Hiring the right candidates for your agency can be a tricky process. With all the resumes out there, how do you know which applicants are really qualified and enthusiastic? In today’s world, it is really hard to find people that want to work as a caregiver and don’t want to waste time or money on someone who may not be a good fit. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect candidate:
1. Make a job posting.
Start with an effective job posting. Make sure that it accurately reflects what positions you’re trying to fill and outlines the requirements and desired qualifications clearly. This will help attract more suitable candidates and cut down on unqualified applications. We recommend using sites like Indeed. This site will match quality candidates to your agency. You can check out Indeed here: Click Here.
2. Write a great list of questions
Be sure to ask questions during interviews that focus on relevant experience and skills, as well as enthusiasm and passion for the work they’ll be doing in your agency. It’s important to look for home health care professionals who really understand the needs of your clients and can provide compassionate, patient-centered care. If you do not ask the right questions to your caregiver before you hire them you run the risk of hiring someone who could represent your business poorly.
The questions could look like this:
1. How do you handle a difficult situation?
2. What experience do you have with caregiving or taking care of others?
3. Describe a time when you provided comfort and reassurance to a family in distress.
4. What strategies do you use to manage challenging patient behavior?
5. Explain how you keep family members informed about their loved one’s health status and changes in condition while maintaining the patient’s privacy and dignity?
6. Describe your approach when caring for someone with special needs.
7. How would you handle an unexpected change in a patient’s condition?
8. How would other colleagues describe you?
9. Why do you want to work in healthcare?
3. Network, Network, Network!
One idea to find great caregivers is to network with other Home Health care organizations. There may be an association of caregivers you could join or even a caregiver support group on Facebook. Quality candidates could be posting in these groups! Plus, as an added bonus you can see their Facebook page to see what their life is really like. To join these groups you will need to go to Facebook and search for “groups.” Then search for caregiver support groups. You can often find quality applicants through referrals or by inviting them to informational sessions and open houses.
4. Tell them the details of the job.
Let them know what the job will be and what it’s like to work with you. Don’t sugarcoat the duties and expectations of the job. Provide detailed information on what it’s like to work in your agency so that candidates know exactly what they’re getting into before signing on the dotted line. It will help with turnover if candidates know that the job is going to be hard up front. This will ensure you only hire professionals who are truly passionate about home health care and are genuinely excited to join your team. You definitely don’t want to hire and then take the time to train someone who isn’t going to stick around.
5. Provide extra training for your caregivers.
As you know, running a home care agency is very time-consuming. Often, there just aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done. We take the time to provide initial training for caregivers with the intention of providing ongoing training. Life gets in the way, we get busy and training falls by the wayside. Remember that communication should start before the first day. Make sure to call your new caregiver welcoming them to the team and answering any questions on what the first day will be like. This will ensure they actually show up on the first day.
Some ideas for continuing training after the first day could look like this:
* Online and in-person seminars on Home Health Care.
* Training on communication skills such as active listening, empathy, and compassion
* Courses on advanced patient assessment and symptom management for end-of-life care.
Provide continuing education for your team members. This will help ensure they stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies, so you can provide the best possible care. With continuing education, you’ll also be sure that your staff has the necessary qualifications to do their job effectively.
Hiring and keeping a great caregivers is essential in providing quality care to patients and their families. With the help of these tips, you’ll be able to find the perfect candidate and make sure they stay with your agency for years to come. When it comes down to it, having a knowledgeable, passionate team of caregivers is worth every penny! So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start finding those ideal candidates!
Good luck as you search for the best possible candidate for your agency! Just keep in mind that great caregivers are not easy to come by but with some effort and dedication on your part, you can hire someone who will bring knowledge and compassion to your team. They will be the ones that will really be the face of your business so although the hunt may be challenging, it is important to find the right person!
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start finding those ideal candidates!
Good luck!
Happy hiring! 🙂
Tips For Caregiver Retention
/in GEOH News/by Tom BumgardnerDid you know retaining a caregiver could save your agency 3,000 dollars? According to a study by the Home Care Association of America, retaining a caregiver for just six months can save an agency over $3,000 in recruitment and training costs. In this blog post, we will discuss why home care retention is essential and provide tips on how to keep caregivers at your agency for the long term.
Click Here to Download our new e-book: The Ultimate Guide to Caregiver Retention
Tips for Keeping Caregivers at Your Agency
1. Offer Competitive Pay and Benefits
An obvious way is to offer competitive pay and benefits. A survey by the National Private Duty Association found that pay was the most essential factor when considering a caregiver job. Offering additional benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans can also help entice caregivers to stay long-term. The benefits could also be more creative! Try a Netflix or Spotify subscription. Have a smaller agency? Disney Plus will allow you to have ten profiles for FREE! Although, these are small benefits it helps when caregivers are between two agencies at the same pay rate. But, we get it higher pay is not always an option.
2. Provide Ongoing Training and Support
Caregivers want to feel valued and supported by their agency. But, as an agency owner you might hear these words all the time, but what does it actually mean? For onboarding, always call caregivers before the first shift! Discuss what you can and let them know you are excited to have them at your agency. This will keep them from going to another agency and get them to their first day! During training call them every day, ask how it went, and if they have any questions you can answer. Above all else, send out an occasional text letting your caregivers know that you are here for them.
3. Create a Positive Work Environment
A positive work environment can significantly impact a caregiver’s decision to stay long-term. Agencies should prioritize creating a supportive and collaborative workplace culture where caregivers feel connected to their colleagues and appreciated for their hard work. Showing appreciation is huge for your agency! Write handwritten thank you cards, and show appreciation whenever you send a text message. Caregiving is a hard job, and these thank yous can go a long way after a hard day.
4. Flexibility and Work-Life Balance
Caregivers often juggle caregiving responsibilities with their personal lives. Offering flexibility in scheduling and providing ample time off can help caregivers maintain a work-life balance and reduce burnout. Agencies can also provide support to caregivers who may need assistance with caring for their own family members. Something GEOH suggests is to build a schedule WITH your caregivers instead of FOR them. Show caregivers their schedule first and have the caregiver approve that they can be there.
5. Communication is Key
Effective communication is vital to keeping caregivers at your agency. Caregivers want to feel that their opinions and feedback are being heard. Regularly checking in with caregivers about their job experiences, concerns, and suggestions can help address any issues before they escalate. Providing clear expectations and transparency about job duties and agency policies can also build trust and prevent misunderstandings. We know that there is a lot to caregiver communication. GEOH held a webinar on this topic and you can watch it here.
Retaining caregivers is vital for maintaining consistency, quality of care, and financial stability for home care agencies. By offering competitive pay and benefits, providing ongoing training and support, creating a positive work environment, offering flexibility, and maintaining effective communication, agencies can retain experienced caregivers and provide exceptional care to their clients. For more retention tips and advice, download our free e-book- GEOH’s Ultimate Retention Guide today!
The Guide That Will Help You Communicate With Your Caregivers
/in GEOH News/by Tom BumgardnerHey there!
We have a free gift for you below!
We understand that one of the biggest challenges faced by home care operators is managing caregiver time effectively. This is why this week we’re offering you a free downloadable admin guide that you can use to optimize your manual clock-in process and show you how to communicate with your caregivers.
The guide delves into Sara’s story, a home care agency owner who struggled with manual clock-ins until she discovered a solution that worked. Read her journey and how she improved manual clock-ins from 95% down to 5%. This free guide will help you make the necessary changes and avoid the same issues faced by Sara.
We believe in empowering our agency owners, and we’re confident that this admin guide will make a significant difference in managing your agency efficiently. We want you to focus on what’s important- providing exceptional care to your clients, and growing your agency!
