Israel Opens Doors for Foreign Workers in Assisted Living Facilities

Israel's assisted living sector will now employ foreign workers for the first time, following extensive efforts by 'Kedem', the Association for the Advancement of Assisted Living Communities in Israel. This new initiative aims to address a severe, long-standing labor shortage in the industry. The program, launched through a novel call for proposals, allows facilities to hire foreign workers who will assist elderly residents with daily services and care, as well as with cleaning and maintenance tasks.

This development is considered crucial for assisted living communities, which have struggled with a significant lack of personnel. These workers will be integrated into residents' private apartments, providing daily support.

Separately, a potential crisis in nursing homes was averted as a temporary permit allowing extended working hours for staff was extended. This permit was set to expire at the end of August, threatening to worsen the existing staff shortages and impact resident care.

Kedem's CEO, Nachi Katz, had warned government ministries of the urgent need for a solution. He emphasized that while integrating foreign workers into assisted living is a long-term strategy, the temporary arrangement for nursing homes also needed continuation. Following the association's appeals, the temporary permits have been extended until the end of October.

Roby Shemesh, Director General of the Ministry of Labor, was instrumental in securing this extension, working with government bodies to prevent the lapse of the agreement. Kedem stated that these two actions address pressing needs: the new foreign worker program offers a significant, long-term solution for assisted living, while the nursing home permit extension provides immediate relief until October.

Katz expressed gratitude for the new opportunities in assisted living and the extension for nursing homes, thanking Shemesh and others involved. He acknowledged that the labor shortage remains a complex issue but highlighted that these steps provide essential tools for institutions to continue offering dedicated and respectful care to the elderly.