Colin O’Leary, the executive director of Laurel Ridge Rehabilitation & Skilled Care Center in Boston, faced a challenging moment in his career when he had to inform 13 Haitian staff members, all holders of Temporary Protected Status (TPS), that they would be losing their jobs. This termination stems from the Trump administration’s decision to end TPS for Haitian nationals effective February 3, which is part of a broader effort to tighten immigration policies.
The workers affected play a crucial role in caring for approximately 115 residents at the center, comprising experienced certified nursing assistants and dietary aides who are familiar with the specific needs of their patients. Their departure comes at a time when the elder care industry is already grappling with a significant workforce shortage, with nearly 350,000 positions unfilled nationwide.
Immigrants are vital to this sector, making up more than a quarter of the workforce providing direct care in long-term settings, and nearly one-third of those working in home care, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. As Katie Smith Sloan, CEO of LeadingAge, emphasized, the reduction in immigration exacerbates an already critical staffing crisis. In Boston, home to a substantial Haitian community, the local elder care sector is expected to feel the impact of these job losses acutely.
O’Leary expressed deep concern about his ability to support the remaining staff and fulfill the care needs of the residents while recognizing the personal loss for his Haitian employees. In his view, the hardest part was the feeling of letting his team down.
The TPS program, which was initially established due to the devastation caused by the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, has offered temporary protection to those who might face extreme hardship if forced to return. Recent developments, including a lawsuit from Haitian TPS holders challenging the termination of the program, highlight the uncertainty and fears surrounding their future.
Amid these changes, the implications for elder care services are significant. Caregivers often develop close bonds with the individuals they serve, making their potential departure even more difficult for both patients and their families. Organizations like Goodwin Living, which provides services to thousands of older adults, are already grappling with staffing shortages due to similar situations involving staff from other countries facing TPS expirations.
The current staffing crisis not only threatens to limit the quality of care provided to seniors but also raises questions about the sustainability of such services moving forward. As industry leaders brace for the ongoing ramifications of these policy changes, the urgent need for a solution and support for affected workers remains a critical focus. Given the escalating challenges, there is hope that community support and advocacy will come together to mitigate these adverse effects and find a pathway forward for both caregivers and the elders they serve.