Find the right caregiver
You'll learn more from one real shift than from any interview. Before you commit, spend a few paid hours together, it's the single best way to know if someone is right for your family.
Offer a paid trial of a few hours, always pay for their time. Pick a normal day with a normal routine, not a special occasion. Tell them it's a chance for everyone to see if it's a good fit, no pressure.
Stay home or nearby for the first trial. Introduce them warmly, walk them through the routine, then give them a little room to work while you observe. You're not hovering, you're learning how they are with your loved one.
Notice your loved one more than the tasks. Do they seem comfortable, even a little brighter? Is the caregiver patient, attentive, and respectful of the home and privacy? Those green flags matter more than a perfect checklist. See the full green-flag list →
Afterward, ask your loved one how it went, and listen to how they felt, not just what they say. Check it against your interview notes and your gut. A good trial shift often makes the decision easy. If something felt off, it's okay to keep looking.
Browse background-checked caregivers, watch their video interviews, then invite your favorites to a paid trial.
Browse caregivers →General guidance for families, not legal advice. Remember that paying a caregiver, including for a trial, can carry household-employer responsibilities, see our household employer guide.