Long-Term Care Facilities Have Lost The Most Healthcare Workers in The Industry
In February 2022, a supplement that provided $300 million to healthcare facilities for staff recruitment and retention was announced and signed into state healthcare.
The Health Care Association estimates that facilities have lost more than 10,000 workers since the start of the 2020 pandemic. The loss of employees is higher than in any other healthcare sector. This month, the American Health Care Association reported that the nursing home workforce is at the lowest level since 1994.
The $225 million that was designated to hospitals has been distributed. The $8 million for federally qualified healthcare centers has been distributed. The deadline to distribute $67 million for healthcare facilities has come and gone, and no money has been distributed. The facilities approved were to receive funding by December 1, 2022.
The $300 million pledged was part of a $1.2 billion bill to primarily aid schools in recovering with in-class instruction. The money originated from the Federal American Rescue Plan Act. With no money being released to the care facilities, more than 1,000 workers from 13 different long-term care homes are threatening to strike.
“We take great care in our long-term homes and those who work endlessly to keep our facilities running to offer patients the best care. Without proper funding, our jobs become a great deal harder. Funding is important,” – Herman Freilich, Regional Director of client services.