Approximately 250 home health care workers walked off the job and picketed for benefits and a salary increase Monday.

The workers, of Premier Home Health Care, went on strike and gathered in Hempstead. Betty Frazier said she earns 25 cents more per hour than she did more than a decade ago.

"No medical, no dental, no vision, no paid vacation and no sick time," Frazier said. "When you're out sick, you just lose pay." Frazier said she currently earns $7.25 an hour.

Another home health aide, David Targansky, joined Frazier on the picket line. Targansky said he receives just $187 a week.

Gwen O'Shea, of the Health and Welfare Council, said the overall problem of affordable health care is greater than this one situation. "The home health care sector as a whole is certainly teetering on potential crisis mode now."

Meanwhile, Elizabeth Cardiello, a 95-year-old who has used a home aide for seven years, will rely on a replacement aide during the strike, her daughter, Virginia, said.

"I don't want to put her in a nursing home, so this is the best thing for her," Virginia Cardiello said.

Premier Home Health Care declined comment for this story.