Across Pennsylvania, a significant crisis is emerging in elder care as aging services providers struggle to fill job openings. The state, ranked among the ten oldest in the United States, is projected to see one in five residents aged 65 and older by 2030. This demographic shift will dramatically increase the demand for care services, but the supply of trained professionals is not keeping pace.
A recent workforce survey by LeadingAge PA, in partnership with the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Health Care Association, highlights the urgency of the situation. The survey found that over half of nursing homes in the state have more than ten open positions. Collectively, providers need more than 1,700 additional certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and nearly 900 licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to safely admit more residents and meet current demands.
Projected Nursing Shortages and Workforce Needs
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, the state will require nearly 9,000 additional registered nurses and more than 11,000 nursing assistants annually through 2032. This need arises not only from the increasing number of older adults but also from those exiting the workforce. The workforce crisis extends beyond direct care roles, impacting a variety of positions including activities coordinators, dietary aides, administrators, and social workers.
Each unfilled position represents an older adult waiting for essential support, which places additional stress on families and existing staff who are already stretched thin. The vital role of those working in aging services cannot be understated; they are essential to the health and dignity of older Pennsylvanians.
Initiatives to Address the Crisis
In response to this growing challenge, LeadingAge PA is working to enhance the workforce pipeline through initiatives such as the newly launched Career Center. This platform connects aging services providers with qualified candidates across various roles, including healthcare, hospitality, administration, and leadership. Job seekers at all levels, from newcomers to seasoned professionals, can explore opportunities tailored to their experience.
The Career Center’s proceeds will be reinvested into the LeadingAge PA Foundation’s education fund, which supports scholarships and career development for individuals aiming to enter this crucial sector. However, the responsibility for addressing the workforce crisis extends beyond providers and associations.
Lawmakers, educators, and community leaders must recognize the urgency of this issue and prioritize investments in training and education programs. Creating pathways for career advancement and promoting aging services as a viable and meaningful career option is essential.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently announced a funding initiative of $75 million to support staff through training and tuition reimbursement. In addition, LeadingAge PA urges the Pennsylvania General Assembly and the governor to enact Senate Bills 114, 115, and 116, which aim to remove barriers and improve access to careers in aging services.
For job seekers, the time to consider a role in this sector is now. The industry offers diverse opportunities ranging from nursing to hospitality and administration, allowing individuals to make a significant impact on the lives of older adults.
Workforce Development Month serves as a critical reminder that without intentional investment and collective effort, Pennsylvania risks facing a deeper crisis. By acting now through recruitment, training, and support for existing staff, the state can build a workforce equipped to meet both current and future needs.
For more information about careers in aging services, visit CareersToLovePA.org.