A Guide for Providing Caregiver Feedback
One of the biggest challenges for in-home care agencies is how to retain their workforce of caregivers. Indeed, HCP estimates that it costs $2,600 to replace an in-home caregiver.
On average, caregiver turnover will cost home care agencies $171,600 annually.
Source: HCP, How Much Is Caregiver Turnover Really Costing Your Business?
An effective and completely free way to drive caregiver engagement is to provide regular feedback. A study by Officevibe showed that 83% of employees appreciate feedback, whether positive or negative, and companies that provide regular feedback for employees saw a 14.9% lower turnover rate.
1. Set Defined Expectations and Goals
At the 30-60-90 day employment mark, set defined expectations and goals for your caregivers. Goals should follow a SMART model:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Relevant
- Time-bound
2. Most Feedback Should Be Positive
When providing feedback, the majority should be positive. For every piece of adjusting feedback, aim to give nine pieces of positive feedback.
Example of quick feedback: “When you arrive at the client site early, it makes them (and the agency) really trust you. Thank you for the hard work!”
3. Ask for Permission
Before giving feedback, ask the caregiver if they are open to it. This allows them to choose a better time if they are not ready in the moment.
4. Describe Specific Behavior
When giving feedback, describe specific behaviors you have observed, not the motivations behind them.
Unhelpful Labeling: “The caregiver is lazy.”
Effective Feedback: “The client sent a picture of the kitchen after you left, and there was a pile of dishes in the sink.”
5. Positive Behaviors to Highlight
- Arriving on time
- Submitting timesheets correctly
- Receiving compliments from the client
- Connecting with others in the community
- Prompt responses to the client’s Circle of Care
- Preparing nutritious meals and assisting with feeding
- Preventing accidents and falls
- Administering medication on time
- Providing companionship
6. Discuss the Impact
All actions have consequences. By explaining why their actions matter, you motivate caregivers to continue their good work.
7. Discuss Next Steps
The goal of feedback is to:
- Reinforce positive behaviors
- Help caregivers adjust behaviors that need improvement
A great way to engage caregivers in the feedback process is by asking them for their input:
“What can you do differently next time?”
Download the Free Caregiver Retention Checklist
Want to keep your caregivers for 90 days and beyond? Download our free comprehensive checklist.
