19 Best UK Long term Care Staff Scheduling Software Solutions for 2024
Long-term care staff scheduling software is a specialised category of digital tools designed to streamline the workflow of scheduling workers within the long-term healthcare sector.
These systems cater to the unique needs of extended care facilities, including nursing homes, assisted living centres, and rehabilitation institutions.
Using these systems, long-term care operations can ensure appropriate staff allocation across various shifts and departments, maintain compliance with staffing regulations, and improve overall productivity.
Long-term care staff scheduling software is used by administrators and managers to efficiently handle labour resources, reduce scheduling conflicts, and manage shift swaps and other staff requests.
As the demand for competent care intensifies with an ageing population, the best long-term care staff scheduling software becomes increasingly significant in sustaining high-quality patient care.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the 19 best UK long-term care staff scheduling software solutions of 2024 and our top picks to help make the selection process easier.
Top Long Term Care Staff Scheduling Tools Comparison & Ratings Chart
Further Reading: Best Healthcare Staff Scheduling Software
Top 19 Long-Term Care Staff Scheduling Software Tools Reviewed
In the realm of long-term care, staff scheduling software plays a pivotal role in ensuring efficient operations and the provision of consistent care.
This section presents an insight into the top 19 long-term care staff scheduling tools, exploring their features, pros, cons, user reviews, and pricing to provide a comprehensive view for decision-makers.
1. PARiM
PARiM offers a flexible and comprehensive approach to staff scheduling, with an emphasis on user-friendliness and accessibility.
Top Features
Shift Planning: This feature allows for easy creation and adjustment of shift patterns, ensuring adequate staff coverage.
Absence Management: PARiM simplifies the tracking and management of staff absences, reducing the risk of being understaffed.
Time Tracking: Accurate recording of staff hours worked, aiding in payroll accuracy and dispute resolution.
Pros
User-friendly interface
Reliable customer support
Cons
Limited customization options
A learning curve for new users
Reviews
Total reviews: 29
Aggregate rating: 4.8/5 on Capterra.com
Pricing
Pricing starts at £39/month.
2. Covr
Covr is designed to streamline the scheduling process in long-term care settings, focusing on simplicity and maximizing staff efficiency.
Top Features
Auto-Scheduling: This feature automates the scheduling process based on staff availability and qualifications.
Compliance Tracking: Ensures that schedules meet labor laws and industry regulations.
Real-Time Notifications: Keeps staff informed about schedule changes and updates instantaneously.
Pros
Simplifies complex scheduling
Ensures regulatory compliance
Cons
May have a limited feature set compared to some competitors
Could be over-simplistic for larger organizations
Reviews
Total Reviews: 5
Aggregate Review Rating: 5/5 on Capterra.com
Pricing
Pricing details available upon request from Covr's sales team.
3. Aline
Aline provides long-term care facilities with an intuitive scheduling solution that adapts to the unique challenges of the healthcare sector.
Top Features
Drag-and-Drop Scheduling: Facilitates quick adjustments to the schedule.
Skills-Based Assignments: Aligns staff qualifications with specific care needs.
Mobile Access: Schedules are accessible on the go, making it easier for staff to stay updated.
Pros
Intuitive design
Strong mobile functionality
Cons
Might be less suitable for very small facilities
Depending on updates can sometimes introduce a lag
Reviews
Total Reviews: 6
Aggregate Review Rating: 4.4/5 on Capterra.com
Pricing
Offers different pricing tiers based on the size of the facility and feature requirements.
4. AxisCare
AxisCare is a specifically tailored solution for home care agencies, aiming to make scheduling and management tasks more manageable and efficient.
Top Features
Customizable Scheduling: Allows agencies to set their specific parameters for scheduling.
Marketing Tools: Includes features that assist with the promotion and growth of the agency.
Caregiver Management: Tools for managing caregiver details, from certifications to pay rates.
Pros
Marketing integration
Comprehensive caregiver management
Cons
Might be more than needed for smaller operations
Can be complex to navigate initially
Reviews
Total Reviews: 682
Aggregate Review Rating: 4.7/5 on Capterra.com
Pricing
Detailed pricing information can be acquired through AxisCare's contact channels.
