Worker shortage predicted. (Short Takes).

In the year 2050, the United States will need three times as many long-term care workers as are now employed in the industry. That prediction comes from a study issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Labor The study predicts between 5.7 million and 6.5 million long-term care workers will be needed to care for America's baby boomers and their children. Commenting on the findings, HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson said, "If we want to ensure quality long-term care for baby boomers, we need to act now to build the workforce and encourage creative ways to improve long-term care-both in their own homes and communities and in long-term care institutions. The DOL and HHS have developed a number of programs designed to increase the supply of long-term care workers.

James A. Hawkins is a health care writer based in Aiken, S.C. He can be reached by phone at [phone] or by e-mail at [e-mail].