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It is sometimes a daunting task, for first time care seekers to find the right help. There are numerous questions to be asked & we attempt to answer some of the most frequently asked questions to shed some light & to give you peace of mind!
Q: What is the difference between Hiring a care worker from the agency & doing a Once-off placement?
A: You will "Hire" when you do not pay the care worker directly, but rather pay the agency. The Agency is responsible for the care worker's employment, remuneration & legal deductions like UIF, etc.
The "Once-off Placement" is essentially a finder's fee paid to the Agency for finding you a suitable care worker that you can employ privately.
Q: Can I hire a care worker & later then decide to do a placement?
A: Yes. There is no time limit or restriction on your decision. You can keep on hiring a care worker & when or if you feel like taking over their employment privately, may you do a placement.
Q: Why must I pay a deposit upfront?
A: This assists the Agency to tend to customers who are serious in getting a care worker, & helps direct our resources towards getting those customers the help they require first. It ensures the agency focuses on people who want the help & not possibly waste resources on customers who aren't really sure if they want somebody.
Q: What happens to my deposit?
A: Your deposit is a credit in your account with SA Nanny. Any costs for services from SA Nanny will be deducted from your deposit first, which may include interviews, the placement fee or the cost of hiring a care worker.
Q: In signing the "Service Agreement", am I bound to take a care worker from SA Nanny?
A: No! The Service Agreement is only an agreement to govern or regulate the work relationship between the customer, the care worker & the Agency. You are not bound to take a care worker for any period of time if you do not want to.
Q: What checks are done on the Care Workers by the Agency?
A: We do all previous employment reference checks to validate previous employment & performances. In addition we verify the training qualifications & do a telephonic criminal background check.
Q: Can I get a copy of the criminal background check on a care worker?
A: Yes. We request a clearance certificate that will be forwarded to you at an additional cost.
Q: If I decide to do a once-off placement to employ someone privately, what insurances do I have from the Agency?
A: We offer a 90 day back-up form the date you decide to employ one of our care workers privately. This means we will provide you with more interviews with suitable candidates for your position, for that time period.
Q: Do I pay a placement fee if I am hiring a care worker from the Agency?
A: No. When hiring, you will pay the Agency the monthly or daily rate as quoted to you, based on your requirements. The quote will cover the care worker's remuneration & the Agency's administration fee.
Q: Why can the Agency only quote me after I filled in the Application for monthly rates?
A: There are many factors that determine the monthly rates of care workers. We need to know:
Q: Why does the Agency charge a "Minimum Rate" on an Ad Hoc basis?
A: Care worker's travel expenses to-& from work remains the same whether they work 1 hour or 10 hours per shift. This helps them perform to their best while on duty.
Q: Must I have the care worker for the maximum allowed hours for a shift?
A: No. If you do not require them for the full shift, you may let them off earlier, but the minimum shift rate will still apply. It is a case of use it or lose it.
Q: What is the difference between a Nanny-Domestic & a Domestic-Nanny?
A: A Nanny-Domestic is a qualified care worker, who will do light domestic work in addition to her care duties. Their focus is mainly on care work.
A Domestic-Nanny is mainly a domestic worker, who will look after the kids (usually from around 5 years & up) when needed.
Q: Is a Night Nanny allowed to sleep on duty?
A: As she is on duty we advise our Night Nannies not to sleep as they are working. Some customers do not mind the person sleeping, as long as she tends to the babies needs. Your preference will be respected.
Q: Do I have to give the care worker transport money each day?
A: No. Her remuneration must cover her transport to & from work.
Q: Do I have to provide a meal for the care worker, when on duty?
A: Only if the shift is 6 or more hours. Only a light meal is required & no additional efforts need to be made. A meal like sandwich & tea or left overs from dinner is perfect. If a care worker declines a meal offered, she will be responsible to take her own meal to duty.
Q: Is a care worker allowed to take a bath or shower at my house?
A: No. Unless they are staying-in (living on your premises)