Long-term care providers grapple with LPN shortage as senior population grows [View all]

While hospital nursing staff levels have rebounded, a sense of gloom hangs over the long-term care industry, which includes independent and assisted living and skilled nursing facilities and home care providers.

Licensed practical nurses have historically been the workforce for long-term care. They are certified to administer drugs, tests and treatment under the supervision of a registered nurse or nurse practitioner. The federal Health Resources and Services Administration projects demand across Washington for LPNs will outstrip supply by 43% by next year. By 2036, the agency estimates the percent adequacy will fall to 30%.

“Long-term care has always been the redheaded stepchild, and things just keep getting kicked down the road,” said R. Kevin McFeely, president and CEO of Futura Age, a faith-based nonprofit that manages two communities in the Tacoma area that provide the full spectrum of long-term care.

McFeely said stakeholders may not be able to defer addressing staffing shortages much longer because of two factors. First, "the senior population is increasing by leaps and bounds. We have more people who need care and a shrinking workforce to meet their needs." Second, he said, federal Medicaid cuts scheduled to take effect in 2027 will put pressure on state lawmakers to cut some long-term care benefits to help make up the gap.

https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2025/11/11/long-term-care-nurses-health-care-workforce-hiring.html