Terms of Service

Terms and conditions governing our non-medical home care services.

Terms Summary

Non-medical home care services
Licensed & insured caregivers
24/7 emergency support

Last Updated: July 25, 2025

1. Agreement to Terms

By engaging Guardian Community Care ("Company," "we," "our," or "us") for home care services, you ("Client," "you," or "your") agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Guardian Community Care.

2. Service Description

Non-Medical Home Care Services

Guardian Community Care provides non-medical home care services in Lake, Cuyahoga, and Geauga counties, Ohio. Our services include but are not limited to:

Personal Care:Assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, and mobility
Companionship:Social interaction, conversation, and emotional support
Homemaking:Light housekeeping, laundry, and home organization
Meal Services:Meal planning, preparation, and assistance with eating
Transportation:Accompaniment to appointments and errands
Medication Reminders:Non-medical reminders to take prescribed medications

Service Limitations

Guardian Community Care does NOT provide:

Medical or nursing care
Medication administration
Medical diagnosis or treatment
Skilled nursing services
Physical/occupational therapy
Heavy lifting or moving

Service Agreement and Care Plan

📋Written Service Agreement

All services are provided under a written Service Agreement that specifies:

Specific services to be provided
Schedule and duration of services
Service rates and payment terms
Emergency contact information
Special instructions and preferences

🎯Care Plan Development

We will work with you to develop a personalized care plan based on your needs, preferences, and safety requirements. The care plan may be modified as needs change, with your consent and appropriate notice.

Caregiver Assignment and Standards

Caregiver Qualifications

All Guardian Community Care caregivers are:

👥Employees of Guardian Community Care (not independent contractors)
🔍Background checked and reference verified
📚Trained in non-medical home care practices
🛡️Insured under our liability and workers' compensation policies
👨‍💼Supervised by Guardian Community Care management

🔄Caregiver Changes

We strive to provide consistent caregiver assignments but reserve the right to change caregivers when necessary due to scheduling, availability, or other operational needs. We will provide reasonable notice when possible and ensure proper introduction of new caregivers.

Scheduling and Availability

Service Hours

Services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, subject to caregiver availability and scheduling requirements. Holiday and weekend services may be subject to additional fees.

Schedule Changes

Changes to scheduled services require at least 24 hours advance notice when possible. Emergency or last-minute changes will be accommodated when feasible but may result in additional charges or service limitations.

Cancellation Policy

Scheduled services cancelled with less than 24 hours notice may be subject to a cancellation fee. Emergency cancellations due to hospitalization or medical emergencies are exempt from cancellation fees.

Payment Terms and Billing

Service Rates

Service rates are established in your Service Agreement and may vary based on:

  • Type and complexity of services required
  • Time of day and day of week
  • Holiday and emergency service premiums
  • Minimum service hour requirements

Payment Methods

We accept payment by:

  • Automatic bank transfer (ACH)
  • Credit or debit card
  • Check (with prior approval)
  • Third-party payment (insurance, family members) with proper authorization

Billing and Payment Schedule

Services are typically billed weekly or bi-weekly as specified in your Service Agreement. Payment is due within 30 days of invoice date. Late payments may result in service suspension and additional fees.

Rate Changes

Service rates may be adjusted annually or as needed due to changes in operational costs, minimum wage requirements, or service complexity. Rate changes will be communicated with at least 30 days advance notice.

Client Responsibilities

Safe Environment

Clients are responsible for maintaining a safe environment for caregivers, including:

  • Ensuring adequate lighting and clear walkways
  • Removing or securing hazardous materials
  • Providing working smoke detectors and emergency equipment
  • Informing us of any safety concerns or environmental hazards
  • Ensuring pets are controlled and do not pose a safety risk

Communication

Clients must:

  • Provide accurate and complete information about care needs
  • Communicate changes in health status or care requirements
  • Maintain current emergency contact information
  • Notify us immediately of any incidents or concerns
  • Treat caregivers with respect and professionalism

Medical Care Coordination

Clients remain responsible for:

