Many of the caregivers have first aid or CPR training and experience in handling emergencies. It's a two-sided service being offered while also providing work for people who want to do for others but need to make some money doing it. I'm finding a huge number of applicants who want to do this, and a great range of applicants, too. Caregiving is also good for those who don't have formal skills or trades but have such good experience - mothers with nurturing skills they want to carry on with after their children are grown, seniors who want to supplement their retirement income and are typically better workers, more reliable and responsible overall. Criminal checks are made, and character references as well as vocational references are carefully checked.
Most referrals come from adult children of aging parents.
Their parent is not seeing as well, not getting around as well, not driving any more, and needs someone to come in and do a little housework, get meals, take them to doctor appointments. So they may just want someone to spend some time with their parents, take them out for lunch or a movie. Others need someone to check on a relative daily or stay overnight while they themselves are on business trips or vacation. They get continuing oversight with the care, including a replacement if the caregiver gets sick and can't come as scheduled. People don't realize how much is involved in finding good people.