Agency Staff Utilization in Nursing Homes and Assisted Livings: Patterns and Concerns

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Adam

Long-term care providers have faced shortages of direct care workers since 2020, leading many nursing homes and assisted livings to rely on staffing agencies. Agency staffing is linked to worse resident outcomes, yet providers’ reasons for use and implications remain limited, especially in assisted livings. Using 2023 Ohio survey data, the study analyzes patterns of agency use and administrators’ concerns, highlighting substitution duration and key operational factors driving adoption, then calls for workforce investment to reduce agency reliance.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Background and Rationale

Data and Methods

Usage Patterns

Administrator Concerns and Implications

Workforce Investment Recommendation

FAQs

Why do nursing homes and assisted livings use staffing agencies?

Since 2020, direct care worker shortages have pushed providers to turn to staffing agencies. The study finds agency use is common for hard-to-fill shifts, last-minute call-offs, employee departures, and periods of increased occupancy.

How frequently is agency staff used in nursing homes versus assisted livings?

Nearly 68% of nursing homes and 38% of assisted livings used agency staff. Over 55% of nursing homes and 39% of assisted livings reported using agency staff as a substitute for more than 4 weeks.

What are the main concerns administrators report about agency staff?

Administrators most commonly cite costs, lack of dedication to building, negative effects on morale of directly employed staff, insufficient time for learning residents’ care plans, and lack of knowledge of building policies and procedures.

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Adam