"There is a fundamental crisis in our country," stated Senator Satveer Chaudhary, DFL-Fridley, a speaker at a "Rally for Quality Staffing in Long-Term Care," March 1 at the Capitol. The rally was sponsored by Seniors and Workers for Quality, a coalition of caregivers and organizations who represent workers and residents at long-term care facilities.

The crisis that Chaudhary was describing is one of inadequate long-term care solutions. The coalition argues that this has been caused by understaffing, low pay for both licensed and unlicensed long-term care workers, and detrimental short-term solutions to staff shortages such as the use of staffing pools.

As a result, speakers said, residents are not receiving the care they deserve. Laurie Anderson, a certified nursing assistant at White Bear Lake Care Center and member of UFCW Local 789, stated that because of staff shortages "Assembly line nursing has cropped up in nursing homes."

Situation is critical
Cal Neubauer, a resident at Lyngblomsten Care Center, said, "Over the eight years of living in care centers, I have noticed the decline in quality care, which is the result of a lack of quality staff. The situation is critical." Neubauer was one of several patients and employees who offered their experiences at the rally.

The rally came on the heels of Governor Jesse Ventura's recent budget proposal, which would fund a two percent pay increase for long-term caregivers over the next two years. Rally participants say this is not enough. Rep. Fran Bradley, R-Rochester, stated "We cannot tolerate a two percent increase."

Speakers stated that unless caregivers receive an adequate wage, staff levels and quality of care will continue to decrease.

Participants met with legislators after the rally to urge them to commit substantial funding to long-term care.