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The baby boomer demographic comprises the majority of Americans. As they age, the need for caregivers increases. Like other staffing woes in the country, the number of care workers is not meeting the demand of people needing care.

The Global Coalition on Aging (GCA) has found that by 2030, there will be a national shortage of 151,000 care workers. Moreover, the coalition expects the number to grow by 135 percent in the following decade to a caregiver shortfall of 355,000. It is a problem the in-home care franchise, A Place At Home, is working to address.

transitioning With the times

Unlike other industries that can tailor operating hours to staffing issues, the senior care industry does not have that kind of solution. 10,000 Americans turn 65 every day, and the GCA finds that 70 percent of those who reach that age need long-term care services and support. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is also involved in this issue, reporting that eight out of 10 adults want to remain in their homes as long as possible. Now is the time for senior care services to meet the needs of their audience.

The support seniors require is not necessarily all medical. Some older adults do need around-the-clock care; however, many could use assistance for just a few hours a day with activities such as cooking or shopping. Senior home care businesses that are thriving are providing flexible options for their clients because caregiving is not a one size fits all business.

A Place At Home offers seniors a customized in-home care service plan. The franchise also facilitates when medical care is needed. Staff are ready to provide professional care planning and senior living facility recommendations and are trained to collaborate with medical providers. These comprehensive services are especially important today as families are smaller and often physically distanced. Another GCA finding was that 60 percent of family members who take on the caregiver role also hold regular employment in addition to providing caregiving responsibilities. The stress and burden of managing so many roles takes a toll on family members which can cause the relationship between loved ones to deteriorate.

With all-in-one services such as those offered by A Place At Home franchisees, families can have peace of mind with an all-encompassing care plan, a direct point of contact, and a strong advocate.

“Now is the time to determine how to best meet the needs of seniors and their families as this industry problem is not going away,” says Dustin Distefano, chief executive officer of A Place At Home. “Providing personalized in-home service plans is crucial in ensuring our seniors receive the care they need. Plus, it’s the most costeffective option for families.”

In some ways, technology has helped fill the void, but, in the senior care industry, that’s not entirely possible. Technology can assist with telehealth visits, remote monitoring, automated medication dispensers, and social engagement, such as video chats. However, it’s not a complete solution for industry challenges.

Technology can’t replace the personal touch of a care worker. Seniors often require emotional support and companionship, which only human care workers can provide. Also, not all seniors are comfortable with or have access to technology, creating a digital divide between those who can use technology and those who cannot. This can lead to disparities in access to care when relied upon at a high level. Finally, overreliance on technology can lead to a lack of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Care workers must still be able to assess a senior’s condition and identify problems to take proper action.

Answering the caregiver shortage

Companies must retain employees and actively recruit new people to keep the care worker shortage from growing. Incentives such as better pay, sign-on bonuses, attractive benefits, and career advancement opportunities have effectively attracted new professional care workers.

Providing proper support for employees is also vital as the role of professional care

“ Providing personalized inhome service plans is crucial in ensuring our seniors receive the care they need. Plus, it’s the most cost-effective option for families.” workers is extremely demanding. A worker might have a client with a personalityaltering disease such as Alzheimer’s, or mobility challenges that may require lifting. It can all be overwhelming and strenuous, so support for ongoing training, time off, and proper compensation can help deter burnout.

Along with career advancement opportunities is the provision of additional training and educational programs. The senior solutions software company, Home Care Pulse, found that companies with sufficient onboarding and ongoing training saw a decrease in the 90-day staff turnover.

“We’re committed to finding new, innovative ways to support our team and the families we serve,” says Distefano.

“The role of caregivers is vital for our society, and we can’t afford to lose our short supply of them. Instead, we need to work on attracting people to the profession.”

How A Place At Home is Helping

In response to the caregiver shortage, A Place At Home uses a range of benefits and incentives for employees, including flexible scheduling, ongoing training and development, and opportunities for career advancement to help attract care workers. The strategy works for the franchise, as more than half of their locations have earned Home Care Pulse’s Employer of Choice award.

“As a company, we’re passionate about serving seniors and their families, and we know that starts with our employees,” Distefano explains. “By providing them with the support, resources, and benefits they need, we can attract and keep the best caregivers in the industry and, ultimately, provide better care for our clients.”

A Place At Home offers its clients comprehensive care services, from inhome, and non-medical care to helping families decide upon the next steps for securing alternative senior living arrangements. The company was founded in 2012 by two friends as a solution to finding care workers for their loved ones. The brand is growing and is looking for owners dedicated to responding to this caregiver shortage, preserving the quality of life for seniors, and providing them with the support they need to continue living independently for as long as possible.