Member Insights: Holiday Staffing and Callout Planning
Member Insights: Holiday Staffing and Callout Planning
Findings from the Alliance’s Holiday Staffing Pulse Poll
Member Insights: Holiday Staffing and Callout Planning
Findings from the Alliance’s Holiday Staffing Pulse Poll
Thank you to everyone who took a few minutes to participate in our recent Pulse Poll on holiday staffing and callouts. Your input gives us a timely snapshot of how agencies across Massachusetts are managing one of the most challenging periods of the year.
The key takeaway: most agencies rely on structure, not improvisation.
Nearly half of respondents (about 45%) reported having a formal, written holiday staffing policy or rotation that is shared with staff in advance. This reinforces what we often hear from members—clear expectations and advance planning reduce last-minute disruptions and caregiver frustration.
- Manager discretion or informal guidelines were used by roughly one in eight agencies.
- Another segment depends on volunteer or sign-up systems.
- About 14% handle staffing case by case as issues arise.
- A small but notable group indicated they are reworking their approach for 2026.
Taken together, the results suggest that while no single model fits every agency, proactive communication and visibility into schedules are critical—especially during holidays when callouts have greater operational impact.
Technology as a Staffing Support
Many agencies shared that scheduling technology plays an important role in managing coverage, reducing confusion, and responding quickly to changes. Based on member feedback and tools commonly used across our community, recommended home care scheduling platforms include:
AxisCare
Benefits & OfferingsAll-in-one home care software with robust caregiver scheduling, client visit tracking, billing, custom care plans, and mobile access for field staff. It’s designed to help streamline operations and improve caregiver retention.
One ConsiderationInitial setup and onboarding can take time for new users.
Axxess HomeCare
Benefits & OfferingsCloud-based platform that manages intake, caregiver scheduling, documentation, EVV, human resources, and billing in one system — with mobile support to keep teams connected.
One ConsiderationBroad functionality may require additional staff training.
CareConnect
Benefits & OfferingsAI-powered workforce operating system that combines intelligent scheduling, automated caregiver matching, recruitment tools, and engagement features to reduce turnover and inefficiencies.
One ConsiderationImplementation may be more involved if only scheduling features are needed.
eCaring
Benefits & OfferingsSimple, scalable home care scheduling with EVV, billing, payroll, client/staff management, and real-time caregiver coordination — designed for ease of use across agencies of all sizes.
One ConsiderationAdvanced analytics and reporting are more limited than some enterprise platforms.
HHAeXchange
Benefits & OfferingsComprehensive home care platform that ties scheduling to compliance, EVV, caregiver mobile tools, and real-time data collection — widely used in Medicaid and managed care networks.
One ConsiderationPricing structure and customer support response times may vary by contract.
Homecare GPS
Benefits & OfferingsScheduling and agency management system designed to help home care coordinators build efficient caregiver schedules and manage operations from one interface. (General positioning of product category)
One ConsiderationMay require additional systems for billing or EVV, depending on agency needs.
WellSky
Benefits & OfferingsEnterprise-grade care management solution with strong scheduling, calendar management, EVV, caregiver/employee portals, and reporting tools that support operational efficiency.
One ConsiderationGreater complexity can present a learning curve for smaller agencies.
Disclaimer: The companies listed above are Alliance member organizations commonly used by home care agencies. This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any specific product or vendor. Agencies should evaluate tools based on their individual operational, regulatory, and staffing needs.
What’s Next
Pulse Polls are meant to be quick, practical, and useful—and this one delivered. We appreciate members’ willingness to share how things actually work on the ground. We’ll be rolling out more Pulse Polls in 2026 to continue surfacing trends, challenges, and peer insights that help inform education, advocacy, and operational support.
Thank you again for participating and for being part of a community that learns from one another.