Senior care communities across the country are striving to not only provide the best person-centered care and services, but are always working on the necessity that is occupancy. Operating half-full communities does nothing to maximize the environment, culinary services, quality of life activities, staffing, or anything else. But, how does one community compete with so many that provide the same or similar amenities? The answer is one word – trust.
Trust Above All Else
So many senior living communities are aesthetically pleasing both in and outside. Taking a walk down the hallways, one can enjoy the décor, aromas coming from the kitchen or café, and meet a friendly face or two. The community may boast of great nursing care, social services, food, cleanliness and more. But, one thing rises to the top in importance even above these positive qualities – and that is the importance of trust.
Why is Trust so Important in Senior Living?
To many in senior living, nothing is as important as gaining the trust of current residents, their families, staff, consultants and the community at large. Trust surely is the very cornerstone of all senior care. What adult child would want their parent to live somewhere without trust? What older adult would choose to move in without knowing they can trust the staff to fulfill their needs and maximize their quality of life?
Unpacking the Term “Trust”
What does trust truly mean, especially concerning senior care and living? At first glance, trust can mean the same as quality – quality environment, quality services, quality dining experiences, and more. The senior living community is trusted to deliver quality. Trust also means that the staff will take great care in the resident’s total well-being – physically, emotionally, socially, spiritually and financially. Trust can be the equivalent to transparency, and the old phrase “what you see is what you get”.
Trust Must Be Earned
Trust is something that takes some time to solidify and only a minute to destroy. It is an ongoing effort from the leadership and care team to make the resident number one, always showing compassion and caring, being empathetic to each person’s stage in life, to maintain genuine relationships and provide the very best in senior living. This means that staff must engage in training and education and stay on top of customer service and hospitality and leadership must hold all staff accountable for delivering on their promises.
Final Thoughts on Increasing Senior Living Occupancy Through Trust
When it comes to senior living, the building might look attractive, the marketing team may be doing their best to promote the community, and nursing is attentive to the needs of each resident. While these are all important qualities of any senior living community, there is one more thing – the icing on the cake – that needs to be developed, nourished and maintained from the start – that’s trust.