Caregiver platforms give families direct access to vetted, background-checked caregivers without going through a traditional agency. These platforms offer transparency, flexibility, and often lower costs than agency-based care.
Caregiver platforms connect families with vetted in-home care workers — companions, home health aides, and personal care assistants. They handle background checks, scheduling, payments, and often insurance verification, removing significant administrative burden from families managing care for an aging loved one.
Hourly rates vary by region and care type. Companion or homemaker care averages $25–$35 per hour nationally in 2025. Skilled nursing or specialized dementia care runs higher. Most platforms charge a platform fee or take a percentage on top of the caregiver rate — confirm the full cost before booking.
Not always. Traditional agencies employ caregivers directly and handle taxes and liability. Some platforms operate as staffing intermediaries where caregivers are independent contractors — the family may be the legal employer. Understand which model you are using, as employer-model platforms shift some responsibility to the family.
Reputable platforms run criminal background checks at the state and federal level, verify identity, and check references. Ask specifically what the platform's screening process includes, whether checks are repeated annually, and whether the caregiver is bonded and insured. For additional assurance, request references and call them directly.