As a direct care worker, not a “loosely termed personal care assistant,” I provide the assistance needed for people in this state to stay in their own home.

Imagine that you could not find someone to do some of the simple tasks that most people take for granted, and because of a shortage of workers, you can no longer stay in your home? Maybe one of your parents can no longer care for their home and their personal needs and has to be placed in a facility because there are no workers to provide these services for them.

Personally, I get a great deal of satisfaction knowing that a man who served our country in World War II can live in his own home because I am part of his support system. Tell me that you think that is not worth a few dollars more an hour.

Many of these same direct care workers do not have medical insurance. In cases where insurance is offered where they work, direct care workers often can’t afford the premium. Isn’t it ironic that those who are caring for others often can’t afford to receive proper care for themselves?

I challenge the Sun Journal to get informed, take a moment and do a little research into the problems and challenges of direct care workers. Instead of making uninformed statements, why not meet with direct care workers, consumers, and their family members and learn about the difference that we make in their lives?

Denise St. Pierre, Alfred