The people we send into your home are the top 4%.
Of every 100 caregivers who apply to Gathercare, only 4 make it through our screening. Here's exactly what that means, and how we keep it that way.
Our 6-step screening
Application & credential review
PSW certificate, RN/RPN license, or equivalent verified with the issuing institution. Minimum 2 years of hands-on experience required.
Enhanced criminal record check
Vulnerable Sector Check refreshed every 12 months through the RCMP. Anything less is disqualifying.
Reference verification
Three professional references — including the most recent healthcare employer — spoken to directly, not emailed.
In-person interview & skills test
90-minute interview plus a scenario-based practical: transfers, medication double-check, dementia response, and communication.
Health & immunization
TB test, up-to-date vaccinations (including annual flu and COVID-19), and N95 fit testing before first shift.
Shadow shifts
Every new caregiver completes 3 supervised shifts with a senior team lead before working independently.
Ongoing training
- ✓40 hours of onboarding across dementia, palliative, safe transfers, fall prevention, and infection control
- ✓First Aid & CPR-C certification, refreshed every 2 years
- ✓Annual professional development budget for continuing education
- ✓Quarterly in-person clinical rounds led by a Registered Nurse
- ✓Access to our on-call RN 24/7 for any escalation in the home
How we protect your family
$5M liability insurance
Full commercial general liability and professional indemnity on every visit.
WSIB / WCB coverage
Every caregiver is a paid employee — never a contractor — with full provincial workers' compensation.
Bonded staff
Every team member is bonded, so your family and belongings are protected.
GPS-verified visits
Arrival and departure are logged in real time. Families see every visit in the portal.
RN oversight
A Registered Nurse builds and reviews every care plan, and revisits complex cases every 30 days.
Continuity guarantee
You'll meet your caregiver before care begins. We aim for the same 1–2 caregivers on rotation — no revolving door.
Meet the caregiver before care starts.
We'll never send a stranger. Every family meets their caregiver in a free introduction visit — and if it isn't the right fit, we re-match with no charge.