The needed distribution of the health and long-term-care workforce for older Americans varies by state and the individual profession (Institute of Medicine, 2008). The recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals in rural areas are particularly challenging (Institute of Medicine, 2005). This is important to consider when assessing the healthcare needs of the geriatric population, since older adults are disproportionately over represented in rural communities (Hawes et al., 2005).
While the lack of supply is a challenge, it also provides an economic opportunity for many communities. Over the next twenty years, much of the job growth will be in the health and long-term-care sectors. Investments in a quality eldercare workforce, therefore, will be an important economic driver in the coming years.