Something has to give: Senate committee tackles long-term care worker shortages WHIO TV 7 and WHIO Radio [Video]

WASHINGTON D.C. — Nicholas Smith has worked as a direct support professional (DSP) for more than 25 years. His role is to help people with intellectual disabilities in Pennsylvania for the organization SPIN.

“I believe that this is my calling,” Smith told our Washington News Bureau. “I’m proud. I love the work I do.”

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But like so many other long-term care workers, Smith has felt the burden of the industry’s severe staff shortages.

“I am working 60 to 75 hours a work week. So, I give up time with family,” said Smith. “Something has to give though. Right now, you’re seeing across-the-nation shortages.”

Smith shared his experiences with members of the Senate Special Committee on Aging Tuesday as they looked into ways to tackle the long-term care worker crisis.

Lawmakers pointed to a recent survey that revealed around 92 percent of nursing homes and nearly 70 percent of assisted living …