Shortage of senior-care workers worsens
One year ago, Beth Herold, executive director of the county Area Agency on Aging, was distressed over the shortage of workers among the companies her agency contracts to perform services to low-income seniors in homes and high-rises across the county.
Her stress over care for the county’s most-vulnerable population has not eased, as the situation is even more dire this year.
Herold said while there were about 70 seniors in the 16001 and 16002 ZIP codes at this time last year, there are now 91 people on the list.
She said the Agency on Aging contracts with several companies that provide housekeepers, companions, shoppers, nurse aides and others to care for the low-income seniors in their homes or more frequently, in the high-rise senior apartment buildings owned by the county Housing and Redevelopment Authority.
