According to the recently published America's Health Rankings 2023 Senior Report, Florida ranks 50th in the nation in seniors' access to home health care workers. The United Health Foundation's annual report provides a snapshot of the health and well-being of older adults across the country. The study examines 52 measures based on 22 data sources.

In an effort to stimulate policy action to invest in the home health workforce, HCAF shared the findings of the report with members of the Florida Legislature. 

The study shows an overall improvement in access to care for older adults, with an increase in the number of geriatric providers and home health workers. Nevertheless, a significant shortage of home health aides exists in the country's third-largest state with the highest proportion of seniors. For the second consecutive year, Florida maintained its last-place ranking with only 14.6 workers per 1,000 older adults. Comparatively, New York has 9.4 times more home health workers (137.6) than Florida — the highest and lowest rates respectively.

• Related News: Highs, Lows for Florida Seniors in Health Rankings Report (Public News Service, 5/31/23)

To address this critical issue, HCAF urged legislators to consider the following measures:

• Increase Medicaid funding for home health to enable providers to offer competitive wages and benefits, attracting and retaining qualified workers.
• Support state-funded training for home health workers, including certified nursing assistants (CNAs). The programs should provide training at no cost to create a pipeline of qualified professionals to meet the growing demand for home health services.
• Implement innovative approaches to workforce development, such as enhanced financial assistance for home health workers and initiatives to educate and train future professionals.

As a result, HCAF believes that it will contribute to the well-being of older adults by ensuring that they have access to high-quality and cost-effective in-home care services.

Click here to read the report.