New York, NY—In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, nursing homes across the nation are increasingly relying on temporary staffing agencies to fill gaps in their workforce. While this approach may offer a short-term solution to staffing shortages, experts warn it could also be erecting barriers to providing person-centered care, a cornerstone of modern nursing home standards.
Person-centered care is an approach that respects and values the individuality of each patient, tailoring care to their unique needs, preferences, and life history. It’s a model that has shown to improve quality of life and satisfaction among nursing home residents, yet it requires a stable and consistent caregiving team to implement effectively.
The use of temporary staff, drawn from agencies that supply workers to fill in on an as-needed basis, disrupts the continuity necessary for person-centered care. Temporary workers, often cycling through multiple facilities, may not have the opportunity to form meaningful relationships with residents or fully understand the nuances of their care needs.
A study cited by the American Journal of Nursing found that facilities with higher usage of temporary staff reported lower levels of satisfaction with care among residents. The transience of these workers hampers their ability to become integrated into the team and to learn and adhere to the facility’s care philosophy and practices.
“Cycling through temporary staff not only disrupts the continuity of care but also imposes a barrier to creating a familiar and comfortable environment for residents,” says Dr. Helen R. Kales, a professor of psychiatry specializing in geriatric medicine. “The essence of person-centered care is to provide a sense of belonging and familiarity, something that is incredibly challenging to achieve with a rotating cast of caregivers.”
Furthermore, reliance on temporary agencies can exacerbate staffing challenges in the long run. The high costs associated with contracting agencies could divert resources away from investments in full-time staff development and retention initiatives. This creates a vicious cycle, where shortages lead to more reliance on temporary staff, further hindering the ability to provide quality, consistent care.
Critics also argue that the use of temp agencies can undermine efforts to cultivate a positive, cohesive workplace culture. Without a stable team, it’s difficult to foster the teamwork and camaraderie essential for high-quality care delivery.
While there’s no denying that temporary agencies play a critical role in addressing immediate staffing needs, the broader impact on nursing home care quality and continuity raises important concerns. As the healthcare industry continues to navigate staffing challenges, the push towards more sustainable, long-term solutions that support person-centered care becomes increasingly urgent.