Lima, OH (WLIO) - For some in our region, the labor shortage has more serious consequences than waiting longer for a fast-food order.
The Area Agency on Aging 3 held their Direct-Care Workforce Shortage Roundtable on Tuesday, December 6th, to discuss the causes, effects, and potential solutions to the lack of care providers in their PASSPORT program. Prior to the pandemic, there were about 20 seniors on the waiting list for an aide, but that number is now over 200. Care managers spoke to the group about several individuals in their caseloads who are unable to care for themselves but cannot find a care provider.
"I have a wheelchair-bound individual, she can stand a limited amount of time, like three minutes, and she's unable to bathe herself. She does do it though, it's a fall risk and she is unable to wear pants from the waist down because she's unable to put them up, she is unable to make a bed," said Melissa Atha, a care manager for AAA3's Care Coordination Program.
Another care manager shared a story about a man who has been found unresponsive multiple times because he did not have anyone who could be with him during the day. Nursing homes are also facing similar issues- many are closing down or will close soon.
