September 02, 2022
Home care workers poor and stressed
Urgent action is needed to improve conditions for community support workers.
A Health Research Council-funded study presented yesterday to Health Minister Andrew Little yesterday found those helping people in their homes were often isolated, marginalised, financially stressed, and with insecure working conditions.
Lead author Katherine Ravenswood says Maori workers, who make up at least 12 percent of the 70,000-strong workforce, were particularly affected during Covid lockdowns and beyond.
“Maori support workers face additional barriers like a lack of cultural understanding and not enough supportive networks in this workforce for them,” she says.
While many of the workers are employed by private companies, the government ultimately funds them.