Aging Of America Means Not Enough Home-Care Workers
The Wall Street Journal: As America Ages, Shortage Of Help Hits Nursing HomesA labor shortage is worsening in one of the nation's fastest-growing occupations—taking care of the elderly and disabled—just as baby boomers head into old age. Nursing homes and operators of agencies providing home-care services already are straining to find enough so-called direct-care workers, who help the elderly or disabled with such things as eating and bathing. They also face looming retirements in the current workforce, in which one-fifth of workers are 55 years old or older. ... The number of Americans 65 years and older is projected to reach 73 million in 2030, up from 40 million in 2010 (Hagerty, 4/14). This is part of the Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.
