The Impact of Assisted Living Organizational Structure and Process Characteristics on Staff Absence During COVID-19.

ABSTRACT

Quality of care in assisted living communities (ALCs) is important to consumers. The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and associated emergency policies have posed major challenges on staff recruitment and retention. This study aimed to examine the relationship between organizational characteristics of ALCs in Florida and challenges with staff absence during COVID-19 (N = 129 ALCs). Results indicated that structures (provision of memory care services), processes of care (challenges hiring new staff, staff sent home to comply with precautions, and staff anxiety), and local COVID-19 positivity rate were significantly associated with staff absence due to fear of infection, sickness, or family responsibilities. ALC providers and state regulatory agencies should develop policies and procedures that take these issues into consideration to prepare for future emergencies and disasters. Infection control policies should reflect whether an ALC provides memory care services and inform ways to overcome potential challenges with protocols. Efforts to reduce staff anxiety and disaster-related concerns should also be considered to ensure quality of care during emergencies.

ALCs who provided memory care services had significantly greater challenges with staff absence due to fear of infection during the COVID-19 pandemic.The administrative action of sending staff home to comply with COVID-19 precautions, difficulty hiring new staff, and staff anxiety were process characteristics of ALCs associated with greater challenges with staff absence.Policymakers should consider whether an ALC provides memory care services, faces potential challenges with infection control protocols, and addresses the mental health of staff when creating and implementing infection control policies.