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The Quest continues way up north as Dr. Mike Strouse travels to the stunning, vast and unforgiving state of Alaska! Our distinguished guests are Amanda Elder and Kim Champney.

The conversation explores the unique challenges and innovative solutions in delivering disability services in Alaska. Among other things the discussion highlights the economic factors affecting workforce availability, the diversity of service providers, and the transition to a three-day work week as a response to changing workforce demands. The guests share insights on the need for flexibility and innovation in service delivery, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the unique needs of Alaskan communities.


Takeaways

Alaska's vast geography presents unique challenges for service delivery.
Transportation issues significantly impact access to services in remote areas.
Extreme weather conditions affect community inclusion and service provision.
Diversity among service providers is essential to meet varying community needs.
Economic factors, such as the oil industry, influence workforce availability.
Innovative care models are necessary to address service gaps in Alaska.
The transition to a three-day work week can improve work-life balance for employees.
Flexibility in service delivery is crucial for adapting to community needs.
Technology can enhance service delivery but requires careful integration.
Collaboration among providers is key to overcoming challenges in the system.

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In this episode Dr. Mike Strouse addresses the enduring challenges facing service providers such as:

- wonky schedules

- reliance on part-time labor

- early turnover

- working short

- reliance on PRN and pool staffing

Finding the right solutions starts with asking the right questions.

What are the twelve important questions service providers must ask themselves to make the first step towards arriving at the right solutions?

The conversation also delves into the ongoing workforce stability crisis, emphasizing the multifaceted challenges beyond just pay. It explores the importance of metrics for assessing staffing stability, strategies for improving staffing capacity, and the role of local providers in the care ecosystem.

• Our workforce concerns are not going away organically.
• We need to stop looking at turnover as our estimate of instability.
• If you want different results, you just need to behave differently.
• Your pipeline is solely based upon attractiveness of the schedules.
• Do you even know what your call-off rate is?
• We can make a big difference but only with the right strategy.
• We need to pursue a different vision of care.
• The only reason people don't want to put solutions in place is because they can't change what they're doing.

To continue on the quest for the good life we must rise up, look back and step forward.

Chapters

00:00
Overview of Workforce Stability Crisis

02:39
Challenges Beyond Pay in Workforce Management

05:33
Metrics for Assessing Staffing Stability

08:58
Strategies for Improving Staffing Capacity

11:50
Addressing Staffing Challenges and Solutions

14:44
The Future of Care and Workforce Collaboration

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In this episode, Dr. Mike Strauss discusses the challenges faced by seniors in accessing effective care, particularly the limitations of traditional in-home care and assisted living. He introduces the Neighborhood Network, a new model that combines community support, technology, and professional caregivers to provide affordable, on-demand assistance for seniors. The conversation emphasizes the importance of preventative health practices and the role of technology in empowering seniors to maintain their independence while receiving the care they need.

Senior Neighborhood Network - Learn More

Takeaways

In-home care often fails due to unpredictable staffing and needs.
Assisted living is expensive and not always desired by seniors.
The Neighborhood Network aims to provide facility-level support at home.
Technology can enhance senior care but must be user-friendly.
Preventative health practices can significantly extend seniors' lives.
Community support and volunteerism are vital for senior well-being.
The iCoach offers 24/7 remote support for seniors.
Seniors should only pay for the services they actually use.
Engaging in simple health practices can prevent costly care later.
The Neighborhood Network is a scalable solution for senior care.


Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Senior Care Challenges
02:53 The Viability of In-Home Care
06:03 The Need for a New Care Model
08:46 Introducing the Neighborhood Network
11:43 Characteristics of Effective Senior Care
15:04 The Role of Technology in Senior Care
17:54 The iCoach and Remote Support
20:55 Cost-Effective Solutions for Seniors
23:58 Community and Volunteer Support
26:56 The Importance of Preventative Practices
29:53 Engaging Seniors in Their Care
32:44 Conclusion and Call to Action