SeniorsList Rating: 4.6 / 5
Let’s talk about money for a second, because that’s the main reason people end up on this page. When home care agencies are quoting you $35 an hour and your parent needs 20 hours a week, you’re looking at $2,800 a month before you’ve bought a single grocery. CareLinx exists for the families who hear that number and think, “There has to be another way.”
There is — but it comes with trade-offs. CareLinx is basically a marketplace where you find, interview, and hire your own caregiver. Rates average $15 to $25 an hour, which is dramatically cheaper than going through an agency. We helped a reader in Ohio set up a CareLinx search last fall, and she found a caregiver at $18 an hour who her father genuinely looks forward to seeing. She told us it felt like hiring a babysitter through Care.com — same idea, different generation.
The catch is that you’re doing the work an agency normally handles. You’re reading profiles, messaging candidates, scheduling interviews. CareLinx runs the background checks and handles payroll, which takes the scariest parts off your plate. But if you don’t have the time or energy to manage the search yourself, a traditional agency might be less stressful even at a higher price. Also worth noting: CareLinx was recently acquired by Generali Global Assistance, and the service may have changed — we’d recommend checking their site directly for the latest. Questions? Reach us at hello@seniorslist.com.
CareLinx: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Rigorous caregiver vetting: All caregivers in the CareLinx network undergo background checks, behavioral interviews, and training before they can accept jobs.
- Highly affordable rates: Most agencies charge $30 to $40 per hour. CareLinx caregivers start much lower, with averages of $15 to $25 per hour.
- AARP member discount: AARP members receive 3% off their bills, resulting in an average savings of about $270 per year.
- Flexible payment: You can pay via direct deposit, credit card, or debit card. Medicare Advantage plans may cover CareLinx as a benefit.
Cons
- No medical care: CareLinx does not offer private duty nursing. Services are limited to personal care and companionship.
- More hands-on than an agency: While CareLinx screens caregivers, you handle finding, interviewing, and scheduling on your own. Agencies like Granny Nannies do all of that for you.
- Fully virtual: CareLinx has no physical offices, so all support is provided through the app or online customer service.
What Is CareLinx?
CareLinx is a nationwide home care platform connecting older adults and their families with pre-vetted personal care providers. Using the CareLinx platform, clients can search for caregivers, review their profiles and hourly rates, message and interview candidates, and book care directly.
CareLinx handles the administrative side — background checks, certifications, insurance, and payment processing — so you don’t have to manage those details yourself when hiring privately.
The History
CareLinx was founded in 2011 by Sherwin Sheik with the goal of making home care more efficient and accessible. Sharecare, a digital health company, acquired CareLinx in 2021. CareLinx has since been acquired by Generali Global Assistance, which may have introduced changes to the platform’s service model and available features. We recommend verifying current services, pricing, and platform functionality directly at carelinx.com, as the details in this review may not fully reflect changes made under the new ownership. The platform maintains a network of more than 450,000 caregivers across the country.
Types of Care Available
CareLinx is designed for older adults who need personal care assistance and companionship rather than skilled medical care. Services available through the platform include:
- Bathing and grooming
- Dressing and toileting
- Medication reminders
- Ambulation assistance
- Meal preparation and grocery shopping
- Transportation
- Laundry and light housekeeping
CareLinx does not offer skilled nursing, wound care, injections, or any other medical services.
CareLinx vs. a Home Care Agency
| CareLinx | Home Care Agency | |
|---|---|---|
| Caregiver Selection | You search and choose from a database | Agency matches you after an assessment |
| Services | Companion care, personal care, transportation | Personal care, transportation, and often skilled nursing |
| Typical Cost | $15 to $25/hr average | ~$30–$35/hr national average |
| Medical Care | Not available | Available at many agencies |
How Much Does CareLinx Cost?
Caregivers set their own hourly rates. You can expect to pay $15 to $25 per hour on average, with rates ranging from $5 to $40. Companion care is generally at the lower end; hands-on ADL assistance like toileting and mobility support costs more.
A 15% service fee is added to every invoice for payment processing and tax management. Even with this fee, CareLinx remains one of the most affordable home care options available.
How to Use CareLinx
To find a caregiver:
- Visit carelinx.com and click “Find a Caregiver.”
- Enter your ZIP code and relationship to the person needing care.
- Answer brief questions about care needs, desired start date, duration, weekly hours, and health conditions.
- Review a list of caregivers in your area with their experience, available services, and hourly rate.
- Message and interview candidates who look like a good fit, or post a job and let caregivers apply.
The CareLinx App
The CareLinx mobile app (iOS and Android) mirrors the website’s functionality and adds a few useful features:
- Browse and contact caregivers
- Post job listings
- Message candidates
- Take free online classes on hiring and communicating with caregivers
- Review and pay GPS-verified invoices showing caregiver clock-in and clock-out times
Becoming a Caregiver on CareLinx
Individuals interested in providing care can register for free at carelinx.com. After creating a profile and entering your information, CareLinx verifies credentials and provides training. Once approved, you can apply for jobs and arrange interviews with prospective clients.
Our Assessment
CareLinx is a smart choice for families who are comfortable managing their own caregiver search in exchange for significantly lower hourly rates. The platform’s 450,000-person network means you’re unlikely to come up empty, and the built-in background check process removes one of the biggest risks of hiring privately.
The limitations are real: no skilled nursing, no physical offices, and more effort on your end than a traditional agency requires. If your loved one needs medical care, or if you simply don’t have the bandwidth to manage the hiring process, a full-service agency will be a better fit. But for basic personal care and companionship at the best possible price, CareLinx is hard to beat.