Defining the Direct Care Workforce

We often hear from family caregivers “I never realized how important Direct Care Workers were until we needed them.”  That is likely true for most of us, but it doesn’t take long to know how important they are when we experience it first-hand.

Direct Care Workers are often viewed as “entry level” workers or as only a steppingstone position to becoming a licensed nurse or other health professional. For many, direct care is a chosen profession. For that reason, policymakers, educators, employers, and others need to view and provide Direct Care Workers with opportunities to grow professionally within the field.

Join Iowa CareGivers in recognizing Direct Care Workers as the professionals they are and learn more about defining the Direct Care Workforce below!

Direct Care Workforce Issue Briefs: 

Defining Iowa’s Direct Care Workforce (2023)

Direct Care Workforce Defined (2021)