On June 16, Congressman Greg Murphy (R-NC) visited Spring Arbor of the Outer Banks, where he spent time engaging with caregivers and residents about one of the most urgent issues facing the senior living industry: the critical shortage of frontline workers.
Located in a scenic but less densely populated region of North Carolina, Spring Arbor exemplifies the challenges faced by rural and coastal communities in recruiting and retaining the caregiving workforce necessary to support older adults. During the visit, Rep. Murphy heard firsthand from staff and community leaders about the pressing need for foreign-born workers—particularly in areas where the local labor pool is too limited to meet demand.
A Nationwide Workforce Shortage with Local Consequences
The situation at Spring Arbor reflects a larger national crisis. Across the country, senior living providers are struggling to find and retain the team members who power daily life in assisted living and memory care communities. These roles—caregivers, housekeepers, dining staff, and nurses—are essential to quality of life and resident safety, yet vacancies persist in the tens of thousands.
The issue is even more acute in rural and underserved areas, where competition for workers is fierce and geographic isolation limits talent pipelines. Without policy reform and creative workforce strategies, these shortages threaten the stability of the care ecosystem.
Foreign-Born Workers Are Essential to the Solution
Argentum has long advocated for smart, balanced immigration policy that recognizes the vital role foreign-born workers play in senior care. These individuals have consistently demonstrated their commitment to caregiving roles and are often the linchpin for staffing in rural and urban communities alike.
To support this message, Argentum released a Foreign-Born Workers Guide, offering key talking points, data, and messaging tools to help providers, advocates, and policymakers better understand and promote solutions that include international talent as part of the long-term workforce strategy.
Help Elevate Workforce Advocacy
From Capitol Hill visits to community conversations like the one at Spring Arbor, advocacy starts with storytelling. Show lawmakers what staffing shortages look like in your community—and how policy can help solve them. Get the tools you need to host an effective lawmaker visit in your community here.
