One local industry that works with seniors is facing the challenge of an impending shortage of employees. 

Kris Carlson, the owner of A Plus Health Care, said changing demographics in Montana are leading to some big changes for her field.

“By 2020, Montana will have the fourth most seniors behind only Florida, Arizona and Nevada,” she said. “It’s a growing industry.”

A Plus Health Care has more than 650 clients and employs 480 people at least part-time. Several other community and home-based care companies in the Flathead serve hundreds more local people.

As the industry grows, and the elderly population increases, so does the population that needs assistance to stay in the home. As a result, Montana has asked for a 6 percent federal increase in the amount of money it receives to help these community care companies.

In fiscal year 2014 that six percent will mean $7.5 million additional money and $10.5 million in fiscal year 2015.

According to Carlson, this money will actually be stretched and could end up saving taxpayers money in the long run.

“The average cost for a nursing home is $75,000 annually,” she said. “Community health can cover five people for the same amount. It’s less cost per person and allows people to live in their own homes, which they prefer.”

In the past, when a person has had a personal care attendant, the jobs were very task-oriented, i.e. doing chores around the house. The expanding federal funds will allow community-based care to address more personal issues.

“Loneliness is a major issue for seniors,” Carlson said. “It’s been shown that they will go to the doctor when they aren’t sick just to have someone to talk to. That’s a major strain on health services. We want to expand to companionship and social integration. To maybe play cards or go to the mall.”

The social interaction can keep people in their own homes for longer. Carlson said when “money follows the person,” the care is more effective and economical.

Montana is just the third state to expand to these services, after California and Oregon. Businesses like A Plus Health Care want to individualize care to find out what makes people happy. A happy homeowner is less likely to take up unnecessary medical costs or nursing home costs, Carlson said.

With more money to use and the rapidly growing senior population, compassionate individuals are highly sought for community care. A college degree isn’t needed for personal care attendants, who are paid more than minimum wage. But Carlson admits the career isn’t for everybody. Patience is a key virtue when dealing with patients who could be having a bad day.

Registered nurses and licensed practical nurses are also highly desired. Flathead Valley Community College has contributed many from its nursing programs to community care positions. Even so, unless more people want the jobs, the industry’s growth might be hampered.

“We are short on workforce,” Carlson said. “We are looking at technology and innovations to help, but we need people. We are seeing an increasing veteran population and a huge increase in (Veterans Administration) needs.”