Almost three-quarters of nursing homes across the U.S. said they’re at risk of closing due to staff shortages and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a study released Monday by the American Health Care Association (AHCA,) expenses are 41% higher than a year ago and the majority of those polled said finding workers is even more difficult this time around.
The study also showed that nearly 98% of nursing homes are “experiencing difficulty hiring staff,” with 73% of nursing homes reporting they “are concerned about having to close” due to “staffing woes.”
“The survey shows the severe and persistent workforce shortage nursing home providers have been facing with too many facilities still struggling to hire and retain staff despite making every effort,” Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of AHCA, told reporters.
He also urged lawmakers in the country to prioritize long-term care residents and staff by providing them resources to address their issues.
“As a provider that uniquely relies on government funding, policymakers must help nursing homes better compete for nurses and nurse aides, as well as build up the pipeline to incentivize more people to pursue a career in long-term care,” Parkinson added.
The AHCA said that nursing homes are still struggling to recover from the global pandemic.
“We all agree that nursing homes need to hire more caregivers — the question is how,” Parkinson concluded. “Unfunded staffing mandates would only make the crisis worse. Congress must invest in our long-term care workforce and protect access to care for millions of seniors.”
The survey of 759 facilities previously showed that more than 400 facilities are at risk of closing this year as homes struggle with lower enrollment and higher labor and supply costs.
“We are at a critical juncture in the senior housing industry,” with more support needed from the federal and state governments, said Suzanne Koenig, a nursing home turnaround expert and head of SAK Management Services.
The industry has attracted more scrutiny after COVID-19 killed more than 150,000 residents. Healthcare professionals will share their views with members of Congress at the association’s Congressional briefing event this week.
