You’re probably not surprised to hear that the pandemic has had a negative impact on staffing in long-term care. Yet despite some hopeful optimism, a new study shows that the numbers aren’t getting better:
- Turnover remains higher than pre-pandemic levels, unlike hospital settings where staffing is starting to rebound.
- Frontline staff, including Certified Nursing Assistants, have felt forgotten and unappreciated for their physically and emotionally demanding work.
- Most states did not address the needs of workers such as home health aides at all.
- Better pay isn’t the only reason some workers are leaving long-term care. Some are taking jobs with comparable pay but less stress and risk.
- 36% of U.S. nursing homes are understaffed, but the numbers vary significantly from state to state. For instance, 5.5% of California facilities are understaffed, compared to over 80% in Alaska.
