Why can't I find an honest, reliable caregiver?

I'm at my wit's end! I just hired a highly-recommended caregiver to come to my mom's and my home. It's an easy gig! Four hours, Monday to Friday, to let me work at my part-time job. Read to her, take her for a walk in her wheelchair, fix her lunch, help her to the toilet if needed. That's it! My mom is confused, but sweet. It pays $14 an hour. This latest, highly recommended flake was an hour late the first day, the 2nd day I came home early and caught her watching TV while my mom struggled to feed herself alone. Third day she called in sick, 3 hours before shift. Today, 4th day, I have no idea if she's coming in. I guess she’s quit, without the honesty of telling me so. (So once again, I have to call my boss and explain why I can't come in today, which of course puts my job in jeopardy.) Think this is atypical? It's not! Why can't people just tell me, I don't want the job, it's too boring? And why do former employers feel compelled to give good references, when their employee was terrible? Because I can't believe she did a 180-turn since leaving her last job. In case you’re wondering, we treat caregivers with every kindness, make expectations clear, and pay above average rates.

I've tried working with agencies but they charge $25 an hour here in Hawaii, have a four minimum, and most of their caregivers can barely speak English, which is a must for conversing with my 97 year old mother.

I'm just venting, I don't really expect an answer. (Nursing home is not an option; we want her home with us.)