Improving the long-term care workforce serving older adults.

There is a worsening shortage of competent, committed, paid long-term care workers who are able to meet the needs of older adults. Efforts to address the shortage must be informed by a conceptual framework that acknowledges the unique circumstances affecting these workers. These include nontraditional market forces, low compensation and prestige, limited career opportunities, and inadequate preparation for evolving roles and responsibilities. Applying this framework, we identify strategies that can reverse current trends by expanding worker supply; improving education, training, and developmental activities; and making delivery of long-term care services and supports to older people a more attractive alternative to employment in acute and primary care settings.