Consistency has a key role to play in delivering excellent care. Understanding context, history and personal wishes are paramount when supporting people to live the lives they choose. However, there is also a place for progress, and a new pair of eyes and a fresh approach can help care businesses to move forward and improve. Interim managers can offer care providers an opportunity to review and refresh without compromise.
Inspired leadership
Although changing management of a care home can feel daunting, it can also mean the chance to review established processes and take new look at how things are done. As with any business, it’s easy to stick with tried and tested processes, but all organisations need to evolve to survive and deliver great services to their customers. Care homes are no exception, and introducing a new manager can be a great way of reevaluating operations. Interim managers have often gathered experience and techniques from a wide range of other environments, enabling them to quickly assess performance and apply introduce new approaches where they would be beneficial. The nature of what they do means they are used to introducing effective change in a limited timeframe, so if you’re looking to overhaul your staff culture and internal processes, interim staffing can supercharge your progress. It can also give you space to find a permanent manager, or even develop and existing team member to take on the role.
CQC the difference
The care industry is heavily regulated, and rightly so, but this does, of course, place a burden of demonstrating compliance on care homes. Interim managers are in an ideal position to review regulatory issues, and identify those which need urgent attention. From CQC, to fire safety and local authorities, interim managers have the expertise to recognise and resolve challenges, prioritising the most pressing. Mock inspections can be undertaken to pre-empt and prepare for official inspections, proactively addressing any problems before they reach the attention of external agencies. Experienced interims are well used to communicating effectively with any third parties to address concerns and challenges, not just dealing with immediate issues, but also building a foundation for ongoing process improvement, creating a culture of compliance for the future.
Optimistic optimisation
A care home may have no significant issues day-to-day, but that doesn’t always mean that it’s being reaching its full potential. Interim managers can streamline operations to improve performance and increase staff and resident satisfaction. Introducing additional technology or events, fixing recurring issues, or even changing the menu can all contribute towards not just regulatory compliance but a more rewarding workplace and a safer, happier home. Managers who have experienced using different methods in other environments are more able to recommend approaches that will lead to success and introduce them effectively. By combining innovation with staff support and a resident-focused approach, interim managers can quickly create warm and welcoming environments that attract carers and maximise occupancy.
Finessing finance
It’s not just general interim care home managers that can make a positive impact, specialist financial managers can also improve the fortunes of homes. Interim financial managers can help to navigate the complicated economics of care. Their in depth knowledge of government, local authority, ICB and private funding can help to keep the cashflow flowing. Financial systems in care homes may have been in place for many years, and not adapted to changing times and regulatory frameworks. Reassessing how the money is managed is key to securing funds, remunerating staff and reinvesting in the home and its people, as well as ensuring compliance with inland revenue and other regulatory bodies. Sound and transparent financial management allows resources to be used effectively and sustain thriving care homes.
Change for good
Interim managers in the care home environment don’t simply offer a way to address immediate challenges or cover whilst a permanent manager is recruited. Depending on the particular needs of the home, they can represent a new and holistic approach to management and strategy, delivering positive change. Our interim managers have proven track record of industry-specific success, managing aspects such as staffing, finances, service offering, environment and marketing to maximise occupancy and enhance resident wellbeing.
