CoolCare – Using tech to drive profitability in care homes

In an era where care homes face increasing financial pressures, from rising operational costs to the recent National Insurance spike, investing in technology may seem like an added expense.

However, forward-thinking operators recognise that digital transformation is not just an outlay but a strategic move that enhances profitability, efficiency and workforce empowerment.

A smarter approach to workforce management

Labour is the largest cost for care homes, making efficient staff management critical to financial sustainability. CoolCare’s digital workforce management tools streamline rostering, reduce administrative burdens and cut dependency on expensive agency staff. Care homes using CoolCare have reported an 80% reduction in agency reliance, leading to significant cost savings​.

Technology also empowers staff to work the way they want to. Automated scheduling and mobile shift management allow employees to select and swap shifts, reducing last-minute absences and improving job satisfaction. This results in a more engaged, stable workforce while reducing costly turnover and maintaining continuity of care.

Time is money: reducing administrative burdens

Every minute spent on paperwork is a minute taken away from resident care. By digitising key processes like invoicing, payroll and occupancy management, CoolCare’s solutions free up 13 hours of admin per month, allowing staff to focus on frontline care​.

Furthermore, CoolCare’s automated fee adjustments cut processing time from 15 minutes to just 5 minutes per adjustment, saving an average of 1.5 hours per home per month​. These small efficiencies, when applied across multiple homes, generate substantial time and cost savings.

Beyond digital care

While the focus in care home technology often falls on clinical digitalisation (e.g., electronic care plans), operational technology is where real transformation happens. Digital visitor management, smart reception solutions and real-time enquiry tracking all play a pivotal role in modernising care homes and boosting profitability.

CoolCare’s ‘Connected Reception’ enhances both operational efficiency and visitor experience. Features like biometric face clock-ins ensure accurate payroll, reducing payroll discrepancies and improving compliance​.

Investing in tech: a clear return on investment

The financial benefits of digital transformation in care homes are undeniable. Homes using CoolCare report 11% higher fees and 4% higher occupancy rates than the national average, demonstrating that efficiency gains directly translate into increased revenue​.

Additionally, CoolCare’s snap-to-shift technology saves an estimated £5,400 per month per home, simply by ensuring accurate payroll calculations and shift fulfilment​.

A future-proofed care sector

With increasing regulatory scrutiny and growing consumer expectations, care homes must embrace digital transformation to remain competitive. Technology is not just about compliance or automation; it’s about empowering staff, improving care quality and ultimately driving profitability.

By leveraging smart workforce management, reducing admin waste and modernising front-of-house operations, care homes can turn tech investment into long-term financial resilience. CoolCare functionalities offer an intuitive, user-friendly system that helps care providers thrive in a challenging market.

Find out more about Coolcare’s services by visiting their website at: https://coolcare.co.uk/