WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — It’s a problem hitting close to home for many of us. Hardworking individuals like teachers and hospitality workers are already struggling to make ends meet. But they’re not alone.
CBS12’s Katie Bente spoke with the director of a local nursing home, who is making a heartfelt plea for change after losing employees who can’t afford to live locally.
Imagine working tirelessly to care for others, only to struggle to afford a roof over your head. That’s the harsh reality many healthcare workers are facing.
Dr. Nashika Jackson Ogilvie, Senior Executive Director of Avante Group Inc. in Palm Beach County, warns that without immediate changes, we risk losing even more dedicated staff caring for our elderly.
Dr. Jackson recalls a time when one of her employees broke down in her office because they were struggling to make ends meet.
“She informed me that she had been homeless. She was living in a car with her two children and a dog. This is a healthcare worker. Who was working, she had income and still cannot afford an apartment or somewhere to live,” Jackson said.
While this year’s state budget includes an 8% boost in funding for nursing homes to hire and maintain employees, Jackson worries, it still won’t be enough.
“Even with that passage of the budget, it essentially says minimum wage goes up to $15 now at $15 an hour for 40 hours a week. That’s $2,600 for the month,” Jackson explained.
This falls short of the average cost of living in areas like West Palm Beach. A National Low-Income Housing Coalition report shows that workers would need to earn about three times that amount to afford a two-bedroom apartment.
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This shortfall is creating a domino effect, impacting more than just nurses.
“Healthcare workers are everything from personal care assistants, certified nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses, therapists, dietary aides, and all encompass that industry. And unfortunately, because they can’t afford to live here, and are leaving, we are faced with a staffing challenge,” Jackson said.
Losing staff means those who stay are stretched even thinner and the quality of care suffers.
Now, Dr. Jackson is urging the state legislature to take action.
“Increase the healthcare budget some more but also have accountability to ensure that the increases in the healthcare budget actually goes to the staff and not owners of the healthcare companies,” Jackson said.
She also supports a cap on rent hikes, similar to President Biden’s recent proposal as part of his affordable housing plan.
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