Gillibrand backs legislation to help increase long-term care workforce

A shortage of long-term care workers continues to plague the country.

This means some seniors have to wait months, or even years without receiving help.

With seniors in need, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is introducing a new plan to address the problem.

She announced the Long Term Care Workforce Support Act.

The proposed legislation would make major federal investments to strengthen and expand the long-term care workforce.

“It’s simply unacceptable. In the richest country in the world, no one who works full-time should have to live in poverty,” said Gillibrand. “We need to make sure that all of our workers, especially those who are so important to the lives that they serve, get the living wages, fair treatment, training, and support that they need.”

According to research, 92% of nursing homes across the state have reported severe workforce shortages, Gillibrand said.