By Natasha S. Bryant
A new report from the LeadingAge LTSS Center @UMass Boston provides insight into workforce-related challenges facing LeadingAge members as they strive to provide high-quality services and supports to older adults.
A new report from LeadingAge highlights major findings from a 2017 survey designed to gather baseline information about the workforce challenges facing nonprofit providers of aging services.
The LeadingAge LTSS Center @UMass Boston (formerly CFAR) conducted the survey earlier this year. About 17% (470) of the 2,778 survey recipients completed the Workforce Survey.
A NATIONAL WORKFORCE CRISIS
Helping LeadingAge Members Address Workforce Challenges begins by describing a national workforce crisis that is causing significant shortages of, and growing demands for, qualified workers who are capable of managing, supervising, and providing high-quality services and supports (LTSS) for older adults. The crisis is fueled by several trends, including:
- A rapidly growing older population
- A growing need for long-term services and supports among people over age 65
- A growing need for workers, particularly counselors, social workers, community and social service workers, home health aides, and personal care aides
The instability of the LTSS workforce has contributed to:
- Higher costs for providers
- Concerns about access and quality
- Poor working conditions for workers who remain on the job
INSIGHT INTO WORKFORCE CHALLENGES
Findings from the Workforce Survey provide insight into the extent of the challenges facing LeadingAge members as they strive to provide high-quality services and supports to older adults.
The survey report provides data collected from members about:
- Top workforce challenges
- Most difficult positions to fill
- Use of contract staff
- Consequences of workforce shortages
- Recruitment and retention strategies
USING SURVEYS TO DEVELOP WORKFORCE STRATEGIES
The new LeadingAge Center for Workforce Solutions will use findings from the Workforce Survey — and future surveys — to better understand workforce-related challenges and help members develop strategies to address those challenges.
“LeadingAge understands that workforce issues are a significant concern for our members and can affect an organization’s ability to provide a positive workplace environment and deliver quality care,” concludes the report.