A recent study by the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) reveals significant improvements in the recruitment and retention of home care workers following the implementation of a $16 minimum wage and increased funding in 2024.
Despite these gains, Nevada continues to grapple with a severe shortage of home care workers as its population ages rapidly, prompting advocates to call for further progress.
The $16 minimum wage, signed into law by Governor Lombardo and effective January 1, 2024, marked a substantial increase from the previous average wage of $11 an hour.
The DHHS study indicates that between December 2023 and April 2024, the number of home care workers rose by 1,528, a 6.5% increase.
Additionally, worker retention improved significantly, with 96% of home care workers retained during this period, compared to a previous turnover rate where half of the workers left within the first year.
Advocates attribute part of this success to over 1,000 home care workers forming a union at nine agencies in 2023.
They argue that union membership empowers workers by giving them a voice in their jobs and the legislative process.
However, Nevada still ranks 49th nationally in spending on home and community-based services per resident.
Advocates, including caregivers and their unions, are pushing for a $20 minimum wage and further funding increases in the next legislative session.
Chrystal Taylor, a home care worker in Las Vegas, said, “The $16 minimum wage has given me hope, helped me pay my bills and kept me in this field that I love.” Taylor, who recently secured a $17 wage through her union contract, added, “But with the cost of living, I’m still living paycheck to paycheck. We’re going to be advocating for a $20 minimum wage in the 2025 legislature because it’s about basic survival.”
State Senator Rochelle Nguyen, who championed the $16 minimum wage, expressed optimism about the progress made.
“It’s so uplifting and heartening to see that our efforts to address the home care crisis are having a positive impact,” Nguyen said.
She emphasized her commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to further increase wages and funding.
A poll conducted earlier this year showed broad bipartisan support for addressing the home care workforce shortage, with 85% of likely voters supporting wage increases for caregivers.
Expanding home care is also seen as fiscally responsible, with Nevada saving over $76,000 annually for each client receiving home care instead of nursing home care.