Home Care Employee Background Check

A home care employee background check helps protect both your clients and your agency. When you hire caregivers, you need to confirm that they are trustworthy and safe to work with vulnerable individuals.

Most home care agencies require at least two types of screening before hiring a caregiver.

Two Background Checks Home Care Agencies Should Require

Criminal Background Check

First, agencies often request a criminal record check. In some locations this may also involve fingerprinting.

This check helps determine whether an applicant has any criminal history that could place clients at risk.

Typically, the request requires basic personal information such as:

• Full legal name

• Date of birth

• Gender

• Previous names or maiden names

• Social Security Number or Social Insurance Number

Because rules vary by state and region, the exact process may differ. However, many agencies begin the process through their local police department or an approved screening provider.

Driving Record Check

Next, agencies should review a driving record if caregivers will transport clients.

For example, many caregivers drive clients to:

• Medical appointments

• Grocery stores

• Community activities

• Personal errands

A driving record can show:

• License validity

• Traffic violations

• Accidents

• Suspensions

In most cases, agencies can obtain this record through their local DMV or transportation authority.

Where to Obtain a Caregiver Background Check

The process for obtaining a home care employee background check depends on your location.

However, many agencies start with one of these options:

• Local police station

• State background screening agency

• Approved fingerprinting centers

• Online background screening providers

If you are unsure where to begin, try searching online for “employee background check near me” or “caregiver background check in your state.”

Although there is usually a small fee, the cost is minimal compared to the potential risks of hiring the wrong person.

Documenting Your Background Check Process

In addition to performing the screening, agencies should also document the authorization and results of each background check.

For this reason, many agencies include a Background Check Request Form in their employee onboarding packet.

This form allows agencies to collect permission from the applicant before submitting the screening request.

Background Check Request Form Template

If you operate a home care agency, you can use a Background Check Request Form template to simplify your hiring process.

This template allows you to:

✔ Collect caregiver identification details
✔ Obtain written permission to conduct the background check
✔ Record screening results for personnel files
✔ Maintain organized hiring documentation

The template is fully editable and can be customized with your agency logo and information.

➡️ Background Check Request Form – Home Care Employee Template
This template is part of the Wise Caregiving® collection of professional forms designed for home care agency operations, compliance, and employee documentation.

Does the process seem overwhelming? Then start with this Caregiver checklist

Get information on how to check home care employee references