California Home Care Business Startup Checklist | Fillable PDF

Plan Your California Home Care Business With a Clear Next Step

Starting a non-medical home care business in California? Turn a long startup to-do list into an organized plan with this 12-page fillable checklist.

The California Home Care Business Startup Checklist, Extended Edition, helps you organize business setup, licensing preparation, hiring, and the steps toward welcoming your first client.

Created and reviewed by a home care business owner with more than 10 years of experience, with AI-assisted research and drafting.

What’s Included in Your California Startup Checklist

• California at a glance: an overview of CDSS licensing, Home Care Aide registration, and screening, TB, and training topics.
• “Where do you fit?” flowchart: explore solo caregiving, companion care agency, and personal care agency business models.
• Companion care versus personal care: an overview of services and hands-on care tasks.
• Independent caregiver checklist: planning steps for caregivers exploring working on their own.
• 10 step-by-step startup phases: planning, business setup, bond and insurance, policies, CDSS application preparation, hiring Home Care Aides, first-client preparation, marketing, and ongoing requirements.
• Startup budget worksheet: organize your expected expenses.
• Key contacts page: keep California agency information handy, with CDSS contact details included.
• Important dates tracker: record deadlines and follow-up tasks.
• Aide compliance tracker: organize screening and training dates.
• Notes page: keep questions, reminders, and next steps together.

Track Your Progress From Planning to Your First Client

Keep your startup tasks in one place instead of scattered across notes and browser tabs.

Check off completed steps, enter completion dates, and save your progress as you go. Use the budget worksheet and trackers to see what you’ve finished and what needs your attention next.

Who This Checklist Is For

This checklist is designed for caregivers exploring independent work, first-time home care agency owners, and entrepreneurs planning a non-medical companion care or personal care business in California.

Use it to organize your research, prepare questions for state agencies, and build a clearer startup plan.

Digital Download and How to Use It

You’ll receive a 12-page fillable PDF as an instant digital download. No physical item will be shipped.

Open the file in Adobe Acrobat Reader, available free, for the best fillable experience. Type into the fields, mark completed tasks, and save your updated copy. You can also print the checklist and complete it by hand.

Important Information Before You Begin

This checklist is an organizational resource, not a license application, a complete business plan, or a guarantee of licensing approval. It provides general information and is not legal advice.

Requirements and fees can change. Confirm current requirements with the California Department of Social Services and other relevant agencies before filing applications or making business decisions.

Research edition: October 2026.

© 2026 Wise Caregiving®. For your own use only. Not for resale or redistribution.