A report released recently by HRSA’s National Center for Health Workforce Analysis concludes that while demand for long-term health care paraprofessionals is at a record high, supply is slipping.
 
Titled Nursing Aides, Home Health Aides, and Related Health Care Occupations—National and Local Workforce Shortages and Associated Data Needs, the report finds that the shortage is caused by high turnover based on low pay and the lack of a career ladder.  This situation is likely to continue well into the future, according to the report, which is available on the web at http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/healthworkforce/reports/nursingandhomeaide.htm.
  
Nursing aides and home health aides have major responsibility for providing long-term care to chronically ill, disabled and elderly people, who represent an increasing percentage of the U.S. population. 
 
The report reviewed seven key Federal datasets, certified nursing aide registries in 45 states, and fieldwork in California, Illinois, New York and Wyoming.  The fieldwork included interviews and focus groups with long-term care providers and state officials to assess their current data collection activities and the data needed for future program and policy development.  The report suggests strategies for improving data collection, building on existing datasets, and data collection activities. 
 
For more information on health workforce issues, visit http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/healthworkforce/.