5. ScheduleAnywhere
ScheduleAnywhere caters to the scheduling needs of various industries, including long-term care, with a focus on scalability and ease of use.
Top Features
24/7 Access: Schedules can be accessed anytime, anywhere, providing flexibility for management and staff.
Advanced Reporting: Offers a wide range of reports for better decision-making and tracking.
Overlap Shifts: Allows scheduling of overlapping shifts to ensure no gaps in care coverage.
Pros
Scalable to any organization size
Extensive reporting capabilities
Cons
The interface can be considered dated by some users
Initial setup requires an investment of time
Reviews
Total Reviews: 60
Aggregate Review Rating: 4.6/5 on Capterra.com
Pricing
Pricing is based on the number of employees and specific feature needs; available on request.
6. Carecenta
Carecenta aims to optimize operational efficiency for home care agencies and long-term care facilities through its robust scheduling and management platform.
Top Features
Automated Compliance: Assists in maintaining compliance with health care regulations.
Integrated Billing: Seamless billing system that works in sync with scheduling.
Real-Time Communication: Enhances coordination between staff and management through instant communication tools.
Pros
Focus on compliance
Billing integration reduces administrative work
Cons
The comprehensive feature set may overwhelm some users
Tailored more towards home care than other types of long-term care facilities
Reviews
Total Reviews: 41
Aggregate Review Rating: 4.4/5 on Capterra.com
Pricing
Pricing varies based on service bundles and agency size; details provided by Carecenta.
7. Jotform
Jotform is a versatile form builder that can be adapted for use in long-term care staff scheduling, offering customizability and ease of integration.
Top Features
Custom Form Creation: Enables the creation of custom scheduling forms tailored to the facility's needs.
Integration Capabilities: Easily integrates with other software systems for a streamlined workflow.
Data Collection and Analysis: Collects and analyzes staff scheduling data for informed decision-making.
Pros
Highly customizable
Broad integration options
Cons
Not a dedicated scheduling platform
Some setup required to tailor for scheduling needs
Reviews
Total Reviews: 1890
Aggregate Review Rating: 4.7/5 on Capterra.com
Pricing
Offers a free tier, with more advanced features available in paid subscriptions.
8. StaffScheduleCare
StaffScheduleCare is built specifically for the long-term care sector, delivering a comprehensive scheduling tool designed to handle the nuances of healthcare staff management.
Top Features
Centralized Scheduling: Consolidates scheduling across departments for uniformed staff management.
Overtime Control: Helps manage and control staff overtime, a common challenge in healthcare settings.
Labor Budgeting: Assists in maintaining labor costs within budgetary limits.
Pros
Designed for long-term care facilities
Effective control of overtime
Cons
May not be as flexible as some other solutions
The interface could be modernized
Reviews
Total Reviews: 17
Aggregate Review Rating: 4.1/5 on Capterra.com
Pricing
Pricing details are provided upon request from StaffScheduleCare.
9. Smartlinx
Smartlinx is designed to streamline workforce management in healthcare facilities, particularly focusing on long-term care.
Top Features
Workforce Scheduler: Automates the scheduling process, accounting for staff qualifications and availability.
Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) Reporting: Simplifies compliance with government staffing mandates.
Mobile Application: Provides staff access to schedules and shift changes on the go.
Pros
Integrates workforce management tasks.
Offers real-time labor analytics.
Cons
Interface may have a steep learning curve.
Potential for occasional software lags.
Reviews
Total Reviews: 6
Aggregate Review Rating: 4.5/5 on Capterra.com
Pricing
For pricing details, Smartlinx encourages contacting them directly for a quote.
10. Deputy
Deputy is known for its versatile scheduling features that accommodate various industries, including long-term care.
Top Features
Auto-Scheduling: Uses AI to automatically assign shifts based on staff availability and roles.
Time Tracking: Integrates with payroll and provides precise time tracking for staff.
