The Surprising Reality of Home Caregivers

About this Episode

Home health aides are the backbone of our aging care system, yet they are too often overlooked.

In this deeply moving episode of Who Cares, co-hosts Elyssa Katz and Dr. Steve Landers — physician and CEO of the Alliance — take listeners inside the homes, hearts, and hurdles of America’s most critical care workforce: home health aides.

As our population ages and the demand for care at home surges, the spotlight turns to the individuals providing hands-on, personal care every single day. Bathing, dressing, companionship, feeding, and emotional support — these aren’t just tasks, they’re life-changing interactions. Dr. Landers shares compelling anecdotes and data, reinforcing why this workforce is vital to the future of aging in America.

With stories ranging from a veteran finally finding peace through the kindness of an aide, to thousands of referrals going unfilled due to workforce shortages, this episode paints a vivid picture of both crisis and opportunity. The conversation dives deep into critical topics like Medicaid reimbursement challenges, workforce housing scarcity, and the severe shortage of younger caregivers entering the field — all while highlighting transformative solutions that could change everything.

From developing training pipelines in high schools and community colleges to reimagining retirement for older adults as second careers in caregiving, Elyssa and Dr. Landers emphasize a path forward grounded in humanity, policy, and purpose. They also touch on nurse delegation laws, the importance of supporting family caregivers, and practical resources like CaringInfo.org to help bridge gaps in home care education.

Listeners will walk away with a newfound appreciation for home care aides and a clearer understanding of the urgent changes needed to support them. If you care about the future of aging in America, this episode is essential listening.