The United States’ elder care workforce is under increasing pressure as the nation’s senior population expands. According to USAFacts, millions of professionals and unpaid caregivers are working to meet the growing needs of older adults — and the demand is only expected to rise in the coming years.
Workforce Statistics
In September 2023, about 1.4 million people were employed in nursing homes, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Although this marks a recovery from a pandemic-related low of 1.3 million in April 2022, it still falls short of pre-pandemic levels. The nursing home workforce includes registered nurses, aides, therapists, social workers, and other essential staff. Most nursing home roles have an annual mean wage under $75,000, with healthcare support occupations averaging $36,040 per year.
The Role of Unpaid Caregivers
USAFacts also reports that around 37 million Americans — or 14% of the population — provided unpaid elder care between 2021 and 2022. On any given day, over a quarter of these caregivers are actively providing support, averaging 3.6 hours of care per day. This unpaid contribution forms a crucial part of the nation’s elder care system, yet it often comes with significant emotional, financial, and physical challenges.
Conclusion
With elder care occupations among the fastest-growing in the country, the workforce will need continued support, training, and resources to keep pace with the demands of an aging nation.
Source: USAFacts – “How does America care for the elderly?” (Published November 10, 2023)