Click here to download our Free E-Book: The Guide That Will Help You Communicate With Your Caregivers
Check out why our customers love us below:
5 Ways Updated Homecare Technology Can Reduce Stress in Your Agency.
/in Agency Operations, Home Care Technology and Software/by Bailey AndersonAs an agency owner, you already have your hands full with the many tasks required to keep your home care business up and running smoothly. But did you know that staying ahead of the game when it comes to technology could make all the difference in reducing stress levels? The latest advances can help streamline processes, eliminate errors and ultimately make every aspect of your homecare business run more efficiently. So don’t be afraid — take a dive into this tech-filled sea! This post will show you how incorporating updated technology can improve customer service, track your caregivers, and get you paid on time – in short – lower stress levels so that you can focus more time on what matters most: providing quality services to clients, and getting your life back!
1. Automated reminders for appointments, medication schedules, and other important dates or tasks
A homecare agency owner’s stresses can easily be forgotten if the schedule has been updated with modern technology. Automated reminders for scheduling visits for caregivers that help them in remembering important dates or tasks will ensure that no matter how jam-packed your day gets, you and your caregivers won’t forget extremely important tasks. Using updated technology to create scheduling events for caregivers to automate reminders gives owners peace of mind, knowing that caregivers are completing every single task. Not only can automated reminders help reduce stress in scheduling, but also keep owners organized and prepared for any upcoming visits for their home care agency.
2. GPS tracking of caregivers to ensure they are arriving on time and going to the correct locations
Without technology, knowing that caregivers are where they say they are can become a trust factor. Although trust can be a great thing—having the peace of mind to check on an app that your caregivers are where they say they are, can be a huge advantage! Using software like GEOH can help with this because with GEOH you always know your caregivers are where they are supposed to be.
3. Electronic notes in app that make it easy for caregivers to update information about their patients.
Managing the scheduling of series of visits for your caregivers and keeping up with the updates that come along with each patient can be quite challenging. The good news is, modern technology makes it easier than ever to remember all of these little details! Electronic notes in an app make it easy for caregivers to keep updated information quickly and accurately while out in the field. There’s no more need to carry around stacks of paperwork and folders – now you have everything condensed into an easily accessible application. Say “goodbye” to tedious paperwork and say “hello” to a simpler, more efficient way for your caregivers to update their patient notes.
4. A great billing service that makes getting paid quick and easy.
Our billing add-on service has revolutionized the way agency owners get paid, and minimizes the hours you would normally spend on your billing. With the right software, businesses can streamline their entire billing process. GEOH’s Billing service makes getting paid a breeze.
At the end of the day, home care technology can help reduce stress and increase efficiency in your agency. Automated reminders keep both caregivers and clients informed on what is happening. GPS tracking ensures that no appointments are missed. Electronic notes make it easier to keep records up to date, and a great billing service will take away one of the most complicated tasks of running an agency. All these features – and many more – can make a world of difference when it comes to managing your home care agency.
This blog post has given you five ways that updated home care technology can help reduce stress within your agency so you can focus on providing quality home care services. Hopefully after reading this post, you’ve gotten some good ideas for how to use technology to lessen stress in your agency. Now go ahead and get things rolling! And if you want an extra helping hand, why not try scheduling a strategy session with us – we’re here to assist you every step of the way. Want to learn more? Try scheduling a strategy session with one of GEOH’s Home Care Strategist.
7 Great Gifts You Haven’t Thought of For Your Caregivers
/in Agency Operations, Recruiting, Training and Retaining Caregivers/by Bailey AndersonAs a home care agency owner, you are always looking for ways to show your appreciation to the caregivers on your team. Showing gratitude goes a long way in maintaining employee engagement and satisfaction. But have you ever considered unique gifts as tokens of appreciation? Thoughtful presents can often be an even more meaningful gesture than something small and generic – making it easier for employees to feel valued and motivated. Whether it’s acknowledging their birthday or recognizing an achievement they’ve achieved on the job, these 7 great gifts will surprise even the most seasoned of caregivers – with options that are both useful and thoughtful! Read on for some inspirational ideas that will make any caregiver feel appreciated.
