It seems all over social media people with spinal cord injuries are struggling to find caregivers. In many parts of the country, there are simply too many jobs to compete with, but that is not always the reason why. For some, they are dealing with an ignorant local population that doesn't apply to the job en masse. It can be an uphill battle, and yes, you may end up having to call your friends or family to help.
But it is not a lost cause. With strategic search methods, you can find people who are perfect for the job. Often people don't realize what a great job being a PCA is. This is one of the biggest reasons why people struggle to find good workers - many people don't think they could do the job, or think they wouldn’t like it. But many fall in love with it once they do it. It's all about finding the right client.
It’s up to us to get the word out, but in the meantime, you still need staff for yourself. You're not always going to have the luck of having a friend, significant other, or family member available to help in a pinch. You'll want to find a reliable PCA as soon as possible. This is one of the biggest factors in having a good, quality life after a spinal cord injury.
While a great hourly wage is one of the best ways to attract good people, there are many other ways to find someone if you can’t compete with a big hourly wage. Check out our tips to finding a PCA below.
Look Outside Your Usual Suspects
One of the most common things people forget to do when searching for a new PCA is to search outside their usual circle. Many people always search in the same place, but if your usual method is not producing results, try something completely different. Try looking outside your usual circle of people. Visit nearby communities to post your help wanted ads or check with different religious organizations. Many people often have luck doing this, as it is a great way to run into people who haven’t heard about your job.
Reach Out to Local Facebook Groups
One of the last great things about Facebook are its local groups, like Facebook Marketplace, where people buy and sell things all day long. There are millions of groups that pertain to everything under the sun, and chances are there are several in your area. This is a great way to find people that may be interested in your job. Many of the groups are public, which means you can join/post your job without delay in the group’s feed. Just make sure your job pertains at least somewhat to the group's purpose.
One of the best kinds of groups to post in are neighborhood groups/hometown groups, which often have people posting odd jobs. Also try posting in communities such as single moms, or anyone searching for work.
Post a $5 “Gigs” Ad on Craigslist
While many people are scared of Craigslist, thinking it is a place of unsavory individuals, there are good people to be found in the Employment section, and in the Gigs area. We recommend first posting your job in the Gigs section since it is only $5 to post. If you get no hits, then try posting your ad in the Healthcare section under the Employment area on Craigslist. Posting here however will cost $35.
Ask Friends & Family to Reach Out to Their People
Don't forget the power of asking your family and friends to spread the word about your job opening. They could ask at their jobs or their schools, whether it’s coworkers or classmates. Maybe they won't reach everybody, but they can at least help you increase your circle of reach, which is huge.
Remember, don’t let slim prospects make you lose hope. You will find good caregivers in the end, the search may prove to be a bit more tricky than anticipated.
Related:
- How to Hire an Amazing Team of Caregivers After an SCI
- Spinal Cord Injury Caregiver: The Important Role of Family
- Blog Topic: Caregivers
