Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to your frequently asked questions about the DSW Resource Center and direct service workforce.
"Why is there concern about the direct service workforce?"
Two demographic trends could combine to create a severe shortage of direct service workers in the coming years: the increasing number of people who need long-term services and supports and the decreasing number of workers available to provide these services.
"Why should state Medicaid agencies get involved with DSW initiatives?"
Medicaid is the single largest source of funding for long-term services and supports, accounting for 47% of long term care spending in 2002.
"What’s the advantage of collaboration with other organizations?"
Direct service workforce issues affect and are affected by Medicaid policy, labor policy, community demographics, disability policy, aging policy, and local labor markets.
"What kind of assistance is available to me through the Resource Center?"
The Resource Center provides general technical assistance (TA) to state and local governments, non-profit organizations, employers, and professionals who want to pursue initiatives to improve the recruitment and retention of direct care workers in their state.
"I'm a consumer looking for a direct service worker. Where should I start?"
This website is not meant to provide assistance in finding direct service workers, but if you need someone to provide direct support or personal assistance at home or in the community for yourself or for someone else with long term support needs, the following resources may be helpful.
"What’s the difference between a direct service worker, a direct care worker, a direct support worker, and a direct support professional?"
All those terms (and more) are used by various groups to describe individuals who provide direct care and personal assistance to individuals with disabilities and older adults.