Effect of Self-Direction on Personal Care Aide Wages

The supply of direct care workers (DCWs), including personal care aides (PCAs), who assist people receiving long-term services and supports is a growing concern. PCA shortages result, in part, from the low wages earned by these workers. Self-direction (SD) may influence wages because SD allows home care recipients to hire and manage workers, including setting worker wages in most states. In this study we used wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to examine the effect SD has had on the wages of PCAs. We also compare PCA wages with other entry level workers.