The Benefits of Licensed Home Care
What You Need to Know Before Choosing a Home Care Provider
When it comes to home care, not all options are created equal. Choosing a licensed home care organization (HCO) like CareReach offers a level of safety, oversight, and peace of mind that private hires or unlicensed referral agencies simply can’t match.
Under California’s Home Care Services Consumer Protection Act, all licensed HCOs must meet strict requirements — and so must the caregivers they employ.
Licensed Home Care Agency
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Caregivers are registered with the state (HCA Registry)
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Background-checked through the Department of Social Services (CDSS)
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All staff is trained and free of active tuberculosis
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Services are covered by workers' compensation and unemployment insurance
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Staff is supervised and scheduled by the agency
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Replacement staff is provided if a caregiver is unavailable
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CDSS investigates complaints and enforces compliance
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You are not the employer — the agency is which is very important
Unlicensed Care (private hires, placement/referral services)
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Caregivers may not have any verified training or screening
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You may unknowingly become the legal employer (liable for taxes, injuries, etc.)
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No state oversight or complaint investigation
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No guaranteed backup if a caregiver cancels
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You may be liable for workers’ comp or unemployment claims
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Backgrounds may not be checked or disclosed
Don't just take our word for it, download the DSS Facts Sheets:
What This Means for You
What hiring through a licensed provider like CareReach means
You're protected from liability and workers comp claims
You have recourse if something goes wrong in the home
You can trust that caregivers are vetted, supervised and trained
You’re working with a team — not left to manage care alone
FAQS about:
Licensed Home Care
✔ Yes. At CareReach, all caregivers are registered with the California Home Care Aide Registry and employed by a state-licensed Home Care Organization (HCO). This means they meet training, background check, and health screening requirements — and are monitored for compliance.
✔ Unlicensed caregivers may not be trained, background-checked, or covered by insurance. If something goes wrong, you could be held personally liable as their legal employer — including for workers' comp, taxes, or injuries.
✔ You can search the state database here:
✔ Yes — licensing ensures that caregivers are properly trained, background-checked, and supervised. It also means the agency is held accountable by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and must follow strict client protection laws.
