International Council on Active Aging
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Reduce the need for direct-care workers
Wellness programs enable residents to maintain their functional abilities, thus reducing their need for care workers such as personal assistants, health aides and nursing assistants.
A new analysis projects that the number of people in the US needing personal assistance will grow from 13 million in 2000 to 27 million in 2050. However, the number of workers is likely to decline due to Medicaid cuts, low wages, lack of health benefits and high job turnover.30 For many communities, training, turnover and recruitment of direct-care workers, including nursing assistants and personal aides, are ongoing challenges.31
When fewer residents need assistance with ADLs and IADLs, the need for care workers likewise is reduced, thus easing the burden on human resources. This reduction has the potential to reduce the budget for finding, recruiting and training new workers.
In contrast, wellness staff members are stable, long-term workers. An ICAA survey of 785 wellness professionals found that they have worked in their current positions for an average of six years, and only 23% planned to change jobs in the next two years.15 Plus, wellness staff have the potential to assume multiple roles in an organization and be groomed for lateral and upward mobility.
Continued...Performs double duty for employee wellness.
