Red flags & green flags

You'll feel a lot of this in your gut. Here's what to notice, so your instincts have good information behind them. None of these is a verdict on its own, look at the whole picture.

In the interview

Green flags

Warmth when they talk about people they've cared for
Specific stories, not vague generalities
Patience and calm, especially about hard moments
Honest about what they don't know
Asks about your loved one as a person
Clear about their availability and reliability

Red flags

Speaks about past clients with irritation or blame
Can't give concrete examples
Rushes you, or seems only interested in pay
Defensive or evasive about their history
Would force or shame someone into care
Vague or shifting about their schedule

In references and background

Green flags

References answer readily and warmly
A quick, genuine "yes" to "would you hire them again?"
Recent, relevant references (past families or employers)
Willing to complete a background check without hesitation
Their story matches across the interview and references

Red flags

Reluctant or unable to provide references
Only friends or relatives as references
Hesitation or vagueness about why past jobs ended
Resistance to a background check
Details that don't line up

During the trial shift and first weeks

Green flags

Your loved one seems comfortable, even brighter
On time, and communicates if plans change
Notices needs without being told
Respects the home, the routine, and privacy
Tells you honestly how the day went, including a fall or a hard moment

Red flags

Your loved one seems anxious, withdrawn, or fearful
Frequent lateness or last-minute call-offs
Phone-focused, distracted, or hard to reach
Unexplained missing items or money
Discourages family from visiting or checking in
Any sign of rough handling, neglect, or fear, act on this immediately

Trust the whole picture. One yellow flag in an otherwise warm, honest person is human. A cluster of red flags, or your loved one seeming afraid, is your signal to slow down or step away. If you ever suspect mistreatment, act right away, and in an emergency call 911.

Start with people who already check out

Browse background-checked caregivers, watch their video interviews, and look for the green flags before you ever call.

Browse caregivers →

This is general guidance to support your judgment, not a substitute for it, and not legal or medical advice. If you suspect abuse or neglect, contact your local Adult Protective Services, or 911 in an emergency.