The perception that nursing home work is dangerous due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with persistently low wages, has made it more difficult than ever to hire caregivers within New Hampshire’s skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities. That’s according to speakers last week at a round table discussion between state lawmakers and local long-term care operators.
“We were in crisis before the pandemic hit,” said Tom Blonski, president and chief executive officer of Catholic Charities NH, which runs six long-term care facilities around the state. “I see this industry slowly dying on the vine.” He added that nursing homes and assisted living communities face particular challenges because Medicaid in New Hampshire reimburses nursing homes at one of the lowest rates in the country.
In addition, even as many facilities offer increased “hero” pay to frontline workers amid the pandemic, this is likely to begin to be phased out soon. As long-term care facilities continue to compete with the service industry for workers, many stores and restaurants have risen pay beyond what Medicaid-accepting facilities can afford, said Brendan Williams, president and CEO of the New Hampshire Health Care Association.
The effects of staff shortages already have begun playing out in the state — and may only get worse, noted Gary Cahoon, vice president of the New Hampshire Association of Residential Care Homes. He pointed to a Merrimack, NH, building that had to close over the summer. With too few staff, he said, the operator could not bring in additional residents and lost too much revenue.
“Our association has heard of other homes that are on the brink of closing,” Cahoon said.
