In response to the effects of COVID-19, one-third of continuing care retirement communities are using contingency workers and sign-on bonuses as short-term solutions to staffing shortages, according to a new report.
The 2022-2023 Continuing Care Retirement Community Salary & Benefits Report, released last week by Hospital & Healthcare Compensation Service in cooperation with LeadingAge, revealed that 32.54% of respondents are using staffing agencies for registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, certified medical technicians, housekeeping and dining / kitchen staff.
The West North Central region — which includes Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North and South Dakota — reported the highest use of contingency staffing, at 45.45% of respondents. The Mountain region — which includes Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming — reported the lowest use, at 26.09%.
According to the survey, 44.6% of respondents reported making pay adjustments for key employees as a way to help address workforce issues.
Sign-on bonuses were used by 24.8% of respondents as a tool to attract new employees. Average sign-on bonuses range from $900 to $1,200 for dining and kitchen staff, to $1,368 for resident assistants, to $1,780 for CNAs and $1,220 for non-certified nurse aides. Directors of nursing claimed the highest sign-on bonuses, averaging $6,500.
Operators also used retention bonuses, one-time bonuses and hazard pay for direct care workers. Participants also reported increasing nursing staff wage scale / shift differentials to retain or attract new employees.
The report used data with an effective date of March. A total of 421 CCRCs participated and provided compensation data on more than 65,400 employees covering 46 management 54 nonmanagement positions.
McKnight’s Senior Living previously reported data related to assisted living / personal care manager salaries at CCRCs.
The report is available as a PDF or in paper form for $375; LeadingAge members receive a discount. To order, visit the HCS website or call (201) 405-0075.
