is facing unprecedented challenges, as revealed in the newly released 2024-2025 State of the Direct Care Workforce Report by MissionCare Collective.
This report, drawing from extensive data on the well-being of care workers, sheds light on critical issues that industry leaders can no longer afford to ignore, MissionCare said.
Key findings from the report include:
- Fifteen percent of caregivers lack health insurance, leaving a significant portion of the workforce without critical healthcare coverage.
- Fifty-five percent of caregivers rely on public assistance, with 32% specifically dependent on Medicaid.
- Twenty-one percent of caregivers report poor mental health, reflecting the workforce’s heightened vulnerability to anxiety and depression.
Caregivers are significantly more likely to face physical health challenges, being 150% more likely to experience obesity, 200% more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease and 19% more likely to develop diabetes compared to the general population.
“As leaders and policymakers work to address the critical shortage in our workforce and the growing demand for care among aging Americans, it is imperative that we prioritize the health and well-being of our caregivers, just as we do for their patients,” said Brandi Kurtyka, CEO of St. Petersburg-based MissionCare Collective. “Ironically, those who are entrusted with the care of others often find themselves struggling with their own health challenges. This report is not merely a compilation of statistics—it is a resounding call to action. We must deepen our understanding and support of these essential workers to effectively bridge the emerging gaps in care.”
The report goes beyond the numbers, offering an in-depth analysis of the factors contributing to the workforce’s struggles, including financial instability, training and development and poor physical and mental health. It also provides state-specific data on workforce gaps, wages and the composition of the workforce, arming industry leaders with the insights needed to address these challenges head-on.
“Better understanding the workforce unlocks the potential to build a stronger team," Kurtyka said. "With the data and insights from this report, you can start to predict and prevent turnover before it happens, while creating a healthier, more resilient workforce.”
Industry professionals and stakeholders are encouraged to download the full report for free, which not only highlights the urgent needs but also offers actionable steps to improve workforce stability and care quality across the nation.
