An Extra Hand

Safety and Courtesy Guidelines

At An Extra Hand, safety, respect, and trust come first—for both clients and helpers.

Please read these guidelines carefully, so we can keep everyone safe, happy, and secure.

✅ For Helpers

Drive Safely

  • No speeding, texting, or distracted driving.
  • Seat-belts are required for everyone.
  • Children must ride in the back seat with proper car seats.
  • Children may NOT ride in the front seat.

Never leave a client unattended

  • Walk them into the doctor’s office and make sure they’re safe.
  • Do not just drop them off and drive away.

Boundaries with children

  • Never take a client’s child or grandchild to the bathroom or a room alone.
  • A parent or guardian must always accompany the child.
  • Children may NOT be left alone with you while the parent “runs into the store.”

Professional Conduct

  • Be kind and patient, even if a client is having a difficult day.
  • Some clients may have memory issues or dementia—stay calm and compassionate. If you’re unsure how to handle a situation, call the office for guidance.
  • If a situation becomes uncomfortable at any time, contact the office immediately.

Document and Food/Pet/Pharmacy Drop-offs

  • Always take pictures of items you drop off for a client and keep them on your phone.
  • If there’s ever a question about an item, we can refer to the photos.
  • If you lose your phone, contact us to let us know. You don’t need to upload these unless there’s a specific request, but make sure they are dated correctly.

Theft is never tolerated

  • Theft of anything—no matter how small—will result in immediate termination.

Go above and beyond when possible

  • The goal is to be as helpful as possible, not just “do the bare minimum.”
  • Small acts of kindness go a long way in making a client’s day better.

Job Expectations

  • If a client asks for something you’re uncomfortable with, politely decline or contact the office.
  • However, if a task was clearly listed on the site before you accepted the job, you are expected to complete it. If you’re unwilling, do not accept that assignment.

✅ For Clients

  • Be ready at your scheduled time
    • Helpers often have other clients scheduled after you.
    • Holding them up may interfere with someone else’s important appointment or care needs.
    • Please be respectful of their time so they can assist everyone as planned.
  • Respect the helper’s time
    • Small extra requests are fine when a helper is already there and not needed for another client, and tipping them for extra work is great, but the next visit will be billed normally.
    • Helpers may stay longer if they don’t have another appointment, but please don’t pressure them.
  • Children’s safety
    • Do not ask helpers to take your child/grandchild alone to the bathroom or another room. This protects all children.
    • Children must always be supervised by a parent or guardian.
  • Communication
    • Be clear about what you need before the visit.
    • If there’s a concern, contact the office—we will address it.

✅ For Everyone

  • Report problems
    • If a client or helper behaves inappropriately or breaks a rule, notify the office immediately.
  • Mutual Respect
    • Helpers are here to make life easier, not harder.
    • Clients deserve kindness and dignity, and so do helpers.
  • Trust & Transparency
    • If you’re unsure about anything, ask the office first.

If Something Goes Wrong

We take all safety and behavior concerns seriously. If you see something that doesn’t feel right:

📞 Call or text the office immediately.
We’ll address the issue promptly.

This page helps everyone stay on the same page so we can continue offering safe, reliable help to those who need it most.