Severe staffing shortages in long-term care may be lessening, according to results of Wave 40 of the Executive Survey, released Thursday by the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care.
In Wave 40 of the survey, conducted April 4 to May 1, 19% of respondents reported severe staffing shortages, compared with 27% in Wave 39, conducted March 7 to April 3.
Seventy-three percent of the Wave 40 respondents indicated that the severity of their staffing shortages across their organizations was moderate. One fourth of the respondents indicated that more than 20% of their positions currently are unfilled, however, and half said that 11% to 20% of full-time positions are unfilled.
Offering higher appears to be the most effective method of attracting workers, according to poll participants.
Wave 40 respondents weighed in on innovative ideas for recruiting non-caregiving staff members, too. In addition to conventional methods, such as increasing wages, offering flexible schedules and offering hiring and referral bonuses, respondents suggested:
- A fast hiring process, with orientations scheduled several times a week.
- A quarter-for-quarter raise structure, wherein all hourly employees receive a 25-cent raise each quarter they stay.
- Direct recruitment in-person at nearby businesses.
- Testing of a daily pay option.
- Opportunities for an individual to grow in his or her position by providing educational incentives.
- Use of social media.
The survey also found that half of the long-term care operators surveyed anticipate increasing their presence in independent living in the next year. Twenty-one percent of the respondents said they expect to decrease the skilled nursing services they offer. Read more in McKnight’s Senior Living.
Additionally, 51% of respondents expect occupancy to recover in 2023, with 42% expecting it to happen in the first half of the year.
Responses were collected from owners and executives of 65 senior living and skilled nursing operators from across the country. Owner/operators with one to 10 properties represented 55% of the sample. Twenty-five percent of respondents had 26 or more properties, and 20% had 11 to 25 properties.
