Navigating the Senior Living Staffing Challenge: 12 Oaks’ Expert Solutions

Sep 30, 2024 | Blogs

With the upcoming expected growth of the senior living industry, it is inevitable that communities will have to face the staffing challenges in front of them to meet the demands of incoming residents. Without a strategy or a team behind you, this can seem like a daunting task. However, our team at 12 Oaks Senior Living has developed the formula to not only hire quality team members, but also retain them. Here are our expert staffing solutions to common staffing challenges.

Our Staffing Solutions

With the help of our excellent leadership team, 12 Oaks has developed simple practices that are designed to foster quality teams within senior living communities. These basic practices can make the difference in not only team experiences, but also the resident experience. We believe that the health of our community teams directly correlates to the quality of life of our residents; therefore, we prioritize crafting excellent teams. Here are our solutions.

Centralized Recruiting

By reducing the number of variables that can create a disconnect in our hiring process, we establish a unified standard of screening, interviewing, and hiring that is consistent with the values and expectations of the 12 Oaks core values. A standardized approach ensures that every candidate is evaluated using the same criteria, fostering fairness and consistency across all levels of hiring. This reduces the risk of biases, misalignment, and inconsistencies that may arise when different departments or locations have their own recruitment processes.

This consistency is achieved through a straightforward and centralized recruiting system that allows us to maintain control and oversight over the entire hiring journey. By centralizing our recruitment efforts, we streamline the process—from job postings to candidate selection—ensuring that all teams adhere to the same high standards. Centralized recruiting allows us to implement a cohesive strategy that aligns with the 12 Oaks core values and mission, resulting in the hiring of individuals who not only meet the required qualifications but also resonate with our organizational culture.

Greg Puklicz, 12 Oaks President

Learn more about 12 Oaks careers.

Support to Increase Staffing

Our Solutions Consultants play a crucial role in supporting senior living communities by acting as a bridge between communities and talented professionals who align with their unique requirements and goals. A critical aspect of our service is the ability to temporarily fill open positions, ensuring that your properties remain fully operational and competitive in the marketplace even as you search for the ideal permanent candidates. By providing skilled professionals on an interim basis, we help maintain continuity of care, uphold quality standards, and support the overall well-being of residents. This flexibility allows your senior living community to navigate staffing challenges without compromising on service quality or resident satisfaction.

Training and Career Development

At 12 Oaks, we prioritize the growth and development of our team members by offering tailored training programs and initiatives. Our approach focuses on equipping each team member with the skills and confidence to excel in their current role and advance within the company. From IMPACT training to specialized programs like Trifecta and RVP training, we provide a range of learning opportunities, including e-learning and in-person training. This comprehensive support allows team members to build their careers, take on new roles, and continuously develop their expertise.

We believe in recognizing talent from within and are dedicated to promoting team members who demonstrate commitment, hard work, and alignment with our core values. Whether starting as a caregiver or in an administrative role, our team members have access to personalized development plans that support career advancement. Our focus on internal promotions ensures that team members have ample opportunities to grow without needing to leave, creating a dynamic and motivated workforce.

Team members interacting and laughing

A Culture That Promotes Retention

At 12 Oaks Senior Living, one of our core strengths is our unwavering commitment to a people-first mentality. This philosophy extends beyond just the care and support of our residents; it is deeply ingrained into how we treat and value our team members. We understand that the key to a thriving company lies in cultivating a culture that prioritizes the well-being, growth, and satisfaction of our employees. By focusing on creating a positive and supportive environment, we actively work to enhance employee retention and drive overall company development.

Navigating staffing challenges in senior living requires a strategic approach and the right team to support you. At 12 Oaks Senior Living, we provide expert staffing solutions—from centralized recruiting and temporary support to comprehensive training and development programs—to build and retain high-quality teams. Our people-first culture fosters growth, satisfaction, and long-term success for both our team members and residents. Ready to elevate your community’s staffing strategy? Contact us today to learn how we can help.