Value-based care remains a key factor driving the strategic decisions of senior living operators as they navigate future challenges. A recent survey conducted by the American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA) and tech firm August Health revealed insights from 68 senior living clinical leaders. Among the respondents, nearly a third indicated that their organizations provide care for between 1,001 and 2,500 residents.
While 31% of the respondents stated that they currently have no value-based care plans in place, 29% are actively operating within a value-based system. Another 31% are in the process of evaluating opportunities to join a value-based care system. ASHA President Dave Schless noted an increasing trend of companies experimenting with value-based care at select properties. He emphasized the importance of exploring value-based care opportunities, especially when serving assisted living residents.
Alongside the shift towards value-based care, senior living operators are increasingly adopting new technologies to monitor resident conditions and acuity changes. Despite this trend, 87% of respondents reported still relying on verbal discussions during shift changes or department meetings to note changes in resident condition. Sixty-two percent mentioned using electronic health record (EHR) systems to trigger re-assessments of resident acuity.
To address staffing challenges and operational issues, senior living providers are adjusting their staffing models. In response to changes in operations, 50% of respondents mentioned expanding the role of medication technicians, followed by 28% who added more nursing staff to manage rising acuity levels. The survey highlighted the importance of positioning med techs as universal workers to effectively respond to growing acuity within communities.
Despite these efforts, staffing remains a significant challenge for clinical leaders, with hiring and retaining staff identified as the biggest hurdle. Quality improvement and addressing rising resident acuity were also key concerns. To better anticipate staffing needs, clinical leaders are looking to specific data points like incident reports, reasons for move-outs, high-risk resident reports, and community acuity levels.
Medication-related challenges, including med pass staffing and operations, polypharmacy, and errors in medication administration, are top concerns for senior living teams. Collaboration with specialized pharmacists for medication reviews has proven effective in mitigating risks associated with polypharmacy and enhancing resident care outcomes.
Operators are also focusing on fall prevention strategies to improve resident acuity, with initiatives such as fall management programs, physical therapy referrals, root cause analyses of falls, and the use of sensors or camera technologies.
