At Granny Nannies of South Florida, our mission is simple: to provide compassionate, consistent, and high-quality care to those who need it most. Achieving that mission depends on a stable workforce and affordable access for families. That’s why we support the U.S. Department of Labor’s proposal to roll back certain pay and overtime protections for disability caregivers.
What’s Happening
The U.S. Department of Labor is considering restoring the “companionship exemption” that existed before 2015. This change would remove mandatory overtime requirements for home care workers, allowing families and caregivers more flexibility in how care is provided.
Why This Matters
1. Keeps Care Affordable and Accessible
Overtime requirements significantly increase the cost of care, often forcing families to reduce hours or turn to institutional settings. By rolling back these requirements, care remains affordable helping more clients stay safely and comfortably at home.
Over the years, we’ve seen that many clients who desperately need support will delay professional help for as long as possible. Unfortunately, this often leads to catastrophic injuries or accidents that require a much higher, more expensive level of care. By starting care earlier when a client’s needs are less acute, there is clear evidence that preventative support reduces the risk of these tragedies.
2. Supports 1:1 Caregiver-Client Relationships
When overtime is enforced, agencies must rotate multiple caregivers into one case to avoid exceeding 40 hours. This disrupts the bond between client and caregiver. Rolling back overtime keeps care consistent, with one dedicated caregiver instead of a rotating team.
Just as importantly, continuity of care is preserved when one dedicated caregiver is present in the home. This consistency makes it easier for families to monitor their loved one from afar, especially since many of our families do not live locally or are part of the sandwich generation, juggling multiple responsibilities.
3. Provides Flexibility and Opportunity for Caregivers
Many caregivers actually prefer the exemption, as it allows them to work more hours if they choose, without being capped at 40 hours per week. This flexibility not only gives them more earning potential but also enables them to remain with the same client for longer stretches, which most caregivers find deeply rewarding.
Our Position
Because of this exemption, caregiver wages, particularly in the live-in care sector have become significantly inflated compared to market norms. In some cases, caregivers are earning six-figure salaries despite only completing a brief certification program, often as short as nine weeks. While we deeply value the important work caregivers provide, the disparity between training requirements and compensation has created an unsustainable environment that is driving costs well beyond what families can manage.
Granny Nannies of South Florida supports the rollback because it strengthens what matters most: stability for clients, affordability for families, and opportunity for caregivers. Protecting home care means finding a balance between quality, access, and sustainability, and this change helps achieve that. Based on my 18 years of experience, including four in the congregate living sector, I have seen firsthand that clients overwhelmingly prefer the comfort and dignity of remaining in their own homes.
How You Can Help
The Department of Labor is accepting public comments until September 2, 2025. If you believe in keeping home care affordable, personal, and sustainable:
- Submit a public comment—it only takes a few minutes.
- Share this message to help spread awareness.
- Talk with your community about why home care matters.
At Granny Nannies of South Florida, we believe that when care is accessible, consistent, and client-centered, everyone wins. Thank you for joining us in supporting this important step forward for families and caregivers alike.