Molina Healthcare Donates $125K Toward Caregiver Shortages

LANSING, Michigan—Molina Healthcare of Michigan, a provider of government-funded health care like Medicare and Medicaid, has partnered with the Area Agencies on Aging Association of Michigan (4AMI) and the Impart Alliance at Michigan State University to establish a direct care worker (DCW) help fund, which aims to assist professionals in paying for personal non-medical emergencies, support the direct care worker workforce and reduce turnover in the field. The $125,000 funds donated by Molina will be distributed through 4AMI—an organization responsible for the advocacy, training and education for the 4AMI locations in Michigan—to the local chapters for its allocation to direct care workers.

“Molina is committed to combatting the costly shortage of direct care workers that can ultimately risk the health and lives of older adults, persons with disabilities and all Michigan citizens,” said Terrisca Des Jardins, plan president for Molina Healthcare of Michigan. “There is much work to be done to grow a suitable workforce pool, but this grant plays an important role in keeping quality professionals in their roles now to care for our most underserved populations.”

The funds from Molina Healthcare seek to assist DCWs with emergencies that may arise, such as car repairs, utility and housing assistance and providing household items. The financial support aims to remove financial burdens that may lead workers to pursuing different careers and, in turn, reduce frequent turnover that often occurs in the field.

“We are grateful for Molina’s investment in the direct care worker help fund as we work to keep the quality professionals we have, while also race to fill open positions,” said David LaLumia, executive director of 4AMI. “This partnership will benefit both Michigan workers and seniors who deserve consistent, quality care.”

DCWs aim to provide services through behavioral health, community mental health and long-term care systems to support older adults and individuals with long-term disabilities. The work of a DCW often takes place in private homes, group homes, assisted living facilities or nursing homes. Their duties often include assisting with hands-on personal care, activities of daily living, rehabilitation, vocational assistance and community living supports.