August 28, 2018: By 2025, more than 1 in 5 Minnesota residents will be 65 and very older. In 2016 alone, 5000 admissions to senior care facilities were denied due to caregiver shortages.
Given the drastic need to expand the senior care workforce — particularly in rural areas — I’m grateful that the Minnesota Legislature has funded an initiative to increase awareness about caring careers available to high school and post secondary students. Today HealthForce Minnesota heard reports from Minnesota State University Mankato student researchers and collaborators about alternative approaches to engaging Millennial job seekers.
In coming months, we’ll be rolling out a website, social media campaign and tools for educators/care facility operators that will culminate in the first ever Open House. Open Hearts showcase in February 2019.
HealthForce Minnesota is one of eight industry-specific Minnesota State Centers of Excellence.