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Pennsylvania Faces Urgent Crisis in Aging Services Workforce

Across Pennsylvania, the aging services sector is confronting a significant crisis with a workforce shortage that demands immediate attention. As the state prepares for a demographic shift with projections indicating that by 2030, one in five residents will be aged 65 and older, the need for trained professionals in this field has never been more pressing.

A recent survey by LeadingAge PA, in collaboration with the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Health Care Association, reveals that more than half of nursing homes in the state have over 10 open positions. This shortage translates to a collective need for more than 1,700 certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and nearly 900 licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to meet current needs and ensure safe admissions for new residents.

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry further projects that from now until 2032, the state will require nearly 9,000 additional registered nurses and over 11,000 additional nursing assistants each year. This rise in demand highlights a broader issue within the aging services sector, which encompasses a diverse range of roles, including activities coordinators, dietary aides, and social workers.

The consequences of this workforce gap are profound. Each unfilled position represents an older adult awaiting essential support, a family under stress, and existing staff stretched to their limits. The professionals in aging services play a crucial role in maintaining the health, dignity, and well-being of older Pennsylvanians.

In response to this critical situation, LeadingAge PA is taking proactive steps to enhance the workforce pipeline. The organization has launched a Career Center as part of its “Careers to Love” campaign, aimed at connecting aging services providers with qualified candidates across various roles. The Career Center caters to job seekers at all experience levels, from newcomers to seasoned professionals, and importantly, the proceeds from job postings are reinvested into the LeadingAge PA Foundation’s education fund. This fund provides scholarships and supports career development for individuals pursuing work in this vital sector.

Addressing this crisis is not solely the responsibility of service providers or associations. Lawmakers, educators, and community leaders must recognize the urgency of the situation and prioritize investments in training and education programs. Creating pathways for career advancement and promoting aging services as a field where meaningful careers can flourish is essential.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) recently announced the allocation of $75 million for training and tuition reimbursement to support staff in this field. To build on this momentum, action is needed from the Pennsylvania General Assembly and the governor to enact Senate Bills 114, 115, and 116, which aim to remove barriers and enhance access to careers in aging services.

The call to action is clear: the time has come for collective investment and effort to develop a workforce capable of meeting both current and future needs. For individuals considering a career in aging services, this sector offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of older adults. Job seekers are encouraged to explore the various roles available, ranging from nursing to administrative positions, where compassion and professionalism intersect to enhance the quality of life for Pennsylvania’s aging population.

Workforce Development Month should serve as a pivotal moment, prompting stakeholders to act decisively. Failure to invest in this sector now risks an even deeper crisis in the years ahead. By prioritizing recruitment, training, and support for existing staff, Pennsylvania can cultivate a workforce ready to address the challenges of today and tomorrow.

For more information about careers in aging services, visit CareersToLovePA.org.

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