Communication Tools: Offers a platform for staff to swap shifts and communicate effectively.
Pros
User-friendly interface.
Robust mobile app for on-the-go management.
Cons
Occasionally complex for setting up specific rules.
Some reports of sync issues with external calendars.
Reviews
Total Reviews: 713
Aggregate Review Rating: 4.6/5 on Capterra.com
Pricing
Deputy's pricing starts at $4.50 per user per month for their scheduling product.
11. Humanity
Humanity stands out in long-term care scheduling for its customizable features and scalability.
Top Features
Shift Planning: Customizable shift patterns and staff scheduling preferences.
Compliance: Ensures that schedules adhere to labor laws and certification requirements.
Integration: Offers seamless integration with other HR and payroll systems.
Pros
Extensive customization options.
Provides forecasting tools for budgeting labor costs.
Cons
Mobile app may lack some web-based features.
Occasionally reported bugs after updates.
Reviews
Total Reviews: 294
Aggregate Review Rating: 4.3/5 on Capterra.com
Pricing
Humanity pricing information is available upon request.
12. When I Work
When I Work is a scheduling tool that caters to the dynamic needs of long-term care facilities.
Top Features
Team Messaging: Allows for easy communication and coordination among staff.
Attendance Tracking: Monitors time and attendance with clock-in/clock-out features.
Shift Trading: Empowers employees to manage their own schedules with shift swapping.
Pros
Intuitive design and navigation.
Free plan available for small teams.
Cons
Limited reporting capabilities on lower-tier plans.
Additional costs for some premium features.
Reviews
Total Reviews: 1081
Aggregate Review Rating: 4.5/5 on Capterra.com
Pricing
When I work paid plans start at $2.50 per user per month.
13. Planday
Planday focuses on simplifying the scheduling process while offering robust tools to manage staff in long-term care.
Top Features
Drag-and-Drop Scheduling: Easy to use interface for scheduling.
Employee Availability: Handles staff availability and time-off requests efficiently.
Communication: Improves team communication through built-in messaging.
Pros
Great for shift planning and staff coordination.
Offers a comprehensive overview of staffing and costs.
Cons
Initial setup requires time investment.
Customization options may be overwhelming to new users.
Reviews
Total reviews: 55
Aggregate rating: 4.3/5 on Capterra.com
Pricing
Plans start at €2.99 per user per month; contact Planday for additional pricing details.
14. Rotacloud
Rotacloud is tailored for small to medium-sized long-term care organizations that need a straightforward scheduling solution.
Top Features
Rota Planning: Simplifies the creation and sharing of staff rotas.
Time & Attendance: Provides tools for tracking staff working hours accurately.
Leave Management: Manages holiday and time-off requests efficiently.
Pros
Easy to understand rota system.
Good support and training resources.
Cons
Limited functionality beyond scheduling.
May not suit very large organizations.
Reviews
Total reviews: 246
Aggregate rating: 4.9/5 on Capterra.com
Pricing
Rotacloud's pricing starts at £60 per user per month.
15. Rotageek
Rotageek offers a sophisticated approach to staff scheduling, utilizing predictive analytics to optimize rotas.
Top Features
Predictive Scheduling: Anticipates staffing needs based on past data.
Auto-Rostering: Generates schedules that align with staff availability and preferences.
Employee Self-Service: Allows staff to manage shifts and leave requests from their devices.
Pros
AI-driven features for improved scheduling.
Strong focus on employee work-life balance.
Cons
Advanced features may require a learning curve.
Higher cost than some competitors.
Reviews
Total reviews: 197
Aggregate rating: 4.6/5 on Capterra.com
Pricing
Rotageek pricing information is available upon request.
16. Rotaready
Rotaready combines staff scheduling with an array of workforce management tools for long-term care environments.
Top Features
Cost Control: Tools to track and manage labor costs effectively.
Intelligent Rostering: Automatically creates rotas with minimal conflicts.
Compliance: Ensures schedules meet employment standards and regulations.
Pros
Comprehensive set of management features.
