What is a homemaker-companion agency in Connecticut?
A homemaker-companion agency is a public or private organization, or a registry, that employs people to provide nonmedical companion services or homemaker services, and it is legally distinct from a home health care agency or a home health aide agency. These agencies must register with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, which is a registration process rather than the licensing structure that applies to home health agencies.
Apply nowHome health aide jobs in New Haven
What services this type of agency provides
State law defines companion services as nonmedical, basic supervision to ensure a person's safety and well-being at home, while homemaker services cover nonmedical support like cooking, cleaning, laundry, and personal hygiene assistance aimed at keeping a healthy, safe home environment.
A different kind of oversight
The Department of Consumer Protection's own page is direct about the structure: homemaker-companion agencies must be registered with DCP. That differs from home health care and home health aide agencies, which DPH licenses rather than registers. Operating one in Connecticut without first getting that certificate of registration from the Commissioner of Consumer Protection is not allowed.
- Provides nonmedical companion and homemaker services.
- Registered with DCP, not licensed through DPH.
- Legally separate from home health care and home health aide agencies.
A background check of its own
Separate from registration itself, state law requires these agencies to run a comprehensive background check on a prospective employee that covers an application review, an in-person or video interview, and Social Security number verification, among other components, before that person starts work.
More questions
Is a homemaker-companion agency the same as a home health aide agency?
No, state law specifically excludes home health care agencies and home health aide agencies from the homemaker-companion agency definition.
Which state office handles this registration?
The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection handles homemaker-companion agency registration.
Does working for one of these agencies involve a background check too?
Yes, state law requires a comprehensive background check covering several components before a prospective employee starts.
Sources
- Homemaker Companion Agency (HCA) Registration, Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection
- Chapter 400o — Homemaker-Companion Agencies, Connecticut General Assembly
- Home Health Unit, Connecticut Department of Public Health
Checked against these sources on November 6, 2026. Rules change, so confirm with the source before you rely on a detail. This page is general information, not legal advice.