The county has tried to find a replacement, but their subcontractors can't hire enough help. Schmidt is just one of the people suffering from a national shortage of entry-level home health workers. The numbers of home health workers have doubled since 1989 and are projected to more than double again by 2005, making theirs the fastest growing job, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. But there aren't enough workers to fill the new positions, and agencies struggle to find and keep their employees. Schmidt has now been without any assistance for three weeks.
Friends help with groceries and prescriptions.
Using a regular belt, she can guide her husband from his bed to his wheelchair. But without help, she can't give him the walking exercise he needs. He is starting to develop bed sores. I need help. Charlie Teese, administrator of Northern Home Care, can sympathize with Schmidt's predicament.