The Pitfalls of Task-Based Home Care in Independent Living Communities

As an agency selected to be the on-site partner in a large independent living community, we were excited about the opportunity to serve 85 new clients. However, our enthusiasm quickly turned to concern as we witnessed firsthand the dissatisfaction and challenges faced by residents and their families.

It became apparent that the previous agencies had struggled for a reason – they were bound by a task-based billing system that failed to meet the unique needs of each client. In this system, clients were charged based on individual tasks rather than the duration of the visit, resulting in a one-size-fits-all approach that simply didn't work.

Consider the example of a shower visit. Caregivers were only provided with the task of giving a shower, with no flexibility to accommodate additional needs such as washing hair, applying lotion, or assisting with dressing. Furthermore, all shower visits were assigned the same duration, disregarding the fact that clients have varying abilities and mobility levels.

This approach was a far cry from the personalized care typically provided in traditional home care settings, where visits are tailored to each client's specific needs and preferences. However, the agencies were limited by their technology platforms, which required them to charge clients by the task.

The consequences of this system were evident in the frustrations voiced by residents like one of our clients, who recounted her dissatisfaction with the bundled "Good Morning" visits that included tasks she didn't need or want. The lack of flexibility and personalized care led to unnecessary discomfort and dissatisfaction among residents.

Recognizing the shortcomings of the task-based model, we made a commitment to do things differently. We understood that true client satisfaction could only be achieved by offering personalized care tailored to individual needs.

To address these challenges, we built CINCH CCM which prioritized client preferences and needs over arbitrary task lists. By leveraging this technology, we enabled agencies to have the ‘big picture view’ of all client visits, empower caregivers to meet the individual needs of the clients and manage their services efficiently. Having a flexible billing that is based on visit duration or package of visits rather than individual tasks, we were able to provide residents with the quality care they deserved.

CINCH transformed the way our agency operated in independent living communities as it can do for you. By listening to our clients and adapting our approach accordingly, we have been able to foster greater satisfaction and improve the overall quality of care provided to residents.

In conclusion, the pitfalls of task-based home care in independent living communities highlight the importance of prioritizing personalized care and flexibility. By embracing technology that allows for visits tailored specifically for each client, agencies can ensure that residents receive the individualized care and support they need to thrive in their communities.