Safety & Trust at PairCare
We know you’re inviting someone into your home and trusting them with your loved one. Here’s exactly how we work to earn that trust.
How we vet every caregiver
No caregiver can accept bookings until they pass our multi-step approval process. Here’s what that looks like.
Background Check
Every caregiver — regardless of tier — undergoes a comprehensive criminal background check through a licensed third-party screening provider before approval. Checks include national criminal databases, sex offender registries, and county-level records.
Credential Verification
For Certified tier caregivers, we verify active CNA or HHA licenses directly against state nursing registries. Licenses must be current and in good standing. Expired or suspended licenses are rejected.
Reference Checks
Experienced tier caregivers provide two professional references — former employers, supervisors, or care recipients — which our team contacts directly. We ask specific questions about reliability, professionalism, and quality of care.
An honest note on vetting
Our vetting process significantly reduces risk, but no screening is perfect. Background checks reflect information available at the time of the check and may not capture all relevant history. PairCare does not guarantee caregiver performance. We encourage families to interview caregivers, check public reviews, and trust their instincts. If something feels off, report it — we take all concerns seriously.
Three caregiver tiers — clearly labeled
Every caregiver profile clearly displays their tier so you always know exactly who you’re hiring.
Certified
Holds an active CNA or HHA license verified against state nursing registries.
Experienced
Has 1+ years of hands-on caregiving experience with verified professional references.
Companion
Passionate about helping others with daily activities, companionship, and light assistance.
Your payment is protected
We designed our payment system so no money changes hands until care is confirmed delivered.
Payments held in escrow
When you pay for a booking, your funds are held securely by Stripe — not immediately sent to the caregiver. The money only moves after the shift is confirmed complete.
You confirm before release
After a caregiver clocks out, you see a "Confirm Hours" button on your dashboard. Funds are released only after you confirm — or after our 24-hour auto-confirm window if you don't respond.
Stripe-powered security
All payments are processed by Stripe, one of the world's leading payment platforms. PairCare never stores your full card number. Stripe is PCI-DSS Level 1 certified.
Dispute window
If there's a problem with a booking — caregiver didn't show, hours are wrong, or something went wrong — report it within 48 hours and our team will review it. Contact hello@joinpaircare.com.
Your family is protected
Beyond payment security, here’s how we look out for your family every step of the way.
Cancellation flexibility
Either party can cancel a booking at any time with no penalty. For ongoing arrangements, we recommend giving at least 48 hours’ notice as a courtesy — but there are no fees or contracts locking you in.
Liability & insurance guidance
Caregivers on PairCare are independent contractors, not our employees. We strongly recommend families carry homeowner’s or renter’s insurance that covers in-home service providers. For ongoing care arrangements, consider a household employer liability policy.
Refund & dispute resolution
If a caregiver doesn’t show up, leaves early, or provides substandard care, report it within 48 hours. Our team reviews every dispute and can issue partial or full refunds. Contact hello@joinpaircare.com with your booking ID.
Privacy & data protection
Your care recipient’s personal information — including diagnoses, mobility needs, and daily routines — is encrypted and only shared with caregivers you choose to book. We never sell your data or share it with third parties.
Independent contractor notice
All caregivers on PairCare are independent contractors, not employees of PairCare. PairCare is a technology marketplace — we connect you with caregivers but we do not employ, direct, or supervise them.
Families who engage a caregiver for ongoing household services may have household employer tax obligations under federal law. We strongly recommend consulting a tax professional. Read more in our Terms of Service.