The senior population is growing in the United States.

According to a study by CareScout the 65-plus population is on track to hit 82 million in the next 25 years. There are currently around 60 million.

Many states across the country aren’t prepared to handle a population aging this fast.

Around the Tri-States, Missouri ranked 50th as the least prepared state to handle what’s being called the “Silver Tsunami.” Illinois ranked 4th and Iowa ranked 32nd.

“The demand is growing to fast were there aren’t enough caregivers,” said CareScout Gerontologist Marlena del Hierro. “So, if you’re looking at this population of caregiving and you’re looking at another population that is continuing to grow that needs more and more care. We aren’t able to meet that need fast enough.

CareScout’s survey observed various factors to determine its ranking. It looked at the quality of care, the percentage of older adults living alone and older adults in the labor force.

One major factor that stood out is the lack of nurses. CareScout estimates a shortfall of 63,000 registered nurses by 2030.

“Without those care givers it’s going to impact the financials,” del Hierro continued. “so the cost of caregiving is going to rise.”

Senior living facilities around the Tri-States say they’ve noticed a decrease in caregivers and explained why they think individuals are leaving the industry. One pointed out the demands for the job.

“The CNA’s definitely have the hardest job in the nursing home because they’re taking them to lunch, dressing them, bathing them, feeding them doing all the things,” said La Plata Nursing Home Administrator April Hruska “It’s just mentally exhausting, not really physical but can be at times.”

There are other reasons for people to leave this profession, but the COVID-19 pandemic caused for many to leave the nursing profession.

“It really did a lot of damage to the medical profession,” said Bradford Villa Assisted Living Home Registered Nurse Jeannie Hattemar. “There was more and more regulations to follow we couldn’t keep up with the regulations. Another thing I feel like, hospitals and clinics have become more like a business.”

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