Be The Change--The Power of Positive Reviews and Praise in The Elder Care Realm

linsey406
Nov 5
4 min read

Being the owner of a home care company, the phone usually rings more often when something isn't right. When a company is dealing with human beings, as in, not only the clients who may be declining physically and mentally, and their families, who have pushed for the additional care, but also the caregivers who provide the service, there's always room for miscommunication, misinterpretation and sometimes downright failure, which is usually brought up in a kind but pressing manner and it's our job, as owners, to make it right. I know that most people want to be heard and they understand that things don't always go right when you're dealing with human being interacting, but at the end of the day, if the service isn't right, it's the job of the business owner to make it right.

Yesterday, out of the blue, I recieved a text of praise from a client's daughter for my caregiver and our services, and it was such a nice way to start my Monday. It uplifted my morale and my ability to feel genuinely good about what I'm doing.

In the elder care industry, it's easy to hear about negative experiences—people are quick to share horror stories or give poor reviews online. But what often goes unsaid are the everyday acts of kindness, dedication, and care that truly make a difference in the lives of older adults and their families.

Why Positivity Matters

Almost half of Americans rate nursing homes poorly for quality of care, with 42% giving a D or F grade compared to just 9% awarding an A or B. Negative reviews flood the web and shape perceptions, but positive feedback is both rarer and more valuable for building community, boosting morale, and driving meaningful improvements. When people do take a moment to write a good review or thank a caregiver, it stands out and can encourage a whole team to go above and beyond.

The Ripple Effects of Positive Feedback

Writing a positive review or verbally praising a staff member does more than just brighten someone's day—it actually tracks with better outcomes for residents. Studies show that assisted living communities with higher average ratings see residents spending more time “at home,” outside institutional settings, gaining as much as two extra days of home time per year for every one-point increase in review score. Staff who feel appreciated are less likely to burn out and more likely to form strong, supportive relationships with those in their care.

Changing the Culture of Elder Care

It takes courage to share the good when it's easy to dwell on the bad. In fact, 40% of assisted living facilities never receive any reviews, meaning countless acts of kindness and high quality care go unnoticed. Imagine how different elder care could feel if more people left positive feedback, offered sincere thanks, or celebrated the achievements of care teams. It has the power to attract and retain the best caregivers, reassure families, and help communities thrive.

The Impact of Positive Reviews in Elder Care

Feedback in elder care matters: 89% of prospective residents and their families report reading reviews before choosing a senior living community. Communities that earn positive satisfaction ratings not only attract more interest, but also foster higher staff morale, better retention, and improved recruitment of compassionate professionals. Recognition through official ratings, such as those from U.S. News, is driven by real resident and family feedback and often leads to communities prioritizing exceptional care and continually improving services.

Appreciation for Staff and Caregivers

Clear communication, verbal recognition, and gratitude towards elder care staff directly boost satisfaction. In assisted living and memory care, overall satisfaction rises by an average of 8 points year-over-year when families note positive interactions with community staff—especially when it's easy to contact leadership. Saying "thank you," offering specific praise, or writing notes of appreciation lifts spirits, increases staff engagement, and even improves resident experiences. Studies link quality of service, especially communication, with positive patient outcomes, better health, and improved quality of life for elders.

Positivity with Family and Residents

Families who regularly express thanks and encouragement to both staff and residents report reduced stress, greater satisfaction, and stronger relationships. 94% of residents say they made new friends after moving to senior living, and 86% do not regret their move, highlighting the role of social positivity in their well-being. Virtually every surveyed resident (99%) feels safe in their community—a testament to trust and the calming effect of collective gratitude.

In the elder care industry, positivity isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for building thriving communities where people feel safe, happy, and respected. Whether you’re leaving a glowing review after a tour, thanking a caregiver for their kindness, or expressing encouragement to loved ones, those acts create measurable improvements in satisfaction, trust, and quality of life. Spread positivity, and empower elder care—one word, one review, one heartfelt thank you at a time.

Be the Change — Celebrate the Good

If you've had a positive experience with elder care—whether through a thoughtful aide, a supportive administrator, or simply a small moment of kindness—share it! Your words have real weight, helping others make informed decisions and inspiring care teams to keep raising the standard. A few minutes spent writing a review or saying thank you can have an outsized impact, creating a culture of gratitude and excellence in an industry that needs it now more than ever.

Acts of appreciation in the elder care industry don't just feel good—they help build safer, happier, and more humane communities for our elders and those who care for them.

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