Dynamics of Managing in a Lifespan Facility

Dear Friend,

I write in reference to your request to supply you with crucial information on the reality of management in a lifespan facility. I am confident that this email will fuel your interest in a similar career. I would like to begin by mentioning that as you probably know, a lifespan facility is a sophisticated setting due to its nature as one engages with diverse clients on a day to day basis. Apart from that, the primary roles of the personnel in the facility entail ensuring clients attain the maximum possible lifespans, which is rather challenging. How do you guarantee a person that you have the powers to ensure they live to their most extended reasonable hour, knowing that there are unpredictable situations that can cut short their life? In my view, this should be the least of your concerns because such is the dynamic and complex nature of work any manager at a lifespan facility prepares for and expects. Instead, one ought to concentrate on circumstances that can be changed and improved. In line with this, I would briefly share with you my experiences and views on my role as a manager at a lifespan facility.

Management in a lifespan facility is synonymous with management in healthcare. Lifespans are long-term care facilities. This implies that managers in these settings must have intricate knowledge and skills in healthcare management and administration. An article by Top Master’s in Healthcare Administration (2020) defines lifespan facilities as those focused on providing continuous residential and medical care for dependent clients. Consequently, as outlined by Alegbeleye (2018), the management entails the provision of drug prescription followed by guidance on nutrition, diet, as well as a lifestyle change. For that reason, to qualify as a lifespan facility manager, one must be highly trained in the running of regular operations of nursing homes, adult daycares assisted living facilities and rehabilitation centers, among others. It is worth noting that such training is critical in the performance of roles and responsibilities that include:

Planning, organizing, and supervising the delivery of care services to residential clients,

Position the facility to conform to the latest regulatory requirements concerning quality and safe care,

Administrative duties such as the management of patients’ fees, scheduling of work, service record keeping, procurement of equipment and supplies, training new staff, directing activities for resident patients, communicating with other members of the team, and managing admission processes, and

Attending regular meetings with other stakeholders such as doctors and therapists, families, donors or funders, as well as the local governing agencies and boards.

The management of a lifespan facility is synonymous to that of any other healthcare facility or organization in terms of structure. For instance, the management in my current place of work assumes the traditional structure of the three management levels. These comprise of the administrative leadership, the middle-level or executory management, and the low-level or supervisory management. The administration level of management or executive leadership control can oversee the entire lifespan facility. Their primary functions are goal and policy development, strategic planning, resource mobilization, and decision-making. The management at this level superintends the management of organizational goals and policies. In addition, it serves and acts as the source of authority for the facility. Apart from that, they control and coordinate the facility’s activities and organize departmental events which include budgeting and the formulation of various agendas. Examples of managers linked with the executive level are the president, vice-president, chief financial officer, chief medical officer, chief communication officer, chief nursing officer, and chief development officer (Kukreja, 2020).

Middle-level managers have diverse titles such as branch managers, general managers, or departmental managers. Their main function is to provide organizational and directional leadership through the execution of plans using organizational policies, communicating information and procedures, as well as inspiring and guiding lower-level managers. Middle-level managers are also responsible for designing and implementing different systems, including group and information systems, reward and recognition systems, conflict resolution systems, and performance monitoring (Kukreja, 2020). Besides, low-level managers are in direct contact with employees and serve as role models. In this case, they serve as supervisors, shift managers, superintendents, head nurses, and section heads. Their management roles revolve around controlling and directing. Their primary responsibilities are task assignment, guidance and supervision, making recommendations, and career planning. Their intermediary role allows them to act as organizational relationship managers. In general, they are responsible for ensuring suitable work conditions for employees.

Management in a lifespan facility can be categorized as management in healthcare. Therefore, as a prospective manager in such a setting, you can benefit from professional organizations that have focused on healthcare management training. Examples of these organizations are the “American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management” (AAHAM), “American College of Healthcare Executives” (ACHE), “American Association for Physician Leadership” (AAPL), and “Senior Care Advisor Association’. Likewise, numerous conferences exist that one can attend to learn about lifespan management. Some of the conferences are sponsored by the Lifespan Network and cover lifespan legislation, lifespan workforce development, and the lifespan annual conference. Therefore, resources are available through the respective professional associations or online where you can access websites and books on lifespan management.

Yours sincerely,

Signed.

References

Alegbeleye, A. J. (2018). Lifespan management.  Geriatrics Health , 35.

Kukreja, S. (2020). The levels of management. Management Study HQ. Retrieved from https://www.managementstudyhq.com/levels-of-management-and-functions.html

Top Master’s in Healthcare Administration. (2020). Job profile: Long-term care facility manager/administrator. Retrieved from https://www.topmastersinhealthcare.com/job-profiles/long-term-care-facility-manager-administrator/