Caregivers need a pay raise

Caregivers are vital to making sure the population of vulnerable adults, i.e. the elderly and those with special needs, stay safe and healthy. They help those individuals live their best lives and they do it with compassion and skill. They run medical appointments, they do personal care, pass out medication, and are there to support the individuals. The issue is that there are many who choose to not become caregivers because the pay is so low. Caregivers put themselves through a lot to make sure that those who cannot care for themselves get the best care that they can provide. In the past few years many places have been working short staffed and having quite a bit of turnover with what staff they do hire. The main reason is that with all the responsibilities being a caregiver entails, most are being paid barely above minimum wage. Caregivers often put themselves at risk both physically and mentally doing the job that most families cannot. They deserve to be paid a living wage. Right now most caregivers can barely pay their bills with what they make unless they nearly kill themselves working extreme overtime. It isn't right.