Frequently Asked Questions

Below are common questions about Guardian and home health care. Contact us if you have any other questions.

What would you like to know?

Home Care Basics5 questions

What is home care?Home care is the broad term for services provided to an individual in the comfort of their home.

Home care is the broad term related to any services, often medically related, provided to an individual in the comfort of their home. Services can vary from assistance with daily tasks such as meal preparation to assistance with medical care.

Services happen in the client's home
Support can include daily tasks
Support may include medical care depending on need

Who is home care for?Home care is for people who need help with normal day-to-day tasks, personal needs, or medical care common to a nursing home.

Home care is for any individual who may need assistance from normal, day-to-day tasks to medical care common to a nursing home.

People who need help with day-to-day tasks
People who need personal or medical support
People who want care at home instead of a facility

Can home care help someone stay in their own home longer?Yes. Home care can help seniors stay in their own homes longer.

Yes. Home care can help seniors stay in their own homes longer by providing support with daily needs, safety, routines, and care.

Support can help seniors remain at home
Care can include daily needs, safety, and routines
Services are based on client needs

Can Guardian help after a hospital stay or surgery?Yes. Guardian can provide support after a hospital stay or surgery, helping you safely manage at home while you recover.

Yes. Guardian can provide support after a hospital stay or surgery, helping you safely manage at home while you recover. The type and amount of care needed will depend on your individual situation. If you have a scheduled surgery or hospital stay, we recommend contacting Guardian as early as possible so we can discuss your needs and arrange services in advance.

Support after a hospital stay or surgery
Care is based on your individual situation
Contact Guardian early to arrange services in advance

Can Guardian help someone who is not a senior?Yes. Guardian helps individuals over the age of 50.

Yes. Guardian helps individuals over the age of 50.

Guardian helps individuals over age 50
Care depends on client needs
Contact Guardian to discuss eligibility

Getting Started7 questions

How do I start services with Guardian?Contact Guardian to set up a free consultation.

Contact Guardian to set up a free consultation so the team can learn about your needs and talk through next steps.

Start by scheduling a free consultation
Guardian will learn about the care needs
The team will talk through next steps

What should I have ready before I call?If possible, have the diagnosis and an idea of what kind of help may be needed.

If possible, have the diagnosis and an idea of what kind of help may be needed. If you are not sure where to start, Guardian can help you figure out what services may make sense.

A diagnosis can be helpful if available
It helps to know what kind of support may be needed
Guardian can help if you are not sure where to start

Does Guardian offer an in-home consultation or assessment?Yes. Guardian offers free consultations.

Yes. Guardian offers free consultations to discuss care needs and options.

Free consultations are available
Guardian reviews care needs and options
Schedule a consultation to get started

Is there a cost for the first consultation?No. Guardian offers free consultations.

No. Guardian offers free consultations.

Consultations are free
Schedule a consultation to discuss care needs

How quickly can services begin?Timing depends on the services needed and current staffing availability.

Timing depends on the services needed and current staffing availability.

Timing depends on the services needed
Availability depends on current staffing
Contact Guardian to discuss timing

Can a family member call on behalf of a loved one?Yes. A family member may contact Guardian on behalf of a loved one.

Yes. A family member may contact Guardian on behalf of a loved one and can schedule a free consultation or reach out through the contact page.

Family members may call for a loved one
A consultation can be scheduled by family
Guardian can help talk through next steps

Can services start temporarily and change later?Yes. Guardian adjusts services based on each client's needs.

Yes. Guardian adjusts services based on each client's needs.

Services can adjust as needs change
Care is based on each client
Contact Guardian to discuss service changes

Services10 questions

What is the difference between Home Management services and Personal Care services?Home Management is closely related to household tasks. Personal Care includes bathing, grooming, medication administration, and other doctor ordered care.

While the exact definition of each may be different with different home care providers, Guardian defines home management services as services that are closely related to assistance with everyday living tasks, such as meal preparation, light housekeeping, and transportation. Personal care services include bathing, grooming, medication administration, and other doctor ordered care.

Home Management: meal preparation, light housekeeping, transportation
Personal Care: bathing, grooming, medication administration, doctor ordered care

I only need help a couple hours a week with some basic tasks. Is home care for me?Yes. Guardian regularly helps clients who need only occasional help with daily living tasks.

Yes! Guardian regularly helps clients who need only occasional help with daily living tasks. If you would like to know more about how we can help you, please contact us.

Occasional help is available
Basic daily living support can be scheduled
Contact Guardian to discuss a small amount of care

What personal care tasks can Guardian help with?Guardian provides hands-on Personal Care Services for activities of daily living.

