My family and I worked hard to find a set of four private pay caregivers to supplement the care they already provide for me. But with any employer-employee situation, things can happen accidentally or at the last minute that throw a wrench in an employee’s work day. When your life is entirely in the hands of an employee those wrenches can have devastating consequences.

…

EPI reports that home care and domestic workers are three times as likely to be living in poverty compared to other workers. The data reflects our society’s hypocrisy about care. Demand for home care workers will steadily increase and there is no urgency to make sure this critical workforce receives increased wages, benefits and opportunities for advancement. At the same time, only those with the most means are able to get the care they need. Both the home care workforce and the people who need them are tired as hell and demand justice. We all deserve more.

…

Most of my paid caregivers over the years have been women of color, often immigrant women. Many work multiple jobs to make ends meet and I refuse to discard someone without giving them a chance to change. My well-being is tied to the well-being of the people who care for me. Our interdependent relationship requires both of us to have the grace to learn and grow together. I will hold to my values and assert my expectations to the best of my ability. This is what solidarity looks like.

Read more on CNN.