1. A Personalized Mug:
Show your appreciation with a special mug featuring an uplifting message or image that speaks to the recipient’s unique qualities. For instance; you could make a mug with their name on it.
Etsy has lots of great personalized mugs! We found this one for only 12 dollars.
2. A Gift Basket:
Put together a special gift basket with all the caregiver’s favorite treats and goodies, such as tea, coffee, chocolates, or bath salts.
We recommend finding a basket from dollar tree or Walmart. It’s a good idea before you put the gift basket together to create a Google document that your staff can fill out with their favorite things. You can download our free caregiver’s favorite sheet here to have them fill out later.
This document will be a great resource to pass around the office to know everyone’s favorite treats!
3. Coupon For a Day Off:
We all know what every employee in America wants—and your caregivers are no different! If you are their boss, why not create a cute coupon for a Day Off that they can redeem this year? You could even start handing these out for your staff’s Birthday! The best part is- you don’t even have to buy anything!
4. A Hand Written Thank You Card:
Sometimes a thank you card coming from a boss with a list of their strengths is very encouraging and could be the best gift you could give your workers. The truth is some of your caregivers may not know you appreciate them. The only way your caregivers will know is if you tell them. But with a handwritten note, they will be sure to know that you see their hard work and appreciate them! Your note could look something like this:
Dear, _______
I appreciate all your hard work. I know caregiving can be hard, but it has been such a joy to watch you make a difference in people’s lives. I especially appreciate how you ____________. It is an honor to have you on our team. Thank you for all you do!
Sincerely,
________
Your caregivers will love a handwritten card even if it is free.
5. A Certificate For Their Favorite Restaurant:
Treat your caregivers to a special dinner at their favorite restaurant with a gift certificate. No matter what they say- Everyone loves to have free food! A thoughtful gift can go a long way! That’s why gifting a caregiver with a food gift card during holidays or special occasions is an ideal reward – one that both shows appreciation and provides great value. It allows them to purchase meals or snacks without any financial burden on themselves or their families
6. A Journal:
Caregiving can be a stressful job. Sometimes a journal with their name on it may be just what they need. Allow your caregivers to unload their thoughts and feelings by providing them with a journal or diary where they can write their thoughts down in private.
7. A Coffee or Latte:
Sometimes when a gift is personalized, it doesn’t even have to be big. A great way to show your caregivers you care about them could be as simple as a 5-dollar latte. You can just find out their favorite drink and bring it to them at work with a note that says “I appreciate all the hard work that you do.” Your caregivers are sure to love such a delicious treat with a sweet note attached.
Should I Really Buy My Caregivers a Gift?
The simple answer is yes. — As an owner of a home care agency, you know how important it is to find the right caregivers and keep them on your team. While worker retention can be an ongoing challenge, there’s one simple way to motivate your high-performing caregivers: buy them a gift! Not only does this show recognition for their hard work, but it also encourages loyalty toward your business.
Caregivers sacrifice a lot of their time and energy to take care of others, so it is important to show them our appreciation with thoughtful gifts. A great way to find the perfect present for your caregivers is by filling out a favorites chart ahead of time. This will give you some ideas of what they might want or need. If you’re still stuck, we’ve compiled a list of great gift ideas for caregivers. No matter what you choose, your caregiver will appreciate the gesture and know that you value their hard work. So, get out there and start shopping! And don’t forget to show your caregivers how much you appreciate them too – after all, they deserve it!
Thank you for reading. We hope this article gave you some helpful ideas on how to show your appreciation to caregivers. Good caregivers are hard to come by and hard to keep. So, take the time to show them just how much you appreciate all they do. If you’re looking for something that will really make a difference in someone’s life, consider gifting them with an experience or item that reflects their interests. A simple gesture will go a long way to a caregiver. Plus, just imagine how happy your caregivers will be once they know how much you care about them.
Remember: We at GEOH are always here for you if you need more ideas for your home care agency!
How to hire qualified and enthusiastic caregivers for your home health care agency.
