Michael Lawson, from the Investigative Reporting Workshop at American University, talks about changing trends in the ownership structure of many nursing homes in New Jersey and elsewhere. Lawson writes,

"Nursing homes have historically been owned and operated mostly by companies focused on health or elder care. But during the last 20 years, ownership has paralleled larger trends in the health industry, with big investors snapping up and consolidating homes ... Labor costs are the single greatest expense for nursing home owners, said Cruice, which has made wages a frequent source of conflict. As changes in ownership structure have brought a greater focus on profits, he expects labor fights to pick up because of what he calls a 'disconnect between decision makers and workers.'"

Interviewed about the daily economic challenges they face as long-term care workers at nursing homes in New Jersey are two 1199SEIU caregivers, Margaret Boyce and Rolanda Wade.

For the complete story and interviews, visit: http://americawhatwentwrong.org/story/As-elder-care-grows-so-do-labor-battles/