They are calling it the 'Silver Tsunami'. A projected healthcare shortage that is set to hit the U.S. by 2028, when millions of 'baby boomers' are going to be in need of care.
"We project an overall shortage by the year 2028" said Dan Lezotte, partner with Workforce Strategy & Analytics at Mercer.
According to the new study from Mercer, a labor shortage of 100,000 workers is expected, although it will vary from state to state.
"We did this study again this year" Lezotte told KTRH, "And we looked at 88 healthcare occupations not only nationally, but for every metropolitan statistical area in the U.S."
As for the state of Texas, Mercer predicts a deficit of physicians, while the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ranks Texas in the top ten (#8) for potential nursing shortages.
"It's the baby boomer generation getting older, getting sicker, and it's definitely increasing demand" noted Lezotte, "In support roles like medical assistants and nursing assistants, that's where we're seeing the greatest shortages."
It's clear that America has some work to do to get prepared to care for all of the aging baby boomers.
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