Why verification matters
A caretaker will often be alone at home with your parent, sometimes overnight. Taking an hour to check the agency and the person protects your parent, your home, and the carer too. Well Story does not verify agencies, so these are the checks we suggest families do themselves.
Check the agency itself
Ask for the agency's registered name, address, and how long it has operated, and visit the office if you can. Look for consistent reviews over time rather than a burst of recent ones. Ask how they recruit and train carers, and whether carers are employees or freelancers placed by the agency.
Check the carer
Ask for the carer's government ID and confirm police verification has been done — you can also register a domestic helper with your local police. For a nurse, ask for the nursing qualification and registration with the state nursing council, and verify it rather than accepting a photo. Ask for at least one reference from a previous family and call them.
Get the terms in writing
Before the carer starts, get a written agreement covering duties, shift hours, days off, salary or fees in INR, who pays the carer, what happens if they leave or fall ill (replacement time), notice period, and any agency or registration fee and whether it is refundable.
Be clear about duties
Write down what you need: bathing, toileting, feeding, medicines reminders, walking, companionship, light cooking. Be clear about what the carer should not do — for example giving injections unless qualified. Clear duties reduce misunderstandings on both sides.
The first two weeks
Be present for the first days if possible, or ask a relative or neighbour to drop in. Keep valuables and documents secured, check in with your parent privately about how they feel, and watch for warning signs such as unexplained bruises, sudden fearfulness, missing items, or the carer discouraging visits.
Treat carers well
Good carers stay longer when they are respected: agree on proper rest, food, a place to sleep for live-in carers, and fair pay on time. Continuity of a trusted carer is one of the best things you can give your parent.
General guidance only. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical questions and verify provider arrangements directly.
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