How to advocate home-based care software and digital tools to your decision-makers 

In the world of home-based care, technology has become a large part of everyday operations. From scheduling appointments to tracking client progress, software and digital tools have streamlined many aspects of home-based care work. 

There are so many digital tools out there, and when you come across a digital tool or software that can be a solution for your work challenges you have to convince your organization’s executives to invest in it. Your executives are the decision makers that ultimately have the power to invest in new technology, but it is the staff members who will benefit from them. So, it is important for staff members to know how to make a strong case for their implementation.  

So, how do you advocate for these tools to your executives? In this blog post, we will guide home-based care staff members on how to build a persuasive case and get their executives to approve new technology investments. 

Steps to take when building a case for digital tools and software to advocate to your home-based care executives: 

1. Identify the problem 

The first step in building a case for the tools you’d like your organization to invest in is identifying the problem it aims to solve. Start by assessing the current processes in your organization and the challenges that you and your colleagues encounter daily. This will allow you to determine the gaps in your workflow and how a new solution can help overcome them. For example, if you are struggling with data entry and analysis, invest in software that will automate these processes, which enables you to allocate more time to client care. 

2. Gather data to support your case 

Before presenting your case, make sure to gather data that supports the need for the technology you are proposing. You can look for statistics on how the software will improve efficiency, enhance client outcomes, or save costs. You can also reach out to the tool provider to gather more information that can help, such as case studies.  

Another tip is to make a list of the common pain points your team experiences that the software or tool can solve. This data can then be used to persuade executives that the investment is worthwhile and will bring about positive change. 

3. Build your pitch 

When building your pitch, make sure to clearly state the problem you are trying to solve with the technology investment. Add in the data you gathered and be sure to highlight the benefits the investment will bring. Another tip is to provide a timeline for implementation and training necessary for staff to effectively use the technology. If you’re not sure where to find this information for your pitch, you can reach out to the software/tool provider to send you that information or look on their website for case studies or whitepapers.  

Other tips when building your pitch… 

Show financial benefits: Executives are always looking for investments that will yield positive returns on their investment. When presenting your case, it is crucial to show the financial benefits of the software you are advocating for. Avoid providing vague projections; instead, provide concrete figures that demonstrate how the software will save money and increase revenues for the organization. You can use cost-benefit analyses or return-on-investment calculations to emphasize the financial benefits. 

Highlight availability, scalability, and compatibility: Executives often choose software based on its availability, scalability, and compatibility with existing infrastructure. Before presenting your case, ensure that the software you are advocating for meets these criteria. If the software is not available, scalable, or compatible with existing technology, it will be difficult to convince executives to invest in it. 

Involve your team in the process: Involve members of your team who will be using the software or tool. By doing so, executives can hear firsthand the impact that the investment will have on the team and the clients they serve. Additionally, involving your team in the process will allow them to feel invested in the technology and create buy-ins prior to implementation. 

Pitch with confidence: Make sure to pitch with confidence and enthusiasm. Show your executives how the software will make your organization more efficient, productive, and competitive. Try to be prepared to answer questions and concerns that executives may have. 

4. Provide a demo or trial 

Home-based care executives may be more willing to invest in new technology if they can see firsthand how it works and its impact. To help convince them, ask the provider of the software or tool to schedule a demo or trail. This way executives can witness how the technology operates and how it will help improve overall operations and client outcomes.   

5. Follow up and evaluate 

After presenting your pitch, following up with executives is crucial to determine the next steps and ensure the investment is on track. If they do decide to invest in the tool, it’s important to evaluate the impact of the investment on the team’s daily operations and client outcomes. By regularly checking in and analyzing the data, you can demonstrate the return on investment and the need for further technology investments in the future. 

Home-based care staff members like you play a critical role in advocating for technology investments that can enhance daily operations and improve client outcomes. By following these steps, you can make a persuasive case for technology investments to their executives. It can ensure that investments are worthwhile and positively impact the team and the clients they serve. With the help of this guide, home-based care staff members can confidently advocate for technology investments and help drive the industry forward. 

Take a look at how North Country Home Services achieved 172% return on investment (ROI) by using the right home-based care software for them: