Demand for Long-Term Care Escalates Amid Staffing Crisis
As the U.S. population ages, the demand for long-term care is surging, but the industry faces critical staffing shortages exacerbated by low wages and long hours. By 2030, about 20% of Americans will be 65 or older, intensifying the need for care providers. However, many facilities struggle with high turnover and understaffing, particularly after the finalization of the staffing mandate.
Alice Bonner of Brown University's Center for Innovative Care in Aging highlights that some facilities see complete turnover annually, leaving remaining staff overworked and reliant on temporary workers. The COVID-19 pandemic has further strained the workforce, with nearly all nursing homes still facing recruitment challenges.
Industry leaders, like Meagan English of Marquis Companies, note that while staffing mandates aim to enhance patient care, they do not address regional staffing variations and fixed reimbursement rates, complicating compliance. English suggests solutions such as immigration reform, increased nursing school capacity, and individualized facility assessments to alleviate staffing shortages.
The sector must develop feasible plans to address these issues before implementing new mandates, ensuring compliance and maintaining care standards across communities.
Source: Grebbin, S. (2024). Aging population drives demand for long-term care amid severe staffing shortages and low pay. https://skillednursingnews.com/2024/05/aging-population-drives-demand-for-long-term-care-amid-severe-staffing-shortages-and-low-pay/?euid=6a8af0b718&utm_source=snn-newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=5f81585103&mc_cid=5f81585103&mc_eid=6a8af0b718