The senior living industry is witnessing a significant shift in workforce expectations, with caregivers now placing a high priority on the type of communication technology used by potential employers during job interviews. This trend underscores the evolving demands of a workforce grappling with severe staffing shortages, as 96% of assisted living communities report challenges in maintaining adequate staff levels, according to a 2023 Nationwide study.
Greg Robertson, SVP and General Manager at Notify, a healthcare software company, highlighted this shift, noting that caregivers are increasingly inquiring about the use of specific technology, such as Notify, during interviews. This preference is driven by the stark contrast between traditional nurse call systems, which often involve bulky and outdated equipment like SIP phones, pagers, and walkie-talkies, and modern, smartphone-based solutions that offer a more streamlined and familiar user experience.
The adoption of modern communication tools like Notify, which allows for the integration of nurse call and life safety alerts into a single smartphone app, is not just about improving caregiver satisfaction. It also addresses the critical issue of staff retention in the senior living sector, where less than 30% of organizations retain over 80% of new staff after one month. The convenience and efficiency offered by these technologies can significantly impact caregivers' daily routines, making their jobs easier and more manageable.
Moreover, unified communication platforms provide senior living operators with valuable data analytics, offering insights into caregiver responses and operations. This level of visibility not only enhances operational coordination but also ensures that caregivers receive recognition for their contributions, a factor that could be pivotal in attracting and retaining talent in an industry facing unprecedented staffing challenges.
As the population aged 85 and older is projected to grow to 19 million by 2060, the ability of senior living communities to meet the technology expectations of their workforce will be crucial in ensuring the delivery of quality care. The shift towards modern communication tools reflects a broader recognition of the need to adapt to the preferences of a new generation of caregivers, ensuring that the senior living industry can continue to provide compassionate and effective care in the face of growing demand.
