What You Need to Know About Care in 2025

Finding reliable care for your loved ones can feel overwhelming, but Care.com makes it easier than ever. Once you sign up, you’ll quickly see several local caregiver options tailored to your needs. The platform keeps the process dynamic by sending you additional candidates throughout the week. You can screen applicants, discuss your requirements, and even set schedules and pay rates, all in one place. Whether you’re looking for childcare, senior care, or even pet care, Care.com helps you connect with the right person without the hassle of traditional methods.

Key Takeaways

• Care.com helps you find caregivers easily with many choices.
• Caregivers can add details and certificates to their profiles.
• Families can use filters and updates to find help fast.
• Paid membership gives perks like free background checks and messaging.
• Care.com values safety with checks and secure chats for everyone.

How Care.com Works

For Caregivers

Setting Up a Profile

Getting started on Care.com as a caregiver is simple. You’ll begin by signing up with your email, postal code, and a password. After that, you’ll need to provide some personal details like your full name, address, birth date, and Social Security number. This step ensures background checks are completed for safety. Once that’s done, you can create a profile for each type of care you offer. Whether it’s childcare, senior care, or pet care, your profile helps families understand your skills and experience.

Finding and Applying for Jobs

Care.com makes job hunting easy. You can browse the public job board to find opportunities that match your expertise. When you see a job you like, submit your profile to apply. Families may also reach out to you directly with job requests. If you’re booked, you’ll work with the family to finalize the job details, like schedules and pay rates.

Managing Payments and Earnings

Managing your earnings is straightforward. Care.com offers tools to help you track income and expenses. You can set up a bank account with Found to receive payments and even use Stripe’s Instant Payouts for faster access to your money. Payments are delivered directly to your bank account through ACH, making the process seamless. Plus, a portion of each transaction contributes to the Care Benefits program, which lets you earn Care Benefit Bucks for things like healthcare and education.

For Careseekers

Searching for Caregivers

Finding the right caregiver on Care.com starts with creating a free account. Once you’re signed up, you can access a nationwide network of caregivers who’ve undergone background checks. Use the search tools to filter candidates based on your specific needs, like availability, location, and experience.

Posting Job Listings

If you prefer caregivers to come to you, posting a job is the way to go. Write a clear description of your care needs and any special requirements. This helps attract the most suitable candidates. Once your job is live, you’ll start receiving applications from caregivers who match your criteria.

Hiring and Payment Process

When you’re ready to hire, review applications and interview candidates to find the best fit. After selecting a caregiver, finalize the details like wages, hours, and job expectations. Care.com also makes payments secure and easy. You can pay caregivers directly through the platform, ensuring everything is handled professionally and safely.

Membership Plans and Costs on Care.com

Free vs. Paid Memberships

Features of the Free Plan

If you’re just starting out on Care.com, the free plan gives you access to basic features. You can create a profile, browse caregivers or job postings, and send a limited number of messages. However, you’ll find that some features, like priority job notifications or unlimited communication, are reserved for paid members. The free plan works well if you’re testing the platform, but it may feel restrictive if you’re serious about finding care or work quickly.

Advantages of Paid Memberships

Upgrading to a paid membership unlocks several perks that make your experience smoother. You’ll enjoy unlimited messaging, which is a game-changer when coordinating with families or caregivers. Paid members also get priority notifications for job postings, helping you stay ahead of the competition. Plus, premium memberships often waive background check fees, saving you money in the long run. Here’s a quick comparison of the two plans:

Pricing Tiers in 2025

Basic Membership Costs

The basic membership remains affordable at $24.99 annually. It’s a good option if you’re on a budget and don’t need advanced features. However, keep in mind that you’ll still need to pay for background checks separately.

Premium Membership Costs

For $103.88 annually, the premium membership offers a more comprehensive experience. It’s ideal if you want to save time and access all the platform’s features. The waived background check fee alone makes it worth considering.

