Another new survey suggests that workforce shortages will continue to plague long-term care for the foreseeable future. Among the findings:
- Employees are leaving not just nursing homes but also assisted living and personal care homes. The main reasons are lack of competitive wages, recruitment by staffing agencies, vaccination mandates, and/or burnout/stress.
- 57% of operators say they are concerned that they may have to close facilities.
- There are 3,000 job vacancies in the industry in Kentucky alone. These include openings for nurse aides, licensed practical nurses, directors of nursing, and administrators, as well as jobs in dietary, activities, maintenance, and the business office.
- Rural communities are struggling more than ever before and can’t compete with staffing agencies and other industries (such as hospitality and retail).
- It’s difficult for providers to compete with staffing agencies that are providing better pay and flexible schedules.
- Employees want more flexibility in their work and a better work-life balance.
