Assisted living communities across the United States share one constant theme: change. Staffing turnover is high in the industry — as much as 42.1% on average in 2022 according to this article in McNight’s Senior Living. Residents move to different levels of care, or pass on, and regulations are revised frequently.
Leaders of these communities need to embrace this and empower their teams to navigate the ever-present changes. Successfully guiding staff through transitions will help team morale, support team growth and, ultimately, help residents get better care. Effective strategies to help staff navigate change is more than free snacks in the break room, it’s useful and timely assisted living employee training — including refreshing and growing the transition skills of seasoned administrators.
Focus on the “why” and the “what” – then offer assisted living employee training on the “how”
As this article in Forbes points out, when staff are in the initial stages of shock, frustration and anxiety about the change, administrators and managers need to step up to lead their team through the transition.
In an industry where change is constant, the question “why is this change necessary?” needs to be answered quickly. If the team isn’t convinced that the change was purposeful, or legally necessary – prompted by new licensing mandates, for instance — then they are less likely to deal good-naturedly the new situation.
Of primary importance is clear communication that puts staff, and residents, center. To do this, address the three “whats.” What is the change in simple terms? What does it mean for individual staff members, in specific roles, and residents? Finally, what can staff and residents expect to happen next, as a result of the change?
Because part of integration is regaining a feeling of control, assisted living employee training is a great way to answer: what happens next? For instance, if there’s been an uptick in flu cases, and a facility administrative team wants to change the way infectious disease is managed, a course on the importance of infection control — especially in a community of older adults — is both timely and empowering for staff. This training might even prompt great ideas that work well for the specific team in the facility.
Or maybe there have been renovations, which caused disruptions and frustrations, and there are now physical changes to one or more living areas. A refresher on safety management and hazard safety could reassure staff, and residents, that the new environment is actually beneficial and just as safe as the old one.
It practically goes without saying, but any legally mandated change will require appropriate training for affected staff, whether that’s the clinical care team or human resources.
Assisted living employee training during times of change benefits staff and residents alike
Change can be frustrating for administrators and their teams. There are challenges to deal with, possible safety concerns, and communication difficulties. But offering assisted living employee training gives each team member the chance to take ownership, build and refresh their own skill set, and improve feelings of control, all of which will help enhance the lives of residents in their care.
Just as leadership starts at the top, so, sometimes, does training. Recognizing the challenges assisted living community administrators face as they deal with the constant, unavoidable, changes in the workplace SeniorLivingU has created a Taking Administration to the Next Level — Certificate Program (worth 9.75 CEUs.) In it we cover everything from embracing change, to motivating your team, to developing as a leader.
Using training as a guide to navigating change, for both administrators and staff, will create a clear path to better resident care, improved team morale and a workplace culture that works for everyone.
Experts in assisted living employee training for all levels of staff in assisted living communities
Designed by senior living experts, SeniorLivingU provides convenient education tools for all levels of retirement community staff. Our products cover a wide range of topics in formats designed to meet your needs manuals, DVDs, and online learning through our flexible, updated, Anytime Learning Portal.
To learn more, visit our FAQ page or contact us today.