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Caregivers urge Kings County to back higher IHSS wages, citing burnout and household strain
Summary
Several IHSS providers and family caregivers told supervisors that low pay, rising living costs and lack of health coverage are driving turnover and risking seniors’ ability to remain at home; speakers asked for fair wages and recognition of in‑home care’s value.
Multiple caregivers addressed the board during unscheduled public comment, urging better pay and support for in‑home supportive services (IHSS) providers. "Caregivers save the county, the state money by keeping seniors and people with disabilities safe at home," Julio Godinez, who identified himself as serving on the SEIU Local 2015 bargaining team, said. He described caregivers as "like family" to clients and said higher wages and affordable health care reduce burnout and turnover.
Tasha Hall, who said she has cared full time for her mother for nine years and participates in IHSS bargaining, told supervisors she and other providers had received "0 offer at the table" in contract talks and asked the board and negotiators to consider pay increases that reflect caregiving responsibilities. Catherine Kemp recounted complex medical care she provides to her daughter after repeated strokes and said home health did not perform scheduled PICC‑line medication administration, underscoring the informal but essential medical work family caregivers do. Collectively, the speakers asked the board to consider county and bargaining strategies to retain caregivers and to recognize the fiscal and human value of home care.
