Caregiver Onboarding

1. Company Identity

Golden Age Care Group LLC d/b/a Golden Age Companions ("Company," "we," "us," or "Golden Age Companions") is a California home care organization providing non-medical home care services. Golden Age Companions is the public-facing DBA/brand name. Golden Age Care Group LLC is the legal employer/entity.

2. Position and Scope of Work

I understand that I am being hired or considered as a non-medical caregiver / Home Care Aide and that I will provide non-medical personal care and companion services only. My duties may include companionship, supervision, meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, errands, transportation when authorized, medication reminders when permitted, and assistance with activities of daily living as assigned in the client care plan.

I understand that I may not provide medical care, medical advice, skilled nursing services, medication administration unless specifically authorized by law and Company policy, wound care, injections, diagnosis, or any task outside my training, authorization, job description, the client care plan, or the services the Company is legally permitted to provide. I will not perform any task I believe is unsafe or outside my scope.

22. Professional Conduct, Client Safety, and Company Standards

Caregivers are expected to uphold the highest standards of honesty, safety, scope of practice, and respect in every interaction with clients, families, the Company, coworkers, and public agencies. The acknowledgments in this and the following sections outline how we work together to keep clients safe and well cared for.

6. Wage, Timekeeping, and Overtime Acknowledgment

I understand that I am responsible for accurately recording all hours worked, including start times, end times, meal periods if applicable, travel time when compensable, training time when compensable, and any other time I am required or permitted to work. I understand that I must not work off the clock and must immediately report any timekeeping error or payroll concern in writing to the Company.

I understand that, for California personal attendants/Home Care Aides, overtime may be owed at one and one-half times the regular rate of pay after more than nine (9) hours worked in a workday and/or more than forty-five (45) hours worked in a workweek under California personal-attendant rules. I also understand that federal law may require overtime at one and one-half times the regular rate of pay for hours worked over forty (40) in a workweek when applicable. The Company will apply the overtime rule required by applicable federal, state, and local law.

The Company will comply with applicable California wage-and-hour laws, including laws regarding minimum wage, overtime, paid sick leave, meal and rest periods, final wages, wage statements, and reimbursement obligations where applicable.

7. No Off-the-Clock Work / Authorization

I understand that all overtime or extra work should be authorized in advance whenever possible. However, I also understand that all hours actually worked must be reported and will be paid in accordance with applicable law, even if the time was not pre-approved. Failure to follow scheduling or authorization procedures may result in corrective action, but it will not result in nonpayment for hours actually worked.

8. Pay Dispute and Internal Resolution Process

If I believe there is an error in my pay, hours, overtime, reimbursement, classification, schedule, or any other employment-related matter, I agree to promptly notify the Company in writing so the Company has an opportunity to review and correct the issue.

Written notice may be sent to Scott@goldenagecompanions.com or by calling the office at (949) 630-0487. Manager/HR contact: Scott McKenzie, Founder & CEO.

The Company prohibits retaliation against any employee who raises a good-faith concern. Nothing in this section requires me to use internal reporting as my exclusive remedy or prevents me from filing a wage claim, discrimination complaint, retaliation complaint, agency complaint, lawsuit, or other legally protected claim.

9. Mediation / Informal Resolution

The Company encourages good-faith informal resolution of workplace concerns. Where legally permitted, the employee and Company agree to first attempt to resolve disputes through direct written notice and good-faith discussion. Nothing in this acknowledgment prevents an employee from reporting concerns to, cooperating with, or filing a charge or complaint with any government agency, including the California Labor Commissioner, California Civil Rights Department, EEOC, Department of Labor, or any other agency with jurisdiction.

11. Anti-Retaliation / Equal Employment Opportunity

The Company prohibits unlawful discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage theft, and interference with protected rights. Employees may report concerns internally without fear of retaliation. Nothing in this agreement limits any rights protected by federal, state, or local law.

I agree to report any suspected retaliation, discrimination, or harassment to the office immediately.

