America is in the midst of an aging evolution. With advancing medicines and increased life expectancies, the number of Americans aged 65 and older is projected to double by 2060.
Communities across America are finding young people moving away. This leaves elders to ‘age in place’ without family close by. In this shifting landscape, the need for care homes of all kinds
is expected to increase by 75 percent.1
As this growing population seeks out where to settle next, quality and consistency of care will become even more important as families evaluate where they want to bring their loved ones.
When assessing a care home, families and individuals often pay attention to the food, the sounds, services and activities offered, and, most importantly, the staff. What kind of feeling do
they get when interacting with the staff? Do the staff seem happy in their roles? Are staff hanging out with one another, complaining, or are they sitting with clients, engaging?
These are key indicators families are encouraged to explore. If staff are not satisfied, complaining, etc. they will have less energy and patience for clients.2 For families and clients, walking into a care home where staff are well resourced and feel supported is an unparalleled experience. These employees have more energy for clients; they are able to be present, offer their full attention, and go above and beyond. America’s baby boomers are preparing to transition into care home clientele, and they will have high expectations of quality care.
How do you ensure your facilities offer well-resourced and satisfied staff while maintaining your bottom line? By helping your employees live better lives. One way to immediately help
employees living on the low end of the wage scale is by educating and providing hands-on guidance in claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit. This can help them recover up to a few
thousand dollars annually, having a significant impact for many of your employees’ households3.
Another far-reaching way to enhance employee satisfaction is by offering the opportunity to learn about and purchase voluntary benefits. Voluntary benefits help bridge the gap in existing
coverage and are a cost-effective way to give your workers the support they need. Overall, employees who feel cared for and supported are happier and more productive workers. They feel more connected to your facility and appreciate your leadership. This directly influences how they work with your clients, creating an atmosphere that will inevitably help increase your bottom line.
1 Population Reference Bureau. Aging in the United States: https://www.prb.org/aging-unitedstates-fact-sheet/
2 AARP. Choosing Your Nursing Home. https://www.aarp.org/home-garden/housing/info-03-2012/safe-nursing-home-questions-to-ask.html
3 IRS. Earned Income Tax Credit. https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit
