Recruitment: Finding and Hiring the Right Caregivers
Caregiver shortages are the biggest hurdle for many home care agencies. With rising wages and increased competition from other industries, agencies must rethink their recruitment strategies to attract quality candidates.
One effective approach is upskilling caregivers as a pathway to recruitment. Providing training opportunities before and during the hiring process can set candidates up for success. In fact, caregivers who receive professional development opportunities are more likely to join and stay with an agency (Nevvon Blog).
From the Maximizing Caregiver Satisfaction and Retention Through Technology and Training webinar, industry experts emphasized the importance of speed-to-hire and tech-driven recruitment solutions. Agencies that streamline their onboarding process through applicant tracking systems, digital credential verification, and mobile-friendly applications can significantly reduce time-to-hire. Bob Roth from Cypress HomeCare Solutions shared that by using machine learning and AI to filter candidates, his agency cut the hiring process from four weeks to under a week.
Retention: Keeping Caregivers Engaged and Satisfied
Retention remains a pressing issue, with turnover rates continuing to rise. To improve retention, agencies must focus on caregiver satisfaction, engagement, and career development.
A key strategy is leveraging structured staff development programs. Training caregivers continuously—rather than just at onboarding—enhances job satisfaction and reduces turnover. According to Nevvon’s blog, caregivers who participate in professional development programs are more likely to stay in their roles.
From the webinar, mentorship programs and career advancement opportunities were identified as critical tools for caregiver retention. Pairing new caregivers with experienced mentors helps them navigate the challenges of home care, increasing their likelihood of staying beyond the first 60 to 90 days. Nevvon’s training programs, available in 11 languages, also help caregivers feel supported in their learning, improving retention rates.
Technology as a Game-Changer in Workforce Management
With staffing challenges at the forefront, technology adoption is accelerating in home-based care. Many agencies are now investing in solutions to streamline scheduling, training, and caregiver communication.
From the webinar discussion, several leaders highlighted how technology reduces administrative burdens and allows agencies to focus more on caregiver satisfaction. For example, integrating AI-powered scheduling systems, mobile communication tools, and electronic documentation can significantly improve operational efficiency. Courtney McCormick from AxisCare emphasized the importance of automating repetitive tasks to free up staff to focus on engagement and quality of care.
Building a Future-Ready Workforce
As value-based care models expand, agencies must prepare caregivers to handle more complex care needs. Investing in specialized training, such as dementia care certifications, can help agencies differentiate their services while improving caregiver skills and confidence.
In California, Nevvon partnered with the state to provide funding for caregiver upskilling programs. The result? 80% of caregivers who completed additional training were still employed with their agency six months later. This underscores the importance of continued education in workforce stability.
The Path Forward
Addressing the home-based care staffing crisis requires a multi-faceted approach that includes:
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Accelerating hiring through technology (AI-driven recruitment, digital onboarding, and applicant tracking systems)
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Enhancing retention strategies (mentorship programs, caregiver rewards, and career development)
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Streamlining workforce management (AI scheduling, digital compliance tracking, and language-inclusive training platforms)
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Investing in caregiver education (dementia training, specialized care programs, and continuous learning opportunities)
By embracing these strategies, home care agencies can improve caregiver satisfaction, reduce turnover, and enhance the overall quality of care. Now is the time to invest in technology, training, and workforce development to ensure a sustainable future for home-based care.
For more insights on recruitment and retention strategies, explore Nevvon’s latest blogs:
