I tried to use care.com for post surgical care. But they do only minimal background checking.

For my dad in Florida I found an excellent care giver. For my wonderful husband after surgeries I found amazing caregivers.

Only tip: confirm the person you talk to on the phone is actually who will provide the care. I did have one experience with dad where the woman I spoke to on the phone and met actually managed several caregivers who provided the service, so what I thought I was going to pay the caregiver was reduced due to this layer. I didn’t change however because the young woman she sent to care for my dad in assisted living was amazing/delightful.

I think I signed up for 3 months or so, whatever the minimum contract was. It is so, so much more affordable than through a big service, something like $15-20 an hr vs $25-30.

Just read their profiles, speak to candidates and then go for it. Don’t make any long term commitments to the caregiver until you know you have found a good match after trying them out.