In the wake of COVID-19’s devastating effects, the long-term care industry is among the hardest hit. Already in distress; labor shortages, thinned out resources, and rising rates of Alzheimer’s and Dementia patients will take this crisis beyond the breaking point in a few short years. Unless we coordinate real efforts to improve working and financial conditions and resources, many Pennsylvania residents will experience devastating effects of this public health emergency.
The Training and Education Fund is bringing our expertise and resources to the front lines of this crisis, thanks to a $2 million grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, and a partnership with the District 1199C Training & Upgrading Fund. We are recruiting and training 500 new Nurse Assistants into a supportive career path within the long-term care industry. Beneficiaries of this grant will receive free CNA training, access to coaching and resources, and placement into a long-term care facility.
In addition, we are providing free training and certifications to 500 incumbent long-term care CNAs to upgrade their skills in many subjects including Dementia Care, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, CPR, Substance Abuse, LGBTQIA, and Intellectual Disabilities.
This program is a direct response to the long-term care crisis and aims to relieve staffing shortages, quality of care, as well as provide on-going support for long-term care workers as they navigate their career ladders.
Visit our page devoted to the Direct Care Worker Training and Placement Program to learn more, or start the enrollment process!
See Spotlight PA’s recent article on this crisis here.
