Contact: John Sauer, President/CEO
February 19, 2019 608.225.7060, jsauer@leadingagewi.org

Madison – LeadingAge Wisconsin applauds the Governor’s action to create a Caregiver Taskforce. Wisconsin’s long-term care system is facing unprecedented staffing challenges with one-in-five caregiving positions vacant and over 16,500 positions currently unfilled.

This staffing crisis comes at a time when a growing number of Wisconsinites are in need of long-term care and services. From 2010 to 2040, Wisconsin’s over age 85 population will increase by an astounding 140%.

“We fully embrace the Caregiver Taskforce’s focus on caregivers and what should be done to further honor, respect and assist those who have chosen to serve others in need of long-term care and services. Our mission-driven member organizations stand ready to help in this effort,” said John Sauer, President & CEO of LeadingAge Wisconsin.

Sauer noted, “LeadingAge Wisconsin and the state’s other long-term care organizations are seeking Family Care/Medicaid’s help to raise the payment standard for direct caregivers and others working in long term care. We also urge the Taskforce to advance strategies to enhance training opportunities and incentives, and promote best practices regarding on-boarding, staff recognition, scheduling and other ways to attract and retain staff.”

“The need for long-term care and services in some way touches all of us; therefore, we all have a stake in the success of this Caregiver Taskforce,” said Sauer.

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