Terms of Service

Introduction

Welcome to Guardian Health Care. These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of our website and home care services. By accessing our website at guardianhealthcareservices.com or using our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy.

If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, please do not use our website or services. Guardian Health Care reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time, and such modifications will be effective immediately upon posting to the website.

Definitions

• "Guardian Health Care," "we," "us," or "our" refers to Guardian Health Care and its employees, caregivers, and representatives.
• "Client," "you," or "your" refers to the individual receiving care services or their authorized representative.
• "Services" refers to all home care services provided by Guardian Health Care, including but not limited to companion care, personal care, dementia care, hospice care, respite care, and 24/7 live-in care.
• "Website" refers to guardianhealthcareservices.com and all related pages and content.
• "Caregiver" refers to any employee or contractor of Guardian Health Care providing direct care services to clients.

Acceptance of Terms

By using our website or services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms, as well as our Privacy Policy. If you are agreeing to these Terms on behalf of another person (such as a family member or loved one), you represent that you have the legal authority to do so.

Eligibility and Service Requirements

Age Requirement

You must be at least 18 years of age to enter into a service agreement with Guardian Health Care. Our services are primarily designed for seniors and adults requiring home care assistance.

Service Area

Our services are currently available in York County, Chester County, Lancaster County, and Rock Hill, South Carolina. Service availability may vary by location and is subject to caregiver availability.

Assessment and Care Plan

Before services begin, we will conduct an initial assessment to determine your care needs and develop an appropriate care plan. This assessment helps ensure we can safely and effectively meet your needs. We reserve the right to decline services if we determine we cannot adequately meet the care requirements.

Services Provided

Scope of Services

Guardian Health Care provides non-medical home care services, including but not limited to:

• Companion care and social interaction
• Personal care assistance (bathing, dressing, grooming)
• Meal preparation and light housekeeping
• Medication reminders (not administration)
• Transportation and accompaniment to appointments
• Dementia and Alzheimer's care
• Respite care for family caregivers
• 24/7 live-in care
• Post-hospital recovery support
• Hospice and palliative care support
• End-of-life care and companionship

Services We Do Not Provide

Guardian Health Care is a non-medical home care provider. We do not provide medical services, including but not limited to:

• Nursing services or skilled nursing care
• Medical diagnosis or treatment
• Administration of medications or injections
• Physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy
• Wound care or medical procedures
• Medical equipment operation (except as permitted by state regulations)

If you require medical care services, we can help coordinate with appropriate healthcare providers and will work collaboratively with your medical team.

Service Agreements and Scheduling

Service Agreement

Prior to the commencement of services, you will be required to sign a written service agreement that outlines the specific services to be provided, the schedule, payment terms, and other relevant details. The service agreement, together with these Terms, constitutes the entire agreement between you and Guardian Health Care.

Scheduling and Changes

Services are scheduled based on mutual agreement and caregiver availability. We will make every effort to accommodate your preferred schedule. Changes to your service schedule must be requested with reasonable advance notice. We reserve the right to adjust caregiver assignments as necessary to ensure continuity and quality of care.

Cancellation Policy

If you need to cancel or reschedule a scheduled visit, please provide at least 24 hours advance notice. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice may be subject to a cancellation fee as outlined in your service agreement. Emergency situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Fees and Payment

Service Fees

Service fees are based on the type and frequency of services provided and will be clearly outlined in your service agreement. Fees may vary based on care requirements, scheduling needs, and other factors. We reserve the right to adjust fees with 30 days advance written notice.

Payment Terms

Payment is due according to the terms specified in your service agreement. We accept various forms of payment, including credit cards, checks, and electronic payments. Late payments may be subject to late fees and may result in suspension of services.

Insurance and Third-Party Payment

As a non-medical home care provider, our services are typically not covered by Medicare or Medicaid. However, some services may be covered by long-term care insurance, veterans benefits, or other payment sources. You are responsible for verifying your coverage and arranging payment. We can provide necessary documentation to assist with insurance claims.

Client and Family Responsibilities

To ensure the safety and effectiveness of our services, clients and their families agree to:

• Provide accurate and complete information about care needs, medical conditions, medications, and relevant history
• Notify us promptly of any changes in health status, care needs, or living situation
• Maintain a safe and appropriate environment for caregivers to work
• Treat caregivers with respect and dignity
• Provide access to necessary equipment, supplies, and resources
• Ensure prompt payment according to the service agreement
• Communicate concerns or issues in a timely manner
• Follow the care plan and provider recommendations
• Maintain appropriate medical care and follow healthcare provider instructions

Caregiver Relationship

Employment Relationship

All caregivers are employees or contractors of Guardian Health Care. Clients may not directly hire, employ, or engage our caregivers for private services during the term of the service agreement and for 12 months following termination of services without our written consent. Violation of this provision may result in a placement fee.

