Program focuses on shortage in long-term care

As the number of older Americans increases, worker shortages loom nationwide in agriculture, health care, manufacturing, technology and customer service. What will the impact of these shortages be as more people reach their 80s, 90s and beyond and need long-term care?

While the average 75-year-old suffers from three chronic conditions and takes five prescription medications, the number of health-care workers is declining. Thirty percent of hospitals report shortages in specialty services and more than 19,000 registered nurse (RN) vacancies exist in long-term care settings and total RN vacancies in the U.S. exceed 135,000. Shortages in other occupations will also affect services needed by older generations.

To address anticipated worker shortages, Augustana Care has provided learning opportunities to students interested in nursing, spiritual care and other fields for several years. Midway resident and Director of Health Services at Augustan Apartments of Minneapolis, Denise Wolff, says a new partnership between St. Catherine University and Augustana will bring nursing students weekly to the Augustana Residential Care.

Wolff, who obtained a master’s degree in public administration from Hamline University, said that students will work alongside registered nurses to learn about residential care through the eyes of the resident. They will also be paired with resident mentors throughout the semester to deepen their learning process.

Students will conduct health screenings such as blood pressure assessments to determine if residents have high blood pressure and if their medications are effective. In addition, students will visit residents in their homes, conduct foot clinics and offer talks on health care topics that mirror residents’ interests and concerns. Topics include fall prevention, memory health and nutritional needs for older adults.

Students will also assess what resources are available to older generations in the community surrounding Augustana Care’s Minneapolis campus.

To learn more about the partnership, contact Director of Health Services Denise Wolff at dswolff@augstanacare.org or 612-238-5047.