About This Toolkit
Between 2024 and 2034, PHI projects 9.7 million job openings for direct care workers in the United States. Respite workers — a subset of this workforce — provide the temporary support that helps family caregivers sustain the work of caregiving without burning out.
Reliable respite care requires a reliable workforce. Building one means investing in recruitment, retention, and career development.
This toolkit offers vetted resources to support that work. Whether you're part of a state and local government agency, home care provider organization, volunteer respite program, community and faith-based organization, a self-directed employer, or even an independent respite provider, you'll find practical guidance for strengthening your workforce practices. All resources were evaluated using a scoring rubric developed by PHI's Research and Evaluation team.
Want personalized support for your respite workforce strategies?
Schedule a Free ConsultationRecruitment & Retention
Practical strategies, toolkits, and templates covering program development, hiring, messaging, worker support, and leadership — curated for respite employers.
Explore resourcesCareer Development
Entry-point training, microcredentials, career maps, and implementation guides — helping respite workers build meaningful advancement pathways.
Explore resourcesSupporting Literature
Research and evidence supporting healthy recruitment, retention, and career development across the direct care workforce.
View literature