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The Caregiver Innovation Show
Solving the Caregiver Shortage: Scaling Home Care Without Adding Staff with Electronic Caregiver
The caregiver shortage has reached crisis proportions across America, with over 450,000 unfilled positions nationwide while 10,000 people turn 65 daily. How can your agency possibly keep up with escalating demand when finding and retaining qualified caregivers feels increasingly impossible?
We dive deep into AddisonCare, a virtual caregiver system that's changing the math of home care delivery. Unlike basic monitoring tools, this technology works as a digital teammate alongside your existing staff, handling medication reminders, wellness check-ins, health education, and safety monitoring 24/7. The results are striking: agencies report increasing patient capacity without hiring additional caregivers, while simultaneously improving staff satisfaction and boosting caregiver retention.
The financial implications extend beyond operational efficiency. Medicare billing codes for Remote Patient Monitoring and Chronic Care Management offer agencies $58-$115 per eligible patient monthly, with one organization generating over $4,200 in new monthly revenue from just 60 Medicare patients. Many report recouping their technology investment within 60 days, making this a financially viable solution even in challenging times. The most successful implementations start with small pilot groups, leverage internal champions, and emphasize clear communication that this technology enhances rather than replaces the essential human element of caregiving. As client expectations rise while staffing challenges persist, innovative technology may be the key to not just surviving but thriving in today's home care landscape. Ready to explore how you can serve more clients without the constant struggle to hire more caregivers? This deep dive provides the roadmap.
Welcome to the Deep Dive. So if you're in the home care space right now, you're probably well, you're definitely grappling with a big one. How do you keep up with demand, especially when finding enough caregivers feels like, well, a constant uphill battle? It really does we all know about the shortages nationwide, and today we're going to really dig into something that might be a bit of a game changer.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:We're looking at a system called AddisonCare and how it could possibly help agencies maybe, like yours, serve more clients.
Speaker 2:Right. Support the staff you already have too.
Speaker 1:Exactly and improve client outcomes.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:So our mission today is really to get a handle on how this virtual caregiver system works and you know what impact it's actually having.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and for you listening the scale of this challenge is really stark when you look at the numbers we've seen. We're talking a nationwide shortage of caregivers. I think the figure was over 450,000. Wow. And then you add the demographic wave 10,000 Americans turning 65 every single day, every day. Plus nearly half of all Americans have at least one chronic condition needing ongoing management.
Speaker 1:You put all that together, it's yeah, it's immense pressure on the system.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:It really does feel like a pressure cooker situation. You've got more people needing care, but the workforce just isn't keeping pace.
Speaker 2:And you see the results.
Speaker 1:Yeah, absolutely, agencies having to turn people away, staff getting stretched really thin.
Speaker 2:Overwhelmed.
Speaker 1:Right, and if you're trying to grow, it's just incredibly tough. It really brings up that core question Can we actually scale support capacity without just hiring more and more people? Is there another way?
Speaker 2:And that's exactly where something like AddisonCare comes into the picture.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:It's positioned as well more than just another tech tool, not just basic video calls or, you know, a panic button.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:It's described as a full virtual caregiver system, something that works alongside your existing team.
Speaker 1:Okay, so integrated. What can it actually do?
Speaker 2:Well, the key capabilities they talk about are things like medication reminders, vital stuff, daily wellness check-ins, but done proactively.
Speaker 1:Ah, okay.
Speaker 2:Health, education, coaching, even friendly engagement reassurance. So a bit of companionship too, Seems like it and, importantly, safety monitoring using motion sensors and voice interaction.
Speaker 1:Okay, let's unpack that a bit. It sounds like it's doing more than just reacting. It's proactive, consistent support.
Speaker 2:That's the idea.
Speaker 1:And the information suggests it's what. 204.7? Always on.
Speaker 2:Always available, yes, 204.7.
Speaker 1:For anyone managing a team, that constant availability. That must sound like it could really change the game for your clinical staff's workload.
Speaker 2:Absolutely.
Speaker 1:I mean the core concept seems to be offloading those routine, but you know essential tasks Like the reminder calls Exactly.
Speaker 2:Think how many reminder calls your team might make daily if Addison handles that.
Speaker 1:Then your skilled human caregivers can focus elsewhere.
Speaker 2:Precisely On the more complex stuff, the hands-on care, building those relationships. That's where their skills are really needed.
Speaker 1:So it's about reallocating that focus boosting efficiency so agencies can maybe take on more clients.
