For a long time, the standard in long-term care (LTC) homes was rotating team member assignments and a task-based, medical-model approach to care. While this approach served a purpose, today, we are seeing a shift towards person-centred care strategies.
Moving from a medical model to a person-centred approach can help address high staff turnover and operational needs, and improve resident health outcomes by treating the person rather than the diagnosis.
In this blog, we will explore two staffing models: consistent assignment and flex schedule, and provide an overview of how they can support staff retention and improve resident satisfaction.
The Consistent Assignment Staffing Model
When team members rotate assignments, residents may receive care from multiple team members, making it difficult to form meaningful relationships and understand residents’ unique needs and preferences.
The consistent assignment approach to care is when the same personal support worker (PSW) provides intimate care, such as bathing, dressing, and washroom assistance, to the same residents each shift. This approach fosters trust, comfort, and continuity between staff and residents, ensuring care is grounded in dignity and autonomy. As a result, residents receive care from six to 12 PSWs per week, and a maximum of three to six in 24 hours, depending on whether the resident requires a one- or two-person assist.
Benefits of Consistent Assignment
Anecdotal reports and several single-site studies indicate that consistent assignments benefit residents, family members, the care team, and the LTC home. Some benefits include:
- Residents and family members develop more authentic relationships with team members.
- Improved quality of care with a reduced number of pressure injuries and falls, and better responsiveness to changes in the residents’ health.
- Greater job satisfaction with positive feelings of competence and pride in one’s work.
- Reduced absenteeism and staff turnover, leading to a more stable workforce and improved organizational culture and relationships.
To learn more about consistent assignment, including implementation recommendations, visit the-ria.ca/innovative-staffing.
The Flex Schedule Staffing Model
Chronic staffing shortages, high turnover, and increased absenteeism are well-documented challenges across the LTC sector. Traditionally, many LTC homes have relied on part-time roles, variable schedules, and predominantly eight-hour shifts to meet operational needs. While these models offer flexibility, they can limit workforce stability and contribute to recruitment and retention challenges.
The flex schedule staffing model offers a range of shift options while maintaining staffing continuity and reducing the number of team members required, thereby improving the relational model of care and leading to more consistent care and stronger relationships among staff and residents. A flex-schedule staffing model combines eight- and 12-hour shifts, allowing PSWs to choose a schedule that offers flexibility, work-life balance, more days off, and full-time opportunities.
Benefits of Flex Schedule
To determine whether a flex schedule is a good fit for your LTC, consider the benefits of extended and mixed-shift staffing models. Note: The research was conducted in an acute care setting and may not reflect an LTC setting.
Some benefits of extended and mixed-shift staffing may include:
- Team members will have more predictable hours and a stable income, as well as increased access to professional development.
- Improved communication between residents, family, and team members, with fewer handovers each day.
To learn more about these innovative staffing models, including implementation and go-live recommendations, visit the-ria.ca/innovative-staffing.