Most older adults wish to stay in their homes for as long as possible as they age. To accomplish the goal of “aging in place,” some older adults need assistance. For many, managing a chronic disease or coping with a disability will be focal to their aging experience. On November 2, the Central Indiana Senior Fund, a fund of the Central Indiana Community Foundation, The Polis Center, and WFYI Public Media co-hosted the Aging in Place webinar: Help Wanted: Who Do We Need to Help Us Age at Home?  This program explored the direct care workforce needed to help the growing older adult population age at home. Presenters included:

Robin Elmerick, Senior Director of Effective Philanthropy, Central Indiana Community Foundation, provided a brief introduction to the Central Indiana Senior Fund and its State of Aging in Central Indiana Report.

Sierra Xonia Vaughn, Assistant Director of Data & Research, Bowen Center for Health Workforce Research & Policy, described Indiana’s current direct care workforce, including its size and composition, and Indiana’s future need for direct care workers.

Peggy Welch, Chief Advocacy Officer, Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), presented Indiana’s plan for growing Indiana’s direct service workforce.

The event featured a panel discussion of experts in the fields of aging and workforce development led by Alex Li, Health Reporter, WFYI Public Media, about the challenges in building this workforce and opportunities for enhancing the capabilities and capacity of direct care workers. 

Panelists included Aqueasha Martin-Hammond, Associate Professor Human-Centered Computing, Luddy School of Informatics Computing, and Engineering at Indianapolis; Tina McIntosh, present & CEO, Joy’s House; Emily Munson, Policy Director and Senior Attorney, Indiana Disability Rights; and Peggy Welch, Chief Advocacy Officer, Family and Social Services AdministrationPanelists included Aqueasha Martin-Hammond, Associate Professor Human-Centered Computing, Luddy School of Informatics Computing, and Engineering at Indianapolis; Tina McIntosh, present & CEO, Joy’s House; Emily Munson, Policy Director and Senior Attorney, Indiana Disability Rights; and Peggy Welch, Chief Advocacy Officer, Family and Social Services Administration.