The same day a GOP press conference at the Capitol spoke out against the expansion of Medicaid, Gov. Tony Evers signed an executive order to create a state task force on caregiving.
The governor’s task force will be charged with analyzing strategies to attract and retain a strong direct care workforce, exploring and developing solutions to support and strengthen the direct care workforce and supporting respite service care.
A recent survey from the Wisconsin Personal Services Association (WPSA) shows the need for this task force for those who have a lack of access to community based caregivers.
“One out of two personal care agencies are considering no longer providing Medicaid services due to inadequate reimbursement rates, and one out of three agencies are experiencing yearly worker turnover rates of more than 50 percent,” the WPSA survey said.
Organizations such as Disability Rights Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Family and Caregiver Support Alliance (WFACSA) celebrated Gov. Evers’ executive order as a victory for caregiving associations across the state.
“Respite care is something families desperately need,” said Lisa Schneider, family caregiver and active member of the WFACSA. “Without a break, family caregivers compromise their own health.”
Lea Kitz, executive director of Disability Rights Wisconsin, sees the executive order as a necessity for caretakers in state and a step in the right direction for caregivers nationally.
“The potential of these programs to support community living is at risk because of a shortage of direct care professionals” Kitz said.
Gov. Evers’ executive order intends to alleviate this shortage by strengthening government participation.
"Caregivers provide critically important services and are often the unsung heroes, supporting and caring for friends and loved ones so they can stay in their homes and their communities," Evers said in a press release Tuesday.
“It's important to me that we recognize, value and celebrate the work of caregivers across our state, and that we make sure caregivers have the support they need while strengthening and improving access to the direct care workforce in Wisconsin."
