Workforce Shortage for All Services Related to Aging Continues to Grow and Will Worsen as U.S. Population of Adults 65+ Is on Track to Nearly Double by 2050

TACOMA, Wash., June 10, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- LeadingAge Washington, an association that aids in supporting mission driven senior care providers, is hosting its annual conference June 10-12, 2019 at the Semiahmoo Resort located in Blaine, WA. Katie Sloan, LeadingAge's national CEO from Washington DC, will address the issue of rising labor demand in the senior care industry. While this is a national concern, it touches aging Washingtonians as well. "In the next five years, Washington State will need an additional 8,600 licensed nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants to meet the growing needs of our aging population," stated Deb Murphy, Chief Executive Officer for Leading Age.

"The workforce shortage is a critical issue that affects housing and care for older Washingtonians and all Americans, particularly as the baby boomers are aging and turning to professional health care providers to manage chronic diseases, physical challenges due to normal aging, and Alzheimer's," said Murphy. "Every day, you see thousands of help wanted ads for direct care staff in the senior care field," she added.

To help combat this rising demand of all job types, LeadingAge Washington will be offering free entry to the conference for college students in hopes to inspire today's youth to learn more about the senior care industry. "This is a wonderful opportunity to network with industry professionals, attend informative business-oriented workshops, and learn about internship opportunities with LeadingAge Washington," said Murphy.

LeadingAge Washington is also launching a new job board on their website to connect qualified job candidates to member organizations' open job postings. "We know that it is a daunting task to search for, and fill, open jobs and we were determined to simplify the process to help our senior care providers and applicants," said Murphy. The community job board bridges the gap between applicants and employers, streamlining the job search process and increasing overall efficiency. "The new platform allows candidates to browse open positions by location, making it easy for candidates to find openings in their desired locations", she added.

"There is little awareness about all of the fantastic jobs in the senior living industry — everything from activities, social services, wellness, clinical, business administration, marketing, human resources, environmental services, transportation, dining services, to executive leadership positions and more," said Laura Hofmann, MSN, RN, Director of Clinical and Nursing Facility Regulatory Services. Companies offer competitive benefits and pay, plus there's upward mobility. "The most rewarding part of working in the aging services field is knowing that every day you make a difference in the lives of those we serve by offering quality, safe and affordable housing, helping them return to the golf course, mountains to ski or hike following successful rehabilitation, or as they transition from life," Hofmann said.

LeadingAge Washington is committed to representing the interests of mission-oriented organizations that are dedicated to improving senior care for Washington residents. On behalf of their member organizations, LeadingAge Washington advocates for the required funding to support caring and housing for low-income seniors. The organization is committed to educating their member companies on cutting-edge clinical care practices, teaching changing business regulations, and generating innovative solutions to benefit an aging society. LeadingAge Washington is one of 37 state partners of a national association that collectively touches the lives of more than two million individuals each day. LeadingAge Washington prides themselves in their commitment to excellence in the aging journey and providing the vital services and resources people need. For more information please visit the LeadingAge Job Board.

SOURCE LeadingAge Washington