Speaker 2:That's the aim, enabling that capacity increase.
Speaker 1:We're talking potential here, but what about actual results? Are agencies really seeing an impact with AddisonCare? The sources we looked at had some pretty compelling numbers.
Speaker 2:Yeah, the reported outcomes are definitely interesting for anyone considering this. Agencies finding they're getting back hundreds of staff hours every month. Hundreds of hours, yeah and one specific example really stands out. An agency reported a 28% increase in patient capacity. Twenty eight percent Within six months and this is the key part without hiring additional caregivers.
Speaker 1:Wow OK, a 28 percent jumping capacity, no new staff, that's a pretty big deal.
Speaker 2:It really highlights the scalability potential, doesn't it?
Speaker 1:Sure, and it's not just about the numbers, is it the information also talked about the impact on the staff themselves, their well-being and satisfaction?
Speaker 2:Yes, and that's crucial for morale, for retention which is a huge issue in caregiving. Definitely the sources suggest staff satisfaction actually goes up when caregivers aren't bogged down by, say, constant routine monitoring or piles of documentation.
Speaker 1:Which takes up a lot of time.
Speaker 2:Apparently up to 30 percent of their time, according to one source, when they're freed from that.
Speaker 1:They can focus on the more rewarding part.
Speaker 2:Exactly the meaningful direct care, Using their skills, making that connection that seems to lead to higher job satisfaction.
Speaker 1:That makes sense. Less burnout from the routine grind.
Speaker 2:They felt less burdened by paperwork, basically, and had more quality time with clients. That seemed key.
Speaker 1:Okay, and what about the clients? How do they feel about having this virtual layer of support?
Speaker 2:Well, from what we gathered, the feedback seems positive Clients reporting feeling more supported more secure Well, I can't the constant access. I think so that 247 access, the consistent reminders for meds and things, the regular monitoring, it all adds up to a feeling of being looked after.
Speaker 1:And that improved support seems to link to better outcomes.
Speaker 2:Yes, it looks like it correlates with better adherence to care plans.
Speaker 1:Which means potentially fewer hospital visits.
Speaker 2:Fewer hospitalizations, yeah, and for the agency, potentially higher client retention too.
Speaker 1:It seems really important to stress, though, as the sources did, this isn't about replacing people, is it?
Speaker 2:Not at all. It's framed as augmentation, giving your team a powerful tool.
Speaker 1:Like a digital teammate. I think one source called it.
Speaker 2:Exactly Something to amplify what they can do, extend their reach.
Speaker 1:And the tech itself. Is it easy for clients to actually use, especially older adults?
Speaker 2:That's a key point. The sources emphasize it's user-friendly, designed specifically with older folks in mind, even those maybe not comfortable with tech. How does it work? Needs basic Wi-Fi, apparently, and uses natural voice interaction, so less fiddling with screens or buttons. Walk voice commands Seems like it, much more accessible. We saw an example of a 90-year-old client using it without issues.
Speaker 1:Okay, a 90-year-old adapting quickly, that does say something about its ease of use.
Speaker 2:Right. It tackles that potential barrier for seniors who might, you know, struggle otherwise.
Speaker 1:Now, whenever you bring in new technology, especially in such a personal field like home care, there are bound to be questions. Maybe some concerns right?
Speaker 2:Absolutely.
Speaker 1:And the sources did mention potential initial reactions from the caregivers themselves.
Speaker 2:Yes, and that's a really important part of rolling something like this out managing your team's perspective.
Speaker 1:Understandably, some might worry about their jobs or maybe fewer hours.
Speaker 2:Sure. Those initial questions are natural. The sources stressed how crucial clear communication was.
Speaker 1:Explaining how it helps them.
Speaker 2:Exactly Emphasizing. It's a tool to enhance their work, to free them up from the routine, maybe less fulfilling tasks, not to replace them.
Speaker 1:And did that work? Did those concerns ease off once they started using it?
Speaker 2:It seems so, as caregivers saw the practical benefits.
Speaker 1:Yeah, the perspective shifted In fact. One source pointed to a pretty impressive improvement in caregiver retention.
Speaker 2:Oh really, what was the number?
Speaker 1:A 32% improvement in retention rate at one agency after they brought in AddisonCare 32% better retention in this industry.
Speaker 2:That's significant.
