As communities change and technology develops, there have been some changes to assisted living facilities, especially for seniors. These changes are making senior living operators focus on strategic rebalancing for growth. This article discusses the major concerns in senior living administration and the changing patterns.
Increase in Data Security
Over the years, senior living facilities have been one of the major targets for hackers. In 2015, health organizations experienced several security breaches. During these breaches, hackers stole many financial information, including credit cards and banking information.
Senior living administrators are becoming more aware of the potential security threats to their facilities. Most administrators have installed top-notch security messaging and physical data security controls. They also ensure that outdated security defenses are updated and the staff knows how to identify potential risks.
Senior care administrators must keep pace with the evolution and advancements of cyberattacks and prepare to invest in improving cybersecurity measures.
Possible Staffing Crisis
There’s a general increasing staffing crisis in assisted living, including that for seniors. A survey by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living shows:
- 86 percent of nursing homes and 77 percent of assisted living facilities claimed the workforce condition has worsened.
- Over 7 of 10 nursing homes and assisted living facilities don’t have qualified candidates, and unemployment benefits have become a major problem.
- 61 percent of assisted living facilities are worried that workforce challenges will make them close.
Residential care facilities lost close to 400,000 employees between February 2020 and March 2022. This loss shows the need for more staff and highlights the need for people with competent knowledge of senior living management to take on important roles.
More Robust Reputation Building
To improve the chances of thriving in the community, skilled senior administrators are now more concerned about reputation building. They focus on communicating their brand values, mission, and vision to the target audience. Some facilities also provide free support, improving their authority with time.
Senior living administrators also prioritize staff training and retraining to ensure they remain happy about their jobs. This training also helps them perform better at work, improves their creativity, and reduces the churn rate in the senior care industry.
Stricter Hiring Process
Even though there’s a need for more staff in the senior care industry, there may also be a stricter selection process. To build a good reputation and increase employee retention, administrators will focus on sourcing for people with the right degrees, experience, and interests. Here are some of the other considerations these administrators may make:
- Level of compassion and empathy
- People skills and communication
- Positive attitude and passion
- Organization and reliability
- Time management and flexibility
- Resilience and patience
- Respect and professionalism
Possible Support for Memory-Related Health Conditions
Some senior care facilities are beginning to pay more attention to providing memory support. They provide memory-specific therapies or refer the individual to facilities that provide one. These memory care facilities also have specially trained staff that provide tailored patient support instead of a one-size-fits-all approach.
Some senior living facilities may also have memory care communities that provide opportunities for socialization and activities designed to stimulate memory. Administrators typically advise seniors to carefully choose memory care communities by considering cost, location accessibility, and available amenities.
Final Thoughts
Senior living management is evolving into better systems for the elderly. Most facilities are paying more attention to the skills and qualifications of their staff, constantly training and retraining them. The staff crisis also shows the need for more highly trained and committed staff with required degrees from accredited institutions online or physically.
