What are the three biggest challenges facing long-term care?

To borrow a familiar punch line from the real estate sector, they are staffing, staffing and staffing.

For not only are labor challenges in this field as bad as ever, they could soon get worse. For that, we can thank two culprits (not counting staffing mandates, which CMS is seriously considering). The first is that a lot of nurses and other caregivers in this field will soon be retiring. But that leak in the staffing bucket is a small drip when compared to the other biggie: Service demand is about to explode.

The industry is petitioning lawmakers to set aside more funds for job training and related facility payments. But other changes will also be needed.

One of those needed changes, frankly, will be for operators to find new ways of managing working hours.

Which brings us to a new survey that revealed more than half of the nation’s employers are willing to give a four-day workweek a test drive.

In fact, the ResumeBuilder.com poll of 976 business leaders found that 1 in 5 (20%) have already made the switch. 

One recent trial of the four-day workweek in Iceland turned out far better than expected, and 90% of the nation’s workers now enjoy reduced hours or other work-related modifications. A separate study in the United Kingdom also was largely successful.

At first glance, such a change might seem problematic. After all, if the work isn’t getting done in five days, how will it get done in four? It’s a fair question.

Here’s my response: Maybe try a three-day schedule. And no, I haven’t lost my mind.

Actually, many hospitals are  already offering three, 12-hour shifts per week. And many nurses wouldn’t have it any other way. They are off four days each week. Another plus for many is that commuting and child-care demands are greatly reduced.

Exhaustion, emotional damage and health risks are legitimate concerns.

But let’s face it: When it comes to staffing, things cannot continue the way they are. A three-day workweek may not be the only answer. But for many operators, it might prove to be well worth a try.

From the July/August 2023 Issue of McKnight's Long-Term Care News