Finding a Personal Care Attendant (PCA) or caregiver might seem daunting, but there are steps you can take to make your search efficient and effective.

Key Takeaways

1. Create a task list to calculate the amount of time you’ll need support.
2. Offer a fair wage that reflects the cost of living in your area.
3. Create a detailed ad that includes job duties, requirements, compensation, and contact information.

1. Create a Task List

The best place to start is by creating a complete list of duties that are routinely performed throughout the day or week. List each task that requires support. Note how long the task typically takes and when that task needs to be carried out if it’s time sensitive.

If you’re creating this list for a loved one, ask them for a detailed rundown of their day. For example, what do they do after they brush their teeth? If that conversation is impossible, observe and reflect on your experience assisting them. The ultimate goal is to create a task list that is most similar to a routine they’ve established for themselves.

It can be helpful to maintain separate lists for activities that might not occur every single day but frequently enough to take into account. For instance, there might be a regular weekly physical therapy appointment that lasts 50 minutes. If assistance is needed with transportation, add the commute time. Brainstorm other activities that might occur along the way that you might want to budget time for.

Task lists don’t need to be rigid; they can change over time as you or your loved one experience shifts in priorities or needs. However, being as specific as you can will help you find the best fit for the job.

Here’s an example of what a task list might look like:

• Transferring from bed to shower: 10 min.
• Showering: 30 min.
• Dressing: 15 min.
• Lunch preparation: 30 min.
• Lunch cleanup: 15 min.
• Medication administration: 5 min.
• Dinner preparation: 60 min.
• Dinner cleanup: 30 min.

2. Determine Wages

Now that you have an idea of how long tasks take and can estimate a consistent number of hours to hire for, determine how long a work shift will be. Shifts should be long enough to make them worthwhile for the worker. We recommend shifts last at least 2 to3 hours.

Setting a fair hourly wage is one of the most important things you can do as an employer. While we generally recommend $25/hour minimally,  the cost of living may be higher where you live. Use MIT’s Living Wage Calculator to find the current living wage in your area.

By paying a fair wage, you demonstrate how much you value your employee’s work and ensure they have what they need to sustain themselves and their family.. Fair pay is one of the most important factors in creating a positive, long-lasting, and mutually beneficial relationship.

3. Write an Ad

An effective ad paints a picture of who will be receiving care, their basic needs, and details like wage and contact information. Since some people who see your ad may be new to the job of providing care, it’s best to be specific. But it’s not necessary to list all the tasks you identified when creating your care task list; rather, summarize the most important responsibilities.

Additionally, you’ll want to include other requirements, like CPR certification, experience working with specific medical conditions, or a driver’s license. Keep in mind that the more requirements you list, the narrower the candidate pool becomes, so only list the ones that are absolutely necessary.

Finally, clearly state compensation, including the wage you calculated, paid time off, and reimbursements (such as gas if the worker will be using their own vehicle). Finish the ad with your contact information.

Check out two sample ads below.

Sample 1: Hiring for Yourself

Seeking Part-Time Personal Care Attendant

I am a 68-year-old LGBTQ man significantly disabled from multiple sclerosis. I am seeking a part-time caregiver to help with tasks around the home as well as some occasional assistance with grocery shopping.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assistance with personal care (dressing, grooming, mobility support)
• Light housekeeping (laundry, dishes, tidying)
• Meal preparation and assistance with eating
• Grocery shopping and errands
• Companionship and social support

Qualifications:

• Comfortable with lifting and mobility support
• LGBTQ affirming and culturally competent
• Reliable transportation and driver’s license
• Fully vaccinated against COVID-19

Details:

• Hours: 10-15 hours per week
• Pay: $29.00/hour
• Benefits: 1 hour time off per 20 hours worked, 1 hour sick leave per 30 hours worked
• Location: Long Island, NY
• Start Date: ASAP

Please reach out with a brief introduction and relevant experience at 805-942-7787. Looking forward to connecting!

Sample 2: Hiring for a Loved One 

Full-Time Caregiver Needed for Elderly Mother in Outer Sunset

We are looking for a compassionate, experienced full-time caregiver to assist our 84-year-old mother in her home in the Outer Sunset neighborhood of San Francisco. She has limited mobility due to severe arthritis and communication challenges due to Alzheimer’s disease. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with mobility, transfers, and physical support
• Provide personal care, including dressing, grooming, and hygiene assistance
• Prepare and serve nutritious meals
• Administer medication
• Engage her in social activities
• Offer emotional support

Requirements:

• Prior experience working with individuals with advanced dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
• Ability to perform physical caregiving tasks, including safe transfers
• Strong communication skills
• CPR/First Aid certification

Details:

• Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm
• Compensation: $32.00/hour
• Benefits: 1 hour time off per 20 hours worked, 1 hour sick leave per 30 hours worked
• Location: Outer Sunset (San Francisco)

If you’re a dedicated caregiver looking to make a meaningful impact, we would love to hear from you. Please reach out to us at 640-543-2121 with your experience and availability.

4. Distribute the Ad

Now that you’ve developed your ad, how can you get it in front of potential candidates? Our members recommend the following strategies:

• Post your ad online on Facebook groups (you can search for and join  neighborhood-specific groups), NextDoor (a social media platform for neighbors), and Craigslist.
• Print physical copies of your ad to post in community spaces, such as cafes, community centers, churches or other religious institutions, community colleges, and local universities (particularly in medical or physical/occupational therapy programs).
• Recruit friends and family to ask around and spread the word. If you participate in a social activity, share that you are searching for a caregiver. Tapping your existing social network is often the most effective way to find promising candidates.

As Hand in Hand member, Alana Theirault, recommends, “Go where your community is!” 

Once you start receiving responses, we recommend scheduling preliminary phone interviews. Check out our Interview Tips for guidance. 

Next Steps

1. Determine how much time you require an attendant’s support by creating a care task list.
2. Continue learning about how to be a fair employer.

Become a member of Hand in Hand.