When you’re choosing senior living or health care for yourself or someone you love, staffing isn’t just a “behind-the-scenes” issue—it directly shapes day-to-day life. It impacts response times, relationships, continuity of care, and the overall sense of comfort and stability.
That’s why we’re proud to share news from a partnership that’s focused on building a stronger, more sustainable workforce for aging services in Minnesota and beyond.
On July 8, 2026, LeadingAge Minnesota Solutions and Global Care Recruiters (GCR) announced a strategic partnership to expand workforce solutions for aging services providers, including ethical international nurse recruitment. You can read the full release here: LeadingAge Minnesota Solutions and Global Care Recruiters Launch Strategic Partnership.
Why this partnership matters
Minnesota’s aging services providers are facing one of the most significant workforce challenges in state history. According to the announcement, more than 11,000 positions remain unfilled across the continuum of aging services—even as Minnesota’s older adult population continues to grow.
When roles go unfilled, the ripple effects are real:
- Longer wait times for care
- Increased pressure on caregivers
- Tough decisions about admissions and services
Solving this challenge takes more than one tactic. It requires policy leadership, stronger recruitment and retention, expanded career pathways, and innovative partnerships that support long-term stability.
What is Global Care Recruiters (GCR)?
Global Care Recruiters (GCR) is an international healthcare workforce organization that specializes in ethical recruitment, immigration support, and placement of internationally educated nurses with healthcare providers across the United States. The organization uses a direct-hire model, helping connect NCLEX-passed nurses with long-term employment opportunities and providing support across immigration, relocation, onboarding, and retention.
Learn more about GCR’s mission and approach here: About Global Care Recruiters.
Guardian Angels’ role: a proud founding partner
This news is especially meaningful to us because Global Care Recruiters was founded by four LeadingAge Minnesota member organizations:
- Guardian Angels Senior Services
- Mount Olivet Careview Home
- Prairie Senior Cottages
- Vista Prairie Communities
From the beginning, GCR was created with a provider-led mindset—built by organizations that understand the realities of staffing in senior services and the responsibility we carry to residents, families, and team members.
At Guardian Angels, our mission is rooted in service: providing exceptional health care, housing, and supportive services to seniors and their families in the spirit of Christ’s love. You can learn more about who we are and what we do here: About Guardian Angels Senior Services.
What the partnership does (and what it doesn’t)
A key part of this announcement is how the partnership is structured:
- LeadingAge Minnesota Solutions will provide executive leadership and operational support.
- Global Care Recruiters will remain independently governed and focused on its mission of ethical international recruitment.
In other words, this partnership is designed to help GCR grow its impact while preserving the provider-led purpose that inspired it in the first place.
You can learn more about LeadingAge Minnesota Solutions here: LeadingAge Minnesota Solutions.
What “ethical international recruitment” means to us
International recruitment can be part of a healthy workforce strategy—but only when it’s done with integrity.
Ethical recruitment centers on people, not just positions. It means being transparent with nurses and employers, supporting nurses through the complex transition into U.S. practice, and setting up the right conditions for long-term success—not short-term fixes.
This approach aligns with how we think about care at Guardian Angels:
- Quality and safety come first
- Relationships matter (for residents, families, and team members)
- Stability supports better outcomes
What this means for residents and families
If you’re exploring senior living, assisted living, memory care, long-term care, or transitional care for yourself or a loved one, it’s normal to wonder how staffing challenges might affect your experience.
While no single partnership “solves” the workforce crisis overnight, we believe this collaboration is a meaningful step toward:
- More consistent care teams
- Better continuity and communication
- Stronger support for caregivers
- A workforce model built for the long haul
If you’re learning about our care options, these pages may be helpful:
What this means for caregivers and future team members
Strong workforce solutions aren’t only about hiring—they’re about building a culture where people can thrive.
At Guardian Angels, we’re committed to supporting our team through training, growth opportunities, and a mission-driven environment where the work is meaningful.
If you feel called to serve older adults—and want to be part of a community that values compassion, purpose, and professional development—we’d love to connect.
Explore career opportunities here: Careers at Guardian Angels.
Moving forward together
Minnesota has a long history of innovation in aging services. This partnership is a reminder of what’s possible when providers and mission-driven organizations work together to address complex challenges with practical solutions.
We’re grateful to be part of a provider-led effort that supports ethical recruitment and long-term workforce sustainability—so older adults can continue receiving the care they deserve, now and for generations to come.
If you’d like to learn more about Guardian Angels or talk with our team about care options, start here: Guardian Angels Senior Services.