Idaho’s long-term care facilities are facing massive shortages in labor, putting some near the brink of closure.

The Idaho Health Care Association estimated Thursday that Idaho’s elder care facilities need at least 1,500 caregivers, 750 nurses and 500 other support staff.

Robert Vande Merwe, with the Idaho Health Care Association says, people don’t realize how desperate the need is for labor in Idaho’s long-term care facilities.

Some facilities are unable to find enough nurses, others can’t find enough caregivers and some are desperate for housekeepers or kitchen staff.

Gov. Brad Little addressed the crisis in long-term care facilities last week, asking Idahoans who can to apply for jobs with these facilities.