Canada's aging population is expected to put further strain on long-term care (LTC) homes, making it critical to address workplace issues that impact staff physical and mental health, argues Carole Estabrooks in a recent opinion piece.
The Growing Crisis in Long-Term Care
Federal and provincial governments have demonstrated the ability to collaborate effectively during crises such as U.S. tariffs and the COVID-19 pandemic. Estabrooks calls for the same urgency and teamwork to tackle rising mental health struggles and burnout among LTC workers. Without action, the problem will worsen, leading to higher staff turnover and jeopardizing resident care quality and quality of life.
LTC homes already face significant staffing challenges and struggle to meet the needs of an increasingly complex resident population, with dementia being a primary driver of admissions. The aging population will only exacerbate these pressures, making it essential to address workplace issues affecting staff well-being.
Workplace Challenges in LTC
Work in LTC has never been easy. It is physically and emotionally demanding, with comparatively low wages. Workers often experience bullying, violence, and racism. Persistent shortcomings in funding and staffing—including shortages, high turnover, and absenteeism—result in heavier workloads. Workers often feel rushed in care tasks and overwhelmed by the demands.
Despite the increasing complexity of resident needs, LTC homes remain understaffed and rely heavily on unregulated aides, primarily personal support workers who are often immigrant women. These care aides provide almost all direct resident care but frequently lack formal training to handle the increasingly complex resident population.
The Impact of COVID-19
The pandemic made LTC work even more gruelling. Severe staffing shortages, prolonged mandated isolation, high death rates, and unrelenting stress—with no time to breathe or grieve—took a heavy toll. Many workers still carry trauma from their experiences and report anxiety, depression, insomnia, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Research comparing burnout levels in LTC workers from 2014 to 2024 revealed that emotional exhaustion, already high before the pandemic, spiked during COVID-19 and has not returned to pre-pandemic levels. Levels of professional efficacy—a worker's belief in their ability to perform their job successfully—are also lower now than before the pandemic.
Declining Job Satisfaction and Mental Health
Equally worrying are declining levels of job satisfaction and mental health among LTC workers. Both are associated with an intention to leave the profession. Canada cannot afford to lose LTC staff or continue having them work in unhealthy environments. This is not only detrimental to workers but also negatively impacts residents, who are among society's most vulnerable. Their quality of care and life are directly linked to the work environment and staff well-being.
A Call for Collaborative Action
Finding solutions to reduce burnout and improve mental health in LTC workers requires governments to work together on a multi-pronged approach. While LTC is primarily under provincial jurisdiction, federal leadership is vital to ensure consistency nationwide. Estabrooks emphasizes the need for a coordinated effort to create healthier LTC environments, ultimately benefiting both staff and residents.
