The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments today in a home care case that could have implications for the nursing home community.

The case involves Long Island Care at Home, Ltd. Former home care worker, Evelyn Coke, challenges the Fair Labor Standard Act’s “companionship exemption,” which allows home care agencies to deny home care workers overtime and minimum wage.

A shortage of caregivers and an exploding elderly population older poses a significant challenge for both home care and nursing homes. Low pay contributes directly to this shortage of workers and the high turnover rate in both industries.