How We Screen Caregivers

At United Care, screening caregivers is one of the most important steps we take to ensure our clients receive exceptional home care. Our process is designed to carefully vet every candidate so that only the most trustworthy, skilled, and compassionate professionals become part of our caregiving team.

Smiling elderly woman receiving professional home care San Diego support from a licensed caregiver in a cozy living room.
Tips for Family Caregivers

Thorough Background Checks

Every caregiver must pass an extensive criminal background check in accordance with California law. This includes mandatory clearance through the Department of Justice (DOJ) before they can even be considered for employment. 

This step is vital in our caregiver screening process to ensure client safety and peace of mind.

Experience You Can Trust

We require:

  • A minimum of two years of experience in elderly care, or

  • At least one year of certified experience as a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) or HHA (Home Health Aide)

This ensures that each caregiver we hire is prepared to handle the challenges and responsibilities of in-home care.

Home care San Diego caregiver assisting a senior with daily tasks, providing compassionate and reliable in-home support.
Nurse assisting elderly woman in wheelchair.

Comprehensive Reference Checks

Caregivers are required to provide:

  • At least three professional references 

  • At least three personal references

These references allow us to thoroughly evaluate:

  • Caregiving skills and experience

  • Character, reliability, and ethical standards

  • Length of service and compensation history

  • All references must offer positive, detailed insights into the caregiver’s background.

Our team personally contacts each reference to verify information and ask in-depth questions.

Multi-Step, In-Person Interview Process

As part of screening caregivers, we conduct an in-depth, face-to-face interview that evaluates:

  • Hands-on caregiving skills

  • Behavioral traits and professionalism

  • Problem-solving abilities through real-life scenario discussions

  • Honesty and reliability

  • Clear communication in English, both spoken and written

Only those who excel in all areas move forward in our hiring process.

Caregiver and senior woman sharing a moment.
Happy grandmother and granddaughter hugging.

Orientation & Ongoing Training

Our caregivers begin with a 5-hour in-person orientation that includes:

  • Company policies and caregiving standards

  • Safety protocols and best practices

  • Communication techniques and client expectations

  • Emphasis on professionalism and empathy

To maintain excellence, caregivers also receive ongoing training to stay up-to-date with evolving care needs and industry standards.

Legal & Medical Requirements

All caregivers must submit:

  • A valid photo ID

  • Proof of tuberculosis clearance

  • Current CPR certification

  • A clean DMV report (if driving is required)

  • Legal authorization to work in the U.S.

This documentation is a critical part of how we screen caregivers and maintain a standard of safety and compliance.

Why Screening Caregivers Matters — And How United Care Can Help

At United Care, screening caregivers is more than a requirement — it’s our commitment to providing safe, compassionate, and professional care. By carefully selecting and preparing each caregiver, we ensure peace of mind for the families we serve. If you’re looking for trusted in-home care backed by a thorough screening process, contact United Care today to learn how we can support you or your loved one.

home care san diego

Looking for compassionate, personalized home care?

At United Home Care, we go beyond basic support — offering personalized care plans, licensed caregivers, and affordable home services that put your loved one’s comfort first. See how our team is making a difference every day.