(Newswire.net — July 22, 2021) — As a result of the United States experiencing a rapid increase in elderly folk, a widespread caregiver shortage has swept the nation, leaving many in need to fend for themselves. Experts estimate a lack of nearly 151,000 direct care jobs by 2030, as an increasing number of individuals abandon their caretaker roles for more lucrative professions. Additionally, the high demand and low supply of elder care workers have sent the cost of professional help skyrocketing, leaving many in need unable to afford essential care.
Today there are approximately seven nursing positions for every aging adult. However, as baby boomers begin to inch toward old age, the number of caregiving positions per person in need will fall to four. Unfortunately, the growing population of older and disabled folk, plus the rapidly depleting number of direct caretakers, will continue to worsen without a drastic change to the profession.
That said, those looking to slow the looming caregiving shortage can do their part by considering a career in direct care. By seeking out senior caregiver employment opportunities, you can help curb the declining numbers and resolve the gray tsunami before it hits full swing. Rest assured that despite concerns over insufficient benefits and less-than-competitive wages, highlighted below, award-winning caregiving agencies have taken a step in the right direction and served unmatched benefits, flexible scheduling, and bonus opportunities to aspiring caregivers. That way, they can work to close the caregiving gap and encourage natural nurturers to stay put in the caregiving field.
If you’re curious about the reasons behind the direct care crisis, read on for six underlying causes of the national shortage.
Caretakers are getting older
In addition to a rapidly aging U.S. population, those in caretaking positions are also growing older, causing many to hang up their hat, leaving a significant gap in available direct care jobs. Many elder-specific nursing positions attract older residents, disrupting the workforce when aging communities retire in hoards due to heavy, taxing workloads and increased risk of disability. While younger people occupy some caretaking positions, many cannot survive under the current wages and opt for higher-paying, more secure employment instead.
Unlivable wages and inadequate benefits
Unfortunately, one of the most significant deterrents keeping people from joining a caregiving career is inadequate salary and low-coverage benefits. The average position pays less than 20 dollars per hour, causing many to take on a second job or leave the caretaking field altogether, searching for higher-paying wages. Additionally, thin benefits, taxing schedules, and heavy workloads are prompting many to search for opportunities outside of direct care.
Caregivers are leaving privatized jobs for larger hospitals
Traditionally, caregivers have worked for individual clients or assisted living facilities in ensuring each patient receives personalized, compassionate care. However, privatized direct care positions often pay significantly less than larger hospitals, which offer higher pay and excellent healthcare packages to keep employees afloat. Because smaller centers cannot compete with multi-million dollar healthcare institutions, salary is limited, which impedes training and attracts underqualified workers.
Devalued occupation
A notable factor contributing to the caregiver shortage is the lack of value placed upon direct care roles. Unfortunately, many elder-specific nursing positions are undervalued, with some working professionals feeling taken advantage of and underappreciated for the work they perform. Between long hours, fussy clientele, low pay, and demanding workloads, many long-time caretakers are throwing in the towel due to mistreatment.
No room for advancement
In addition to low wages and strenuous working conditions, caretakers often have little room for professional growth, leaving many to plateau early on in their careers. Because the chances of advancing are low, many are ditching direct care professions for other healthcare positions or leaving the field altogether.
Wrapping up
There is no shortage of reasons why caretakers are leaving the direct care field for other opportunities. Between low wages, undervalued work, and the aging populations of caregivers, healthcare experts will need to reinvent the profession completely to attract hard-working individuals.