We complete background checks, reference verification, and video interviews before we match a caregiver to a family. This page walks through each step so you can see what happens before anyone is introduced in the home.
Screening is finished first. Matching comes after. That order is how we protect trust for households that need in-home help, including families comparing options on our Boston, MA in-home care page.
Why Caregiver Vetting Matters Before a Match
Caregiver vetting matters before a match because in-home support takes place in a private household, so screening must happen before anyone is introduced to your family. A resume or a friendly first impression is not enough on its own.
Many families look for help when a loved one needs companionship, help with daily routines, or support related to Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, and public overviews are available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This page does not diagnose or treat any condition, and a screening process is not a medical evaluation.
Background Checks We Complete
We complete a background check on each caregiver before that person is eligible to be matched with a family. The check is one of three required gates, along with reference verification and a video interview.
A background check helps us review identity-related information and look for criminal history that would make in-home placement inappropriate. It does not measure kindness, and it does not predict every future situation. It is a pass-or-hold step that must be finished before we talk about a match.
We do not send a caregiver into a home and "check later." If the background review is incomplete or raises a concern we cannot resolve, the candidate does not move forward.
How We Verify Caregiver References
We verify references by contacting people who can speak to a caregiver's recent work, reliability, and conduct before we approve a match. A written work history is only a starting point.
When we reach a reference, we listen for a consistent picture of punctuality, communication, and how the caregiver handled day-to-day responsibilities. We pay attention to whether the reference actually supervised or worked with the person, not just whether the name appears on a form.
If references cannot be reached, give vague answers, or tell a story that does not match the application, the candidate does not advance to a family introduction.
Video Interviews With Every Caregiver
We hold a live video interview with every caregiver so we can confirm communication skills, professionalism, and readiness for in-home work before any family introduction. A paper application cannot replace a real conversation.
On the call we ask about experience with everyday support, companionship, and situations that require patience, such as helping someone who lives with memory loss. We also watch how clearly and respectfully the caregiver speaks, because that is the voice your household will hear at home.
The interview is a screening step, not a sales call. If someone cannot communicate calmly, cannot describe real experience, or is not prepared to work in a private home, we stop the process there.