Nursing homes
Wisconsin nursing homes say immigration changes upended years of hiring plans
Wisconsin nursing homes and home health agencies had to scrap long-planned overseas hiring after refugee programs were suspended and Temporary Protected Status ended for immigrants from 13 countries, adding to staff turnover.
Key facts
- Skilled Nursing News reported on September 23, citing Wisconsin Watch, that nursing homes and home health agencies in Wisconsin have had to scrap years-long plans to hire workers from overseas after the Trump administration suspended almost all refugee programs.
- One nursing home operator in Sparta invested more than $100,000 in apartments to house overseas workers; when policy changed, the housing went to current staff.
- "International recruitment is a multi-year strategy, and it doesn't happen overnight," a LeadingAge Wisconsin vice president told Wisconsin Watch.
What happened
Skilled Nursing News reported on September 23, citing Wisconsin Watch, that nursing homes and home health agencies in Wisconsin have had to scrap years-long plans to hire workers from overseas after the Trump administration suspended almost all refugee programs. One nursing home operator in Sparta invested more than $100,000 in apartments to house overseas workers; when policy changed, the housing went to current staff.
"International recruitment is a multi-year strategy, and it doesn't happen overnight," a LeadingAge Wisconsin vice president told Wisconsin Watch. Operators said the end of Temporary Protected Status for immigrants from 13 countries is also weakening an already struggling workforce and adding to turnover.
What it means for families
Fewer workers can mean fewer open beds, more agency staff and less continuity for residents. Families may notice new faces more often, or longer waits for help.
For example: if your mother's longtime aide leaves, ask who will be her regular caregiver now, and share her routines and preferences so the new person can learn them quickly.
What this means in New York: New York nursing homes also rely heavily on immigrant workers. Asking about staff turnover is a fair question on any tour here.
Quick answers
Why are Wisconsin nursing homes struggling to hire?
Skilled Nursing News reported on September 23, citing Wisconsin Watch, that nursing homes and home health agencies in Wisconsin have had to scrap years-long plans to hire workers from overseas after the Trump administration suspended almost all refugee programs. One nursing home operator in Sparta invested more than $100,000 in apartments to house overseas workers; when policy changed, the housing went to current staff.
What to do this week
- Ask your relative's nursing home how often staff have changed on their unit this year.
- Write a one-page sheet of your relative's routines, likes and needs to share with new caregivers.
- Ask whether the home uses agency staff, and how those staff are trained on residents' care plans.
- On a tour, ask what share of nursing staff have worked there more than a year.
Sources
More from Nursing homes
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