Senior living operators are noting a marked change in what job candidates prioritize during interviews, with a growing emphasis on the use of specific communication technologies. This trend reflects the sector's urgent need to adapt to modern tools as it faces significant staffing shortages. Greg Robertson, SVP and General Manager at Notify, a healthcare software company, points out that caregivers are increasingly factoring technology into their employment choices, favoring communities that employ smartphone-based communication tools such as Notify over traditional equipment like SIP phones, pagers, and walkie-talkies.
The move towards modern communication solutions is largely motivated by their user-friendliness and efficiency, contrasting with the bulkiness and frustration often associated with legacy systems, which can range in cost from $150 to $1,000 per device. Notify offers a software-over-hardware approach, enabling senior living communities to upgrade their communication systems without the need to replace existing nurse call infrastructure, presenting a cost-effective and more appealing option for caregivers.
This transition is not solely about enhancing caregiver satisfaction but also about boosting care coordination and operational efficiency. Platforms like Notify provide unified solutions that facilitate better data analytics and reporting, offering leadership valuable insights into caregiver responses and contributions. As the senior population is projected to expand considerably in the near future, aligning with workforce technology expectations is becoming essential for senior living operators to secure and maintain sufficient care teams.
