Terms of Service & Service Agreement Framework

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These Terms of Service govern your use of the 24hourhomecarenj.com website and our communications with you about home care services. If you become a client and sign a written Service Agreement, the Service Agreement governs the actual home care service relationship. This page describes both: the website terms and the Service Agreement framework you would sign.

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A. Website Terms of Use

1. Acceptance

By using this website you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, do not use the site.

2. Information on the Site

The information on this site is for general informational purposes about home care services in New Jersey. It is not medical advice, not legal advice, and not a substitute for direct consultation with a licensed Registered Nurse, physician, or attorney. Sofia Elmer, RN, our Registered Nurse, is available for direct conversation at (908) 912-6342.

3. No Doctor-Patient or Agency-Client Relationship Without Written Agreement

Browsing this site, filling out a contact form, or speaking with Sofia by phone does not create a doctor-patient relationship, an agency-client relationship, or any service obligation. A home care service relationship begins only when both parties sign a written Service Agreement and the family pays an initial deposit or first invoice as agreed.

4. Intellectual Property

All content on this site (text, photos, graphics, design) is owned by 24 Hour Home Care NJ or licensed to us. You may quote brief excerpts with attribution and a link to the source page. You may not reproduce, distribute, or display the site content in bulk without written permission.

5. Third-Party Links

The site includes links to third-party resources (NJ Division of Consumer Affairs, NJ Department of Health, hospital websites, government agencies, etc.). We are not responsible for the content, accuracy, or privacy practices of those third-party sites.

6. Disclaimer of Warranties

The site is provided “as is” and “as available.” We make no warranties regarding the site's availability, accuracy, or fitness for any particular purpose, except as required by law.

7. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, our liability for any claim arising from the use of this website is limited to direct, actual damages and does not include indirect, consequential, special, or punitive damages.

8. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of New Jersey, without regard to conflict-of-law principles. Any dispute is resolved in the state or federal courts located in New Jersey.

B. Service Agreement Framework (Signed Before Service Begins)

When you become a client, you sign a written Service Agreement that complies with the NJ Consumer Fraud Act (N.J.S.A. 56:8-1 et seq.) and contains the following standard elements:

1. Service Description

The Agreement specifies the service tier (hourly companion + personal care, overnight, live-in, 24-hour rotating), the scheduled hours or days, and the scope of caregiver duties. Any change in scope is documented in a written amendment.

2. Rate and Billing

• Hourly: $30 per hour with a 4-hour minimum per shift.
• Overnight: $200 sleep-in or $300 awake per 8-hour block.
• Live-in: $375 per day flat.
• 24-hour rotating: $40 per hour ($960 per day).
• Weekends, holidays: Same rate as weekdays. No surcharge.
• Travel time and supplies: No separate charges. Caregivers do not bill for travel between the agency and the home.
• Mileage for transportation of the senior to medical appointments or errands is reimbursed at the IRS standard rate, documented on the monthly invoice.

Invoices are issued weekly or monthly per family preference. Payment is due within 15 days of invoice. Acceptable payment methods: credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), ACH from any U.S. bank, or check. Late payment after 30 days may result in a service pause until reconciled.

3. 72-Hour Replacement Guarantee

If within the first 72 hours of a new caregiver placement, the family determines the personality, skill, or schedule fit is wrong, we replace the caregiver at no charge to the family. The replacement caregiver is identified and placed as quickly as possible, typically within 24-48 hours.

4. Cancellation and Termination

The family may cancel or end services at any time, in writing or by phone, with no cancellation fee, no termination penalty, and no minimum commitment. Final invoice covers care delivered through the end date. The family is not obligated to a contract term.

5. Caregiver Replacement at Family Request

Beyond the initial 72-hour window, the family may request a different caregiver at any time. The first such replacement per case is at no charge; subsequent replacements may be charged at standard hours-of-coordination if frequent (more than 3 in a 60-day window), with prior notice.

6. Agency Termination of Services

We reserve the right to end services if: (a) the family is more than 60 days past due on invoices without reasonable cause and refuses payment arrangement; (b) the family or household engages in physical or sexual harassment, threats, or unsafe behavior toward our caregiver; (c) the home becomes physically unsafe for caregiver presence (active drug use, weapons access, infectious-disease exposure without precautions); or (d) the senior's clinical needs exceed our home care scope and require facility-based care. In each case we provide written notice and reasonable transition time.

7. Confidentiality and HIPAA

Both parties acknowledge that home care services involve Protected Health Information (PHI) covered by HIPAA. The family and agency agree to comply with applicable privacy laws. See our Privacy Policy & HIPAA Notice.

8. Patient and Family Rights

The Service Agreement incorporates the Patient and Family Rights enumerated in our NJ Compliance & Patient Rights page.

9. Complaint and Grievance

The family may file a complaint internally with Sofia Elmer, RN, or externally with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs, NJ Department of Health, NJ Office of the Ombudsman for the Institutionalized Elderly, or NJ Adult Protective Services without retaliation. See NJ Compliance & Patient Rights for contact information.

10. Limitation of Liability and Indemnification

The Service Agreement contains a reasonable limitation of liability and mutual indemnification consistent with NJ law. Our professional liability and general liability insurance covers acts within the caregiver's scope of duty. Acts outside scope (theft, abuse, fraud) are subject to separate legal remedies including criminal prosecution.

11. Governing Law

The Service Agreement is governed by NJ law, with disputes resolved in NJ courts. Alternative dispute resolution (mediation) is encouraged before litigation.

12. No Hidden Fees

The Service Agreement contains no automatic-renewal clauses, no early-termination fees, no setup fees, no “administrative” surcharges, no per-document charges, and no fee for cancellation. The rate is the rate.

C. Contact for Terms Questions

Questions about these Terms or about a proposed Service Agreement: contact Sofia Elmer, RN, at (908) 912-6342 or info@24hourhomecarenj.com. The Service Agreement is reviewable in advance — we send the draft for family review before any signature is required, typically 24-48 hours before the start of service.

These Terms are for informational purposes and do not constitute legal advice. Page last reviewed: {{LAST_REVIEWED_DATE}}.