Which approach is important for dealing with staffing shortages in long-term care?

Implementing retention strategies for existing staff is crucial in addressing staffing shortages in long-term care. Retaining current employees helps ensure that the facility maintains a stable and skilled workforce, which is vital for providing quality care to residents. High turnover rates in staffing can lead to inconsistency in care, increased training costs, and a diminished quality of life for residents, ultimately impacting the overall effectiveness of the facility.

Retention strategies may include offering competitive salaries, providing opportunities for professional development, creating a supportive work environment, and recognizing employee contributions. These approaches not only improve job satisfaction but also encourage staff loyalty and commitment, reducing the need to continuously hire and train new employees.

Other options, such as increasing resident fees or limiting resident admissions, do not inherently address the core issue of workforce shortages, and could even exacerbate challenges by reducing the facility's income or capacity. Reducing staff training programs could negatively impact staff performance and satisfaction, further complicating staffing issues rather than resolving them.