At the beginning of 2020, nursing homes employed 3.38 million Americans and nursing home staff had been on the increase for a whole decade. However, even prior to the pandemic, nursing home staff was retiring at a faster rate than new recruits were coming in.
Since the pandemic began, nursing homes have been faced with one crisis after another and have been hit hard by the virus itself, but also by all the extra stresses for everything the virus has brought into play in our “new normal.” Today, 99% of nursing homes are facing a staffing shortage, and the crisis is only going to increase if it’s not addressed quickly. As the current adult population continues to age, 1 in 5 of us will be at retirement age within the next 8 years and 2 in 3 will need long term care at some point. With 78% of nursing homes fearing they may have to shut down due to staffing shortages, it is imperative that nursing homes do all they can to replenish staff and maintain those they have.
Things like staff appreciation, ensured safety, support, and training opportunities can incentivise new recruits and retain current staff for a better work environment and better care to residents. Learn more about the nursing home crisis in the infographic below:
