Getting started in senior companion care
Steps to start booking independent senior companion care clients safely and professionally.
- 1
Check your state's home care licensing rules
Pure companionship (conversation, light housekeeping, transportation, meal prep) is unregulated in most states, but assisting with personal care/ADLs (bathing, dressing, toileting) can trigger home care licensing or certification requirements even for a solo independent provider — check your state before offering hands-on care.
- 2
Get CPR/First Aid certified
The baseline trust signal for any family hiring someone to be alone with an aging parent; renew every two years.
- 3
Complete a background check and get bonded
Run a background check proactively and get a fidelity/surety bond — families evaluating an independent caregiver over an agency will ask about both, and being able to say yes to each removes their biggest objection.
- 4
Consider a CNA or HHA credential
Not required for companionship-only work, but it widens the scope of what you can legally and confidently offer (and the rate you can charge) if you want to take on personal-care clients later.
- 5
Set your rate structure
Decide your hourly rate for daytime visits and a separate flat rate for overnight or live-in coverage — and check that flat rate still clears a fair hourly floor the way you would for a babysitting day rate.
- 6
Build an intake process and care agreement
Collect the client's care needs, medical info, emergency contacts, and family decision-maker before the first visit, and get the written agreement signed.
- 7
List yourself and ask for referrals
Care.com, local senior centers, geriatric care managers, and hospital discharge planners are the highest-intent referral sources — a single geriatric care manager relationship can send a steady stream of clients.