For long-term and senior care providers, the challenges of managing COVID-19 reinforced in yet another way the importance of an engaged and positive culture. One such provider is QA client Caraday Healthcare who was featured in the Provider Magazine cover story, “Positive Culture Provides a Strong Foundation.”

Paul Gerharter vice president of clinical services for Caraday Healthcare, described their deeply rooted culture of respect and dignity. When everyone was overwhelmed and overworked during the pandemic, these challenges were acknowledged and supported.

According to Gerharter, when staff feel like their managers understand what they’re going through and are empathetic, they are more likely to be engaged and embrace the organization’s vision. “It’s important for everyone to understand there will be bad days,” he adds. “We need to own up to mistakes, forgive people, learn, and move forward.”

And then there’s always the need for humor to relieve pressure and build camaraderie. “Humor is a huge part of our day-to-day life,” says Gerharter. “When we have our weekly calls, we laugh. We are in a serious business, but we want people to feel at ease.”

Click here to read the full story in Provider Magazine.