Caregiver Background Checks: A Guide for Families Hiring

Bringing a caregiver into your home means trusting them with your loved one's safety.

A background check is one of the clearest ways to start building that trust, but knowing what to check, when to check it, and what the results actually mean can feel overwhelming.

This guide covers what a caregiver background check includes, how to run one yourself or through a platform like Herewith, and what to do if something comes up along the way.

Key takeaways

• A caregiver background check can include criminal history, abuse and neglect registries, identity verification, and employment history, though this varies by provider and state.
• If you run your own background check and it affects your hiring decision, federal law requires you to notify the candidate first.
• A background check is a starting point, not the whole picture. References, a trial shift, and an in-person conversation matter too.

What is a caregiver background check?

A caregiver background check reviews a candidate's history before you hire them to care for an older adult or someone with care needs. Depending on the screening, it may include criminal records, identity verification, employment history, and abuse or neglect registry searches.

Caregiver screenings are usually more thorough than standard employment background checks. This is because in-home caregivers often work independently and have access to a person's home, finances, and personal routines.

You can run a background check yourself, hire through an agency, or use a platform that includes background checks as part of the screening process.

On Herewith, Helpers complete identity verification when they join the platform, and a background check is completed before their first hire.

What does a caregiver background check look for?

Most caregiver background checks include several types of screening:

• Criminal history: Searches national and county-level records for convictions, arrests, and pending cases.
• Sex offender registry: Checks state and national sex offender registries.
• Abuse and neglect registries: Searches state databases for substantiated reports of abuse or neglect. This is especially important in caregiving roles.
• Identity verification: Confirms the candidate is who they claim to be.
• Employment verification: Verifies previous jobs and work history.
• Education verification: Confirms degrees, certifications, or other credentials.

Not every background check includes all of these searches. Requirements vary by state, provider, and role, so it's worth asking your provider exactly what's included before you order one.

If transportation is part of the caregiver's role, a driving record check is worth adding to the list. This can turn up moving violations, license suspensions, or DUIs that wouldn't necessarily show up in a standard criminal history search.

How to do a background check on a caregiver

You have a few options, depending on how you're hiring your caregiver.

Run a background check yourself

To run a background check yourself, you'll need a few things before you can order a report:

• The candidate's full legal name and date of birth
• Their written consent, which is required by law before you can run a check
• A screening provider, such as Checkr, GoodHire, or Sterling

Most reports are ready within a few days, though timing can vary depending on the provider and what's included in the search. Keep in mind that laws around what you can request, and how you can use the results, vary by state.

Hire through an agency

Most care agencies include background screening as part of their hiring process. Ask what their screening includes, since standards can vary from one agency to another. You can request a summary in writing, so you have a clear record of what was checked and when.

Hire through a platform

On Herewith, Helpers complete identity verification when they create a profile, and a background check is performed before they receive their first job offer. Both types of screening are run by Herewith and performed by our partner Checkr, so you're not the one requesting or managing that process yourself.

Results aren't shared directly with families. Herewith uses them to confirm a Helper meets the platform's eligibility standards.

When in the hiring process should you run a caregiver background check?

It's best to run a background check after you've narrowed your search to a top candidate or two, not before you've had a chance to talk with anyone. This way, you're not spending time or money screening people you may not seriously consider.

A good rule of thumb is to complete your first conversation or interview, then run the background check before making a final offer. That gives you a chance to gauge fit first, while still making sure nothing in someone's history changes your decision before you commit.

What to do if something comes up on a caregiver background screening

If you run a background check on a potential caregiver and a record pops up, that doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn't hire someone.

Before making a decision, consider the type of offense, how long ago it happened, and whether it's relevant to in-home caregiving. A decade-old minor offense carries different weight than a recent conviction involving theft or abuse.

If you have questions about something you find, you can also ask the candidate directly. Many people welcome the chance to explain context you won't get from a report alone.

If you decide not to hire based on the results

If the results of a caregiver background screening influence your decision not to hire someone, federal law requires a few extra steps.

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you'll need to give the candidate a copy of the report and a notice of their rights before your final decision, then a second notice once the decision is final. These requirements exist to give candidates a chance to review and dispute inaccurate information.

If this feels like a lot to manage on your own, it's one of the reasons some families choose to hire through an agency or a platform like Herewith instead, where screening is already built into the process.

A background check isn't the whole story

A background check can tell you about a caregiver's history. It can't tell you how they'll connect with your loved one, handle a difficult situation, or fit into your family's routine.

As you're evaluating candidates, it's worth taking a few extra steps:

• Check references: Ask for at least two professional references and take the time to call them. Questions about reliability, communication, and past caregiving experience can tell you a lot.
• Request an interview: A phone call is helpful, but a face-to-face conversation in person or over video gives you a better sense of personality, communication style, and fit.
• Consider a trial shift: A paid trial shift lets you see how the caregiver and your loved one interact before making a longer-term commitment.
• Ask about additional experience: CPR certification, dementia care experience, and CNA training may be valuable depending on your loved one's needs.
• Re-screen periodically: If you're hiring privately, consider running a new background check each year. On Herewith, active Helpers complete annual background screenings.

Background checks are an important part of the hiring process, but they're only one piece of the decision. The best caregiver relationships are built on trust, communication, and finding someone who fits your loved one's needs and personality.

Finding a Helper on Herewith

Herewith makes it easier to find in-home care you can trust. Every Helper completes identity verification and background screening, and you can browse profiles, chat directly, request interviews, and book at your own pace.

Browse Helpers near you to get started.

Families also ask

What does a caregiver background check look for?

A caregiver background check may include criminal history, sex offender registry searches, abuse and neglect registry checks, identity verification, and employment history. The exact requirements depend on the screening provider and state regulations.

What might disqualify a caregiver candidate?

Common disqualifiers include convictions involving abuse, neglect, violence, theft, fraud, or exploitation of a vulnerable person. Requirements vary by state, so it's worth asking your screening provider what their report covers.

How long does a caregiver background check take?

On Herewith, most background checks are completed within 24 hours. If you're running one yourself, most providers return results within a few days, though this can vary.

Does Herewith share background check results with families?

No. Herewith uses background checks to confirm that a Helper meets the platform's eligibility requirements. Results aren't shared directly with families, but only Helpers who pass their checks can remain on the platform and be hired.

Do I need to run my own background check if I hire through a platform?

Platforms like Herewith include background screening as part of their process. If you'd like additional information beyond what the platform provides, you can choose to run your own background check as well.

How much does a caregiver background check cost?

If you're running one yourself, cost depends on the provider and how many searches are included, and can range from around $20 to $100 or more. On Herewith, local, state, and federal checks are included as part of the Helper onboarding process at no extra cost to families.