Competition is Everywhere: Tackling Staffing Challenges in the Memory Care Sector
By: Lara Unnerstall
The pandemic, the “great resignation,” and a tight labor market in 2024 have severely impacted senior living operators, particularly in memory care. The need for over one million workers in the sector is projected for the coming years, creating significant challenges.
To address these challenges, memory care operators are investing in technology, enhancing staff training, and remaining optimistic about attracting the right talent. However, hiring skilled clinical staff remains a major hurdle, alongside competition for food and beverage workers.
Both Renee Fath from Vi and Donna Boetger from LCS highlight the struggle to recruit qualified staff, affected by wages in other industries, as well as competition from healthcare facilities and staffing agencies.
Despite these hurdles, companies like Vi have seen improvements in recruitment efforts by embracing technology and refining their recruitment strategies. LCS, on the other hand, focuses on enhancing the onboarding experience and offering growth opportunities to retain staff.
By emphasizing the importance of employee engagement, offering opportunities for career progression, and providing mental health support, memory care operators aim to address the staffing deficit and create a fulfilling career path for individuals interested in senior care.
