Lots of skilled nursing homes, assisted living communities and personal care homes around the nation struggle to keep census and quality high. They go hand-in-hand in countless ways and it’s difficult to have one without the other. In order to keep your community full, make a full commitment to your resident’s happiness, quality of care and quality of life.
Your Building is Their House
As I visit care communities here and there, someone inevitably says, “We create a homelike environment for our residents because it really is their home”. But in reality, is it? Unfortunately, I believe that while it’s nice to say this, it is quite difficult to create. That being said, I also believe it can be done and to a great extent.
Make It a House People Want to Live In
Wrapping our heads around the mission that a building where care is delivered should be more like your resident’s house is a must. They should be free to enjoy their lives physically, socially and spiritually, because that’s what we do in our homes. They should have a say in what common areas, living spaces, bathrooms, and dining areas look like and how they’re used because we do in our homes. There should be fun things to do like game night, movie night and theme dinners because that’s what we do in real life. Although life won’t be perfect, anything that puts smiles on your resident’s faces should be what matters most.
Census and Quality Require the Right Staff
Quality care demands quality employees. High census demands the same. Poor care has no place in the resident’s home. Anyone that is newly hired must understand that they are a part of something great and must add their positive energy, compassion, and desire to deliver only the best care and services in the resident’s house. They should be a good fit with your principles and standards. This is where old sayings like “Birds of s feather flock together” and “You are the company you keep” ring true. Seek like-minded, like-hearted candidates to provide their time and talent to the bigger mission.
Let Your Staff Do Their Job
You’ve hired the right person, trained and mentored them and supervised them for a good period of time. Now, let them do what they are supposed to do without looking over their shoulder! No micro-management, please! It’s time to truly empower them and trust them to do the right thing – bring their best to their residents. Treat them like future leaders and many will become just that. Real empowerment means that they perform well, know their tasks at hand, manage their time well and deliver person-centered care, without any hand-holding. This will make them feel in control and important, which should lead to retention.
Final Thoughts on Census and Quality
Two things on most people’s minds in senior care are keeping census high and continually improving quality. Both can be achieved when the right mind-set and practical elements come together. First, it’s their house – treat it that way. Second, hire the right people who believe what you believe. Third, train the heck out of them and let them fly on their own.