Caregiver Qualifications

All caregivers are carefully screened, including background checks, reference verification, and skills assessment. Caregivers receive ongoing training and supervision to ensure quality care delivery. We maintain appropriate licensure and insurance as required by South Carolina law.

Gifts and Gratuities

While we appreciate your gratitude, we discourage monetary gifts or gratuities to individual caregivers. If you wish to express appreciation, we welcome recognition through our feedback system or modest, non-monetary tokens of appreciation.

Safety and Emergency Procedures

Emergency Response

In the event of a medical emergency, caregivers are instructed to call 911 immediately and then notify the client's emergency contacts and Guardian Health Care. Caregivers will follow established emergency procedures and the client's care plan directives.

Safety Protocols

Guardian Health Care maintains safety protocols and procedures to protect both clients and caregivers. We expect all parties to follow safety guidelines, including infection control practices, fall prevention measures, and appropriate use of equipment.

Incident Reporting

Any accidents, injuries, or unusual incidents will be documented and reported according to our policies and applicable regulations. We take all incidents seriously and will investigate and take appropriate action as necessary.

Termination of Services

Termination by Client

You may terminate services at any time with written notice. We appreciate at least two weeks notice to ensure proper transition of care, though immediate termination is permitted. Any outstanding balances must be paid upon termination.

Termination by Guardian Health Care

We reserve the right to terminate services with reasonable notice for reasons including, but not limited to:

• Non-payment or repeated late payments
• Unsafe working conditions for caregivers
• Abusive, threatening, or inappropriate behavior toward caregivers
• Client's care needs exceed our capabilities
• Material breach of the service agreement or these Terms
• Client or family member requests or encourages illegal or unethical conduct

In situations involving immediate safety concerns, we may terminate services immediately without prior notice.

Confidentiality

Guardian Health Care is committed to maintaining the confidentiality of your personal and health information. Our caregivers and staff are trained in confidentiality practices and are bound by confidentiality agreements. We will only share your information as permitted by you, required by law, or necessary for care coordination as outlined in our Privacy Policy.

Liability and Disclaimers

Limitation of Liability

Guardian Health Care will make every reasonable effort to provide quality care services. However, we cannot guarantee specific outcomes or results. Our liability is limited to the amount of fees paid for services during the period in which the claim arose, except as prohibited by law.

Healthcare Disclaimer

Guardian Health Care provides non-medical home care services and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Our services do not replace the need for medical care from qualified healthcare providers. Clients should continue to work with their physicians and healthcare team for all medical needs.

Insurance

Guardian Health Care maintains appropriate insurance coverage, including general liability and professional liability insurance, as required by South Carolina law and our licensing requirements.

Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Guardian Health Care and its employees, caregivers, and representatives from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your breach of these Terms, misuse of services, or provision of inaccurate or incomplete information that results in harm.

Website Use

Acceptable Use

When using our website, you agree to:

• Use the website for lawful purposes only
• Provide accurate and truthful information
• Not attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
• Not transmit viruses, malware, or harmful code
• Not use automated systems to access or scrape website content
• Respect intellectual property rights

Intellectual Property

All content on our website, including text, graphics, logos, images, and software, is the property of Guardian Health Care and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works without our express written permission.

Website Availability

We strive to maintain website availability but cannot guarantee uninterrupted access. We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any aspect of the website at any time without notice.

Dispute Resolution

Informal Resolution

If you have a concern or complaint, we encourage you to contact us directly so we can work together to resolve the issue. Most concerns can be addressed through open communication.

Mediation

If informal resolution is unsuccessful, both parties agree to attempt mediation before pursuing legal action. Mediation will be conducted by a mutually agreed-upon mediator in South Carolina.

Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of South Carolina, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any legal action or proceeding arising under these Terms will be brought exclusively in the courts of South Carolina, and both parties consent to the jurisdiction of such courts.

Regulatory Compliance

Guardian Health Care is licensed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and complies with all applicable state and federal regulations governing home care services. We maintain required licenses, insurance, and certifications.

For information about our licensing or to file a complaint, you may contact:

Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect. The invalid provision will be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable.

Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with your service agreement and our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Guardian Health Care regarding the use of our services and website. These Terms supersede any prior agreements, understandings, or representations.

Changes to These Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to our website with an updated "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our services or website after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms. We encourage you to review these Terms periodically.

Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us:

Acknowledgment

By using our services or website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our services or website.