Inviting someone into a loved one's home calls for care. A background check can be one useful part of that process, alongside interviews, reference calls and your own judgment. Here is what families should understand before ordering one.
What a background check can include
- Identity and address history to confirm the person is who they say they are.
- Criminal records at county, state and federal level, and national sex offender registries.
- Driving records, important if the caregiver will drive your loved one.
- Abuse and neglect registries in some states.
No check is complete. Records can be missing or delayed, and a clean report does not guarantee future behavior. That is why references and interviews matter just as much.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
When you use a background screening company for hiring decisions, federal law sets clear steps:
- Give the caregiver a clear, written disclosure that you will obtain a background report, as a separate document.
- Get their written authorization before the check.
- If you decide not to hire based on the report, first give them a copy of the report and a summary of their rights, and allow time to respond.
- Then send a final adverse action notice.
Use a screening company that follows the FCRA. Some states and cities add rules about when and how criminal history can be considered.
What CaregiverCrew checks
CaregiverCrew confirms caregivers' email addresses and reviews every profile before it is listed. Caregivers can also submit identity documents to earn an "ID verified" badge. We do not currently run criminal background checks, so families who want one should arrange it directly, with the caregiver's consent. Our Safety & Trust page explains this in detail.
Do not skip the human checks
- Interview by video, then in person, with your loved one present.
- Call at least two references and ask specific questions.
- Agree on duties and expectations in writing.
- Check in often during the first weeks.
Sources: Federal Trade Commission, "Using Consumer Reports: What Employers Need to Know"; Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, "A Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act".
This article is general information for families and caregivers. It is not medical, legal or financial advice. For decisions about health, benefits or employment, speak with a qualified professional.
