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 190,222 (8.5%) of Utah's 2,233,169 citizens were aged 65 and over, a 26.9% increase since 1990. The U.S. Census estimates that by 2030 Utah's elder population will increase by 142%. In the same period the traditional caregiving workforce (women aged 25 to 44) will increase by 38.2%.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2004 12,610
nursing assistants, home health aides, and personal care/home care aides worked in Utah earning an average of $9.12 an hour. These numbers do not include many direct-care workers who are self-employed.

According to a survey by the American Healthcare Association (AHCA) in 2002 the statewide vacancy rate for Utah certified nursing assitants (CNAs) was 6.1% and the turnover rate was 110.8%. It is anticipated that these problems with turnover and retention will get worse as the population continues to age. 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) American Health Care Association, 2003 Results of the 2002 AHCA survey of nursing staff vacancy and turnover in nursing homes