Direct care workers are an essential part of the long-term care’s future. What types of federal interventions are needed to support workers and enable them to thrive moving forward? A new report suggests solutions.

Between 2019 and 2029, 7.4 million new jobs will be necessary to meet the growing demand for direct care workers in post-acute and long-term care (PALTC). Add to the that 6.9 million openings created by workers transferring to other occupations or leaving the workforce altogether, and a serious workforce crisis is brewing. With worker shortages already causing challenges across the county, a significant federal investment in this workforce is desperately needed. A new report from PHI International identifies several opportunities for the government to support direct care professionals and attract more workers to the field. (more…)