How to Find Caregivers and Support Services on Care.com

Care.com helps you find background-checked babysitters, senior care aides, pet sitters, housekeepers, and tutors in your area.

In this guide (5 steps):

1.Create an account and post a job
2.Browse caregiver profiles
3.Run a background check
4.Interview and hire
5.Manage care through the platform

Create an account and post a job

~26s

Go to care.com or download the Care.com app. Create a free account and choose "I need care." Describe what you're looking for — for example, "In-home companion for 3 hours/day on weekdays" or "Help with grocery shopping and light housekeeping." Enter your zip code. Posting a job is free.

Quick Tip

Be specific in your job description. Mention the specific tasks needed, any required experience (like experience with dementia or mobility assistance), and whether the role involves transportation.

Browse caregiver profiles

~15s

Review caregivers who apply to your posting or browse profiles in your area. Look at their experience description, how long they've been on Care.com, previous client reviews, and stated skills. Photos and video introductions (when present) help you get a better sense of the person.

Run a background check

~22s

For caregivers you're seriously considering, purchase a background check through Care.com. These typically cost $5-$10 per check. The background check verifies identity, checks national criminal databases, and may include sex offender registry and motor vehicle records. This step is highly recommended before inviting anyone into your home.

Warning

Never hire a caregiver for in-home work without running a background check first, regardless of how good their reviews are.

Interview and hire

~15s

Message caregivers through the Care.com platform to arrange a phone or video interview. Ask about their experience with similar situations, availability, pay expectations, and references. Always check at least two references by calling them directly.

Manage care through the platform

~24s

Care.com has tools for tracking hours and processing payments if you choose to use them. You can also message your caregiver through the app. After care begins, leave a review for your caregiver — it helps other families and provides helpful feedback.

Quick Tip

Care.com's HomePay service (a separate subscription) can handle payroll taxes and payments automatically if you hire a caregiver as a household employee — which the IRS requires for regularly scheduled in-home care.

You Did It!

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Care.com is a platform that connects families with caregivers and household service providers — including senior care aides, in-home assistants, babysitters, pet sitters, housekeepers, and tutors. With millions of caregivers listed across the United States, it's one of the most comprehensive resources for finding trusted help at home.

For seniors and their families, Care.com is particularly valuable for finding in-home care aides, companion visitors, transportation helpers, and personal assistants. You can search by type of care, hours needed, specific skills, and proximity to your home.

Each caregiver profile includes their experience, reviews from previous families, a photo, and availability. Care.com offers background checks (paid, run through the platform) that verify identity, criminal history, and other credentials. You can also verify professional licenses for care providers.

Care.com works on both a free and subscription model. A basic free account lets you post a job and browse some caregiver profiles. A subscription ($50-$65/month or $156/year) unlocks full messaging and background check features. Many families find the subscription worth it when actively searching for a caregiver.

The platform is used by both families seeking care and individuals looking to offer care services. If you provide care services yourself, you can also create a caregiver profile to find clients.

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