Elevating Care Home Operations with Planning and Scheduling Technology
By Stephane Bensoussan, Head of Operations at dizmo (www.dizmo.com) and the product owner of Planisy (www.planisy.com)
Optimising care home operations has the potential to make a profound impact. Within the care sector, management plays a pivotal role in orchestrating the delicate balance between efficient operations and the delivery of optimal care. Resource allocation within care environments carries its own set of intricacies, and the art of navigating shortages, whether in personnel or essential supplies, presents an ongoing challenge. The role of technology cannot be overstated to overcome multifaceted challenges and create a more harmonious environment for patients and carers.
The Current Landscape
Nursing homes, also known as skilled nursing facilities or long-term care facilities, are vital establishments that serve the elderly population across the globe. While recent government data revealed that around 1.52 million people worked in the adult care sector in England in 2022/23, the complexities of managing nursing homes efficiently remains an ongoing struggle.
From staffing and resident care planning to medication management and maintaining a safe environment, nursing homes face a myriad of challenges. To address these challenges effectively, a comprehensive approach is required, one that leverages technology and innovation.
The Power of Technology in Care Home Management
One of the most pressing challenges in care home management is staffing and workforce management. Ensuring an adequate number of caregivers with the right skill sets is crucial to ensure patients are receiving the appropriate care. The care industry frequently relies on temporary staff from agencies to bridge resource gaps, resulting in more personnel to manage. Additionally, staff turnover is typically high due to the demanding nature of the work, meaning care home managers are often required to reallocate staff to fill gaps at short notice.
Technological progress has now allowed new solutions to enter the market signifying a well-needed evolution in how planning and scheduling is managed. Through one dynamic interface, care home managers would be able to manage staff availability, aligning their workforce to resident needs and adapting resource allocation in real-time. This results in better staff allocation and manageable workloads for care staff.
Medication Management and Care Planning Made Easy
Medication management is yet another intricate aspect of care home operations. Care homes handle a significant volume of medications that must be administered accurately and on time. Coordinating medication orders, tracking refills, and administering complex medication regimens while ensuring resident safety can be demanding.
Planning and scheduling technology subtly revolutionises medication management by offering features for coordinating medication orders, tracking refills, and ensuring timely administration. By reducing the risk of medication errors, care homes enhance resident safety and well-being without making
A Better Way to Manage Social Activities
Care homes are not just about medical care; they also prioritise improving residents’ quality of life through social engagement and activities. These activities range from exercise classes to arts and crafts and music therapy, all designed to enhance residents’ mental and physical well-being.
Oftentimes, these activities are ran by external organisations which require Care Home Manager’s to coordinate multiple third parties. By owning a unified platform for scheduling and coordinating activities ,this process can be simplified. Staff will have full visibility of scheduled events and new activities can be introduced without it causing resourcing issues.
Collaboration and Communication
As the care industry evolves, collaboration between healthcare entities will be vital to improve residents’ experiences. Care homes often employ various healthcare professionals, such as nurses, therapists, and care staff. Many existing tools used in the care sector still work in silos, limiting their collaborative capabilities. Planning and scheduling technology seamlessly fosters collaboration by providing a unified platform for consistent communication and resource visibility.
Technology, as the cornerstone of operational efficiency, holds the key to unlocking a future where seamless collaboration, resource optimisation, and elevated resident experiences become the new standard. With multi-resource planning technology at their disposal, carers have the solutions at hand to overcome challenges and focus on delivering excellent patient care. This streamlined approach sets the tone for a more positive, collaborative future in care operations.
