COVID guidelines and resources

During these changing times in health and at home, our main concern is the safety and well-being of caregivers and families. We know the pandemic has impacted the UrbanSitter community and we're dedicated to improving our platform as information and best practices become available. We’ve been listening to what members are saying and adding new tools to support families and caregivers on their journey to safely book care.

As we all get used to new ways of connecting and communicating, honesty and transparency are more important than ever. Accurately representing yourself, your needs, and health status of those in your household are essential for healthy vetting and caregiving. We believe respect should be mutual, and care and compassion should exist beyond the job description.

Families and caregivers can refer here for guidelines and resources to navigate care (while staying sane) during these unprecedented times.

What to do if you get sick before a booking

If a caregiver, child, family member, or any individual either receiving care or present at the job site is sick (regardless of COVID-19 status) disclose this information to the other party as soon as possible. Members may need to cancel or make alternative arrangements, so giving ample notice and respecting each other's health boundaries is not only professional, but considerate.

We expect transparency and open and timely communication between caregivers and families regarding health status. Members are advised to contact Support with booking cancelation concerns.

Expectations for communication and transparency

For an online marketplace, honesty and integrity are what build relationships and cultivate a safe community. Now more than ever it’s important to be transparent and accurately represent yourself, your needs, and your health status for healthy vetting, communication, and caregiving. We’ve implemented features and tools, including vaccine badges, to help members make informed decisions and navigate care during this time, and it is crucial that each member provides accurate profile information and health updates.

Additional steps for maintaining healthy and respectful communication during this time:

• Determine boundaries and expectations regarding personal and family health
• Be specific about COVID precautions and preferences
• Provide safe and healthy working environments
• Be respectful in communication and on the job
• Practice empathy when things don’t go as planned
  
  

Resources for healthy caregiving

As things can change rapidly, please refer to the CDC and your local department of health website for the most relevant and up-to-date information and guidelines for booking care jobs, which may vary by city, county, or state. We understand it’s up to each member to decide how they proceed with booking care during this time, and ultimately we expect all members to follow local laws relating to caregiving in others' homes.