Caring Across statement on Harris v. Quinn

June 30th, 2014

Category:

Today’s Supreme Court decision in the Harris v. Quinn case has made it more difficult for parents and grandparents in Illinois to secure the quality care they need to live independently in their homes. Quality care begins by ensuring quality jobs, and one cannot be separated from the other.

Every day, 10,000 Americans turn 65. Ninety percent of Americans would prefer to stay in their own homes as they live longer rather than receive care in a facility. And to do that, we need a well-trained, stable home care workforce. 

States meeting the challenges of an aging population should be supported in the steps they are taking to ensure that consumers and their families can find trained, qualified caregivers. By valuing caregivers, we value the dignity of people with disabilities and elders who need caregiving assistance to live full lives.

Caring Across Generations is more resolved than ever to propel the development of innovative long-term care options within both the public and private sectors that support independence, dignity and choice – and which strengthen our families, businesses, and the economy.

Caring Across Generations co-director and National Domestic Workers Alliance director Ai-jen Poo released the following statement:

“Today’s Supreme Court decision in the Harris v. Quinn case has made it more difficult for parents and grandparents in Illinois to secure the quality care they need to live independently in their homes.

“A well-trained, stable workforce of homecare workers is essential if we are to give our loved ones the quality care they need and deserve.

“As more of us live longer, we need to create lasting solutions that truly value caregivers – and in turn, preserve people’s choice to receive quality care at home. Today’s ruling only increases the urgency with which we need to support states that are doing a good job of beginning to meet the needs of our aging population.”

 

###