As Texans, we pride ourselves on being leaders in many areas, from our robust economy and thriving industries to our attractive quality of life that has brought people from all over the world to take part in what many refer to as the “Texas Miracle.” However, there’s one critical area where our great state is falling woefully behind: the care and support of our fellow Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
In recent years, the issue of funding for group home caregivers serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities has become a critical conversation within the Texas Legislature. Group homes, which provide residential support for individuals with such disabilities, play an essential role in fostering independence, safety and dignity for some of the state’s most vulnerable citizens. However, many of these facilities face significant funding challenges in paying their caregivers, undermining their ability to provide the highest quality of care.
The state-mandated reimbursement rate of $10.60 an hour for group homes direct care workers is extremely low. Large state-run institutions have been given a minimum mandated reimbursement rate of $17.71 (scheduled to increase to above $19 in September) to take care of the same individuals, according to an analysis by the Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute. For families who want to keep their loved ones in their local communities by using smaller group homes, wage parity is critical.
Providing an adequate wage rate for direct care workers is not just a moral imperative, it is also a wise investment that can lead to numerous benefits for individuals with disabilities, their families and our entire state.
Independence and dignity
A primary benefit of adequately funding group homes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their caregivers is the better opportunity to retain staff who promote independence and dignity among residents. For many individuals, living in a group home provides a sense of autonomy that they might not experience in more institutionalized settings or at home with family members. Group homes and day programs are designed to create an environment where residents can participate in daily activities, such as cooking, cleaning and making personal decisions, to the extent of their ability. Proper funding ensures that these homes have the necessary staff resources and programs to help individuals develop skills that increase their independence.
Adequate pay for essential caregivers is critical for maintaining a safe and high-quality environment for residents. As a result of the current low wage rate, many group homes struggle with insufficient staffing levels for full bed capacity. With an appropriate minimum wage rate of $17.50 an hour, a consensus base wage rate agreed by the Private Providers Association of Texas, group homes can hire and keep well-trained staff who will provide the level of care that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities require.
Caregivers also act as teachers of essential life skills and are ready to perform CPR and first aid if needed. They are medical professionals and therapists, often serving as the primary source of support for residents. Their ability to do their jobs effectively is directly tied to the resources available to them.
Cost-effective approach
Investing in group homes for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities also offers long-term cost savings for the state of Texas. When individuals are well-cared for in community-based settings, such as group homes, they are less likely to require expensive institutional care or emergency services. Many individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities experience complex medical needs and behavioral challenges that can escalate without appropriate support. Moving toward more community-integrated solutions, like adequately funded group homes and the direct care workers, is a more cost-effective and pro-life approach.
Finally, adequately funding group homes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is a moral and ethical obligation for Texans. The state has a responsibility to protect the life, rights and dignity of all its residents, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. By failing to invest in caregivers in group homes, Texas risks harming individuals with these disabilities. Providing sufficient funding is not just a practical issue — it’s valuing the dignity and safety of lives. Adequately funding group homes in Texas is a decision that benefits not only individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities but also their families, communities, and the state at large.
Frank C. Davis III is chairman of the board of directors for Evergreen Life Services, a Texas nonprofit serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and a Dallas resident.
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