'It's bad': Washington long-term care facilities face staffing shortage crisis
Some long-term care employees are even leaving for fast-food jobs that offer $18 an hour starting pay, Washington Healthcare Association CEO Robin Dale said.
Author: Eric Wilkinson
Updated: 8:38 PM PDT July 8, 2021
LYNNWOOD, Wash — They care for those who can no longer care for themselves -- our parents, grandparents and the disabled. Now, long term care facilities are the ones in need of intensive care.
"It's bad," said Washington Health Care Association CEO Robin Dale. "We've never seen it this bad."
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 60% of long-term care facilities across the country reported their situations grew worse since 2020. More than 81% of facilities are short-staffed, and more than 75% need to give their workers better pay and benefits.