My last blog was about the importance of caregivers, specifically nursing assistants/home health aides, and the need to appreciate them. Today, I write about a shortage in the number of caregivers available to provide this important service.
Is your loved one in a long term care facility or in need of a home care nursing assistant? If so, read on for very important information that can significantly impact the care your loved one receives.
As a nurse-patient advocate, I have tended to many clients either in an assisted living or a nursing home facility as well as those being cared for at home by a nursing assistant/health aide. These are the vital caregivers for the aged and sick who provide the day to day essential non-clinical care. In the January 27th, 2020 issue of Modern Healthcare, the cover story “No One To Care” got my attention and concern.
The Shortage is Real
These long-term healthcare providers are finding it increasingly difficult to hire and retain nursing assistants/health aides, leaving care for patients in jeopardy. These aides are the backbone of the day to day non-clinical care of very vulnerable people that need assistance with many activities of daily living (ADL) such as eating, bathing, dressing and more. Their job can be extremely difficult and physically and emotionally challenging. This shortage of caregiver aides has forced some facilities to limit new admissions.
Many professionals in the long-term care business are concerned about whether there will be enough caregivers to manage the onset of the large population of baby boomers entering advanced ages. A shortage of these essential caregivers can also impact hospitals in a significant way. If there aren’t enough caregivers/health aides, hospitals may not be able to discharge patients to home or subacute care, due to this shortage.
Nearly 20 million adults in the U.S. need assistance with ADL’s. In 2018, there were 4.5 million direct care workers in this caregiving role. Of importance is the fact that wages for these workers have remained flat since 2008. In 2018, the wages ranged from $11.40 to $13.38 depending on where the worker was employed. Many of these workers face difficult challenges with transportation, childcare and more.
Possible Solutions
Many of the aides or caregivers struggle financially. Many times, they could make the same salary or more in a less demanding job such as at a fast-food chain. There is a broad consensus that the hourly wage should be increased to at least $15.00/hour. Offering improved benefits such as health insurance, if needed, would potentially be an effective recruitment and retention strategy. There is a need to ensure that the caregivers are valued for the important care they provide. There are programs in development to improve work environments and include the aide as a valued member of the entire healthcare team.
Innovative Ideas
One long-term care provider has started a car-buying and credit program, a free clinic and diaper bank, a prenatal program and a fund to help with financial emergencies. They offer mentoring and life coaching to those that are struggling. Also, they subsidize employees that want to go to school to become a licensed practical nurse.
My Two Cents
Having worked in a hospital as a registered nurse, I know first-hand the importance of having the valuable assistance of a nurse’s aide. My job would have been impossible without them. The role of a nurse’s aide caregiver, whether in a hospital, nursing home, assisted living facility or home environment, is a key part of a patient getting good care. I believe it is vital to show that each caregiver is valued. This can be done by simply communicating how valuable they are but also by providing a good wage, the support they need to do their job and benefits that will allow them to manage their lives and jobs with less stress.
Since these caregivers are at the front line of the hard work of patient care, doesn't it make sense to show the importance of their work so that quality care is provided and our patients feel comfortable and safe at a time when they feel so vulnerable?
For families involved in these situations, you need to be very involved in the care and maintain a close relationship with all the staff involved in your loved one’s care. It is quite possible that understaffing may be an issue which can significantly impact care. As the family member, this will require diligent monitoring and communication with the facility staff. Having the support of a private patient advocate can be a key factor in ensuring quality of care as well. It takes a village to care for the aging, disabled and sick population.