Nearly a third of the nation's 15,000 nursing homes are experiencing a shortage of nurses and aides, according to a new study of government data from the AARP's Public Policy Institute. The shortages were worst in Alaska, where 81 percent of nursing homes reported shortages. While the analysis doesn't draw conclusions about the cause of the shortages, trade organizations and nursing home experts assert that the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened long-term concerns about low wages and long hours.
According to Kaiser Health News, the explosion of Amazon warehouse jobs and associated benefits are a more attractive option for many potential nursing home employees. With tight budgets dictated by Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement rates, many nursing homes can't compete with Amazon's starting wages.