In California, more than half a million caregivers are being paid by state programs to provide support to the aging population. However, a significant number of these caregivers are facing financial distress.
Sabrina Bishop works as a live-in caregiver in San Diego, providing round-the-clock assistance to an older man with advanced dementia. Despite her tireless efforts, she earns just $18.50 per hour, which is slightly above the minimum wage in the state. Unfortunately, this wage is barely enough to keep her above the poverty line.
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“He’s in the unfortunate final stage of dementia, which means he requires constant supervision round the clock,” she explained.
During Lisa Ling’s visit, Bishop, who usually works the night shift, found herself in a challenging situation. The caregiver who was supposed to relieve her arrived late, and the afternoon caregiver called out, leaving Bishop solely responsible for taking care of Mike during the day. This is a common occurrence for Bishop, and it often puts her in a difficult position.
After the passing of his wife, Mike, a 74-year-old former church acquaintance, has come to rely on Bishop for almost everything. Bishop has taken on the role of caring for Mike and providing him with the support he needs.
Bishop, despite the lack of support and compensation, dedicates herself to this work for individuals like Mike. Although she could earn a higher income by working in the fast-food industry, she willingly continues in this field.
Bishop expressed concern about the lack of funding for the program, emphasizing the potential consequences for individuals like Mike who are often overlooked and may not receive the care they need. He questioned why more financial resources couldn’t be allocated to ensure the well-being of these individuals.
The program Bishop is talking about is called In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS). IHSS is designed to assist workers in California who provide care to approximately half a million individuals, primarily those with lower incomes. This program helps prevent the need for hospital or nursing facility care for these individuals.
According to Bishop, the company currently offers three paid sick leave days to its employees. However, they have recently negotiated for an additional two days, bringing the total to five. Despite this, the employees have not yet received the other two days of sick leave.
Mike’s extended family takes care of his finances and pays Bishop out of pocket to supplement his care, as IHSS doesn’t cover all of his around-the-clock needs. However, Bishop still struggles to make ends meet despite these additional funds.
In order to make ends meet, she must take on additional jobs such as cleaning homes. Doug Moore, executive director of the United Domestic Workers of America (UDW), the union to which Bishop belongs, highlighted the lack of respect for the work done by caregivers.
Moore emphasized the need for investing in valor, stating that while it is acknowledged, there seems to be a reluctance to make the necessary investment. He called for investments to be made not just in California, but also by Congress and the president, in order to prioritize care.
Bishop emphasized the toll, both emotional and physical, that her job takes on her. She highlighted that people often fail to appreciate the value of her work until it directly impacts their own family.
“The light bulb doesn’t shine until it affects one of their family members or themselves. And sadly, that realization often comes too late,” Bishop expressed.
Bishop’s commitment to her role remains unwavering, despite the obstacles she faces. She is motivated by a promise she made to Mike’s late wife, vowing to never leave his side.
According to Bishop, when he reassured Mike’s wife that he would be there for him, she felt a sense of relief. She expressed her gratitude, stating that knowing there was someone who cared about her husband’s well-being and would provide for him gave her peace of mind.
The Biden administration has recently unveiled its strategy to prioritize care, which includes the implementation of Medicaid access standards and the establishment of minimum staffing requirements for nursing homes. However, many family and paid caregivers currently grappling with these issues believe that they require more comprehensive support, resources, and protections. Numerous workers in this field are responsible for the care of individuals in the final stages of life. Unfortunately, when these individuals pass away, these caregivers are left to seek alternative employment without receiving any benefits or retirement plans.
