Home Staffing
Pre-screened household staff — housekeepers, personal assistants, companions — placed in your loved one's home so daily life keeps running.
Also known as: Household staffing, Domestic staffing, Home staff placement, In-home staffing agencies
Who this is for
Is this what you're looking for?
Here are a few situations where families turn to home staffing.
The house is slipping and they won't ask for help
Your dad is managing on his own but laundry is piling up, meals are getting skipped, and errands aren't getting done. He doesn't need medical help — he needs reliable, consistent support.
Their longtime housekeeper is gone and replacing her feels impossible
Your mom's housekeeper of 12 years retired. Finding someone trustworthy and compatible feels overwhelming, and you can't vet every applicant yourself.
You're managing care from a distance and need boots on the ground
You need someone local who can handle day-to-day household tasks and keep you informed. Not a caregiver — a reliable household presence.
There are many more situations where this kind of support makes sense. If you're not sure whether it's the right fit, we can help.
What to expect
What home staffing placement looks like
10–20%
placement fee
2–4 wks
typical placement
Direct
employer after hire
Pre-screened
candidates
Home staffing agencies recruit, screen, and place household employees — housekeepers, personal assistants, household managers, and companions. The agency handles vetting and matching; the family typically becomes the direct employer after placement. Most charge a one-time placement fee rather than ongoing hourly rates. Placements are usually permanent or long-term.
How tendercare vets
How tendercare vets these providers
Every provider in tendercare's Trusted Network completes a six-point vetting process — background checks, license and insurance verification, client references, and expert review. Membership is never sold; it's earned.
Never pay-to-play. Membership is earned.
Frequently asked questions
What families ask
Home staffing agencies recruit, screen, and place household employees in private homes — housekeepers, personal assistants, companions, and household managers. They handle the search and initial vetting so you don't have to interview strangers on your own. After placement, the family typically becomes the direct employer.
Most agencies charge a one-time placement fee — typically 10 to 20 percent of the placed employee's annual salary. Ongoing wages are paid directly by the family as the employer. Some agencies offer a replacement guarantee period (typically 30–90 days) if the placement doesn't work out.
Home care focuses on personal care — bathing, medication, mobility — for people who need daily living support. Home staffing is about household operations — housekeeping, errands, meals, and general household management. Some families use both. If your loved one also needs personal care assistance, a home care agency is the right fit for that need.
Most household staff placed through agencies become direct employees of the family — not contractors. This matters significantly for taxes, insurance, and legal responsibility. As the employer, the family is responsible for payroll taxes, workers' compensation, and any applicable employment laws. Ask the agency to explain these obligations clearly before placement.
Ask specifically what background checks the agency runs — criminal history, employment verification, and references at minimum. Ask whether they check driving records if transportation is involved, and whether they re-screen active caregivers periodically. Get the vetting details in writing. The strength of an agency's screening process is the most important factor in placement quality.
Reputable agencies offer a free replacement period — typically 30 to 90 days — if the placement doesn't work out. After that window, some charge a reduced fee for replacements. Confirm the replacement policy and its terms in writing before signing. Agencies that offer no replacement guarantee are taking on no risk — which should give you pause.
Yes, where possible. Agencies that focus on household staffing for older adults understand the specific sensitivities involved — compatibility, patience, reliability, and what it means to work in a home rather than a facility. They're more likely to have candidates with relevant experience and to understand what makes a placement succeed long-term.
Most placements take two to four weeks from initial contact to a candidate starting work. The process includes an intake call, candidate sourcing, background checks, and interviews with the family. Urgent situations can sometimes be handled faster. Starting the search before the need is critical allows more time for a good match rather than a rushed one.
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