The senior living industry is witnessing a significant shift in workforce expectations, with caregivers increasingly inquiring about the availability of specific communication technologies during job interviews. This trend underscores the importance of modern tools in attracting and retaining staff in a sector grappling with severe staffing shortages. According to a 2023 Nationwide study, 96% of assisted living communities report workforce challenges, making the adoption of caregiver-friendly technology a critical factor in staffing strategies.
Greg Robertson, SVP and General Manager at Notify, a healthcare software company, highlighted the growing preference for smartphone-based caregiver communication tools. Operators have shared that new hires specifically ask if Notify is in use, preferring it over traditional methods due to its ease of use and efficiency. This preference is rooted in the stark contrast between outdated equipment, such as pagers and walkie-talkies, and modern smartphone applications that consolidate all alerts and communications into a single platform.
The shift towards unified communication platforms like Notify not only enhances caregiver satisfaction but also improves operational efficiency. By routing all alerts—nurse call and life safety—to one smartphone app, caregivers can coordinate responses more effectively without the need to carry multiple devices. This modernization effort is particularly relevant as the population aged 85 and older is projected to grow to 19 million by 2060, necessitating the adoption of technologies that can support adequate care teams.
With less than 30% of senior living organizations retaining over 80% of new staff after one month, the role of technology in staff retention cannot be overstated. The ability to replace bulky, outdated equipment with a single smartphone has been well received by caregivers, making their daily tasks smoother and more manageable. Furthermore, the detailed reporting and analytics provided by platforms like Notify offer leadership insights into caregiver responses, ensuring that their contributions are fully recognized and valued.
As the senior living industry continues to evolve, meeting the technological expectations of the workforce will be paramount in addressing staffing shortages and ensuring the delivery of high-quality care. The adoption of advanced communication tools represents a step forward in modernizing care delivery and simplifying operations, ultimately benefiting both caregivers and the seniors they serve.
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