The Benefits of a Smaller, Intimate Staff at a Home-Based Residential Care Facility for the Elderly
Choosing the right Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) is one of the most important decisions families make for their loved ones. Home-based RCFEs with smaller, more intimate staff sizes can improve your aging loved one's quality of life. From personalized care to more support from caregivers, these benefits set smaller facilities apart. In this article, I will explore some of the key reasons why a smaller and close-knit staff environment is a huge win for the residents who will be cared for.
Enhanced Care with a Personal Touch
One of the best benefits of a smaller, more intimate staff in a home-based facility is the highly personalized care between staff and residents. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, caregivers can tailor routines and services around each resident's specific needs.
More Focused, Individualized Care
Smaller numbers of staff members allows the caregivers to dedicate more time to understanding each resident. At RCFEs, most residents don't require full hands-on care, but when they do need help, it's up to the caring staff to make sure they get help completing activities of daily living, moving, transporting to and from doctor's appointments, and more.
The heightened attention at RCFEs means caregivers can better understand what each resident needs, from the time their doctor's appointments are to when they prefer exercise. For loved ones transitioning into more supportive care, every detail and individualized care matter.
Faster Response Times
In addition to more unique care plans, having fewer staff members allows staff to recognize and therefor respond more quickly to emergencies.. Smaller facilities excel in responding quickly, giving families peace of mind knowing that their loved ones are in safe hands.
Improved Health and Safety Outcomes
Health and safety take center stage in elder care, and smaller facilities allow residents and their physical and mental well-being to take priority. Caregivers in smaller facilities can regularly and more frequently check in with residents and identify emerging issues earlier. A cough, a change in appetite, or a minor mobility issue are all signs that a caregiver can notice right away, thanks to these frequent check-ins.
Besides being able to pinpoint any changes in residents, the smaller number of residents can also have other safety benefits, such as:
- Reduced fall risks
- Reduced spread of communicable diseases
- Ease of supervision and monitoring
- Better communication between residents, caregivers, and families
Better Sense of Community and Friendship
Home-based residential care facilities for the elderly that have a small, close-knit staff create a family-like atmosphere that can help them make new, trusting relationships. Being able to have friendships and relationships to rely on can make all the difference for an aging loved one who is new to assisted living. If your loved one has anxiety or feels isolated, knowing they have a helping hand available can make them feel better about going to live in the facility.
The limited number of staff allows caregivers and residents to form deeper bonds than in larger assisted living facilities, where time is of the essence. For elderly individuals, RCFEs aren't just a place to live—it’s a true home.
Opportunities for Social Interaction
Residents in smaller facilities often experience more opportunities for social engagement with both caregivers and fellow residents. Shared meals, group activities, and daily chats add a layer of friendship and warmth that adds so much meaning and improves residents' quality of life. Your aging loved ones can feel more at ease sharing their feelings or asking for help, knowing they are supported by people they trust.
Enhanced Flexibility and Adaptability
Smaller home-based RCFEs are uniquely capable of responding to resident needs with efficiency and care. From being able to easily change plans to fit a residents' goals, to more personalized activities, this flexibility is virtually non-existent at larger residential facilities.
Caregivers in small facilities can create activities specifically geared toward residents’ interests and abilities. From gardening sessions to book clubs, every activity feels thoughtful and meaningful, helping residents maintain an active lifestyle.
Better Staff Morale and Reduced Burnout
A supportive environment benefits not just residents but also the caregiving staff. Research shows time and time again that nursing burnout is often caused by patient overload and poor staffing ratios. this lighter workload at RCFEs, which Thouse as little as six residents, helps reduce the high stress and fatigue often associated with larger facilities. Caregivers can focus on delivering quality care rather than being stretched too thin.
Increased Family Involvement
The role of family is so important when it comes to helping aging loved ones transition into other living arrangements. At RCFEs, residents are more than just a number - they're people with rich histories and families that love and support them. If you want to continue taking an active role in your aging loved one's life, and want them to receive quality care, an RCFE may be the best option.
These facilities encourage family involvement and often have activities and events that families can participate in with their loved ones. From having more direct contact with other residents and caregivers, to having a say in their loved one's care plan, family members can play an important role in the lives of seniors living in RCFEs.
About the Author
Mark Gladden is the Founder and CEO of Present Moments Senior Living, a cozy and comfortable family-run Board and Care in San Diego. Mark is also a U.S. Veteran who has been serving the recovery community of San Diego for a decade. As Founder and CEO of Present Moments Senior Living, he has helped countless families access high-quality care for their aging loved ones. If you or an aging loved one are looking for compassionate assisted living in San Diego, call Present Moments Senior Living at (442) 232-2824 or visit their website at https://presentmomentsseniorliving.com/.