James_September-October_2026_web - Flipbook - Page 62
ong term care
is a profession
built around
“Caring People Caring for
People.” Across
Georgia, thousands of dedicated professionals
come to work each day with a
shared mission to provide exceptional care and quality of life for
the residents and patients who
depend on them. Nurses, certified
nursing assistants, administrators,
therapists, social workers, dietary
professionals, activity directors and
many others make up a workforce
that is essential to Georgia’s health
care system.
The importance of this workforce will only continue to grow.
According to the US Census Bureau, Georgia has the ninth fastest
aging population. By 2030, the US
is projected to see an increase of
approximately 4 million people who
are 80+ years old. This demographic shift represents both a growing
need for long term care services
and an opportunity to prepare the
next generation of professionals
who will provide that care.
Long term care professionals
care for our parents, grandparents,
neighbors and friends. In fact, there
is a high likelihood you have been
personally touched by someone
needing care and service sometime
over the past year. When that time
comes, we naturally want assurance that competent and qualified
caregivers will provide clinical
expertise, assistance with daily
living, companionship and encouragement while building relationships that often extend far beyond
traditional health care interactions.
Recently, the Georgia Health
Care Education & Research Foundation awarded 26 scholarships to
individuals committed to advancing their education in long term
care. A common message from
the recipients was clear: this is
more than a career path. It is a
calling rooted in relationships and
the opportunity to make a lasting
difference.
Conversations about what the
profession needs are critical. But
equally important are conversations about all the profession offers.
As policy makers, industry
professionals, educators and legislators look toward the future of
Georgia’s health care workforce,
continued investment in innovative
education and career pathways
must continue.
As importantly, students, young
professionals and those considering a career change should understand that long term care offers
significant opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
The American Health Care Association’s Caregivers of Tomorrow
campaign is helping shine a national spotlight on these opportunities.
Many long term care executives
and leaders began their careers
providing direct care. One of
Georgia Health Care Association’s
largest operators, now operating
31 centers in the state, began his
long term care career at age 16 as a
certified nursing assistant. His desire to change perceptions of long
term care and positively impact
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