By Ronjena Henderson, originally published by Rhode Island Current
Every day, Rhode Island home care workers make a vital difference in the lives of our clients, many of whom are our loved ones. We provide independence and stability, while helping save the state millions of dollars to keep people safely in their homes. But for too long, we have been working in the shadows, without enough pay, health care or benefits.
Just recently, the state informed many of us that in exchange for the new minimum wage increase from $15 to $16 an hour, our clients’ hours would be cut. The McKee administration claims it is committed to building a better economy and health care system; why then are hundreds of home care workers and the people we care for paying the price?
In April 2024, I made the difficult choice to leave my job as an assistant manager at a group home, taking a tremendous cut in pay and benefits to become my mom’s caregiver through Rhode Island’s Personal Choice program for Medicaid beneficiaries receiving long-term services and supports. My mom had made countless sacrifices for her kids throughout our lives; now it was my turn. She lives with congestive heart failure, is in remission for stage four ovarian cancer, has a pacemaker, COPD and mobility issues. She has good days and bad days.
The care I provide improves her quality of life because she trusts me, enjoys my company and feels comfortable in her own home. I can make her coffee just right and cook her meals the way she wants. Research shows that older adults who are able to remain at home often live longer and healthier lives. My mother can keep her independence and live her golden years in dignity.
Personal Choice is a very important program, but it has a lot of flaws. As family home care providers, we have no sick days, vacation, or health care benefits. Because I was making only $15 an hour, I had to take on a second client just to survive financially. Between caring for two people I only average four hours of sleep a night. Financially, it is a constant struggle. I have to choose which bills I can pay each month and which ones I can’t. I am about to turn 50 years old and want more stability and security, not constant stress.
That’s why, in May 2025, I joined nearly 2,000 consumer-directed home care workers in voting to join SEIU 1199NE. For me, this decision was about having a way to fight together to make improvements. Without the union, we would remain unseen, unheard and undervalued. Yet it took the Executive Office of Health and Human Services six months to respond to our contract proposals that would make concrete improvements in our lives and our clients.
Then came the news my wage was increasing to $16 an hour, but at the same time, the state was cutting my mother’s care five hours a week. There was no explanation as to why and no follow-up information.
This is not a raise; we are now making less income overall, and my mom needs more care, not less. The state is taking advantage of our dedication, knowing we will not abandon our loved ones. Now, I continue caring for my mother, unpaid, after I clock out. This situation is not fair to us and certainly not to people who have worked all their lives, paid taxes, and served their country. They should be comfortable living in dignity and not worrying if they will have enough care because the state cuts their hours.
Home care workers are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for fairness, respect, and to have our work valued. We will remain committed to care for our loved ones no matter what. We’ve been waiting to meet since August 2025 to negotiate. All we want is for the state to stop dragging its feet and recognize that our work is essential. Gov. DanMcKee and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services should fulfill their commitment to all Rhode Islanders and bargain a fair contract with us.
This article is republished with permission as per Rhode Island Current’s guidelines. Read the original article.
Ronjena Henderson is a home caregiver through the Personal Choice program, providing full time care for her mother. A resident of East Providence, she is a proud member of SEIU 1199NE.