Additional Fees

Background Check Costs

Care.com encourages users to purchase background checks for added safety. These checks are optional but highly recommended, especially for families hiring caregivers. While premium members get this fee waived, basic members will need to pay for it separately. The cost is recurring but can be canceled anytime.

Service Fees for One-Time Bookings

If you’re booking a caregiver for a one-time job, expect to pay a small service fee. This fee helps maintain the platform and ensures secure transactions. While it’s an extra cost, it adds a layer of professionalism and trust to the process.

Safety Features and Trustworthiness of Care.com

Background Checks

How They Work

When it comes to safety, Care.com takes a proactive approach with its CareCheck system. Every caregiver must pass this background check before they can connect with families. CareCheck reviews basic criminal records and identity verification to ensure a safer experience for everyone. However, it’s important to know that no background check is perfect. Some details, like a complete criminal history, may not always show up. Care.com recommends that families take extra steps, like conducting their own background checks, to make sure they feel confident in their choice.

Who Covers the Costs

The cost of background checks depends on your membership plan. If you’re a premium member, the fee is waived, which can save you money. Basic members, on the other hand, will need to pay for this service separately. While it’s an added expense, it’s worth the peace of mind it provides.

Tip: Always follow additional safety measures, like meeting caregivers in public places for interviews, to ensure a secure hiring process.

User Reviews and Ratings

Importance for Caregivers

For caregivers, reviews and ratings can make or break your profile. Positive feedback helps you stand out and attract more job offers. Families often rely on these reviews to gauge your reliability and professionalism. So, always aim to provide excellent service and communicate clearly with families.

How Families Can Use Reviews

Families can use reviews to narrow down their options. Look for caregivers with consistent positive feedback and detailed comments about their work. This can give you a better idea of their strengths and whether they’re the right fit for your needs. While most reviews highlight the platform’s ease of use and quality caregivers, some users mention the need for more thorough background checks.

Secure Communication and Payment

Messaging Tools

Care.com encourages all communication to happen through its platform. This keeps your conversations private and secure. Plus, the Trust and Safety team monitors messages to prevent fraud or inappropriate behavior. It’s a simple way to protect both caregivers and families.

Payment Protection Features

Paying through Care.com isn’t just convenient, it’s also safe. The platform ensures that payments are processed securely and delivered directly to caregivers. This eliminates the risks of cash transactions and provides a clear record of all payments.

Note: Care.com also offers a Safety Center with resources to help you make informed hiring decisions.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Using Care.com

Benefits

Wide Range of Services

Care.com connects you with a variety of caregivers, whether you need help with childcare, eldercare, or even pet care. The platform simplifies the process by offering a quick sign-up and access to local caregivers almost immediately. You can filter options based on your specific needs, making it easier to find the right match. This flexibility ensures you’re not limited to one type of service or provider.

User-Friendly Platform

Navigating Care.com feels intuitive. The platform’s design makes it easy to post jobs, browse caregiver profiles, and communicate securely. You don’t need to be tech-savvy to use it effectively. Families can quickly set up accounts and start receiving caregiver options, while caregivers can apply for jobs with just a few clicks. This simplicity saves time and reduces stress for everyone involved.

Access to Verified Caregivers

Safety is a top priority on Care.com. The platform includes features like background checks and a dedicated Safety Center to help you make informed decisions. These tools give you peace of mind when hiring someone to care for your loved ones. Knowing that caregivers have been vetted adds an extra layer of trust to the process.

Tip: Always review caregiver profiles and ratings to ensure they meet your expectations.

Drawbacks

Membership and Service Costs

While Care.com offers a free membership, many essential features require a paid subscription. For example, you’ll need a premium membership to contact caregivers or access applications. The costs can add up, especially if you also pay for background checks or service fees for one-time bookings.

Limited Guarantees on Service Quality

Although Care.com provides tools to verify caregivers, it doesn’t guarantee the quality of their services. You’ll need to rely on reviews, ratings, and interviews to assess whether a caregiver is the right fit. This can feel like a gamble, especially if you’re hiring for the first time.

