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Using Immersive Technology to Recruit, Onboard, and Train Frontline Senior Care Staff

Meet Raul, Octavia, and Thomas 

Raul, Octavia and Thomas had been on the job hunt for a while looking for an entry level opportunity in the fast-growing senior care profession. All three were excited for the opportunity to work with seniors and were thrilled when a local senior care facility called them in for an interview. In the interview, each was asked to discuss their credentials, aspirations, and why they wanted to work in senior care. Raul stated that he “wanted to give back”; though, he had no experience caring for an older adult. On the other hand, both Octavia and Thomas had grandparents who they had helped care for in recent years. They both stated that they knew what to expect, yet  neither had any formal senior care experience or training.

Using Immersive Technology to Train Frontline Kidney Care Staff

Meet Susan. 

By this time last year, Susan had been on the job hunt for a while – looking for an entry level opportunity in the fast-growing healthcare profession – before she finally came across an opening for a home dialysis patient care technician in her area. Fortunately, the position came with several months of paid training, so her lack of experience in the industry would not be an obstacle in getting up to speed in her new role.

VR Applications for the Senior Care Workforce

By 2030, 25% of Americans will be 65 or older by 2030 (U.S. Census). Approximately 90% of baby boomers aim to age-in-place, but these numbers drop when physical and mental deterioration sets in. In a recent LeadingAge survey, 40% of baby boomers said they wanted to live somewhere other than the place they currently call home if they had a physical disability impacting their day-to-day lives, and 70% want to be in a staffed senior care facility if they have dementia and need help with daily activities. These statistics suggest a growing need for senior care professionals, with the direct care workforce expected to grow from 4.4 million to 5.8 million--an increase of 30%-- from 2016 to 2026. This places a heavy burden on staffed senior care facilities to recruit, onboard and train direct care workers to meet the complex needs of seniors.

America's Direct Care Workforce Needs Better Training.

This is Part 2 of a 4-part series of reports focused on applications of virtual reality (VR) in senior care.