A major workforce shortage in post-acute and long-term care is looming. To address this proactively, LeadingAge has introduced the IMAGINE initiative legislative proposal, which:
- Includes a temporary guest worker program that would allow employers to hire qualified foreign-born individuals for a fixed amount of time.
- Changes the J-1 cultural exchange visa to allow “au pairs” to work in homes with individuals over age 65 who need assistance.
- Offers new ways to modify current law to focus on older adult services workers.
In announcing this proposal, LeadingAge said, “We expect that something as bold as the IMAGINE proposal will not be considered until some other, more widely discussed immigration challenges are addressed. But we are hopeful that members of Congress will be open to hearing about our proposed solutions, and wiling to do something to help.”
