The Impact of the Pandemic on Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a far-reaching impact on various industries worldwide, including the long-term care industry. Healthcare staffing in skilled nursing and assisted living has faced significant challenges, and this report provides valuable insights into the state of the industry in the Americas.

elderly patient in nursing home with social worker

WORKFORCE CRISIS IN SKILLED NURSING AND ASSISTED LIVING

During the pandemic, the skilled nursing and assisted living sectors faced a significant workforce crisis, resulting in a decline in the supply of willing and available workers. The demand for healthcare professionals was high, but the supply was low. Factors contributing to the employment decline include workers quitting due to burnout, low pay, COVID risks, or contracting COVID themselves, and facilities being unable to hire replacements.

STAFFING FIRMS STEP UP TO HELP

As a result of the workforce crisis, many skilled nursing facilities turned to staffing firms for help. The volume of contract staff used nearly tripled by the end of 2021. Staffing firms are now better equipped to collaborate with the long-term care industry to ensure skilled nursing and assisted living facilities have a holistic strategy for addressing future emergencies.

nurse and a elderly patient walk down a hall

LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF THE PANDEMIC

The long-term care industry, particularly nursing homes and assisted living facilities, bore the brunt of the pandemic's lingering effects. Employment declines for nursing homes and assisted living sectors were -15.0% and -6.7%, respectively, in the first two years of the pandemic. However, employment levels have been slowly recovering in recent months. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment opportunities in social work are expected to increase by 16% from 2016 to 2026, which is almost 10% higher than the projected growth rate for all occupations.

CHALLENGES FACING SKILLED NURSING AND ASSISTED LIVING

Executives of senior housing and care reported staffing needs as two out of their three top concerns. The three most cited challenges facing their organizations include attracting staff, rising operating expenses, and staff turnover. The pandemic has highlighted the need for long-term care facilities to invest in technology and Telehealth capabilities to better serve residents and staff during future emergencies.

candid photo happy medical professional

HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

While there are still challenges facing skilled nursing and assisted living sectors, such as staffing shortages and rising operating expenses, there is hope that these industries will continue to recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Staffing firms and investments in technology will be critical in supporting their recovery.

HEALTHCARE STAFFING: A SOLUTION FOR SKILLED NURSING AND ASSISTED LIVING

Travel nurse and locum tenens staffing are viable solutions for addressing the workforce crisis in skilled nursing and assisted living facilities. These staffing options provide flexibility for facilities to meet their staffing needs while minimizing the impact of employee burnout and staff turnover. The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of investing in these staffing solutions to ensure that facilities can continue to provide high-quality care to their patients.

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