Florida ranks last in the nation for seniors' access to home healthcare workers, leaving many older adults without the critical care they need to live safely and independently at home. This petition calls on Florida policymakers to take immediate action to address this crisis by increasing funding, expanding training opportunities, and providing better support for caregivers.

Goals of the Petition:

1. Increase Medicaid Reimbursement Rates in Florida: Advocate for higher reimbursement rates to help home healthcare providers offer competitive wages and retain skilled caregivers.
2. Develop Workforce Incentives for Florida Healthcare Workers: Urge the state to implement programs like loan forgiveness, signing bonuses, and scholarships to attract and retain home healthcare professionals.
3. Expand Training and Certification Programs in Florida: Call for state-funded training programs to equip more individuals with the skills needed for careers in home healthcare, particularly in underserved areas.
4. Support Family Caregivers in Florida: Advocate for financial assistance, caregiver training, and respite care for Florida families providing in-home support to seniors.
5. Launch Public Awareness Campaigns in Florida: Encourage the state to raise awareness about the importance of home healthcare and highlight the rewarding opportunities in this growing field.
6. Address Regional Disparities in Florida: Demand equitable allocation of resources to underserved areas, such as rural communities and regions hit hardest by workforce shortages.

Why This Matters: A Call to Action for Florida
Florida’s senior population is one of the largest in the nation, yet the state ranks last in access to home healthcare workers. This crisis leaves countless older adults without the care they need to age with dignity, maintain their independence, and avoid unnecessary hospitalizations or institutional care.

We cannot ignore this growing problem. By signing this petition, you are sending a powerful message to Florida lawmakers: our seniors deserve better. It's time to prioritize their needs by investing in home healthcare programs, workforce development, and caregiver support.

Take action today. Sign this petition and help ensure that Florida seniors have access to the essential home healthcare services they deserve. Together, we can create a future where aging in place is not a challenge, but a choice.

To learn more about how Florida can remedy this crisis, read more here.