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Hurricane Helene charges toward Florida's Gulf Coast, expected to strike late today as a dangerous storm; Millions of Illinois' convenient voting method gains popularity; House task force holds first hearing today to investigate near assassination of Donald Trump in Pennsylvania; New report finds Muslim students in New York face high levels of discrimination in school.

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Biden says all-out-war is threatening in the Middle East, as tensions rise. Congress averts a government shutdown, sending stopgap funding to the president's desk and an election expert calls Georgia's latest election rule a really bad idea.

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The presidential election is imminent and young rural voters say they still feel ignored, it's leaf peeping season in New England but some fear climate change could mute fall colors, and Minnesota's mental health advocates want more options for troubled youth.

WI fares well in long-term care rankings, but issues remain

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Wednesday, October 4, 2023   

A new report ranks Wisconsin 15th in the nation for long-term care services but advocates for the people who need care say more could be done.

The ranking is from AARP's Long-Term Services and Supports Scorecard.

Jim Flaherty, communications director for AARP Wisconsin, agreed the state has done a better job in some areas, such as increasing the number of Aging and Disability Resource Centers. But he argued there is still not enough support to help older residents stay in their homes and receive care in a familiar setting.

He warned the state is going to have a hard time keeping up.

"Wisconsin is getting older as a state," Flaherty pointed out. "The need for more home health care workers and facility-trained health care workers is only going to increase."

The national report offers recommendations, including some suggested for years, such as providing more financial support to unpaid family caregivers. Officials contended policies like tax credits can help reduce cost burdens. States, counties and cities also are encouraged to develop their own innovative aging plans to help communities better manage long-term care needs.

While advocates prefer to help older residents remain in their homes, they emphasized nursing homes continue to grapple with staffing shortages. Flaherty stressed low wages are a big factor.

"Wisconsin could really benefit from some additional resources provided by the state to increase the pay for some of the workers in these facilities," Flaherty contended. "The pay is below the level of a lot of other jobs that these folks can take."

The report showed in Wisconsin, nursing home wages are more than $1.50 an hour lower than other entry-level jobs. Nationally, more than half of staff in nursing homes leave their jobs within a year. However, the turnover rate is better in Wisconsin.

Disclosure: AARP Wisconsin contributes to our fund for reporting on Budget Policy and Priorities, Consumer Issues, Health Issues, and Senior Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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