Like many other service industries, the homecare industry relies heavily on interactions between members of the staff and patients. In fact, given that the health and well-being of these patients is the underlying service provided, it is even more important for homecare businesses to retain employees who have proven themselves to reliably deliver high-quality care.

Scheduled work hours, commute times, patient compatibility—there are several factors that will determine if a caregiver is willing to remain onboard long-term. As the business operator, it’s your duty to create an environment where productive and loyal caregivers feel appreciated and are given all the necessary tools to maintain a positive work experience. 

Having a solid software solution is crucial to retaining your best staff and preserving the profitability of your business. 

Job placement is key

Different people will interact differently to a given circumstance. If you have a patient who has dementia and tends to get loud and belligerent, then assigning a caregiver who is shy and easily shamed, may not be the best choice, even if that employee is sufficiently qualified. 

You need to know your people: Their qualifications, strengths, weaknesses, the unique qualities that they bring to the table. As your organization grows, it becomes increasingly more difficult to keep track of your caregivers. However, a software solution will allow you to effectively match new patients with the most suitable caregivers. 

Connecting patients with ideal caregivers increases the prospect of a favorable outcome for your patients and goodwill of your brand, as well as the likelihood that you’ll retain your best employees. 

Evaluate your staff

Caregiver performance and availability are factors in determining how they are placed and the viability of their future employment. You need software that will allow you to make objective decisions that are in the best interest of your business, your caregivers, and the patients being served. 

To have an understanding of your staff’s performance and availability, you must consistently monitor patient and family feedback and schedules. Without a software solution in place, such oversight can be extremely tedious, especially when dealing with multiple patients and caregivers. 

Reward hard work

Utilizing software to assess your staff is a great start. However, it’s not enough to simply know who is performing; to retain the best caregivers you must give them your best: truly show them your appreciation! Communication is key.

Once you’ve determined who are the most productive employees, it’s imperative that you reward their contribution to building your brand. Bonuses, gifts, and other perks are great, but sometimes just a heartfelt “thank you” can go a far way in retaining exceptional caregivers.