Speaker 1:It really is. It suggests that technology, if implemented thoughtfully, can actually help stabilize your workforce, make it a better place to work. Okay, so potential benefits for capacity for staff satisfaction, retention, client outcomes what about the bottom line, the financial side? New tech usually means investment.
Speaker 2:Right, a crucial piece for any agency, and the info we have suggests there are some compelling financial angles here.
Speaker 1:Beyond just serving more clients.
Speaker 2:Yeah, beyond that, potential revenue growth Agencies can tap into new revenue streams via Medicare. Ah, the billing codes? Yeah, beyond that, potential revenue growth agencies can tap into new revenue streams via Medicare.
Speaker 1:Ah, the billing, codes.
Speaker 2:Exactly Remote patient monitoring, rpm and chronic care management CCM.
Speaker 1:And those can bring an actual reimbursement.
Speaker 2:Yes, the range mentioned was around $58 to $115 per Medicare patient per month.
Speaker 1:Okay, per patient per month that could add up. Do we have a sense of what that looks like in practice?
Speaker 2:Well, one source gave an example an agency with about 60 Medicare patients using Addison.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:They were generating over $4,200 in new revenue monthly just from those RPM and CCM codes.
Speaker 1:Over $4,000 a month just from billing. Wow.
Speaker 2:And what's also pretty striking is how quickly some agencies apparently recouped the initial cost. One said within the first 60 days 60 days to recoup the investment.
Speaker 1:That's fast.
Speaker 2:Very fast Suggests. The financial model can work quite effectively.
Speaker 1:So for someone listening now maybe thinking, ok, this sounds interesting, but how would we even start? What advice did the sources offer on actually implementing this? The guidance points towards being strategic taking it step by step, not a massive overnight change.
Speaker 2:No, definitely not. They recommend starting smaller A pilot group, maybe 10 to 15 patients.
Speaker 1:Okay, with different conditions.
Speaker 2:Yeah, A mix of chronic conditions seems best and initially focus on the high-value stuff.
Speaker 1:Like medication, reminders, vital signs.
Speaker 2:Exactly Things that show clear, quick benefits. Get some early wins.
Speaker 1:Excepts what else?
Speaker 2:Having an internal champion is key, someone really passionate about it to drive the process.
Speaker 1:Right Someone to own it internally.
Speaker 2:And also go after those Medicare billing opportunities right away. Don't wait.
Speaker 1:Build it into the plan from day one.
Speaker 2:Definitely and finally, maybe most importantly, communicate, communicate, communicate With staff and patients. Yes, be really clear about the why, how it enhances care, how it supports everyone, that it's not about replacing that vital human connection. That transparency is crucial for buy-in.
Speaker 1:Taking that step back, then looking at the bigger picture, it feels like adopting technology like this isn't just a nice-to-have-anymore-in-home care, is it?
Speaker 2:It really feels like it's becoming essential, almost table stakes for the future.
Speaker 1:Why do you say that?
Speaker 2:Well, you connect the dots right. Client expectations are rising. Staffing is tight and likely staying that way. Expectations are rising, staffing is tight and likely staying that way. So an agency's ability to deliver more care, to expand reach without just being limited by headcount, that's becoming critical For survival, really, and certainly for growth.
Speaker 1:Technology offers a way to break that direct link between staff numbers and service capacity.
Speaker 2:It offers a powerful pathway, yeah, a way to thrive, not just survive, in this pretty challenging landscape.
Speaker 1:And for listeners who want to go even deeper, specifically on how AddisonCare helps manage chronic conditions, things like diabetes, hypertension, CHF, COPD.
Speaker 2:Our next deep dive is for you.
Speaker 1:Right. We'll be looking closer at the monitoring side, how it helps with early intervention and the outcomes reported for those specific conditions and the outcomes reported for those specific conditions.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. That's where you really see the direct clinical application and the potential for improving patient health in measurable ways.
Speaker 1:Okay, great. So as we wrap up this deep dive, maybe a final thought for everyone listening, facing this caregiver shortage head-on innovation. It's not really an option anymore, is it? It feels essential.
Speaker 2:Necessary for survival and growth.
Speaker 1:Yeah, so we'd encourage you to think about how technology tools like this might help you do more with the great resources you already have. Serve more people, support your team better.
Speaker 2:Find new ways to be effective.
Speaker 1:Exactly, and for anyone interested in learning more about scaling support without just adding staff, we should mention there is a comprehensive implementation guide available that goes into more detail. Good point Until our next deep dive. Thanks for joining us.
