Mrs. Whitman said the loophole should be closed and promised to work with legislators and her Advisory Council on Elder Care to do so. Let's hope this pledge by the governor will mark the beginning of a concerted drive to make the changes in the law that are necessary to safeguard New Jersey's home-care patients. As baby boomers age and people live longer, the demand for home-care aides will continue to mushroom. The rise of managed care and resulting shorter hospital stays have also increased the demand for home health aides. Certified aides are in very short supply.
Turnover is high because wages are low and working conditions are often tedious and unpleasant.
The thriving economy and the availability of other jobs are not helping. Agencies are tempted to hire almost anyone because aides are so desperately needed. And families, who are already worried about a loved one in a vulnerable situation, should not have to worry additionally about whether they are hiring a criminal. If they take the time and spend the money to hire an aide who has been certified by the state, that certification should include the assurance that the aide does not have a criminal background. That's only fair.