Background

State Statistics (see below for key to abbreviations)

PC/HC Aide = Personal Care/Home Care Aide HHA = Home Health Aide CNA = Certified Nursing Assistant -- These charts include numbers for the BLS occupational group "nursing aides, orderlies and attendants." Avg DCW = Average direct-care worker wages -- calculated as a weighted median United States and state abbreviations are used (ex: VT = Vermont)

In 2000 594,266 (12.1%) of Minnesota's 4,919,479 citizens were aged 65 and over, an 8.7% increase since 1990. The U.S. Census estimates that by 2030 Minnesota's elder population will increase by over 100%. In the same period the traditional caregiving workforce (women aged 25 to 44) will increase by only 4.8%.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2004 72,420 nursing assistants, home health aides, and personal care/home care aides worked in Minnesota earning an average of $10.54 per hour. These numbers do not include many direct-care workers who are self-employed.

According to 'Peopling long-term care: Assuring an adequate long-term care workforce for Minnesota', Minnesota had a 62% turnover rate in 2000 for nursing assistant positions. This high turnover rate has increased costs and reduced the quality of care in nursing homes. It is expected that the 'care gap' between those needing care and those available to provide care will continue to widen.

Sources:
1) The 65 years and over population: 2000, Census 2000 Issue Brief
2) Faculty workgroup on peopling long-term care 2001, Peopling long-term care: Assuring an adequate long-term care workforce for Minnesota