Expecting a rush of Ukrainians to seek refuge in the U.S., long-term care facilities are launching a partnership that would offer them relocation assistance, job training and employment.
The American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living has teamed with local and national organizations that focus on supporting refugees for the job program, which could potentially serve thousands.
“As the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, we are ready to embrace Ukrainian and all refugees – our new neighbors – as part of our long-term care family and offer the training and support they need to be successful,” Mark Parkinson, AHCA/NCAL president and CEO, said in a statement.
Long-term care providers have previously said they would welcome immigrant refugees into the industry’s workforce as a show of support. Providers have also pushed the State Department to address a backlog of immigrant visa processing and prioritize visas for healthcare workers and nurses.
The refugee program comes as providers are struggling with an ongoing workforce crisis that has seen the long-term care workforce hit a 15-year low.
“No one wishes to leave their home, but we must do everything we can to support them during this trying time,” Parkinson added. “The diversity of career paths within long-term care means there is something for everyone, and we welcome them with open arms.”
Some 2.5 million Ukrainians are estimated to have fled their country since the Russian invasion began four weeks ago. Although President Biden vowed to welcome refugees, experts predict the number coming to the US will remain low as most Ukrainians seek temporary shelter in other parts of Europe.