Guardian provides comprehensive hands-on Personal Care Services designed to assist seniors and individuals with disabilities with activities of daily living. These services focus on maintaining safety, hygiene, and independence at home.

Hands-on Personal Care Services are available
Services can support activities of daily living
Care focuses on safety, hygiene, and independence at home

What home management tasks can Guardian help with?Guardian offers Home Management Services to help clients stay safe, comfortable, and independent.

Guardian offers dedicated Home Management Services designed to keep clients safe, comfortable, and independent. Staff can help with daily chore routines, seasonal upkeep, and pet care.

Home Management Services support safety and comfort
Help can include daily chore routines
Seasonal upkeep and pet care may be included

Can Guardian help with bathing and grooming?Yes. Guardian can help with bathing and grooming.

Yes. Guardian can help with bathing and grooming.

Bathing support is available
Grooming support is available
Services are based on client needs

Can Guardian help with meal preparation?Yes. Guardian can help with meal preparation.

Yes. Guardian can help with meal preparation.

Meal preparation support is available
Services are based on client needs

Can Guardian help with medication reminders or medication administration?Yes. Guardian can help with medication reminders and medication administration.

Yes. Guardian can help with medication reminders and medication administration.

Medication reminders may be available
Medication administration may be available
Care is based on client needs and service requirements

Can Guardian provide skilled nursing services?Yes. Guardian can provide skilled nursing services.

Yes. Guardian can provide skilled nursing services.

Skilled nursing services are available
Services are based on client needs
Contact Guardian to discuss nursing care

Can Guardian combine personal care, home management, memory care, and transportation?Yes. Guardian can combine services based on the client's care needs.

Yes. Guardian can combine personal care, home management, memory care, and transportation based on the client's care needs.

Services can be combined
Care is based on client needs
Guardian can help talk through the right mix of services

What services does Guardian not provide?Guardian does not provide IV antibiotics, IV injections, or tracheostomy care.

Guardian does not provide IV antibiotics, IV injections, or tracheostomy care.

Guardian does not provide IV antibiotics
Guardian does not provide IV injections
Guardian does not provide tracheostomy care

Scheduling & Availability7 questions

How are services scheduled?Guardian establishes the desired type and frequency of care during the initial inquiry, then builds schedules one month at a time.

Guardian Senior Care schedules care services by establishing the desired type and frequency of care during the initial inquiry. Schedules are then built one month at a time.

Care needs guide the schedule
Schedules are built one month at a time
Schedule changes go through Guardian's scheduling team

Is there a minimum number of hours per visit or per week?Guardian has a 4-hour minimum per shift and no minimum per week or month.

Guardian has a 4-hour minimum per shift. There is no minimum number of hours per week or month.

4-hour minimum per shift
No weekly minimum
No monthly minimum

Does Guardian provide overnight care?Yes. Guardian can provide overnight care.

Yes. Guardian can provide overnight care.

Overnight care may be available
Availability depends on current staffing

Does Guardian provide 24-hour or live-in care?Yes. Guardian can provide 24-hour care, 7 days per week. Our staff do not live in the client’s home.

Yes. Guardian can provide 24-hour care, 7 days per week. Our staff do not live in the client’s home. We do require a private bedroom for staff if they sleep during the shift. We also provide 24-hour care for less than 7 days per week.

Round-the-clock care is available
Our staff do not live in the client’s home
A private bedroom is required for staff if they sleep during the shift
24-hour care is also available for less than 7 days per week

Are weekend or holiday visits available?Yes. Weekend and holiday visits are available at a higher rate.

Yes. Weekend and holiday visits are available. These visits have a higher rate.

Weekend visits are available
Holiday visits are available
Weekend and holiday visits have a higher rate

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a visit?Visits can be canceled at any time, but cancellations 72 hours or less before a shift have a charge.

Visits can be canceled at any time, but there is a charge if cancellation happens 72 hours or less before the start of the shift. To reschedule, contact the Scheduling Manager for available dates.

Cancellations can be made at any time
A charge applies when canceling 72 hours or less before a shift
Contact the Scheduling Manager to reschedule

Can I change the number of visits as needs change?Yes. Contact the Scheduling Manager for schedule changes as needs change.

Yes. Contact the Scheduling Manager for schedule changes as needs change.

Visit frequency can change as needs change
Contact the Scheduling Manager for schedule changes

Caregivers & Safety6 questions

How is my caregiver chosen?Guardian asks about caregiver preferences, then selects a caregiver who matches those preferences as closely as possible.

