At a recent conference, I learned that the US will have to replace 1.3 million caregivers over the next eight years! Isn’t that a startling number? The people who spend their time caring for residents are rapidly approaching to retirement age. I don’t have to tell you how hard it is to find staff who feel that aging services is their true calling and possess the energy and compassion our field and our residents deserve.

Similarly, across the country, nearly half of all nurses are over 50* and shockingly, 64 percent of nurses over 54 plan to retire within the next three years.

So, in addition to taking the lead on the usual policy discussions, our communities must act to address the growing staff shortage issue:

• Provide career paths**, not just job opportunities.
• Pay competitively – tough in many cases because of budget restrictions, but continue to be creative.
• Remember that culture change does make a difference among staff and residents. Having staff take greater ownership of their jobs encourages loyalty and quality care.
• Train, re-train, and train again. It is particularly important to train managers and supervisors to lead well**. The most common reason for high attrition is supervisory mismanagement.
• Last, but certainly not least, staff should feel appreciated. They are the face of your organization and their feeling valued will enhance your community’s culture.

So during this holiday season, the time of year when giving thanks and appreciation is routinely done in numerous ways, be sure to show your staff how much they are valued** by you and your community.

On behalf of the LeadingAge Texas staff (highly valued!), we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season and a joyous New Year!

George Linial, CAE, CASP
President & CEO, LeadingAge Texas

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*according to AMN Healthcare and its Center for the Advancement of Healthcare Professionals
**hyperlinks to LeadingAge Texas programs:
     - Career Center
     - Leadership Institute
     - Awards Program - Nomination period for 2016 opening soon!