To the editor:

The ongoing staffing shortage is impacting many job sectors across the state. Home and community-based services in Brown County have not been spared. Brown County Human Services provides assessments to determine eligibility for programs that can assist seniors and people who have disabilities in paying for home and community-based services. These services can include things like nursing visits, homemaker services, personal care assistance, skill-building services or assisted living services. Unfortunately, it is now common for people to find they are eligible for assistance paying for services but there are no providers with staff available in our area. Often times, the only services available are those that do not require direct care staffing, such as meal services or monitoring technology. While those services are helpful, they are not always enough. This situation has left many people without the services they need to remain safely in their home. Staffing shortages in group home settings, assisted living settings and nursing facilities in our area have further reduced the options for many people to receive services or care locally. While we once had several options for people to choose from, it is now rare to even find a single provider with staff available. While the state and federal government are working toward ways to try to reduce the staffing shortages, this issue has been a concern for the past few years and was exacerbated by the COVID pandemic. It will take time to implement changes to improve this situation. If you are in the position to do so, please consider taking the extra step to reach out and offer a helping hand to your loved one or neighbor who may be in need of a little additional assistance in their home.

A huge thank you to all of the caregiving professionals in our community who have chosen to support seniors and individuals with disabilities through the work you do. Your work is essential in keeping our family and friends who need assistance safe and in our community.

Annie Braun

Social Service Supervisor

Brown County Human Services