High Competition for Caregivers

If you’re a caregiver, you might face stiff competition. Many caregivers use the platform, which means families have plenty of options. Standing out requires a strong profile, excellent reviews, and quick responses to job postings. This can make it challenging to secure jobs, especially in areas with a high number of caregivers.

Innovations and Updates on Care.com in 2025

Care.com has introduced several exciting updates in 2025, making the platform even more efficient and user-friendly for both caregivers and families. These innovations aim to simplify your experience and provide tools that save time while enhancing safety and convenience.

New Features for Caregivers

Enhanced Profile Customization

As a caregiver, your profile is your first impression. Care.com now offers enhanced customization options to help you stand out. You can add detailed service descriptions, upload certifications, and even showcase testimonials from past clients. These updates make it easier for families to understand your skills and experience at a glance.

AI-Powered Job Matching

Finding the right job has never been easier. Care.com’s AI-powered job matching feature uses advanced algorithms to connect you with opportunities that align with your skills, location, and availability. This means you’ll spend less time searching and more time working.

Other updates include:

• A new caregiver app version (2.47) available on Android and iOS.
• Tools like hours tracking and payroll summaries grouped by service type.
• A dashboard widget that tracks your weekly hours and mileage, making it easier to manage your workload.

New Features for Families

Advanced Search Filters

Families now have access to advanced search filters, allowing you to find caregivers who meet very specific needs. Whether you’re looking for someone with a particular certification or availability during odd hours, these filters make the process faster and more precise.

Real-Time Availability Updates

No more back-and-forth messaging to confirm schedules. Care.com now includes real-time availability updates on caregiver profiles. You can instantly see who’s available and when, making it easier to book care on short notice.

Platform Wide Improvements

Mobile App Enhancements

The Care.com mobile app has received significant upgrades. You can now view ad hoc schedules directly on the home screen, making it easier to manage last-minute changes. The app also includes better data visibility with added columns in reports and a territory filter for more refined searches.

Expanded Customer Support Options

Customer support has been expanded to ensure you get help when you need it. Whether you’re troubleshooting the app or have questions about hiring, the updated support system offers faster response times and more ways to connect with representatives.

These updates reflect Care.com’s commitment to improving your experience, whether you’re a caregiver or a family seeking care.

Care.com remains a trusted platform for families and caregivers in 2025. Its innovative updates, like enhanced caregiver apps and real-time payroll tracking, make managing care easier than ever. With 90% of parents losing sleep over caregiving stress and 40% of household income going toward care costs, these tools are a game-changer. Families can save time and reduce stress, while caregivers benefit from streamlined processes. Whether you’re hiring or offering care, this platform simplifies the journey and provides peace of mind.

Did you know? 87% of parents support expanded tax credits for care expenses, highlighting the growing need for accessible solutions.

FAQ

How do I sign up for Care.com?

Signing up is easy! Just visit the Care.com website or download the app. Create an account using your email and a password. You’ll then fill out your profile with basic details.

Tip: Use a professional photo and detailed description to stand out!

Is Care.com safe to use?

Yes, Care.com prioritizes safety with background checks, secure messaging, and payment protection. However, you should always take extra precautions, like meeting caregivers in public places for interviews.

Note: Trust your instincts and check reviews before hiring anyone.

Can I cancel my membership anytime?

Absolutely! You can cancel your membership through your account settings. If you’re on a paid plan, make sure to cancel before the next billing cycle to avoid charges.

What happens if I’m not satisfied with a caregiver?

If you’re unhappy, you can leave a review and look for another caregiver. Care.com doesn’t guarantee service quality, so it’s important to communicate your expectations clearly during the hiring process.

Are there any hidden fees on Care.com?

Care.com is transparent about its fees. You’ll pay for memberships, background checks, and one-time booking fees if applicable. Always review the pricing details before committing to a plan.

Did you know? Premium members often save on background check fees!