I’ve been getting more requests for live-in caregivers, but I’m struggling to find reliable ones who actually stick around. What’s the secret to hiring good live-in caregivers?
Live-in caregivers are a different breed. Not everyone is cut out for it. You need to find people who are truly okay with living where they work. I always ask upfront:
“Are you comfortable with this lifestyle? Have you worked live-in shifts before?”
Good call. Also, pay matters. A lot of agencies try to save money by offering low wages for live-ins, assuming “free housing” is enough of a perk. It’s not. If you want someone reliable, pay them well and give scheduled breaks. Burnout is real.
How much should I be paying?
Depends on the area. In most places, $180–$250 per day is reasonable. If you go below that, you’ll get people who quit after a few weeks.
Also, be crystal clear about the expectations. Live-in doesn’t mean on-call 24/7. Set work hours, break times, and define “emergency situations.” Some families think live-ins should be awake at all hours—NOPE.
Oof, I can see how that could become a problem. Do you guys do background checks for live-ins?
100%. Background checks, reference checks, and at least two interviews. Live-ins have way more access to clients’ homes and belongings, so you need to trust them completely.