Some North Dakota long term care facilities in "financial death trap" -- Majority report losses

(Fargo, ND) -- Long term care facilities in North Dakota are struggling financially, with the labor shortage one of the biggest contributing factors.

"We are still in a labor crisis. Prior to the pandemic, it was a crisis, but it has escalated rapidly with facilities continuing to struggle," said Shelly Peterson, President of the North Dakota Long Term Care Association.  

Peterson says staffing and financial issues contributed to 3 long term care facilities closing in the state last year. She also says 57 percent of the operations in the state last year reported losses. Peterson says many facilities are now relying on contracted workers which she calls a "financial death trap" because of the relatively higher cost of hiring those workers.   

The facilities are also spending more on covid-related supplies including personal protective equipment, such as gloves and masks. Peterson also says vaccine mandates have also caused some people to leave the industry. Burnout is also a contributing factor.