Home Care Is Broken. Can Congress Fix It?

The latest Democratic proposal would funnel $150 billion toward subsidized home and community-based care. Experts worry that may not be enough to ease the severe shortage of workers.

Spinal surgery four years ago left Alene Shaheed in a wheelchair and dependent on short daily visits from home health aides to help her get around.

But her support system fell apart this year during the prolonged coronavirus pandemic, and her routine care became unpredictable. Four agencies serving her hometown, Jacksonville, Fla., failed to provide aides regularly, due to severe shortages of the low-wage workers.

“If no one comes for three days, I don’t get a bath for three days,” said the 76-year-old. “I don’t have anyone to fix meals, so I’m eating ramen noodles until someone gets there.”