The memory care sector is facing a significant challenge, needing one million new direct care workers by 2031, surpassing any other occupation in the U.S. This data comes from the Alzheimer’s Association 2024 Facts and Findings report, which highlights the increasing demand for caregiving services for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.
The report reveals that despite a growth in direct care workers over the past decade, an additional one million workers will be required between 2021 and 2031 to meet the future care needs. This demand is expected to rise significantly, especially for dementia and Alzheimer’s care, with several states projected to experience a shortage of workers in this field.
Currently, the total cost of providing dementia care services in the U.S. is substantial and is predicted to escalate in the coming years if new treatments or care advancements are not introduced, reaching nearly $1 trillion by 2050.
Alzheimer’s workforce worries
The workforce in the Alzheimer’s care sector is facing challenges such as high turnover rates, low wages, and poor job conditions, making it difficult to retain skilled workers in this field. This is compounded by a lack of specialized healthcare professionals in many communities, with a significant shortage of dementia care specialists forecasted in the near future.
Efforts are being made to address these workforce shortages, including the National Dementia Workforce Study and initiatives by the American Public Health Association to strengthen the dementia care workforce as a public health priority.
More training, care navigation needed
In addition to a shortage of workers, there is also a need for more training and care navigation services in the dementia care industry. Care navigation, which plays a crucial role in managing Alzheimer’s and other dementias, is relatively unfamiliar to many caregivers, highlighting the need for more education and resources in this area.
Furthermore, the report indicates that while some caregivers receive formal training in dementia care navigation, there is a lack of consistent training across the industry, especially for non-medical professionals providing these services.
