Am I guaranteed a sitter?
We strongly encourage you to give Caring Hands as much notice as possible when requesting a sitter. We do not guarantee a sitter will be available when you request, however, we do have a large number of qualified sitters that have flexible availability, and we are rarely unable to fill a request. If for some reason we can't fill a request, you won't be charged.
We strongly encourage you to give Caring Hands as much notice as possible when requesting a sitter. We do not guarantee a sitter will be available when you request, however, we do have a large number of qualified sitters that have flexible availability, and we are rarely unable to fill a request. If for some reason we can't fill a request, you won't be charged.
Am I guaranteed the same sitter every time?
No. We will have several sitters that work in your service area. Typically you will see 2 or 3 faces on a regular basis. You may request your favorite(s) and we will assign if they are available. If they are not available, we will send you another sitter from your area that is just as great and may be your next favorite. (If you can offer a consistent, reliable schedule for a sitter, we can discuss a full or part-time sitter or nanny option).
What is your cancellation policy?
We value our sitters time and will enforce a strict cancellation policy. Cancellations result in a loss of time and pay for a sitter. Please be respectful in this matter. Caring Hands follows a strict 24 hour cancellation policy. If cancellation occurs within 24 hours then the cancellation fee of the minimum 3 hours will apply and be paid to the sitter. A cancellation window of 72 hours will apply for all overnights and holidays. Cancellations made outside of the 24 or 72 hour window (for events, overnights, and holidays) will incur the non-refundable booking fee only.
Sometimes the weather can get crazy here in Dallas, what is your policy on inclement weather?
Our clients can cancel due to weather conditions giving at least 3-hrs notice (from the sit start-time) without incurring any last-minute cancellation fees. Inclement weather cancellations under 3 hours will be charged a 3 hour minimum. If parents choose to cancel their sits because they aren't going to be heading out of the house or they don't feel comfortable having the sitters travel in the weather conditions, just give us a call. We allow sitters the same courtesy to cancel during this time as well. There will be no refund for the booking fees for the sits that have already been confirmed.
Do your sitters care for sick children?
No. Caring Hands sitters do not care for acutely sick children for a number of reasons. One reason is that our sitters are sitters, not nurses that are trained to handle a medical emergency if one arises from a misdiagnosed sick child. If your child is sick with something that is not contagious and you have a doctor's note stating that he/she is of no risk to others, you can send a sitter! Otherwise, our sitters become exposed themselves and then also become vectors of spreading the illness to other children in their care. Washing one's hands isn't enough to prevent being exposed when you're in the sick person's home environment.
If a sitter arrives and is unable to care for your child because of illness or a special need that wasn't addressed before booking, you will be billed for a cancelled reservation.
Parents will be notified and expected to come home if the child is vomiting and unable to keep fluids down, has an increase in temperature, and/or is having trouble breathing.
What don't Caring Hands sitters do? Our sitters do not clean, do laundry, cook or run errands (unless child related). They do not make deliveries, give baths or showers, supervise a child in a pool, administer medications* or allow anyone not authorized into the house or the hotel when you are away.
*We understand some children may need to take medication for chronic or emergency situations. If your child needs medication, a medication liability wavier will need to be signed and kept on file and updated on a regular basis.
Can I book my sitter by just calling them?
Exchanging personal information between sitters and families is prohibited. All bookings must be made through Caring Hands. If any sitter or family is found to be in violation of this policy, both will barred from working with Caring hands and any membership agreement between the family and agency will be null and void without refunds. ***Important*** These situations will be referred to our legal team to pursue breach of contract and loss of revenue from both client and sitter.
DFW metroplex is HUGE! Which areas does Caring Hands cover?
That's a great question! We are based out of Dallas. We currently serve all of Dallas, McKinney, Plano, Frisco, Irving, Coppell, Allen, Arlington, Grand Prairie and surrounding areas. We have limited coverage in Fort Worth but expanding all the time. As we grow our network of sitters our coverage will grow as well! Check back for updates on our areas of expansion
What are your office hours if I have a question?
Office hours are Monday- Friday 8:30am-4:30pm and Saturday 8am-12pm. You can submit requests and changes anytime via our website/client portal or email. Actual processing of your request or change occur during office hours.
We are closed on all major holidays and Sundays.
Holidays include: New Year's Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Father's Day, The 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
How do we pay?
Credit cards are kept on file and charged at time of booking. Charge will include agency booking fee and sitter's hourly rate based on the number of hours requested. Gratuity can be paid directly to sitter or added to card on file. If sitter is requested to stay over initial time, this time will be added to card on file.