Why You’re Not Finding Good Caregivers (And What to Do)
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Hiring people to help special needs adult, child, or sibling shouldn’t feel like shouting into the void.
But for many families, that’s exactly what it is.
Flyers. Job boards. Facebook posts.
You’ve probably tried all of them—and still, no one shows up. Or they come once, and never return.
It’s one of the most frustrating parts of finding support for adults with disabilites whether you're hiring privately, or using Participant-Directed Services (PDS).
And yet, families are expected to recruit, interview, and train staff like a seasoned hiring manager… without ever being shown how.
If you're stuck wondering why your caregiver job post isn’t getting any bites, this article is for you.
Common Reasons Families Struggle to Hire Caregivers
Here’s what I see over and over again:
🗒️ Job descriptions are too vague (or too clinical)
Using terms like “DSP,” “ADLs,” or “behavior support” without context can scare off great candidates who just need plain language.
🌐 You're relying on the wrong platforms
Indeed, Facebook, and Nextdoor can help—but not without a strategy. Most families post once and hope for magic. That rarely works.
💰Pay is low, but the expectations are high
Caregivers are often asked to manage medication, transportation, behavior, and more—for wages that rival fast food. The result? High turnover and low trust.
🔄 There’s no clear system for interviewing or training
Even if someone good applies, the process often falls apart after the first conversation. Without a simple, repeatable system, good candidates slip through the cracks.
What to Do Differently
Finding a caregiver that's a good fit for your family is far more than a single job post. You need a process.
1. Write job ads like you're talking to a real person
“We’re looking for someone who’s calm, kind, and dependable. You’ll help a young man with disabilities live a full, meaningful life at home and in the community.”
2. Use simple language—and visual storytelling
Include a photo (with permission), describe the personality fit, and give examples of what the day-to-day looks like.
3. Have a 3-question screening tool
“What makes this kind of work meaningful for you?”
“Are you comfortable helping with personal care?”
“Do you prefer a routine or variety in your day?”
4. Support your caregivers early and often
Clear expectations, check-ins, and a short onboarding can make the difference between someone staying 3 days or 3 years.
Need Help Hiring a Caregiver? Start Here
Hiring caregivers through Participant-Directed Services doesn’t have to feel like guesswork.
I help families:
Write job descriptions that actually attract applicants
Set up screening tools to save time
Understand how to compete even with lower pay
Build teams that last
I have a few openings for free strategy sessions sepficially families who are currently hiring or plan to hire caregivers and need a strategy that works.
👉 Click here to schedule your 1:1 session
Meet Samantha
Samantha Harrison is a disability consultant with over 13 years of experience helping Kentucky families navigate Medicaid waivers, hire caregivers through Participant-Directed Services (PDS), and build care steams that actually work.
She’s on a mission to help families who are being left to manage complex systems alone—facing long waitlists, confusing rules, and impossible decisions without enough support. And with new Medicaid cuts looming, the stakes have never been higher.
Samantha offers hands-on, personalized support to help families get clear answers, take action, and create sustainable solutions—without getting lost in the red tape. If you’re ready for real help, you’re in the right place.
