Canadian province lacks home care workers

There is a growing shortage of home care workers in Manitoba. At the same time, demand is growing as more people need skilled help. The elderly and those who are unable to perform everyday tasks due to illnesses are the most affected by the shortage of workers.

Home care workers perform a wide range of activities. They include performing medical procedures, helping around the house, cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, and more. Despite ever-increasing inflation, pay rates for these workers have not been raised in a long time. The province has set rates for hiring home care workers — $21.40 CAD per hour for health care aides, $14.50 CAD for care workers. These rates have not changed since 2012. For many workers, these amounts don't even cover the daily cost of fuel. Manitoba Health Minister Audrey Gordon had no comment on whether to consider increasing rates for workers.

Because of low wages and harsh working conditions, few people want to work in such positions. The field of home-based work is experiencing a major shortage of qualified health care workers. Although the Manitoba government this month announced a plan to spend $16 million CAD to recruit and hire 350 health care workers and 72 nurses in nursing homes, many feel it is not enough.

A government spokesperson said the province is in the process of reviewing its self-care and care program and is "looking at a wide range of elderly care services, not just private nursing homes."

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