  • All medical care and treatment decisions
  • Coordination with healthcare providers
  • Medication management and administration
  • Emergency medical response
  • Insurance and healthcare coverage

Emergency Procedures

Medical Emergencies

In case of medical emergencies, caregivers will:

  • Call 911 immediately for life-threatening situations
  • Contact designated emergency contacts
  • Notify Guardian Community Care management
  • Provide basic first aid within their training scope
  • Accompany clients to medical facilities when appropriate

Non-Medical Emergencies

For non-medical emergencies (power outages, severe weather, etc.), caregivers will follow established emergency protocols and maintain communication with management and emergency contacts.

Privacy and Confidentiality

Information Protection

Guardian Community Care is committed to protecting client privacy and confidentiality. All personal and health information is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable privacy laws.

Caregiver Confidentiality

All caregivers are required to maintain strict confidentiality regarding client information, family matters, and household details. Breach of confidentiality is grounds for immediate termination and may result in legal action.

Liability and Insurance

Company Insurance

Guardian Community Care maintains:

  • General liability insurance
  • Professional liability coverage
  • Workers' compensation insurance
  • Bonding for employees

Limitation of Liability

Guardian Community Care's liability is limited to the scope of services outlined in the Service Agreement. We are not liable for:

  • Medical conditions or health changes not related to our services
  • Accidents or injuries outside the scope of agreed services
  • Property damage not caused by caregiver negligence
  • Losses due to client non-compliance with care recommendations
  • Acts of nature, power outages, or other circumstances beyond our control

Client Insurance

Clients are encouraged to maintain appropriate homeowner's or renter's insurance and to verify coverage for in-home care services. Some services may be covered by long-term care insurance or other benefit programs.

Service Termination

Termination by Client

Clients may terminate services at any time with 24 hours written notice. Final payment for services rendered is due within 30 days of termination.

Termination by Company

Guardian Community Care may terminate services with 72 hours notice for:

  • Non-payment of services
  • Unsafe environment for caregivers
  • Abusive or inappropriate behavior toward caregivers
  • Requests for services outside our scope of practice
  • Failure to comply with service agreement terms

Immediate Termination

Services may be terminated immediately without notice for:

  • Threats or violence toward caregivers
  • Illegal activities on the premises
  • Requests for caregivers to perform illegal or unethical acts
  • Situations that pose immediate danger to caregiver safety

Complaints and Dispute Resolution

Complaint Process

We encourage open communication about any concerns. Complaints should be directed to:

  • Your assigned care coordinator
  • Guardian Community Care management
  • Our formal complaint resolution process

Resolution Timeline

We strive to address all complaints within 48 hours and provide resolution within 7 business days. Serious safety concerns will be addressed immediately.

External Resources

If internal resolution is not satisfactory, clients may contact:

  • Ohio Department of Health
  • Better Business Bureau
  • Local ombudsman programs
  • Legal counsel for contractual disputes

Regulatory Compliance

Ohio State Regulations

Guardian Community Care operates in compliance with all applicable Ohio Department of Health regulations for non-medical home care agencies. We maintain all required licenses and certifications.

Background Checks

All employees undergo comprehensive background checks including:

  • Criminal history checks
  • Sex offender registry verification
  • Professional reference verification
  • Employment history verification

Modifications to Terms

Updates and Changes

These Terms of Service may be updated periodically to reflect changes in our services, regulations, or business practices. Significant changes will be communicated with at least 30 days advance notice.

Continued Service

Continued use of our services after changes to these Terms constitutes acceptance of the updated terms. If you do not agree to modified terms, you may terminate services as outlined in the termination section.

Governing Law

These Terms of Service are governed by the laws of the State of Ohio. Any disputes arising from these terms or our services will be resolved in the appropriate courts of Ohio.

Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

Contact Information

For questions about these Terms of Service or our services, please contact us:

Get in Touch

Business Hours

Monday - Friday:8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday:9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Emergency:24/7 for clients

Ready to Get Started?

Contact us for a free consultation or learn more about our services.