Workforce Data Illustrates Huge Challenges Faced by Members

Posted on October 7, 2021 by Jeff Bostic

Due to the vast scale of workforce challenges faced by providers, the Long-Term Care Imperative recently conducted a workforce survey of care center and assisted living providers to measure the scope of the problems and to influence policymakers in support of a much-needed response.

Thanks to all of those who provided us with this critical data. Here are our key takeaways that illustrate the magnitude of the challenge-

• More than 20% of caregiving positions statewide are currently vacant
• Long-term care providers have more than 23,000 unfilled positions in critical areas right now, far more than we have ever previously seen
• Long-term care providers are losing employees at a disturbing rate; the net loss of employees in August alone was over 2,000 statewide
• Due to all the vacant positions, currently, about 20% of shifts in long-term care settings statewide can only be filled with overtime or the use of temporary staff
• The vast majority of long-term care providers have already responded by implementing shift bonuses, hiring bonuses and higher wage rates, and a significant minority are using mandatory overtime as well
• Almost all long-term care providers are using more overtime and double shifts in 2021 compared to 2020
• Nearly 70% of care centers are limiting the number of residents they can serve due to limited staffing, up from around 40% just two months ago

This presentation shows this data and more and summarizes the Long-Term Care Imperative's legislative response. Members interested in this and other recent data collected by the Long-Term Care Imperative should go to the Knowledge Center on our website.

LeadingAge Minnesota and our Long-Term Care Imperative partners have shared the survey finding with Gov. Tim Walz in a meeting on Wednesday and with legislative leaders to help spur action.

Additionally, we are actively sharing the information with the media to share our story through vehicles such as a press conference, press release, interviews, and regionally-specific outreach to different outlets throughout the state. If you are interested in sharing your workforce story and the solutions we need to continue to provide safe, quality care with media in your community, connect with Libbie Chapuran, LeadingAge Minnesota’s Director of Communications.

We have prepared a one-pager entitled Minnesota's Workforce Shortage and Its Impact on Senior Care, which includes top data points, infographics, and messaging for you to use in your communities.