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ElderHealth Northwest

Staffing Impact

                              


  • As of June 2009, ElderHealth employs 120 full-time and 229 part-time staff, and supervises an average of 200 volunteers. 

  • ElderHealth employee turnover was 30% in 2008, significantly lower than the national average for long term care facilities. 

  • ElderHealth is a NWJOBS.COM Peoples Picks 2009 Finalist.

  • While most directors would shy away from unions and the potential costs they represent, Nora welcomed the opportunity for SEIU to unionize ElderHealth's workers in 2009. Nora realized that union backing meant more lobbying power in Olympia, and more chances to keep the funding which employs ElderHealth's staff and supports ElderHealth's clients.

  • "ElderHealth is pretty egalitarian. The ideas and input of every staff person are honored. For example, in the Adult Day Health Programs, there is a daily staff meeting. Situations are discussed, decisions are made, and everyone's input is solicited. Professionals may be present, but program aides' ideas are valued with as much validity as anybody else's. Even in decisions about the overall direction of the organization." – Administrator, EHNW 

  • "There's nothing I'm going to ask them to do that I'm not going to do myself. Showering people, cleaning up an accident – if it needs to be done, I'll do it". – Manager, Supported Living Home

  • "The way ElderHealth cares for its clients is seen in the way it takes care of its employees. That's one reason so many employees stay in the agency – you feel like you're supported, like you're on the same team. It's the same way we treat the homecare aides – we make sure they're taken care of, as supported as possible." – Supervisor, Homecare

  • "We're really committed to what we do, and we see that from the top down – nobody can be more committed than Nora. She has the big picture, and makes you want to do all you can do. I hope I inspire people too." – Manager, Adult Day Health site

  •  "ElderHealth has had great longevity among staff people. Some have been there 20+ years. If people didn't have the chance to speak up and be taken seriously, they never would have stayed that long. We're able to attract strong people – strong personalities, leaders -- in all levels. Some could have made more money elsewhere, but stuck with it longer because of the organizational culture and team dynamics." – Administrator, EHNW

  • "Our work culture gets passed on through positive leaders who 'get it' on a deep level. Then it gets picked up by the team. It's the way we work with the clients and also the way we treat the staff. We go overboard to a fault to support a team member or staff member." – Administrator, EHNW

  • "Nora provides us with as much supervision as we think we need, which is nice – she trusts us enough to do our job. Staff feels empowered to do what they need to do, and if they need help, they can ask for it." – Manager, Adult Day Health site

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