Guest Column: Caregiver Workforce Trends by Care Connect

Guest Column: Caregiver Workforce Trends by Care Connect

Addressing the Shifts in Recruitment, Engagement, and Retention

In recent months, the caregiver landscape has experienced a notable shift. While the number of available shift hours continues to rise, the growth in caregiver supply has slowed down significantly. This widening gap between supply and demand can potentially exacerbate the already critical caregiver shortage, leading to a higher number of unfilled shifts.

Caregiver Recruitment Challenges

One key finding from our data is that while younger caregivers (those aged 25-44) are joining the workforce at a faster rate than older caregivers (65+) are retiring, this influx does not translate into long-term solutions for the caregiver shortage. If agencies do not adapt to better attract and engage this younger talent pool, these new recruits may exit the workforce just as quickly as they enter, leaving agencies struggling to fill shifts.

Caregiver Engagement Gaps

11.4% of employed caregivers are currently not working, and only about 30% work full-time (40+ hours per week). Caregivers over 45 years old are more likely to work 60+ hours per week than their younger counterparts, suggesting that younger caregivers do not have the same work opportunities.

Agencies must address this engagement discrepancy and ensure younger caregivers have equal access to shifts. While younger caregivers request more shifts, this demand is not met with additional hours, resulting in underutilization and frustration.

Caregiver Retention Steadies, but Concerns Remain

While caregiver retention has leveled out at just under 80%, the beginning of the year saw volatility in this area. With the shifting demographics of the caregiver workforce, agencies must focus on retaining younger caregivers to maintain stability. Younger caregivers, if not given the opportunities and support they need, may lead to higher turnover rates, adding more strain to an already stretched workforce.

What Does This Mean for the Future of Caregiving?

The growing proportion of younger caregivers in the workforce presents both a challenge and an opportunity for home care agencies. To retain these younger workers, agencies must prioritize caregiver engagement by offering competitive opportunities, proper onboarding, and continuous support and recognition throughout their employment. Without focusing on caregiver engagement, turnover will continue to increase, leading to more unfilled shifts and compromising patient care.

For home care agencies, the time to act is now. Agencies that adjust their strategies to engage younger caregivers better not only mitigate the risk of turnover, but also build a stronger, more reliable workforce and position themselves for long-term success in a rapidly evolving industry.

Home Care Insights – Powered by CareConnect

Home Care Insights is your go-to resource for understanding the dynamics of the Home Care and Post-Acute Care industries. Powered by CareConnect’s AI-driven Workforce Optimization Platform, this site provides healthcare organizations with recruitment, engagement, and retention insights to help them stay ahead in optimizing their workforce and delivering exceptional care.