A recent survey conducted by the American Health Care Association found that 99% of nursing homes and 96% of assisted living facilities in the United States are facing staffing shortages. The survey also found that 99% of nursing homes and 100% of assisted living facilities have requested current staff to work overtime or extra shifts. 86% of nursing homes and 77% of assisted living providers reported that their staffing situation has gotten worse over the last three months (from June to September 2021).

69% of nursing homes and 66% of assisted living facilities stated that they were finding it “very difficult” to hire new staff, with 76% of the nursing homes citing lack of interested or qualified people and 72% of assisted living facilities citing unemployment benefits that are discouraging people.

78% of nursing homes and 61% of assisted living communities are concerned that staffing challenges might force them to close, with 35% of nursing homes and 19% of assisted living facilities “very concerned” that may have to close their facilities.

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The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) represent more than 14,000 nursing homes and long term care facilities throughout the United States and “aims to improve the lives of the millions of frail, elderly and individuals with disabilities who receive long term or post-acute care in our member facilities each day.”

The President and CEO of AHCA/NCAL stated with regard to the survey results, “The survey demonstrates the severe workforce challenges long term care providers are facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Too many facilities are struggling to hire and retain staff that are needed to serve millions of vulnerable residents. Lawmakers across the country must prioritize long term care and that begins with providing resources to address workforce challenges. When facilities have the means to offer competitive wages and training programs, workers will follow … Congress has the opportunity right now, through budget reconciliation, to include meaningful investments in long term care, which will help address key staffing challenges. Our caregivers are the backbone of long term care, and they deserve the full support of our lawmakers. We cannot allow facilities to close because of these challenges, which will directly impact residents and their families, especially when lawmakers have the means to help solve this dire situation.”

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If you or a loved one suffered injuries (or worse) while a resident of a nursing home or assisted living facility in the United States due to nursing home understaffing, nursing home neglect, nursing home negligence, nursing home abuse, nursing home resident-on-resident attack, nursing home sexual abuse, nursing home rape, the nursing home failing to properly care for a vulnerable adult, or assisted living negligence, you should promptly find a nursing home claim lawyer in your state who may investigate your nursing home or assisted living claim for you and file a nursing home claim or assisted living claim on your behalf or behalf of your loved one, if appropriate.

Click here to visit our website to be connected with medical malpractice attorneys (nursing home or assisted living claims attorneys) in your U.S. state who may assist you with your nursing home or assisted living claim, or call us toll-free in the United States at 800-295-3959.

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