Companion care is intimate work—someone will be in your loved one's home, managing daily activities, running errands, and building trust over weeks or months. The stakes for vetting are high, which is why a thorough background check isn't optional; it's foundational. Here's what you actually need to verify before inviting someone into your home.
Start with the Essentials
A proper background check for companion care should cover three core areas: criminal history, employment verification, and reference checks. Most reputable agencies will have already completed these, but you should still request proof rather than take assurances at face value. Ask for a copy of the actual background report—don't settle for a verbal "we checked them" from an agency.
Criminal history screening should include federal, state, and county records. Some states allow expungement of certain offenses, so ask specifically about the timeframe and jurisdictions covered. You're looking for anything involving violence, theft, fraud, or abuse—particularly offenses involving vulnerable populations. If something appears, ask the provider directly; there may be context (like a misdemeanor from 20 years ago), but you deserve a clear answer.
Reference Checks That Actually Reveal Something
Call the references yourself. Don't just collect names from an agency or provider—ask for at least three recent clients (ideally from the past two years) and contact them directly. Ask specific questions:
- How long did the companion work for you, and what tasks did they handle?
- Did they show up reliably and on time?
- How did your loved one respond to them?
- Would you hire them again, and why or why not?
- Were there any concerns, even minor ones?
A vague "they were fine" response is a red flag. You want detailed feedback about punctuality, trustworthiness with medication reminders, meal prep quality, or companionship interaction—whatever matters most to your situation.
Employment History Verification
Ask the provider for a resume and previous employer contacts. Verify at least the last two jobs for accuracy. Employment gaps are normal, but you want to understand them. If someone lists a companion care role but the dates don't align with their references, that's worth clarifying.
Ideally, you're looking for 2–3 years of consistent companion care or in-home care experience. New caregivers can work out, but they should have formal training (a CNA or HHA certification is valuable, though not always required depending on your state). Certifications mean they've passed background checks themselves and have basic healthcare knowledge.
Additional Screening to Consider
Beyond the standard background check, ask about:
- Driving record: If they'll be transporting your loved one, request a motor vehicle report. Ask about insurance and when they last renewed their license.
- Health screening: A TB test or health clearance is standard for professional caregivers and shows they take safety seriously.
- Social media review: A quick, non-intrusive look at public profiles can reveal unprofessional behavior or patterns that concern you—nothing invasive, just awareness.
Agency vs. Independent Providers
Hiring through a companion care agency typically costs $18–$28 per hour (depending on region and experience level), but the agency has already done background checks and carries liability insurance. Independent caregivers often charge $14–$22 per hour but place screening responsibility on you entirely.
If you hire independently, you'll need to run the background check yourself, which costs $30–$150 depending on depth and your state. You should also verify they carry liability insurance or are covered under your homeowner's policy.
Get It in Writing
Once you've vetted someone, put key terms in a simple agreement: hours, pay rate, duties, cancellation policy, and what happens if they're sick. This protects both parties and creates clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the difference between a companion caregiver and a home health aide, and does it matter for background checks? Companion caregivers focus on activities like meal prep, errands, and social engagement, while home health aides perform personal care and medical tasks. Aides should have certification and stricter background standards; companion care is less regulated, so your vetting becomes even more critical.
Q: Can I ask about past criminal charges even if they were dismissed? It depends on your state—some allow you to ask about arrests and dismissed charges, others don't. You can always ask directly, and a trustworthy provider will explain their history transparently without defensiveness.
Q: How long should I trial someone before finalizing? Plan for 2–3 weeks of short shifts (4–6 hours) before committing to regular full-time care. This gives you and your loved one time to assess fit and comfort level in a low-pressure way.
Use Mercoly to compare vetted companion care providers in your area and access verified backgrounds all in one place—it saves hours of solo research.