Episode 32: Masterclass: Inspired Care – Leading and Empowering Your Caregiving Team

Posted: December 16, 2024 , in Webinars

Over the years, the healthcare and aging services sectors have witnessed a drop in retention rates across their teams. According to the Activated Insights 2024 Benchmarking Report, staff turnover rates have increased by over 12% in the past two years, reaching 79.2% industry-wide. Nearly four out of every five new employees leave within the first 100 days of employment.

The estimated cost of caregiver turnover for home care agencies averages $171,600 per year. The Society for Human Resource Management reports that replacing an employee can cost an employer six to nine months of the employee's annual salary. For specialized healthcare professionals, this cost can rise to as much as 200% of their annual pay. Such statistics highlight the critical need for effective recruitment and retention strategies, which are vital for cultivating a culture of caring and excellence in caregiving organizations.

Tune into our latest ComForConnections Masterclass for insights on building and sustaining a culture of caring within your organization. Join Heather Vermillion, RN – Vice President, Director of Clinical Operations and Owner of ComForCare Home Care Cuyahoga County, as she dives into strategies for empowering caregivers and other team members, effective leadership approaches and practical advice for aging services leaders to inspire their teams and create lasting excellence.

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About Heather:
Heather Vermillion is Vice President, Director of Clinical Operations and Owner of ComForCare Home Care in Cuyahoga County.

Her professional journey began with caregiving. As a young mother seeking to provide for a new family, there was little time to focus on personal interests—stability through education was the priority. Coming from a family of nurses and excellent mentors, she and her cousin were invited to participate in a pilot LPN program in 2000 offered at a local high school. Recognizing the growing nursing shortage, the program was designed to fit an eight-hour school day, requiring nine months of education, 1,400 additional clinical hours, and a passing score on the NCLEX.

At just 21 years old, she had to build a support system, secure childcare, and manage the demands of classes, study time, and clinicals. Recognizing that she could not work while attending the program and wanting to spend time with her daughter, she enrolled in government assistance programs, applied for grants and scholarships, and prepared her family for the challenges ahead. This transitional period was marked by immense stress and exhaustion, but she completed the program through determination, the grace of God, and a dedicated support system. She was accepted into her first preceptorship program at a local hospital, training to become a scrub technician. Her preceptor’s patience, kindness, and practical guidance profoundly influenced her, instilling lessons that would later shape her approach to mentoring others in nursing.

After working in surgery, Heather transitioned to home health care nursing, caring for pediatric and geriatric patients. She also took PRN roles at assisted living facilities, where she developed a deep appreciation for working with the geriatric population. During the mid-2000s, as her family grew, she faced another challenge—daycare costs. Realizing the need for a sustainable solution, she established a home daycare, applied for an LLC, and created a registration packet that adhered to the county’s guidelines. Though Ohio was not a licensed state then, she implemented policies and procedures to set a higher standard. For 11 years, she operated the daycare full-time while maintaining her nursing license by working weekends at an assisted living facility.

As her children grew older, her desire to return to nursing intensified. A friend introduced her to ComForCare, where she began working in January 2015 as a Licensed Practical Nurse and Manager of Care Services. Over the years, she gained extensive knowledge about the home care industry. Encouraged by the agency’s owner, Deborah, she returned to school part-time, earning her RN degree in 2020 despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. She embraced new growth opportunities with the agency, achieving ACHC accreditation in 2022. In January 2024, after years of dedication, she and her family transitioned into ownership of the Western Cuyahoga ComForCare office, continuing the legacy of excellence.

Throughout her career, Heather has embraced the lessons from her mentors, the challenges she faced, and the successes she achieved. These experiences shaped her empathetic approach, emphasizing active listening and understanding the unique realities of others. She strives daily to support her team with the same care and guidance she received, fostering a positive and empowering environment.

“It is in our hearts to continue delivering exceptional care to clients and cultivating a desirable work experience for employees. With onsite training, educational support, and growth opportunities, we aim to offer the same prospects we experienced during our own journeys. By doing so, we hope to create an exceptional experience for both clients and staff.”

Episode Notes:

The process of creating a culture of caring within an organization and how it all begins
Key steps crucial for establishing and sustaining a strong culture of caring
Methods to ensure that caregivers have the necessary skills and competencies to excel in their roles
Strategies for recruiting and retaining a dedicated caregiving team
Leadership approaches that have been successful in building a sustainable culture of caring and excellence
Additional advice for Aging Services leaders on creating a culture that inspires and empowers their caregiving teams

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