The baby boomer generation consists of people born between 1946 and 1964 (ages 57 to 75 in 2021). This large group of people number greater than 70 million and have over 10,000 boomers turning 65 every day. With people living longer and fewer workers entering the elder care industry, we are approaching a massive shortage of professional caregivers. In fact, it is estimated that there will be more than 7 million unfilled caregiver jobs by 2026.
We are already beginning to feel the impact of this shortage.
So, the question remains, who will take care of the senior adult population as the years go by with a dwindling base of professional caregivers? The shortage of workers is in part due to low wages and few benefits. Hopefully, our country’s leaders will take this problem as seriously as it is and direct necessary funds to senior care providers like nursing homes, assisted living communities, home health and hospice agencies, and other agencies who receive reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid.
As a non-medical home care agency serving Mississippi, Covenant Caregivers works daily to recruit and retain quality caregivers. Resources being used to hire and retain are at an all time high. Thankfully, we can train people who have a passion for helping others but may not have direct experience. If you are interested in finding out more about the job of a professional caregivers, check out our website or give us a call!
601-856-5660