Challenge
The demand for home care services will continue to grow as more and more people choose to live in the comfort of their own homes for as long as possible.
However, only providers who can deliver quality care consistently will retain their clients.
The same is true for caregivers. While Covid-19 has had adverse effects on employment in other sectors that may facilitate short-term hiring, in the long run only Spitex with strong retention strategies will thrive once things stabilize.
Spitex leaders will only be able to grow if they manage the one resource that underpins that growth, the caregivers, effectively.
Increasing volume will also need to allow flexibility to offer attractive conditions to staff, while maintaining a healthy level of profitability.
This means rethinking how Spitex presents itself in the marketplace as an employer of choice.
Solution
Successful recruitment of caregivers requires efficient management of the company, optimization of time spent with patients and a drastic reduction of administrative tasks.
Spitex is an attractive employer, due to the durability and nature of its activity, its management must be exemplary.
A Spitex recruits all the more easily if it formulates clear objectives, both for its patients and for its staff. If to do so, it has to leave the traditional models when they present limitations, it must do so without difficulty.
Recruitment is also facilitated by diversification of offerings, with objectives such as reducing loneliness and social isolation (especially in this time of pandemic), and flexibility in relation to patient need.
A Spitex that is able to adapt its organization for greater flexibility of schedules according to the needs of the patient/client will also attract caregivers who perceive modernity and value in the Spitex activity.
This sense of innovation and flexibility is supported by an information system that is also capable of adapting quickly to changing practices.
This is the case with MedLink, whose strength lies in its real-time, web-based access from anywhere, at any time and on any terminal, and its product philosophy based on user roles, which allows practices and work organization to be adjusted in record time.
Impact
Spitex has been able to enhance its offer and services in a complex job market. It provides concrete and efficient means to its caregivers for quality care.
It operates in a coherent manner and thus builds loyalty among both its clients and employees.
As innovation, flexibility and good working conditions are a reality for caregivers on a daily basis, the engagement and retention of caregivers also becomes a reality.
While growing and offering better working conditions to its caregivers, Spitex remains at good profitability levels thanks to an information system that supports the entire cycle of its activities and that adapts quickly and simply.
By offering modern, ergonomic and safe working tools to its caregivers, Spitex is assured to remain in conformity with the regulations, to invoice correctly and without administrative overload all its services, while leaving room for innovation and flexibility.
