The CDC has reported that, as of 2012, there were about 1,383,700 senior citizens living in 15,700 nursing homes across the nation. The number of senior citizens in the country is expected to double from 2010 to 2050, and the number of citizens over the age of 85 will be nearly triple in the years from 2015 to 2050. This means that the need for nursing homes is going to increase. It also means that competition among nursing homes is likely to increase. According to an article published in the Houston Chronicle, there are a number of marketing tools that nursing homes should be aware of differentiation.
Nursing homes should examine and communicate to the public their target market and what sets them apart from other nursing homes in the region. What is your unique selling point?
Provide facts and figures
How is your facility better than others? With technology, families have access to the information about more options than ever before. They don’t want to just take your word for it that your nursing home is better, they want to see numbers. One size fits all doesn’t necessarily integrate with the provision of quality care. If your facility excels at something — whether it’s memory care, care of mentally disabled seniors, or another niche — market that.
Involvement
Potential clients and their families want to know more about you than simply the care you provide. They also want to know about your involvement in the community and your commitment to working with legislators to improve the quality of care and rights of seniors.
Don’t make promises you can’t keep
Only market the services that you know you’re able to provide, regardless of any unforeseen circumstances.
Are you using any of these tips to grow your nursing community and services? Tell us about some of your experiences and ways you stand out from other homes in your area. Check back here weekly for more information about marketing your senior services and other industry news.