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Idaho long-term care facilities need more staff

Posted at 2:49 PM, Aug 10, 2020
and last updated 2020-08-11 11:50:06-04

IDAHO — Nursing homes are just one of the facilities that are severely impacted by COVID-19.

"People don't realize how desperate the need is for labor in Idaho's long-term care facilities," Executive Director of the Idaho Health Care Association, Robert Vande Merwe says.

Merwe also says there has been a slight drop in nursing homes and other long-term care facility's staff since the start of the pandemic due to concerns over the virus.

Now, the facilities across the state are struggling to give their residents the services they need.

"It takes a whole team to care for the elderly 24/7," Vande Merwe says.

The Idaho Health Care Association is looking for about 750 nurses, 1500 caregivers, and 500 others for support staff such as housekeepers and kitchen staff.

The care facilities will provide full training, pay, and benefits for full-time employees.

"So, we're just looking for more heroes like the ones we have already. If we can't care for the residents we have, then they go to the hospital, and then there are not enough hospital beds for those of us who might contract the disease," Vande Merwe says.

If you are interested in applying, visit their Idaho Care for the Aging website: https://idaho.carefortheaging.org/ to learn more.