The long-term care industry, already heavily impacted by COVID-19 deaths among residents and staff, is facing an unprecedented staffing shortage exacerbated by the omicron surge. Facilities across the country are struggling to maintain adequate staffing levels, with many workers quitting due to exhaustion or being sidelined by breakthrough infections. The strain on remaining staff is immense, leading to burnout and fatigue. The situation is further complicated by facility closures and limitations on admissions, causing backups in hospitals unable to discharge patients in need of long-term care. Low-paid frontline workers, such as nursing aides, bear the brunt of the workload, often working extra hours and foregoing vacations to cover for absent colleagues. The industry's ability to provide essential care is at risk as the workforce faces mounting challenges. Click here for article.
The long-term care industry is experiencing a historic staffing shortage exacerbated by the omicron surge.
Many workers have quit due to exhaustion or are sidelined by breakthrough infections, leaving remaining staff overwhelmed.
Facility closures and limitations on admissions are causing backups in hospitals unable to discharge patients needing long-term care.
Low-paid frontline workers, such as nursing aides, are bearing the brunt of the workload and experiencing burnout and fatigue.
The industry's ability to provide essential care is at risk as staffing challenges mount, threatening the well-being of residents and staff alike.