$4.1M Grant Aims To Ease Long Island Caregiver Shortage

COMMACK, NY — Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center was awarded a $4.1 million New York State grant on Monday to expand training programs for direct caregivers across Long Island, the healthcare system said.

The grant, awarded through the New York State Department of Health’s Office of Aging and Long-Term Care, will support training for home health aides, certified nursing assistants and personal care aides as the region continues to face a shortage of direct-care workers.

Gurwin has been designated as the Regional Training Site for the Long Island Economic Development Region, serving as a central hub for caregiver education and support.

The funding is part of a statewide initiative investing up to $19 million annually over five years to establish Direct Caregiver Training Centers and Support Hubs aimed at addressing workforce shortages in long-term care.

“Long Island is facing a critical shortage of healthcare workers, particularly in direct care roles,” said Stuart Almer, president and CEO of Gurwin Healthcare System. “By serving as the Regional Training Site, Gurwin can expand access to free, high-quality training and remove barriers that prevent people from entering and staying in the caregiving workforce. This investment will strengthen care for today’s seniors and build the workforce needed for the future.”

The expanded program will offer free, paid training for home health aides, certified nursing assistants and personal care aides, along with support services designed to help students complete the program. Participants will have access to a support hub that may help with barriers such as transportation assistance or childcare resources, Gurwin said.

Gurwin is also working with community organizations across Long Island to reach underserved populations and provide multilingual outreach.

CNA and HHA courses will be conducted in Commack. PCA training will be offered through a partnership with VNS Health in Jericho.

Those interested in learning more about the training opportunities can email DCFTraining@gurwin.org, visit Gurwin.org/healthcare-training or call 631-715-2561.