When setting up services, Guardian will ask you what preferences you have for a caregiver. From there, we select a caregiver that matches your preferences. If you ever are not comfortable with your caregiver for any reason, please contact us, and we will address the issue or provide a different caregiver.

Guardian asks about caregiver preferences
Caregivers are matched to client needs and preferences
Guardian can address concerns or provide a different caregiver

Can I request the same caregiver each visit?Yes. Guardian tries its best to keep one to two caregivers per client.

Yes. Guardian tries its best to keep one to two caregivers per client.

Guardian tries to keep one to two caregivers per client
Caregiver consistency is a goal
Availability can affect caregiver assignments

Can I meet the caregiver before care begins?Yes, upon request.

Yes. Clients may meet the caregiver before care begins upon request.

Caregiver meetings may be available upon request
Contact Guardian to ask about caregiver introductions

What if a caregiver is not a good fit?Contact the office and Guardian will start looking for a replacement.

If a caregiver is not a good fit, contact the office and let Guardian know. The team will begin looking for a replacement, train that caregiver, and then make the switch.

Contact the office with caregiver fit concerns
Guardian will look for a replacement
The replacement caregiver is trained before the switch

Are caregivers supervised by nurses or office staff?Yes. Caregivers are supervised by both nurses and office staff.

Yes. Caregivers are supervised by both nurses and office staff.

Caregivers are supervised by nurses
Caregivers are supervised by office staff

What should I do if I have a concern about care?Reach out to the office or use the after-hours urgent line.

Reach out to the office or use the after-hours urgent line.

Contact the office with care concerns
Use the after-hours urgent line when needed

Memory Care3 questions

Does Guardian help people with dementia or Alzheimer's disease?Yes. Guardian provides specialized memory care services for people living with dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Yes. Guardian Senior Care, LLC provides specialized memory care services for individuals living with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The team is experienced in helping clients manage memory loss and behavioral symptoms related to these conditions.

Specialized memory care services are available
Care can support clients with dementia or Alzheimer's disease
The team can help with memory loss and related behavioral symptoms

Can memory care include reminders and routines?Yes. Each care plan is specific to the client.

Yes. Memory care can include reminders and routines. Each care plan is specific to the client.

Memory care can include reminders
Memory care can include routines
Each care plan is client-specific

Can Guardian provide respite for a family dementia caregiver?Yes. Contact Guardian to discuss respite care options.

Yes. Guardian can provide respite for a family dementia caregiver. Contact Guardian to discuss care needs and options.

Respite care may be available for family dementia caregivers
Contact Guardian to discuss care needs and options

Transportation5 questions

Can Guardian drive clients to doctor appointments?Yes. Guardian can drive clients to doctor appointments.

Yes. Guardian can drive clients to doctor appointments.

Transportation to doctor appointments is available
Transportation services depend on client needs

Can Guardian help with grocery shopping and errands?Yes. Guardian can help with grocery shopping and errands.

Yes. Guardian can help with grocery shopping and errands.

Grocery shopping help is available
Errand support is available

Is there an extra charge for transportation?Yes, if a caregiver or RN uses their own vehicle.

Yes, if a caregiver or RN uses their own vehicle. In that case, mileage is charged at the current South Dakota mileage rate. There is no extra charge if the client's vehicle is used.

Mileage is charged when a caregiver or RN uses their own vehicle
Mileage uses the current South Dakota mileage rate
There is no extra charge if the client's vehicle is used

Does the client need to provide a vehicle?No, unless a special vehicle is required.

No, a client does not need to provide a vehicle unless a special vehicle is required, such as for a motorized wheelchair.

A client vehicle is not usually required
A special vehicle may be needed for some situations
Motorized wheelchairs may require a special vehicle

Family Support & Respite3 questions

I am a family member who is the primary caregiver. Can Guardian provide relief care?Yes. Guardian can provide care when a family caregiver needs relief, has an appointment, or needs time away.

Guardian absolutely can provide care to a loved one who is ordinarily cared for by a family member. We understand that all caregivers, even family member caregivers, may need relief from time to time or need to attend some event or appointment. We will work with you to ensure that your loved one receives the same level of care that you give to them so you can have peace of mind during your time away.

Relief care is available
Guardian can help when a family caregiver needs time away
Care is coordinated around the loved one's usual needs

Can Guardian coordinate care updates with family members?Yes, depending on the care needed.

Yes. Guardian can coordinate care updates with family members, depending on the care needed.

Family care updates may be available
Communication depends on the care needed

Can Guardian help reduce caregiver burnout?Yes. Guardian can help reduce caregiver burnout by providing support and relief care.

