Submitted by Laura Ness, Director, PA Government Affairs (GAO)

Last week, the Long-Term Care Council met in Harrisburg along with the various sub-committees.  The Workforce Committee continued the discussion regarding how we continue to care the aging Pennsylvanians.  It was clear that direct care workers are the foundation of caring for older Pennsylvanians.  There was also the recognition that more direct care workers will be needed and recruited for the role.  The majority of our time was spent discussing the data needed to make the case for higher pay, better support, and professionalizing the profession.  The Government Affairs Office (GAO) is looking forward to continuing our work with the group.