/in Agency Operations, Recruiting, Training and Retaining Caregivers/by Tom BumgardnerHiring the right candidates for your agency can be a tricky process. With all the resumes out there, how do you know which applicants are really qualified and enthusiastic? In today’s world, it is really hard to find people that want to work as a caregiver and don’t want to waste time or money on someone who may not be a good fit. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect candidate:
1. Make a job posting.
Start with an effective job posting. Make sure that it accurately reflects what positions you’re trying to fill and outlines the requirements and desired qualifications clearly. This will help attract more suitable candidates and cut down on unqualified applications. We recommend using sites like Indeed. This site will match quality candidates to your agency. You can check out Indeed here: Click Here.
2. Write a great list of questions
Be sure to ask questions during interviews that focus on relevant experience and skills, as well as enthusiasm and passion for the work they’ll be doing in your agency. It’s important to look for home health care professionals who really understand the needs of your clients and can provide compassionate, patient-centered care. If you do not ask the right questions to your caregiver before you hire them you run the risk of hiring someone who could represent your business poorly.
The questions could look like this:
1. How do you handle a difficult situation?
2. What experience do you have with caregiving or taking care of others?
3. Describe a time when you provided comfort and reassurance to a family in distress.
4. What strategies do you use to manage challenging patient behavior?
5. Explain how you keep family members informed about their loved one’s health status and changes in condition while maintaining the patient’s privacy and dignity?
6. Describe your approach when caring for someone with special needs.
7. How would you handle an unexpected change in a patient’s condition?
8. How would other colleagues describe you?
9. Why do you want to work in healthcare?
3. Network, Network, Network!
One idea to find great caregivers is to network with other Home Health care organizations. There may be an association of caregivers you could join or even a caregiver support group on Facebook. Quality candidates could be posting in these groups! Plus, as an added bonus you can see their Facebook page to see what their life is really like. To join these groups you will need to go to Facebook and search for “groups.” Then search for caregiver support groups. You can often find quality applicants through referrals or by inviting them to informational sessions and open houses.
4. Tell them the details of the job.
Let them know what the job will be and what it’s like to work with you. Don’t sugarcoat the duties and expectations of the job. Provide detailed information on what it’s like to work in your agency so that candidates know exactly what they’re getting into before signing on the dotted line. It will help with turnover if candidates know that the job is going to be hard up front. This will ensure you only hire professionals who are truly passionate about home health care and are genuinely excited to join your team. You definitely don’t want to hire and then take the time to train someone who isn’t going to stick around.
5. Provide extra training for your caregivers.
As you know, running a home care agency is very time-consuming. Often, there just aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done. We take the time to provide initial training for caregivers with the intention of providing ongoing training. Life gets in the way, we get busy and training falls by the wayside. Remember that communication should start before the first day. Make sure to call your new caregiver welcoming them to the team and answering any questions on what the first day will be like. This will ensure they actually show up on the first day.
Some ideas for continuing training after the first day could look like this:
* Online and in-person seminars on Home Health Care.
* Training on communication skills such as active listening, empathy, and compassion
* Courses on advanced patient assessment and symptom management for end-of-life care.
Provide continuing education for your team members. This will help ensure they stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies, so you can provide the best possible care. With continuing education, you’ll also be sure that your staff has the necessary qualifications to do their job effectively.
Hiring and keeping a great caregivers is essential in providing quality care to patients and their families. With the help of these tips, you’ll be able to find the perfect candidate and make sure they stay with your agency for years to come. When it comes down to it, having a knowledgeable, passionate team of caregivers is worth every penny! So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start finding those ideal candidates!
Good luck as you search for the best possible candidate for your agency! Just keep in mind that great caregivers are not easy to come by but with some effort and dedication on your part, you can hire someone who will bring knowledge and compassion to your team. They will be the ones that will really be the face of your business so although the hunt may be challenging, it is important to find the right person!
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start finding those ideal candidates!
Good luck!
Happy hiring! 🙂