About this episode
This episode discusses the challenges faced by direct care workers who assist America's older adults.
Nearly 5 million direct care workers assist America’s older adults. They perform their duties in private homes, residential care settings and nursing facilities. Often paid low wages, many rely on some form of public assistance to make ends meet. A surprising number are homeless. Yet the labor can be arduous, helping sometimes disabled people with dressing, toilet care, mobility challenges, transferring in and out of bed. And sometimes the clients they serve are angry, even abusive. To see additional resources and our other programs, please visit humanmedia.org . Humankind specials are heard on NPR and PRX member-stations, in association with GBH Boston.
People in this episode
Host: David Freudberg
Topics covered
- aging
- community care
- direct care workers
- elderly support
- public assistance
Keywords
- direct care workers
- elderly
- homelessness
- public assistance
- caregiving
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: NPR, PRX, GBH Boston
Places: America
More episodes of Humankind on Public Radio
- Generous Giving · June 11, 2026 · 29 min
- Journey of the Deaf-Blind · June 4, 2026 · 29 min
- Culture of Distraction · May 28, 2026 · 29 min
- Ahead of His Time, Charles Sumner, Pt2 · May 18, 2026 · 28 min
- Aging in Community, Pt3 · May 14, 2026 · 29 min
- Ahead of His Time: The Story of Charles Sumner, Pt1 · May 11, 2026 · 27 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Humankind on Public Radio podcast page.