Apr 11, 2025

5 Ways to Build a Rockstar Caregiver Team from Day One

Lisa was thrilled. She had just received her home care license and landed her first client. All that was left? Hiring her first caregiver.

She found someone fast—someone who looked good on paper. Let’s call her “Rena.” Rena showed up for the interview in scrubs, had experience in another agency, and said all the right things.

But three weeks in, Lisa was stressed. Rena was chronically late, resisted training, and eventually ghosted her—leaving Lisa to explain to the client why no one showed up that morning.

Building a rockstar team doesn’t happen by accident. It happens by design, from Day One. Here’s how you do it right:

Start Recruiting Before You’re Desperate

Waiting until you have clients to recruit is like waiting until you're starving to cook.

Go to job fairs, attend CNA classes, reach out on social media, and collect resumes early. You’re always hiring—even if you're not.

2. Hire for Heart, Train for Skill

Don’t just look for experience. Look for empathy, patience, and professionalism.

You can teach someone how to document ADLs. You can’t teach someone to care.

3. Create a First-Class Onboarding Experience

Your first few hires set your culture. Treat them like royalty.

Create an onboarding binder. Give them a welcome gift. Assign a mentor.

When caregivers feel valued, they show up—and stick around.

4. Communicate Like a Leader

Be clear, kind, and consistent. Set expectations from the jump.

Have a group chat, a caregiver portal, or weekly check-ins. Your team should always know the plan—and know that you’ve got their back.

5. Reward Loyalty, Not Just Hours

Celebrate your people! Birthdays, work anniversaries, five-star reviews from clients—all are reasons to celebrate.

A $20 gift card or a shout-out on social media goes further than you think.

Here’s the truth: Your caregivers will make or break your agency. They’re not just your staff—they’re the face of your brand, the reason families trust you, and the soul of your business.

Build your team with intention, and you won’t just gain employees.

You’ll build a legacy.

Want help building your team the right way—without trial and error?

Let’s build your dream agency, together. Schedule your free strategy call here. 443.906.3603