Home Care Workers

Abstract Care in the home is an important component of long‐term care worldwide. While most home care is provided by informal networks of family and friends, health professionals (such as nurses, therapists, and social workers) and home care workers (HCWs) are a key component of the formal home health and social care workforce. Data make clear that the supply of HCWs is not keeping pace with the needs of an aging population, “with the gap nearing crisis proportions.” This entry reviews the occupation of home care work, with a particular focus on the challenges facing those who provide long‐term care to patients in the home setting.