Privacy Policy

Introduction

Guardian Health Care ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your personal and health information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our home care services.

As a licensed home care provider in South Carolina, we comply with applicable federal and state privacy laws, including relevant provisions of healthcare privacy regulations.

Information We Collect

Personal Information

We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Fill out contact forms on our website
• Request information about our services
• Schedule a consultation or assessment
• Inquire about employment opportunities
• Subscribe to our newsletter or communications

This information may include:

• Name (first and last)
• Email address
• Phone number
• Address and location information
• Service preferences and care needs
• Messages and inquiries you send to us

Health-Related Information

When you become a client or inquire about specific care services, we may collect health-related information necessary to provide appropriate care services, including:

• Medical history and current health conditions
• Medications and treatments
• Physical and cognitive abilities
• Care preferences and requirements
• Emergency contact information
• Healthcare provider information

Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information about your device and browsing actions, including:

• IP address and browser type
• Operating system and device information
• Pages viewed and links clicked
• Time and date of your visit
• Referring website or source
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• To provide and improve our services: Assess care needs, develop care plans, coordinate services, and deliver quality home care
• To communicate with you: Respond to inquiries, schedule appointments, send service updates, and provide customer support
• To process requests: Handle consultations, assessments, and service arrangements
• To ensure safety and quality: Maintain records, monitor care quality, and comply with healthcare standards
• To market our services: Send newsletters, service information, and promotional materials (with your consent)
• To improve our website: Analyze website usage, enhance user experience, and optimize content
• To comply with legal obligations: Meet regulatory requirements, respond to legal requests, and protect our rights

How We Share Your Information

We respect your privacy and do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

With Your Consent

We will share your information with third parties when you have given us explicit permission to do so.

Service Providers

We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our website, conducting business, or providing services to you, including:

• Web hosting and infrastructure providers (Vercel)
• Communication and form processing services (Integrately)
• Analytics services (Google Analytics)
• Payment processors
• Email service providers

These service providers are contractually obligated to maintain the confidentiality and security of your information.

Healthcare Coordination

We may share health information with healthcare providers, family members, or designated representatives as necessary to coordinate care and ensure your safety and well-being.

Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law, such as:

• In response to subpoenas, court orders, or legal processes
• To comply with regulatory requirements and licensing authorities
• To protect the rights, property, or safety of Guardian Health Care, our clients, or others
• In connection with suspected fraud, abuse, or illegal activity

Business Transfers

If Guardian Health Care is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction, subject to continued protection under this Privacy Policy.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal and health information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These measures include:

• Secure socket layer (SSL) encryption for data transmission
• Secure database storage with access controls
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Employee training on privacy and security practices
• Limited access to personal information on a need-to-know basis

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience, analyze website traffic, and understand user behavior. Cookies are small text files stored on your device.

Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential cookies: Required for website functionality and cannot be disabled
• Analytics cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our website
• Functional cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
• Marketing cookies: Track your visit across websites to deliver relevant advertising

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Please note that disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location and applicable laws, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal and business requirements)
• Opt-out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time
• Data portability: Request transfer of your information to another service provider
• Restrict processing: Request limitation on how we use your information
• Object: Object to certain types of processing of your information

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided below. We will respond to your request within a reasonable timeframe and as required by applicable law.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. Factors we consider in determining retention periods include:

• The duration of our relationship with you
• Legal, regulatory, and compliance requirements
• The need to resolve disputes or enforce agreements
• Business and operational needs

When information is no longer needed, we will securely delete or anonymize it in accordance with our data retention policies.

Third-Party Websites

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, including social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram). We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit.

Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected information from a child, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on our website with a revised "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our services after such changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

We are committed to resolving any privacy concerns you may have and will work with you to address any issues related to your personal information.

South Carolina Residents

As a South Carolina-based healthcare provider licensed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), we comply with all applicable state privacy and healthcare regulations. South Carolina residents have specific rights under state law, and we are committed to honoring those rights.