Screening Home Healthcare Aides Adds an Essential Layer of Protection

It’s growing faster than any other career field in America.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for home health aides and personal care aides will grow just over 40 percent by 2026. Why? Many adults over 65 say they plan to live in their home and community as long as possible.

The good, the bad, and the illegal

When it comes to caring for patients and seniors in their home, good caregivers can mean everything. And bad caregivers can cause tremendous hurt. It doesn’t take a ton of digging to find stories about caregivers who stole money or drugs, caused physical harm, or about patients who became victims.

And laws governing home care vary. Some states, like California, require home care organizations to be licensed and also offer a public registry of aides who have passed a background check. Other states, though, have minimal rules for both training and licensing.

That’s why it’s always important to establish company standards for excellence; screening is foundational in that process.

How background checks help

Homebound patients and seniors represent some of the most vulnerable. That’s why background checks are such an essential part of the hiring process. Screening offers a chance to confirm your hiring instincts and adds an extra layer of protection that’s essential for both clients and companies.

What exactly does screening do? Background checks spot criminal records, including those that may involve violence, abuse, neglect, or theft. It can also help verify that a caregiver has the important credentials. Screening also helps protect companies from negligent hiring suits. The cost of screening is always less than a lawsuit.

Does your company need a professional screening partner? ClearStar can help! We offer the best technology coupled with the most experienced team in the business. With ClearStar, screening can be a simple and seamless process for your company. Contact us today!

At ClearStar, we are committed to your success. An important part of your employment screening program involves compliance with various laws and regulations, which is why we are providing information regarding screening requirements in certain countries, region, etc. While we are happy to provide you with this information, it is your responsibility to comply with applicable laws and to understand how such information pertains to your employment screening program. The foregoing information is not offered as legal advice but is instead offered for informational purposes. ClearStar is not a law firm and does not offer legal advice and this communication does not form an attorney client relationship. The foregoing information is therefore not intended as a substitute for the legal advice of a lawyer knowledgeable of the user’s individual circumstances or to provide legal advice. ClearStar makes no assurances regarding the accuracy, completeness, or utility of the information contained in this publication. Legislative, regulatory and case law developments regularly impact on general research and this area is evolving rapidly. ClearStar expressly disclaim any warranties or responsibility or damages associated with or arising out of the information provided herein.