Josephine Biclar, a caregiver in her 70s, shares a cramped studio apartment in Panorama City with two other caregivers. They divide the small space with room dividers, trying to make it feel more like home. Despite their struggles, they all work tirelessly to support their families back in the Philippines.
Biclar commutes over an hour each way to care for an elderly woman in Sherman Oaks. She worries about the potential for deportation, especially as immigration policies tighten. Her job pays $19 an hour, but with the rising cost of living, it’s hard to make ends meet. She often sends money home, but recently she hasn’t been able to do so.
The situation is dire for many caregivers like Biclar. The demand for elder care is increasing, especially as California’s population ages. By 2040, it’s projected that 22% of the state’s residents will be 65 or older. However, the workforce is shrinking, as many caregivers are undocumented and fear deportation. This fear is compounded by a political climate that discourages employers from hiring undocumented workers.
Many caregivers are women from Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. They often face exploitation and low wages, making it difficult to advocate for their rights. Aquilina Soriano Versoza, director of the Pilipino Workers Center, notes that many workers are now hesitant to pursue legal action against employers for wage theft due to fears of deportation.
As the Trump administration continues its crackdown on immigration, the future of elder care in California looks uncertain. With proposed cuts to Medicaid, which covers a significant portion of nursing home residents, the question remains: who will care for the aging population if current caregivers are forced to leave?
Experts warn that without a plan to attract more workers into the caregiving field, the crisis will only deepen. As the population continues to age, the need for caregivers will only grow, highlighting the urgent need for policy changes that support both workers and those who rely on their care.