We know a stable workforce providers better care. However, in a 2004 survey of Pennsylvania long-term care providers, 60% report serious problems with recruiting and keeping direct care workers. They have vacancy rates over 9%; with 40% of the direct care workers employed less than a year. The cost of turnover is significant, estimated at $4000 per vacancy.

It makes good business sense to invest in creating a workplace that retains its staff. BJBC-PA project is responding to the growing staffing crisis by helping providers develop a worker-centered workplace and person-centered training. Its partnership with 27 long-term care providers has demonstrated a variety of ways to enhance support of direct care staff (link to list of projects).