As 2019 comes to a close, consider your workplace’s response to industry challenges.
Eldercare is facing overwhelming emerging needs and you are in a position to pursue the most advantageous employment in the competitive elder residential landscape. So, how will the industry change impact your workplace and your career trajectory?
Leaders in the eldercare industry take note of issues and trends each year. From January 2019 to today, organizations have acted on initiatives to strengthen their workforce. Do you see the results? You as a staff member, caregiver or team leader are essential to the operational success of your unit. Personalized service demands thoughtful staff members invested in the success of their community. They know their career opportunities depend on a well managed and thriving eldercare industry.
Financially, values-based care will drive the most successful elder communities. This means residence management continually invest back into themselves. There should be a defined set of values applying to both residents and staff. Management recognizes that every employee is a unique contributor to developing relationships with residents and families. These are the relationships that earn community members’ trust and attract future residents. Occupancy rates are the bottom line for all forms of elder communities. And you, the staff member, are a key component of resident satisfaction. Know your worth!
What kind of elder community do you want to work in? Communities valuing mutual respect between caregiver and care recipient create care partnerships. If you want nurturing relationships that foster trust and engagement while empowering all individuals, look for intentional eldercare communities. In these communities, you will ideally resonate with a common purpose focusing on teamwork and cooperation for a better quality of life for all. Prospective staff looking for support to grow their careers in tune with a sense of purpose will find rewarding work experience in communities designed to honor the contributions, maintain dignity and give respect to all elders and employees. The whole person perspective is powerful and attractive to both prospective residents and the most desirable candidates in a tight labor market.
Have you been approached by your employer in an effort to enhance and/or develop your soft skills of communication and creative problem-solving? Have you been involved in team training workshops or team building programs? Training initiatives are a cost-effective way to reinvest in the community and prevent expensive recruitment efforts. Technically skilled employees are premium employees when high-quality labor is in short supply. They can be encouraged to develop additional skills pertinent to the residential industry. As an employee, your willingness to invest in your own skill development demonstrates a commitment to this expanding industry. This investment will enhance your potential for advancement.
The need for elder care will continue to grow and the variety of elder communities will expand to meet the demand for more choice in the types of elder living and care. Amenities to enhance a social environment of active living and good health should benefit both residents and employees by diminishing loneliness and building mutual acceptance. In residential communities, staff members deliver services in the homes of the residents they serve, whether that means the dining room, fitness center or at the bedside. They should be welcome and appreciated. This level of positive interdependence creates a rewarding multigenerational life experience for all.
If you have a passion for gerontology health care at any level you are at the forefront of the talent pool in this industry. Employers with an eye to the future will be looking to attract qualified staff members they can develop and retain. Consider whether your workplace is the right place to grow your career. Have you received the supervisory support and the training to be your most successful? If not, you may need to take matters into your own hands. Now is the time to identify and act on your goals for the coming year.