The long-term care industry in the United States is facing a crisis as demand for workers continues to rise while wages remain low and staffing shortages persist. Culix Wibonele, a certified nursing assistant from Kenya, experienced the challenges firsthand when she worked in Atlanta in 2014. Despite the demanding nature of the job and the risk of injury, Wibonele was paid only $9 per hour with no benefits. She had to take on a second job as a babysitter to make ends meet for her family of six.
Wibonele’s story is not unique, as the industry as a whole struggles with low wages, high turnover, and difficulty recruiting new workers. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these issues, with nursing care facilities shedding employees and struggling to recover their workforce. The situation has become so dire that some facilities see all of their employees leave within a year, leading to increased workloads for those who remain.
Despite the challenges, workers like Wibonele are dedicated to their jobs and the older adults they care for. Wibonele, who now earns $18 per hour at an assisted living facility, is studying to become a registered nurse in long-term care. She is motivated by her love for the older generation and the satisfaction she gets from helping them.
As the population ages and the demand for long-term care workers continues to grow, experts warn of looming potential shortages in the industry. Efforts to bolster the workforce, such as increasing wages and recruitment efforts, are being made, but more needs to be done to ensure that workers are properly compensated and respected for the vital roles they play in their clients’ lives.