Tips from people who hire and work with caregivers every day.
Searching for the right home health caregiver can feel overwhelming.
One way to make the process more manageable is crafting a strong ad that does more than describe tasks and requirements. A good ad should tell your story, set clear expectations and help applicants picture themselves in the role.
Members of the United Spinal Association’s Care Support Working Group know this process well. Many of them have spent years hiring, training and working alongside personal care attendants. Drawing from their experiences, they shared practical advice on how to write caregiver ads that stand out, attract the right applicants and lead to better long-term care relationships.
Start With Who You Are, Not What You Need
The most effective caregiver ads start with something simple: who you are.
Potential caregivers want to know who they’ll be supporting and what daily life might look like. A short, personal introduction can go a long way toward helping applicants understand the environment they are considering.
This introduction might include:
- Your city (not your full address)
- Your diagnosis or disability, if you’re comfortable sharing
- A brief snapshot of your lifestyle or personality
- Qualities you value in a caregiver
For example, United Spinal Association Board Member Felecia Woolens highlights personality traits that matter to her, such as courteousness, reliability and a light sense of humor.
Some people take a narrative approach. Michelle, a disability advocate, writes her ads almost like a short story.
“My name is Michelle, and I am seeking a female caregiver to assist me in my home and out in the community. A typical day for my workers includes…”
This style gives potential applicants a glimpse into everyday life while still communicating expectations. Your story doesn’t need to be long, but it should help applicants understand the person behind the job posting.
Be Clear About What the Job Actually Involves
When it comes to caregiver ads, clarity is everything.
Michelle emphasizes that “being vague about tasks, especially personal care tasks, can lead to confusion or mismatched expectations later on.” For example, writing “I need help with toileting” leaves a lot open to interpretation. A more specific description such as “must be comfortable assisting with transfers on and off the toilet and helping with cleanup” gives applicants a much clearer picture of the responsibilities.
Working group members recommend listing the main categories of care involved in the position, such as:
- Transfer assistance
- Bathing and personal hygiene
- Toileting routines
- Medication reminders or assistance
- Meal preparation or dietary support
- Light housekeeping
- Transportation or community outings
Even if training will be provided, transparency helps applicants decide whether they are comfortable with the work. It’s also helpful to mention any required certifications or experience, as well as which skills are non-negotiable and which can be learned on the job.
Certain details should always be included, including:
- Pay rate
- Work schedule
- Whether pets live in the home
- Smoking rules
- Transportation requirements (such as a driver’s license)
The more clearly you explain your day-to-day needs, the more likely you are to attract caregivers who are prepared, capable, and genuinely interested in the role.
It’s also worth revisiting your ad from time to time. As advocate Ron Hull from Texas notes, “Care needs can evolve. Updating your ad ensures that new applicants clearly understand what the position currently involves.”
The Qualities That Matter Most Aren’t Always Technical
While skills are important, many of the most valuable caregiving qualities are personal.
One of the most important — and most overlooked — is empathy.
Working group members emphasize that empathy affects everything from communication to reliability. However, there’s an important distinction between empathy and pity. Ligia Andrade Zuniga, an advocate from California, wants caregivers who approach the job with a collaborative mindset, something closer to, “Let’s figure this out together,” rather than, “I’ll do this for you because I assume you can’t.”
Confidentiality, punctuality and professionalism round out the most critical qualities mentioned by working group members. Caregivers are present during some of the most personal and vulnerable moments in someone’s life. Respecting privacy and protecting personal information is essential for building trust. Punctuality isn’t just a professional expectation. It can directly affect someone’s health, safety, and daily routine, as can professionalism. While caregivers and clients may grow comfortable with one another over time, maintaining clear boundaries and respectful communication helps ensure the relationship stays healthy and dependable.
Structure Your Ad to Attract the Right Applicants
Beyond describing the job, the structure of your ad can also influence how many applicants you receive. Setting expectations early can help create smoother working relationships later.
For example, several working group members note that very short shifts can be difficult to fill. Michelle suggests, “Be flexible. Make sure the shift is long enough that someone feels it is worth the effort. Not many people want to drive a long distance for a 2-hour shift.”
Ron also notes that caregivers often prefer having enough meaningful tasks to fill their scheduled hours. “At the same time, establishing expectations around phone or device use during work can help keep the focus on providing quality care.”
While honesty is important, it’s also best not to overwhelm applicants with too many details. Felecia recommends striking a balance. “Provide clear information about the role while keeping the ad readable and approachable.”
Ligia emphasizes the importance of knowing your deal breakers and being honest about them from the start.
Spoorthi Sadasivuni says to be short and concise. “Individuals can also include a QR code linking to additional details or an interest form. Providing a phone number or email address allows interested applicants to reach out quickly and begin the hiring process.”
Don’t Limit Where You Post Your Ad
Many advocates recommend posting ads in a variety of places, both locally and online.
Michelle suggests starting with community-based options such as church newsletters or school job boards. These spaces often reach people who are locally connected and interested in meaningful part-time work.
Ron has found caregivers through local supermarket bulletin boards, Craigslist, and caregiving platforms such as Care.com, and CareLinx, a service that sometimes works with Medicare programs to match clients with vetted caregivers.
Felecia suggests that large job platforms like Indeed can be helpful, since they reach a wide pool of job seekers looking for flexible or part-time positions. Social media can also be effective. Shelly Shetley posts in neighborhood groups. Asking your network for recommendations can lead to trusted referrals. “I get the best results from posting on Nextdoor.”
Another often overlooked option is college campuses. Spoorthi shares, “Caregiver ads can gain traction in colleges with nursing, pre-med, physical therapy, or occupational therapy students who need clinical experience hours.” These students may be especially interested in evening or weekend shifts.
Taking the time to tell your story, explain the job clearly, and share what matters most to you can help you find caregivers who are not just qualified, but the right fit for your life.
And that can make all the difference.
United Spinal’s Care Support Working Group
United Spinal Association Care Support Working Group is made up of disabled advocates from across the United States who are committed to improving care support services for people with diverse disabilities. You can join by filling out this form. The disability community and our caregivers need your help to find solutions for this national crisis.
Resources:
- Best tips and strategies for finding and hiring PCAs (United Spinal Association, Care Support Working Group)
- Surviving the Caregiver Crisis (New Mobility)
- Professional Personal Care Worker Job Description Template (Mighty Recruiter)
- Managing Personal Assistants: A Consumer Guide (Paralyzed Veterans of America)
