Connecting Seniors Housing and Care with Workforce Development
An industry-led initiative designed to help Workforce Investment Boards support a fragmented, struggling industry through employer-identified training that addresses regulatory compliance and upskilling opportunities.
$5.67B
Annual WIOA Funding
Available for workforce development nationwide
75-95%
Industry Turnover Rate
Our care locations face critical staffing challenges
4-8
Employees Per Site
Typical training cohort size for facility-based programs
The Challenge Facing Aging Care Providers
The skilled nursing and senior living sectors operate in a uniquely challenging environment. With operating budgets allocated almost entirely to staff wages, leaving low profit margins, most facilities cannot allocate meaningful resources to workforce development—yet they face some of the highest turnover rates in any sector, ranging from 75-95% annually.
This creates a destructive cycle: inadequate training leads to staff burnout and turnover, which further strains budgets and makes it even harder to invest in workforce development. Meanwhile, healthcare needs and regulatory requirements continue to evolve, demanding ongoing staff upskilling that many facilities simply cannot afford.
The industry is also highly fragmented, with thousands of independent operators and small regional chains lacking the infrastructure or expertise to navigate complex federal funding programs. Many facility administrators are unaware that substantial WIOA funding exists specifically to address these workforce challenges.
High Turnover Costs
Industry turnover rates of 75-95% annually drain resources and lower morale, costing thousands per employee to replace and creating instability in resident care.
Limited Training Budgets
Most facilities allocate less than 1% of their budget to training, making it impossible to develop staff from entry-level to leadership or meet evolving regulatory requirements.
Our Approach
Workforce Grants Network serves as an industry-led initiative bridge between Workforce Investment Boards and the seniors housing and care industry. As an industry-led initiative, our members are providers who we match to workforce boards to fulfill their mission of supporting local employers while ensuring each employer location can access training resources they desperately need.
Workforce Grants Network members pay no cost to participate as this initiative helps to guide the process and coordinate with your local workforce board contacts when verification or additional information is needed.
Workforce Grants Network is a network of trade association partners and industry provider members. These partnerships ensure that training programs address real employer needs, align with grant reporting requirements, and contribute to elevating the entire industry rather than serving individual facilities in isolation.
Industry-Specific Training
Training programs identified by employers and trade associations to address industry-specific needs (e.g. dementia upskilling, wound care, culinary staff needs).
Collaborative Guidance
We provide guidance and coordination throughout the process, working with your team when facility verification or data are needed.
Industry Lifting
Focus on raising standards across locations, employees, and the industry through systematic workforce development.
Three Key Training Focus Areas
Our training programs are strategically designed to address the full spectrum of workforce development needs in seniors housing and care, supporting employees at every stage of their career journey.
Workforce Readiness & Risk Management Training
Trainings required for current employees to stay current with evolving regulations and retain their position. Ensures facilities meet compliance standards while protecting employee job security.
Career Advancement
Upskill training for promotions, creating clear pathways from entry-level to leadership positions. Develops internal talent and reduces recruitment costs while improving employee retention.
Quality of Care
Upskill training to enhance resident quality of life and care. Equips staff with advanced skills in dementia care, wound management, and person-centered approaches that improve outcomes.
Training programs address regulatory compliance, career advancement, and quality of care—supporting employees at every stage of their journey.
Partnerships
Our credibility and effectiveness stem from deep partnerships with industry trade associations and industry providers. These organizations represent thousands of locations and understand the sector's unique challenges, reporting and regulatory landscape, and workforce development needs.
By working with our members, we ensure that training programs are relevant, timely, and aligned with industry priorities. This partnership model also provides quality assurance—employer locations are vetted through their association membership, and training providers are selected based on demonstrated expertise in healthcare and industry-specific education.
Partner Organizations
Employer-Identified Training Programs
Through our partnership with Embrace Learning and input from trade associations, we offer training programs that directly address the regulatory and operational challenges facilities face daily.
Synchronous Trainings
Synchronous trainings offered twice a month, by subject matter expert; Lakeisha James, RN — Director of Learning
Learn
3 hours synchronous learning
Live, instructor-led sessions
1 hour simulation, in person
Hands-on practical experience
1 hour, self-led
Independent study and reflection
Apply
In-person project with supervision
Apply learned skills in a real-world setting under expert guidance
This blended learning approach combines synchronous instruction, simulation, self-directed study, and supervised practice to ensure comprehensive skill development and retention.
Measurable Outcomes
Our model delivers value to multiple stakeholders. Workforce Investment Boards fulfill their mission of supporting local employers and deploying WIOA funds effectively. Facilities gain access to high-quality training they could not otherwise afford, improving staff retention and care quality. Employees receive professional development opportunities that create career pathways and increase job satisfaction.
Most importantly, this approach addresses the systemic challenges facing seniors housing and care by building workforce capacity across the entire industry rather than in isolated pockets. By partnering with trade associations, we help elevate standards and create a rising tide that benefits all facilities, their employees, and ultimately the residents they serve.
The ultimate outcome: improved care quality, staff satisfaction, and industry-wide elevation through systematic workforce development.
Connect With Us
We welcome the opportunity to discuss how Workforce Grants Network can support your WIB's mission and serve the seniors housing and care providers in your region. Our approach is consultative and collaborative—we're here to provide information, answer questions, and explore how we can work together to address workforce challenges in this critical industry.
Contact Information
Address:
9403 Mill Brook Road, Ste 100
Louisville, KY 40223
Phone:
(502) 365-1791
Email:
[email protected]