How to Find a Private Caregiver in North Carolina (Without Using a Home Care Agency)
Finding the right help for an aging loved one can feel overwhelming.
Many families want personalized, flexible care- but they don’t want high agency costs or rotating staff. That’s why more families across North Carolina are choosing to hire independently contracted caregivers directly.
A caregiver registry (also known as a referral service) helps families connect with self-employed caregivers safely and confidently. Here’s exactly how it works- and how to find the right caregiver for your family.
What Is a Private (Independent) Caregiver?
A private caregiver is a self-employed professional who provides:
Companionship
Support
Meal prep & light housekeeping
Transportation
Safety oversight
Daily living assistance
They are not employees of an agency. They run their own caregiving business and work directly for the client.
Families choose independent caregivers because they offer:
Flexible schedules
More affordable rates
Consistent one-on-one support
A personal relationship
Longer-term stability
Why Families Choose a Caregiver Registry
A caregiver registry like Wynhaven Companions helps families connect with independent caregivers who are:
Pre-screened
Background-checked
Verified
Experienced
Ready for client interviews
Registries are popular because they provide the safety of screening with the flexibility of private hiring.
1. More Flexibility
Independent caregivers can agree to:
Short shifts
Long shifts
Overnights
Live-in arrangements
Occasional help
Part-time or full-time support
There are no strict shift minimums like traditional agencies.
2. Lower Cost
Caregivers set their own rates, so families often save 15–30% compared to agency pricing.
3. You Choose Your Caregiver
You can meet caregivers, interview them, and choose the one who feels like the best fit.
4. Consistency
Independent caregivers usually stay long-term, reducing turnover and keeping care stable.
How to Find a Private Caregiver Safely in North Carolina
Hiring privately is legal in NC — but you should follow safe steps.
1. Use a Reputable Caregiver Registry
A registry pre-screens caregivers for:
Identity
Background
Qualifications
Experience
References
This ensures you’re meeting real, trustworthy professionals.
Quick Tip:
Never hire a caregiver from Facebook or Craigslist without a full background check.
2. Interview the Caregiver Before Hiring
Ask things like:
“What experience do you have with my loved one’s needs?”
“What hours do you prefer?”
“What are your rates?”
“How do you handle communication and updates?”
A registry can help you prepare interview questions.
3. Review the Caregiver’s Independent Service Agreement
Because private caregivers work for themselves, they will have:
Their own rates
Their own schedule
Their own boundaries and preferences
You and the caregiver enter into your own agreement — the registry is simply the matchmaker.
4. Make Sure There Are Backup Options
Life happens.
A good registry provides referral options if a caregiver is sick, on vacation, or unavailable.
Why Using a Registry Is Safer Than Hiring Online
You can find caregivers through:
Facebook
Word of mouth
Online classifieds
But these sources rarely include:
Background checks
Experience verification
Safety screening
Documentation
A registry protects families from uncertainty by ensuring caregivers are pre-screened and vetted before you ever meet them.
Wynhaven Companions: Trusted Caregiver Referrals in Western NC
Wynhaven Companions helps families connect with independent caregivers in:
Henderson County
Buncombe County
Transylvania County
We provide:
Personalized caregiver matching
Pre-screened caregiver profiles
Support during interviews
Smooth coordination
Backup caregiver referrals
We make private hiring simple, safe, and personal.
Need Help Finding the Right Caregiver?
Request a Caregiver Match Consultation
Your family deserves care that feels personal, consistent, and connected- and we’re honored to help you find it.