Resident Care Assistant Program

a potential solution to help staff focus on care during the pandemic.

by Kris Erickson, CEO of Bethany Home Association in Lindsborg

When searching for a solution to the staffing needs at Bethany Home Association in 2019, the care team created a new position to provide for the needs of their residents. Resident Care Assistants were encouraged to apply, and the first was hired on January 2, 2020. Resident Care Assistants, commonly referred to as RCAs are tasked with assisting residents in all areas outside of personal cares. The new positions freed up time for CNAs and CMAs to focus on activities of daily living, by making beds, delivering food and drinks, escorting residents in wheelchairs, and engaging in activities.

Bethany Home Association CEO Kris Erickson noted, “You don’t need a certification or license to care. These positions invite workers to experience senior care as a career option while also providing more time for certified and licensed staff to engage in meaningful interactions.” Five RCAs have been hired this year. All go through the mandatory background checks and screenings, and are given a multi-day orientation. Alex Bell, a CNA at Bethany Home stated, “I like them! It’s actually really nice. They make beds, tidy rooms, answer call lights, notify us of need, get room trans and pick them up. Ours sits and visits with residents. It takes some stress off of us.”

With the recent issues relating to COVID-19, Bethany Home is increasing the number of RCAs on staff to enhance care and provide opportunity for community members whose jobs may have been affected by the outbreak. The Bethany Home Association staff have welcomed the extra helping hands, and many of the RCAs have shown an interest in pursuing a healthcare related career. To date, many applications have been received from students who are no longer able to attend school and some community members whose jobs have been affected by the outbreak. While some of these positions are temporary, the dedication shown by the first round of hires may result in a solution to long term staffing needs.