Wanda Mozie

My name is Wanda Mozie and I live in Charlottesville, Virginia. I have been a PCA for over thirty years. I became a PCA in Virginia three years ago because my aunt and her husband did not want to go into the nursing home. I help my aunt every day by feeding her, washing her clothes, transporting her to the doctors and food shopping. I believe this job is important because when people go into a nursing home, they do not get individualized attention as they do with home care services.

However, this job is sometimes hard because of low wages, no back up system for when PCAs need a day off and PCAs are not offered any comprehensive health insurance.

I am here today at this healthcare forum representing the more than 4,000 personal care attendants throughout Virginia who want to see change. We want to see change because being a PCA is not just a job. It's a way of life - caring for others, ensuring they can stay in their homes with their families.

Virginians might think they'll have home care as a choice. But the reality is there's a workforce shortage because the wages are low and there are no real benefits to speak of. Virginia seniors and people with disabilities deserve access to quality home care. The truth of the matter is that until Virginia invests in making home care a decent profession, turnover will remain high and Virginia families will be at risk.