Yes. Guardian can help reduce caregiver burnout by providing support and relief care.

Support can help reduce caregiver burnout
Relief care may be available
Guardian can help family caregivers take time away

Service Area3 questions

What areas does Guardian serve?Guardian Senior Care serves Watertown, South Dakota, and the surrounding 40-mile radius.

Guardian Senior Care provides home health care services in Watertown, South Dakota, and the surrounding 40-mile radius, serving Codington, Clark and Hamlin Counties. Contact Guardian to confirm care availability for your exact address.

Watertown, South Dakota
Surrounding 40-mile radius
Contact Guardian to confirm care availability for your exact address

Do you serve rural homes outside Watertown?Yes. Guardian serves rural homes outside Watertown.

Yes. Guardian serves rural homes outside Watertown. Contact Guardian to confirm care availability for your exact address.

Rural homes outside Watertown may be served
Contact Guardian to confirm care availability for an exact address

What if my town is just outside the 40-mile radius?Please contact the office to discuss available options.

Please contact the office to discuss available options if your town is just outside the 40-mile radius.

Contact the office to discuss options
Guardian can confirm availability for an exact address

About Guardian4 questions

Who owns Guardian?Allan and Sonya Borg founded Guardian Senior Care in 2026 and remain its sole owners.

Allan and Sonya Borg founded Guardian Senior Care, LLC in 2026 and remain its sole owners. They bring extensive home-care experience and longstanding connections to South Dakota.

Guardian Senior Care was founded in 2026
Owned by Allan and Sonya Borg
The owners bring extensive home-care experience and longstanding connections to South Dakota

What makes Guardian different from other home care providers?Guardian supports the whole person, including health, personal care, daily routines, relationships, and meaningful activities.

At Guardian, we believe exceptional in-home care means caring for the whole person. Our caregivers are there not only to assist with health and personal care needs, but to support the person as a whole—helping with daily routines, staying connected to family and friends, enjoying meaningful activities, and continuing to live life on their own terms. By taking the time to understand each person and what matters most to them, we can provide care that supports not only their health and safety, but their overall quality of life.

Care for the whole person
Medical care plus practical daily support
Family-owned home care agency

Is Guardian locally owned?Yes. Guardian Senior Care, LLC is a local, family-owned, and family-operated business.

Yes. Guardian Senior Care, LLC is a local, family-owned, and family-operated business.

Guardian is locally owned
Guardian is family-owned and family-operated

What does the Gold Standard in Home Health Care mean?For Guardian, the Gold Standard means compassionate, personalized, one-on-one care.

For Guardian Senior Care, LLC, providing the Gold Standard means delivering the highest quality of compassionate, personalized one-on-one care to help seniors age with dignity in their own homes.

Compassionate, personalized one-on-one care
Care helps seniors age with dignity at home
Guardian focuses on high-quality care

Billing & Insurance3 questions

How am I billed?Invoices are normally mailed every two weeks. Guardian accepts ACH withdrawals or payment by check.

Normally, invoices are sent every two weeks in the mail. For clients who have minimal services and request it, invoices can be sent every four weeks, or 28 days. Guardian accepts ACH withdrawals or payment by check.

Invoices are normally mailed every two weeks
Some invoices can be sent every 28 days by request
Payments can be made by ACH withdrawal or check

Will my insurance cover any of the costs?Some long-term insurance policies cover home care costs. Guardian recommends contacting your insurance company or agent.

Some long-term insurance policies do cover home care costs. To find out if yours does, please contact your insurance company or agent.

Some long-term insurance policies may cover home care
Ask your insurance company or agent about your policy

Does Guardian accept credit cards or electronic payments?Guardian accepts ACH withdrawals or payment by check.

Guardian accepts ACH withdrawals or payment by check.

ACH withdrawals are accepted
Payment by check is accepted

Employment4 questions

How do I apply to work at Guardian?You can apply in the office, directly on Guardian's website, or on Indeed.

You can apply in the office, directly on Guardian's website, or on Indeed.

Apply in the office
Apply on Guardian's website
Apply on Indeed

What caregiver positions are available?Visit the Current Openings page to view available caregiver positions.

Visit the Current Openings page to view available caregiver positions.

Current openings are listed online
Available positions can change

Do I need previous caregiving experience?Experience is helpful, but it is not required.

Experience is helpful, but it is not required.

Previous experience is helpful
Previous experience is not required

Are part-time or flexible shifts available?Visit the Current Openings page to view current shift options.

Visit the Current Openings page to view current shift options.

Shift options are listed with current openings
Available shifts can change

Still have questions? Contact Us!