Your Stories

  • William Alston

    Like many PCAs in Virginia, I wish I could commit even more of my time to those I help.  Unfortunately, the extremely low wages we are paid force many of us to choose between going the extra mile for our clients, or getting a second (or third) job to provide for our families.

  • Nancy Bonk

    A lot of the good PCAs we find are mothers with children. They can't support a family on this wage and we really can't blame them for moving on.

  • Lakeisha Branch

    At most jobs, you do a good job, you get a real raise. I know I do a good job, but I also know that if I was working at McDonalds for the last 7 years I'd be making a lot more than $8.60 an hour. I don't do the job for the money. I'm really close to my consumer-- we're like family at this point, but I still have to live.

  • Jeanie Carter

    I love the work that I do. But I need some help. PCAs deserve real wage increases so that we can continue to pay our bills and can afford to live in this area. PCAs like myself also deserve sick days and vacation days. Right now, if I don't work, I don't get paid. Everyone needs a day off from time-to-time.

  • Sharon Fields

    We need to stay healthy and strong to do the best job possible and provide the best quality care. If we don't have health insurance, seniors and people with disabilities are at risk-- at risk of having no one strong enough or healthy enough to care for them.

  • Kimberly Lamon

    $8.60 an hour is just not enough. That wage provides little incentive for dependable and reliable employees.  If my son's PCA doesn't show up, it has an effect on not only my family and me, but it affects my clients. The constant turnover in the home care workforce creates an ongoing cycle of chaos in our lives.

  • Wanda Mozie

    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.

  • Kimberly Sexton

    I work full time, yet I get paid only $8.60 an hour and I have no health insurance. Our weekly budget is extremely tight. There are times when we have been late on the rent and I have had to go out to churches and ask for food and donations to pay the rent on time.

  • Maria Ventura

    I worry about my health, and I worry about how long I can be a Personal Care Assistant if we don't have health insurance. And I worry about Christopher. If I can't be his PCA, who will be there to help him?