How to cope with very real staff shortages

Minnesota is one of the states that is experiencing significant staffing shortages in nursing homes. While the data above pertains to nursing home staffing, staffing shortages are felt in all types of long-term care settings from hospitals to assisted living to memory care as well as nursing homes.

When looking for care, there are a few attributes that separate exceptional care settings from everyone else:

• the strength of the corporate and care settings leadership team

• staff training

• transparency (i.e., is staff willing to work with your advocate)

Who are the organization’s leaders? Quality care and integrity start at the top.

Ask questions about how the staff is trained. Is it an intentional focus of the organization to provide ongoing skills development for their staff? 

At START, we believe that everyone receiving care needs an advocate. Does the care setting welcome advocacy for residents? Or do they bristle when your advocate comes in the door? 

START Senior Solutions is here to help older adults and caregivers find needed care. While it is not easy, START can guide you to organizations that stand apart from their peers. 

After you’ve moved in, should you need help navigating management and care, START’s team is here for you. For example, advocates can help you get important details written into your care plan, attend care conferences, and advocate when the care plan is not followed.