Solid compliance adherence.
Cons
May be too complex for smaller facilities.
Occasional delays in customer service response.
Reviews
Total reviews: 75
Aggregate rating: 4.7/5 on Capterra.com
Pricing
Rotaready pricing starts at £89 per user per month.
17. Nowsta
Nowsta provides a powerful scheduling platform designed to address the challenges faced by long-term care facilities.
Top Features
Workforce Analytics: Offers insights into staffing patterns and labor costs.
Time Clock: Integrates a digital time clock for accurate time tracking.
Flexible Scheduling: Adapt to staffing needs with easily adjustable schedules.
Pros
Real-time visibility into workforce metrics.
Efficient handling of shift changes and replacements.
Cons
Reporting features may need expanding.
Might require time for staff adaptation.
Reviews
Total Reviews: 253
Aggregate Review Rating: 4.9/5 stars on Capterra.com
Pricing
Contact for a customized pricing plan.
18. Ubeya
Ubeya focuses on simplifying the scheduling process for casual and hourly employees in long-term care.
Top Features
One-Click Scheduling: Rapidly assign shifts and notify employees.
Employee Self-Service: Empower staff with shift management tools.
Analytics Dashboard: Visual representation of staffing and operations data.
Pros
Streamlined interface enhances user experience.
Offers a high level of customization.
Cons
Somewhat limited integration options.
May need additional features for complex scheduling.
Reviews
Total Reviews: 42
Aggregate Review Rating: 4.8/5 on Capterra.com
Pricing
Ubeya's pricing starts at $4 per user per month.
19. Sling
Sling focuses on simplifying the scheduling and workforce management process across various sectors, including long-term care.
Top Features
Shift Scheduling: Facilitates simple creation and distribution of employee schedules.
Time Off Management: Streamlines how managers handle leave requests.
Labor Cost Optimization: Provides tools to help control and reduce labor expenses.
Pros
Intuitive and easy-to-use interface.
Offers both scheduling and time-tracking in one platform.
Cons
Advanced features can be complex to set up.
Some limitations in reporting functions.
Reviews
Total reviews: 150
Aggregate rating: 4.7/5 on Capterra.com
Pricing
Sling offers a free basic plan; premium features start at $1.7 per user per month.
Further Reading: Best Nurse Staff Scheduling Software
What Features to Look for When Choosing a Staff Scheduling Software for Long Term Care
When assessing staff scheduling software for nursing homes or other long-term care facilities, administrators should prioritize features that enhance operational efficiency and meet specific healthcare needs.
A comprehensive scheduling solution should streamline the intricate processes involved in managing healthcare staff schedules.
Notable features to consider include:
User-Friendly Interface
An intuitive interface that simplifies navigation and scheduling tasks reduces the learning curve for staff and increases adoption rates.
Compliance Tracking
With the myriad of regulations in healthcare, the software should ensure compliance with labor laws and certification requirements.
Shift Scheduling
Nursing home scheduling software must offer robust shift planning tools to manage different shift patterns and staffing levels necessary to provide round-the-clock care.
Real-Time Updates
Real-time modifications to the schedule allow for instant communication of changes to staff, ensuring seamless operations.
Employee Self-Service
Staff should be able to view their schedules, submit availability, request time off, and swap shifts autonomously.
Reporting and Analytics
The software should generate reports for labor costs, staffing adequacy, and other key metrics to aid in decision-making.
Integration Capabilities
Ideally, the software should integrate with existing Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems and payroll software for a unified workflow.
Mobile Accessibility
Accessibility via mobile devices is critical for on-the-go schedule checking and updates, vital in the fast-paced healthcare environment.
Which of the Top Nursing Home Scheduling Software Is Right for You?
Choosing the right nursing home scheduling software hinges on understanding the unique needs of your assisted living or long-term care facility.
Certain features are invaluable for optimizing schedules, managing staff workloads, and improving overall operational efficiency.
On the other hand, documentation streamlining and simplification can often be a major administrative hurdle. In such cases, features that support electronic records and reduce paperwork are key.
