High Turnover is Draining Homecare—Here’s How to Retain Your Best Caregivers

The Growing Retention Crisis in Homecare

Retention has long been a challenge in the Homecare industry, with turnover rates reaching as high as 80% (Home Care Pulse — 2024 Benchmarking Report). Many agencies struggle to keep caregivers long-term, leading to operational inefficiencies, increased hiring costs, and declining quality of care. While many focus on recruitment as a solution, the real key to sustainability lies in improving retention.

Why Do Caregivers Leave?

Lack of Competitive Pay & Benefits

Many caregivers feel underpaid for the demanding nature of their work. Without competitive wages and benefits, they may seek employment elsewhere, even outside the industry.

Poor Onboarding & Training

When caregivers aren’t properly onboarded or trained, they can feel overwhelmed, unsupported, and unprepared for the job. A lack of structured orientation can lead to early turnover.

Inconsistent Scheduling & Unreliable Hours

Unpredictable schedules and insufficient hours make it difficult for caregivers to maintain financial stability. Caregivers will leave for jobs with more reliable and consistent income.

Lack of Support & Recognition

Caregiving is emotionally and physically demanding, and caregivers need to feel valued. When they don’t receive adequate support, appreciation, or career growth opportunities, they are more likely to leave.

Challenging Client Matches

Poorly matched caregiver-client relationships can result in frustration for both parties. Without thoughtful pairings based on skills, personality, and client needs, caregivers may leave due to dissatisfaction.

The Impact of High Turnover on Homecare Businesses

The consequences of high turnover go beyond just operational headaches. Agencies that fail to retain caregivers face:

Higher Recruitment & Training Costs

Constantly hiring and training new employees is costly and time-consuming.

Inconsistent Client Care

Frequent caregiver turnover disrupts continuity of care, leading to lower client satisfaction and potential loss of business.

Lower Employee Morale

High turnover affects team dynamics, making it harder to build a positive workplace culture.

Reputational Damage

Agencies with high turnover may struggle to attract both caregivers and clients, ultimately impacting business growth.

How Homecare Agencies Can Improve Retention

Retention isn’t just about paying more—it’s about creating an environment where caregivers feel valued, supported, and connected. Here’s what agencies can do to keep their best caregivers:

1. Invest in Competitive Compensation & Benefits

While budgets may be tight, agencies that offer better wages, benefits, and incentives see higher retention rates. Explore creative compensation strategies such as referral bonuses, performance incentives, and paid training opportunities.

2. Develop a Strong Onboarding & Training Process

A well-structured onboarding program sets caregivers up for success. A welcoming and well-organized hiring process ensures caregivers feel valued from day one. Clear expectations, hands-on training, and ongoing learning opportunities help employees stay engaged and confident.

3. Create Consistent Schedules & Offer Reliable Hours

Caregivers need job stability. Strive to provide predictable schedules, guaranteed hours, or flexible options that accommodate their needs.

4. Foster a Supportive & Appreciative Work Culture

Small gestures, like recognition programs, employee appreciation events, and regular check-ins, go a long way in making caregivers feel valued.

5. Improve Caregiver-Client Matching

Take the time to pair caregivers with clients based on their strengths, skills, and personalities. A good match enhances job satisfaction and client experience.

6. Leverage Technology to Simplify Workflows

Streamlining administrative tasks through technology can reduce caregiver stress. Investing in tools that simplify scheduling, documentation, and communication can make their jobs easier and more efficient.

High turnover in home care isn’t an unsolvable problem, it’s a challenge that requires a strategic shift in how agencies recruit, onboard, and support their caregivers. By focusing on retention rather than just recruitment, agencies can reduce costs, improve client satisfaction, and build a stable, committed workforce.

Retention starts with treating caregivers like the essential professionals they are. The more agencies invest in their workforce, the stronger their business will be in the long run.