19. Cell Phone and Documentation

I understand that my phone may be needed for clocking in/out, emergency communication, and receiving schedule updates. I agree not to use my phone for personal reasons when it interferes with client care.

I agree to complete required shift notes, care documentation, incident reports, time records, and other documents accurately and promptly.

21. Severability / Savings Clause

If any provision of this acknowledgment is found invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable, that provision will be modified or severed to the limited extent necessary, and the remaining provisions will remain in effect. This acknowledgment is intended to comply with applicable federal, California, and local law and will not be interpreted to waive rights that cannot lawfully be waived.

30. Additional Savings Clause

Nothing in this acknowledgment is intended to waive or limit rights that cannot lawfully be waived, including rights under federal, California, or local labor, wage-hour, anti-discrimination, anti-retaliation, whistleblower, or agency-reporting laws.

4. Care Plan and Client Safety

I agree to follow the client's care plan and instructions from the Company. I will promptly report changes in a client's condition, behavior, safety, environment, or care needs to the office.

I agree to contact the office before performing any task that is unclear, unsafe, outside the care plan, outside my training, or beyond my physical ability. I will not lift, transfer, transport, or assist a client in a way that creates an unreasonable risk of injury to the client or myself.

I agree to use proper infection-control practices, including gloves and other protective equipment when appropriate.

5. Attendance, Call-Offs, and Scheduling

I understand that clients depend on reliable caregiver attendance. I agree to arrive on time, remain for the full scheduled shift, and notify the office immediately if I am delayed, unable to work, or experiencing an emergency.

I understand that voicemail, text message, or email may not be sufficient unless Company policy specifically allows it. I agree to speak with the office or follow the Company's designated call-off procedure.

Except in emergencies, I agree to provide at least 24 hours' notice before canceling a shift. In emergencies, I agree to notify the office as soon as possible.

I understand that repeated lateness, no-call/no-show, failure to follow call-off procedures, or abandonment of a shift may result in discipline, removal from assignments, or termination.

17. Mandated Reporting of Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse

I understand that caregivers may be mandated reporters under California law. I agree to immediately report known or suspected abuse, neglect, abandonment, isolation, financial abuse, or exploitation of an elder or dependent adult as required by law and Company policy.

I understand that reporting suspected abuse or neglect is a legal responsibility and that no Company policy prevents me from making a legally required report.

18. Professional Conduct and Dress Code

I agree to maintain a professional appearance and conduct while working. Clothing must be clean, neat, safe, and appropriate for caregiving. Shoes must be safe and appropriate for client care. I will maintain hygiene and avoid strong fragrances when working with clients.

I agree to treat clients, families, coworkers, and office staff respectfully. I will not engage in harassment, discrimination, threats, abuse, neglect, theft, dishonesty, intoxication, sleeping on duty unless expressly authorized for a live-in/sleep shift arrangement, or unsafe conduct.

22. Professional Conduct, Client Safety, and Company Standards

Caregivers are expected to uphold the highest standards of honesty, safety, scope of practice, and respect in every interaction with clients, families, the Company, coworkers, and public agencies. The acknowledgments in this and the following sections outline how we work together to keep clients safe and well cared for.

12. Confidentiality, Privacy, and HIPAA-Type Obligations

I understand that I may receive or observe private, confidential, medical, financial, personal, or family information about clients. I agree to keep all client and Company information strictly confidential during and after my work with the Company.

I will not disclose, photograph, copy, post, share, text, email, or discuss client information with anyone who is not authorized. I will not post about clients, client homes, client families, schedules, care needs, or assignments on social media.

I understand that violating confidentiality may result in discipline, termination, and possible legal consequences.

13. Client Property, Money, Gifts, and Boundaries

I will not borrow money, request money, accept loans, solicit gifts, accept large gifts, use a client's credit card, access a client's bank account, handle client funds, or take client property unless specifically authorized in writing by the Company and the client/responsible party.

I will not bring unauthorized visitors, family members, children, friends, pets, or other persons to a client's home or assignment.

I will maintain professional boundaries with clients and families.

