Page 24 - Modern Healthcare (January 2020)
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By Harris Meyer ORETTO HEALTH & REHABILITATION in Syracuse, N.Y., was GETTY IMAGES
struggling with a nearly 65% turnover among certifi ed nursing as-
sistants, home health aides and licensed practical nurses, many
L of whom faced diffi cult challenges with transportation, child care
and other issues.
Th at’s a chronic and growing problem for nursing homes, home-care
agencies and hospital systems, which rely on these staff ers to provide the THE TAKEAWAY
bulk of hands-on, nonclinical care for patients. Good post-acute and home Long-term care
care are key factors in achieving quality outcomes in value-based care, but providers are
research shows that high turnover hurts quality. urgently developing
And turnover is expensive, with estimates that it costs at least $2,500 to re- ambitious strategies
place a direct care worker. for recruiting
Over the last three years, Loretto, a comprehensive post-acute provider and retaining
with 2,600 employees, has launched a bevy of programs to enlarge the pool personal care aides
in the face
of potential caregivers, including recruiting intensively from Syracuse’s large of growing shortages
refugee population. and high turnover .
A major goal is to help new hires better manage their fi nancial and life
issues and stay on the job. Improving pay and benefi ts also is considered
22 Modern Healthcare | January 27, 2020
