Last Updated: March 15, 2024
Welcome to Elder Care. These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of our website and elder care services. By accessing our website or using our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.
1. Acceptance of Terms
By using Elder Care's website, services, or communicating with us, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our services or website.
2. Service Description and Scope
Elder Care provides professional in-home care services for seniors, including:
- Personal care assistance (bathing, grooming, dressing)
- Companionship and social interaction
- Meal preparation and nutrition support
- Medication reminders and health monitoring
- Transportation to appointments and activities
- Light housekeeping and home maintenance
- Memory care and cognitive support
- 24/7 emergency response services
All services are provided by licensed, insured, and background-checked caregivers in accordance with state and federal regulations governing elder care services.
3. Eligibility and Service Requirements
To use our services, you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age or have legal guardian consent
- Provide accurate and complete information during assessment
- Have legal authority to make care decisions for the recipient
- Ensure a safe working environment for our caregivers
- Comply with all applicable laws and regulations
4. Service Agreement and Care Plans
Before services begin, we will conduct a comprehensive assessment and develop a personalized care plan. This plan will outline specific services, schedules, costs, and care objectives. Any changes to the care plan must be documented and agreed upon by all parties.
5. Client and Family Responsibilities
Clients and their families are responsible for:
- Providing accurate medical, personal, and emergency contact information
- Disclosing all relevant health conditions and medications
- Maintaining a safe and respectful environment for caregivers
- Communicating changes in care needs or health status promptly
- Providing necessary supplies and equipment for care
- Ensuring timely payment for services as agreed
- Treating all staff with dignity and respect
6. Payment Terms and Billing
Payment terms include:
- Billing: Services are billed according to the agreed schedule (hourly, daily, or monthly)
- Payment Due: Payment is due within 30 days of invoice date unless otherwise agreed
- Late Payments: Late payments may incur fees and could result in service suspension
- Methods: We accept cash, check, credit card, and electronic payments
- Insurance: We can assist with insurance claims where applicable
- Refunds: Refunds for unused services will be processed according to our refund policy
7. Cancellation and Scheduling
We require at least 24 hours notice for service cancellations. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice may be subject to minimum charges. We will make every effort to accommodate schedule changes but cannot guarantee availability for last-minute requests.
8. Professional Standards and Conduct
All Elder Care staff maintain the highest professional standards. Our caregivers are licensed, bonded, insured, and undergo comprehensive background checks and ongoing training. We comply with all applicable healthcare regulations and professional ethics standards.
9. Confidentiality and HIPAA Compliance
We maintain strict confidentiality of all client information in accordance with HIPAA and other applicable privacy laws. Medical information is shared only with authorized individuals and healthcare providers as necessary for care coordination.
10. Limitation of Liability and Insurance
Elder Care maintains comprehensive general liability and professional liability insurance. Our liability is limited to the direct cost of services provided. We are not liable for indirect, consequential, or punitive damages. Clients are encouraged to maintain their own insurance coverage for additional protection.
11. Emergency Procedures
In medical emergencies, our staff will call 911 and notify family members immediately. We maintain 24/7 emergency response capabilities and have established protocols for various emergency situations. Clients should provide clear emergency contact information and medical directives.
12. Service Termination
Either party may terminate services with appropriate notice:
- Standard Termination: 14 days written notice for ongoing services
- Immediate Termination: We reserve the right to terminate immediately for non-payment, unsafe conditions, or inappropriate behavior
- Final Billing: Final invoices will be sent within 5 business days of termination
13. Dispute Resolution
We are committed to resolving any concerns promptly and fairly. Disputes should first be addressed with our client services team. If resolution cannot be reached, disputes may be resolved through mediation or arbitration in accordance with applicable state laws.
14. Compliance and Licensing
Elder Care operates under all required state and federal licenses for home care services. We comply with regulations from relevant health departments, aging services agencies, and professional licensing boards. Our license numbers and certifications are available upon request.
15. Website Use and Digital Services
Our website is provided for informational purposes and service coordination. Users agree not to misuse the website, attempt unauthorized access, or interfere with its operation. We may update website content and functionality without notice.
16. Intellectual Property
All content on our website, including text, images, logos, and materials, is protected by copyright and trademark laws. Users may not reproduce, distribute, or use our intellectual property without written permission.
17. Force Majeure
We are not liable for delays or inability to perform services due to circumstances beyond our control, including natural disasters, government actions, labor disputes, or public health emergencies. We will make reasonable efforts to resume services as soon as possible.
18. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the state in which services are provided. Any legal proceedings will be conducted in the appropriate courts of that jurisdiction.
19. Changes to Terms
We may update these Terms periodically to reflect changes in our services or legal requirements. Updated Terms will be posted on our website with the revision date. Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of updated Terms.
20. Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.
21. Contact Information for Legal Matters
For questions regarding these Terms and Conditions, legal matters, or to report concerns, please contact us through our website contact form. We will respond to legal inquiries within 5 business days.
Important Notice: These Terms and Conditions are designed to comply with applicable laws governing elder care services, including healthcare regulations, consumer protection laws, and advertising standards. By using our services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood these terms and agree to be bound by them.