The aging U.S. population is fueling a rising demand for long-term care services, highlighting the critical need for a well-trained and adequately staffed workforce. This workforce—which includes clinicians, nurses, and direct care workers—has seen notable shifts in its demographic makeup. However, there remains a significant gap in research exploring how the composition of this workforce has changed over time.

This project will analyze demographic trends among healthcare workers in long-term care settings, including age, sex, race/ethnicity, nativity, educational attainment, and geographic distribution. Using data from the American Community Survey (ACS) one-year Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) from 2005–2025, along with complementary sources like the National Post-acute and Long-term Care Study (NPALS) and National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) residency match data, this study will examine workforce characteristics across clinicians, nurses, and direct care workers. Findings will inform evidence-based policies to address workforce shortages, improve recruitment and retention, and prepare the workforce to meet the needs of older adults and individuals with disabilities.