Assisted living homes for senior citizens and people with disabilities in Michigan are dangerously understaffed. According to a new survey from the Michigan Assisted Living Association, 20% of jobs are vacant in the state’s assisted living industry. Bob Stein is general council for the association and says current employees are displaying heroism by working overtime, but they need help.
“One of the questions we did ask when we surveyed providers in the community mental health system, residential providers, is whether or not they have help and or safety concerns for the individuals they are supporting, and nearly half of the survey respondents said yes, which is unnerving.”
The state passed a $2.35 wage increase for assisted living employees this year, but Stein says wages rose to just $14.15 an hour, remaining uncompetitive compared to other industries.
