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America's Direct Care Workforce Needs Better Training.

This is Part 3 of a 4-part series focused on applications of virtual reality (VR) in senior care.

This is Part 2 of a 4-part series of reports focused on applications of virtual reality (VR) in senior care.

Overview

Twenty-five percent of Americans are predicted to be 65 or older by 2030 (U.S. Census). The overwhelming majority of these baby boomers (approximately 90%) aim to age-in-place. Interestingly, these numbers drop significantly when physical and mental deterioration sets in. In a recent LeadingAge survey, 40% of baby boomers said they wanted to live somewhere other than the place they currently call home if they had a physical disability impacting their day-to-day lives, and 70% want to be in a staffed senior care facility if they have dementia and need help with daily activities. These statistics are telling and suggest a growing need for senior care professionals. Between 2016 and 2026, the direct care workforce is expected to grow from 4.4 million to 5.8 million--an increase of 30%. This places a heavy burden on staffed senior care facilities to recruit, onboard and train direct care workers to meet the complex needs of seniors.