Among 616 nursing homes and 122 assisted living communities recently surveyed on workforce challenges by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living, half responded that they are actively trying to fill vacant positions for certified nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses, registered nurses and other roles.

The AHCA/NCAL survey showed that 94% of nursing homes and 81% of assisted living communities have faced a shortage of staff members within the past month. 

In 2020, more than half of facilities said staff members in essential positions such as CNAs, direct caregivers and dietary staff, have quit.

The majority of providers indicated that they believe that higher reimbursement to offer better pay and benefits would help recruit and retain staff members. About half of the respondents said they believed that perceived impressions of working in the senior living and care industry would also help.

“The survey results clearly indicate that the long-term care workforce is facing serious challenges, and our country must make significant investments to help address these shortfalls. …We look forward to working with federal and state governments to ensure every facility has the ability to recruit and retain the necessary staff to ensure our residents receive the level of care they need and deserve” Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL, stated in the report.