May 14, 2025
New York's group homes are vital havens, providing essential care and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The dedicated caregivers, known as direct support professionals (DSPs), pour their hearts into this crucial work, often viewing it as a true labor of love. However, this love isn't always enough to make ends meet, leading to a significant staffing crisis that threatens the very foundation of this care system.

The Growing Shortage of Direct Support Professionals in NY

A concerning report from the New York Disability Advocates, a coalition representing over 300 nonprofit organizations serving more than 130,000 New Yorkers with I/DD, sheds light on the severity of the situation. These nonprofits, which provide care for a staggering 85% of individuals with I/DD in the state, are grappling with approximately 20,000 vacant direct care positions. This alarming shortage has forced 38% of these providers to cut back on essential services and programs.

The financial strain of this crisis is also substantial. The statewide annual workforce turnover rate of 30% costs nonprofit agencies an estimated $100 million each year. This trend is not unique to New York. Harvard Public Health predicts a nationwide shortage, projecting that 4.6 million home care jobs will go unfilled by 2032.

Why the Exodus of Caregivers?

The reasons behind this critical shortage are complex and interconnected:

• Low Wages: Perhaps the most significant factor is the uncompetitive pay. As Joseph Riley, CEO and executive director of the Guild for Exceptional Children, points out, even with recent state reimbursement rate increases allowing for slightly higher wages, nonprofit providers still struggle to compete with state-operated programs that offer significantly higher hourly pay – sometimes as much as $10 more. The starting salary at the Guild, for example, is $17.82 an hour, a wage that often doesn't reflect the demanding nature of the work.
• Demanding Work: The role of a DSP is both physically and emotionally taxing. Caregivers often assist with personal care, medication administration, behavioral support, and community integration, requiring immense patience, empathy, and resilience.
• Limited Advancement Opportunities: The career path for DSPs often lacks clear opportunities for growth and professional development, further contributing to dissatisfaction and turnover.
• Poor Working Conditions: Understaffing leads to increased workloads and overtime for existing employees, creating a cycle of burnout and further exacerbating the shortage, as Jennifer Hinds-Moore, the Guild's director for human resources, explains.
• The Rise of Remote Work: The shift towards remote work, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has also drawn potential candidates away from direct care roles, as Riley suggests.

The Human Cost of Understaffing

The consequences of this staffing crisis are far-reaching:

• Reduced Services: As highlighted by the New York Disability Advocates' report, the inability to fill vacant positions directly translates to fewer individuals with I/DD receiving the care and support they need. Organizations like the Guild for Exceptional Children are forced to limit their intake despite having vacancies, prioritizing safe staffing levels for their current residents.
• Increased Burden on Existing Staff: Overworked and stretched-thin DSPs face burnout, impacting their well-being and potentially the quality of care they can provide.
• Impact on Individuals with I/DD: Consistent and qualified care is crucial for the well-being and development of individuals with I/DD. High turnover disrupts routines, hinders the building of trust, and can negatively affect their overall quality of life.
  

  
  New York State's Efforts to Address the Crisis

  New York State recognizes the urgency of this situation and has taken steps to address the DSP shortage.

The Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) has increased reimbursement rates for nonprofit residential and day service providers, enabling them to offer more competitive wages.

Members and volunteers of the Guild for Exceptional Children celebrate the announcement of a $2 million federal grant secured by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis last summer. Staffing shortages at group homes across New York are limiting care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
File photo courtesy of U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis’ office

Jennifer O’Sullivan, director of communications for the OPWDD, emphasizes the state's commitment under Governor Kathy Hochul's leadership to growing the DSP workforce and improving retention through increased investment and their "More Than Work" recruitment campaign. Since 2022, New York State has allocated over $3.9 billion to nonprofit providers to support workforce investments and reduce pay disparities. This includes bonuses and funding initiatives aimed at recognizing inflationary pressures and increasing salaries. Most recently, an $850 million investment is intended to fund further rate increases for certified providers, with the primary goal of boosting DSP salaries.

Advocacy for Change: A Bill to Enhance DSP Wages

Manhattan Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright is a strong advocate for DSPs. She has reintroduced A7604, a bill aimed at providing wage enhancements for these essential workers. Seawright underscores the critical role DSPs play in supporting New York's vulnerable population, delivering 85% of services to most New Yorkers with I/DD. She highlights the significant pay disparity between nonprofit and government-funded DSPs, leading to the high turnover rate. Seawright argues that addressing this disparity is a matter of equity and crucial for maintaining the quality of care.

Nonprofits Taking Initiative

Organizations like the Guild for Exceptional Children are also implementing their own strategies to attract and retain staff. These include offering comprehensive benefits packages (health, dental, life insurance, 401(k)), referral and hiring bonuses, employee discounts, and launching pilot programs such as tuition reimbursement and employee recognition awards.

The Path Forward: Investing in Those Who Care

The staffing crisis in New York's group homes for individuals with I/DD is a complex challenge that demands a multi-faceted approach. While recent state investments and nonprofit initiatives are steps in the right direction, sustained and significant efforts are needed to truly value and support the dedicated individuals who provide this essential care. Ensuring competitive wages, offering opportunities for professional growth, and improving working conditions are crucial to attracting and retaining a stable and qualified DSP workforce. The well-being of New York's most vulnerable citizens depends on it.