HCAOA The Voice Summer 2020

14 HCAOA The Voice MEMBER NEWS OPERATING A HOME CARE BUSINESS, like any business, is full of daily challenges. Navigating these waters amid a global health pandemic, while the federal government is moving faster than ever and states and municipalities are passing legislation at an unprecedented rate, makes this feat even more complicated. Couple these challenges with agencies struggling to understand the ever-changing guidance for keeping clients and caregivers safe while maintaining service levels when caregivers can earn more money by not working via unemployment, and these adversities can feel overwhelming. The reality is that COVID-19 has brought on unprecedented levels of uncertainty, pushed many pre-existing operational deficiencies to the forefront of the attention of many home care businesses, and created an insurmountable hardship for some. However, there is a silver lining. This added focus on operational integrity and legal compliance present an opportunity for agencies who successfully navigate these tumultuous times to bolster their busi - nesses into ones that are fundamentally sound and far superior to what existed pre-pandemic. The most nimble agencies now run tighter ships with less overhead and are better prepared to address future legal challenges. These institutional modifications will have a positive influence on these organizations that will last far beyond COVID-19. In addition to the barrage of legislative changes that are impacting our industry, we have also been forced into making changes to our personal lives, particularly as it relates to health screening pre - cautions and social interactions with other people. These changes result in a “new normal,” one we’ve quickly become accustomed to, and some of these practices have been for the better, and are likely here to stay. For example, historically, the home care industry has been slow to implement new technology; however, one of the many ways home care companies have responded to this pandemic is reflected by the increased adoption rate of technology into their day-to-day operations. These advancements include the increased use of telemedicine, virtual family rooms to connect clients with family members, automation of employee and client screening tools, remote monitoring tools, portal tech - nology, electronic wearables, and other connected devices, and a more focused use of big data. Many agencies have also turned to virtual interviews, training, meetings, and general check-ins with their workforces, who have always worked remotely. Agencies are communicating with their caregivers and clients more than ever before to protect them, resulting in many workers and clients feeling more connected and appreciated. This communication practice is likely to lead to lower turnover, more client loyalty, and improved work culture. HOME CARE CAN BOUNCE BACK STRONGER By Angelo Spinola and Clayton Nezda “The reality is that COVID-19 has brought on unprecedented levels of uncertainty, pushed many pre-existing operational deficiencies to the forefront of the attention of many home care businesses, and created an insurmountable hardship for some.“