Careers In Aging Week Celebrates Workers, Highlights Challenges And Opportunities
The COVID-19 pandemic not only propelled assisted living and skilled nursing into the global spotlight; it also highlighted continuing workforce challenges in the industry.
This week, the industry celebrates its frontline workers during Careers in Aging Week by raising awareness of the wide-ranging career opportunities in the field of aging. The week is a joint effort of the Gerontological Society of America, American Health Care Association / National Center for Assisted Living, Argentum and LeadingAge.
“We saw through the pandemic that many workers from other fields were more open to exploring careers in senior living, not only because opportunities were becoming limited in other fields, but also because many began to look for a purpose-driven career, one that could make a difference,” Argentum President and CEO James Balda told McKnight’s Senior Living. “Challenges include raising awareness about the variety of careers available and assuring potential employees that senior living is a safe and rewarding environment.”
The United States will need between 5.7 million and 6.5 million nurses, nurse aides, personal care and home health workers to care for the 27 million Americans who will require long-term care by 2050, according to AHCA / NCAL.
Read the full article from McKnight’s Senior Living here.
