It may feel like 2020 is now a distant memory and the challenges that were faced when Covid-19 lockdowns and protocols changed our lives. Texas has returned (for the most part) to business as usual but there are still some effects happening due to Covid related to the assisted living industry. One of the biggest challenges that facilities face are staffing shortages to care for seniors.
The Texas Health and Human Services (THHS) has released some of their recommendations to assisted living facilities on their website. As a caregiver, you should be familiar with these recommendations in case your loved one’s senior care experiences shortages of their own.
Communication
One of the biggest pushes from the THHS about staffing shortages is that Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) and Nursing Facilities (NFs) be communicating with local healthcare companies about any healthcare personnel needs that they have. It could include requesting a need for specialty nurses or even medical directors depending on the type of care offered at each facility.
THHS has also given ALFs and NFs the option to communicate to their staff that they try to put off their vacation and time off requests when shortages are experienced. On the flipside, they also recommend that they listen to staff that request time-off for mental health benefits to try and avoid staff churn and burnout.
Designated Covid-19 Healthcare Professionals
If an ALF or NF experiences a Covid-19 breakout, the THHS recommends that a designated area or separate facility be used to locate any Covid positive residents. They also recommend that there be designated staff to handle those residents to try and avoid spreading Covid to other residents not infected. They also recommend that Long-Term Care (LTC) providers communicate with other nearby facilities to see if there are opportunities to share staff between one another.
Utilize THHS Long-Term Care Resources in Emergencies
The HHSC LTCR has offered ALFs and NFs that are facing shortages that are affecting the ability to provide the proper care for residents. It should be noted that the emergency staffing is only available until other staff resources have been found by the facility. Facility owners and leadership will have to go through the Staffing Contingency Checklist to make sure they have utilized all options before reaching out about emergency staffing.
As a caregiver for an aging loved one, it is important to know what recommendations that state has when we approach winter. There are some predictions that outbreaks of Covid could occur again and you will need to know what is required around staffing during emergencies. We also encourage you to reach out directly to the facility and ask if they have any additional plans or strategies to deal with emergency situation staffing challenges.