14. Non-Solicitation of Clients

I understand that the Company invests time and resources to obtain, coordinate, and manage client relationships. During my employment or assignment and for one year after my last assignment with a Company client, I agree not to directly solicit, accept private work from, or interfere with the Company's relationship with any client, family member, or responsible party I met through the Company, unless written permission is given by the Company.

This section does not restrict any legally protected rights and will be applied only to the extent permitted by California law.

25. Gifts, Money, Property, and Financial Boundaries

Gifts, Money, Property, and Financial Boundaries: Caregivers may not borrow money from clients or families, lend money to clients or families, request gifts, accept large gifts, accept loans, accept tips outside Company policy, sell items or services to clients, buy items from clients, handle client funds without authorization, use a client's credit card/debit card/checkbook/online account without written authorization, or become involved in a client's will, trust, power of attorney, beneficiary designation, property transfer, or financial affairs. Small gifts of nominal value may only be accepted if permitted by Company policy and reported to the office. When in doubt, ask the office first.

26. Private Hire, Conflicts of Interest, and Bypassing the Company

Private Hire, Conflicts of Interest, and Bypassing the Company: While employed by the Company, caregivers may not solicit, request, arrange, or accept private work from current Company clients or their families outside the Company. Caregivers must not encourage a client or family to cancel, reduce, or bypass Company services. If a client or family asks a caregiver to work privately, pay directly, or communicate outside Company procedures, the caregiver must notify the office promptly. This policy protects client safety, scheduling, insurance, licensing, care coordination, and Company relationships. Nothing in this policy is intended to restrict rights that cannot legally be restricted under California law.

15. Transportation

If I transport a client, I agree that I must have a valid driver's license, current vehicle registration, and active auto insurance. I agree to follow all traffic laws and Company transportation policies.

I will not transport a client unless transportation is authorized in the care plan or approved by the office. I will not use a phone while driving except as permitted by law. I will not drive under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, controlled substances, impairing medication, or any substance that affects my ability to drive safely.

I agree to immediately report any accident, citation, insurance lapse, license suspension, or vehicle safety concern to the office.

18. Professional Conduct and Dress Code

I agree to maintain a professional appearance and conduct while working. Clothing must be clean, neat, safe, and appropriate for caregiving. Shoes must be safe and appropriate for client care. I will maintain hygiene and avoid strong fragrances when working with clients.

I agree to treat clients, families, coworkers, and office staff respectfully. I will not engage in harassment, discrimination, threats, abuse, neglect, theft, dishonesty, intoxication, sleeping on duty unless expressly authorized for a live-in/sleep shift arrangement, or unsafe conduct.

23. Dress Code

Dress Code: Caregivers must wear clean, modest, safe, and professional clothing suitable for home care work. Clothing must allow safe movement and must not be revealing, offensive, torn, or unsafe. Closed-toe, non-slip shoes are required unless the Company approves otherwise. Jewelry, perfume/cologne, and accessories should be minimal and must not create safety, allergy, or infection-control concerns. Company badge or identification must be worn or available when required.

24. Drug and Alcohol-Free Work Policy

Drug and Alcohol-Free Work Policy: The Company maintains a drug- and alcohol-free workplace. Caregivers may not use, possess, distribute, sell, or be impaired by alcohol, illegal drugs, cannabis, controlled substances, or misused prescription medication while working, while on Company business, while transporting a client, or while present at a client's home. Nothing in this policy is intended to restrict lawful off-duty conduct protected by California law, but employees must never report to work impaired or unable to safely perform their duties.

27. Communication and Professionalism

We expect respectful, professional communication at all times with clients, families, coworkers, and office staff.

Questions about client billing, Company rates, scheduling, care plans, or service agreements should be referred to the office. Nothing in this policy restricts an employee's legal right to discuss their own wages or working conditions.

28. Transportation Standards (Additional)

If driving is part of your assignment, the following acknowledgments apply in addition to Section 15.

29. Golden Age Companions Culture Commitments

Golden Age Companions is built on warmth, patience, and quiet excellence. These commitments describe the spirit we bring into every home.