Terms of Service

Effective date:

August 20, 2024

Introduction

These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your use of the services provided by Seniors HelpDesk. By accessing our website and using our services, you agree to these Terms.

"Seniors HelpDesk" refers to our nonprofit organization, while "user" or "member" refers to any individual using our services, including seniors, families, caregivers, and concerned individuals.

Use of Service

Seniors HelpDesk provides services for advocacy, information, and support related to seniors' care and well-being. Our services are intended solely for informational purposes and are not a substitute for professional legal, medical, or financial advice.

Misuse of our services for harmful purposes, including retaliation or fraud, is prohibited.

Membership and Fees

Seniors HelpDesk offers membership tiers for seniors, couples, veterans, and individuals, each with specific benefits and services. Membership fees help fund our advocacy efforts and ensure the continuation of services, including support for those in vulnerable situations. Refunds for membership fees or donations are subject to specific conditions, as outlined in our refund policy, and are processed on a case-by-case basis.

Privacy Policy

We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. Please refer to our detailed Privacy Policy for how we collect, use, and protect your data. This policy includes the specific measures we take to ensure confidentiality and data security, including encryption, secure servers, and limited access to sensitive information.

Data Protection

We implement robust security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. This includes encryption of sensitive data, restricted access to personal information, and regular audits of our systems.

While we use third-party technology providers to enhance our advocacy services, we carefully select partners who adhere to high standards of data security. We avoid working with companies that have experienced significant data breaches and will promptly inform you if any such breaches occur, along with precautions to remedy the situation.

No Sharing of Personal Information

We do not share your personal information with third parties, except where necessary to fulfill the services we provide or comply with legal obligations. This includes sharing information with trusted partners who help us deliver our services, but only under strict confidentiality agreements.

In certain situations, we may also need to cooperate with local, state, and federal authorities conducting investigations into elder neglect, abuse, or fraud. Membership status (active, inactive, no membership) has no bearing on our cooperation in these matters.

Please refer to our detailed Do Not Sell or Share My Information for more information.

Emergency Situations

In cases of life-threatening or medical emergencies, Seniors HelpDesk may need to disclose personal information to emergency responders or relevant authorities to protect the well-being of seniors. Membership status (active, inactive, no membership) has no bearing on our cooperation in these matters.

Written Consent

Any sharing of your personal information beyond our services will only occur with your explicit, written consent, except where required by law or in emergency situations. This includes cooperation with local, state, and federal authorities for investigations related to elder neglect, abuse, or fraud.

Active, inactive or no membership does not affect our obligation to cooperate with authorities when required by law.

Communication

We encourage clear and respectful communication between Seniors HelpDesk and its members. All types of communication (phone calls, texts, emails, etc.) should maintain the dignity and privacy of seniors, caregivers, and concerned individuals. Members should use our services for the purposes intended and report any inappropriate or harmful communication immediately to our Human Resources (954) 391-5676.

Volunteer Guidelines

Volunteers are essential to our organization’s work, and we expect them to act professionally and respectfully at all times. Volunteers may be subject to termination for violating our Code of Conduct, which includes unethical behavior, non-compliance with our policies, and any form of mistreatment of seniors or colleagues. A grievance process is available to volunteers to ensure fair treatment.

Changes to Services

Seniors HelpDesk reserves the right to modify or discontinue any service at any time. We may update our services to improve or adjust based on feedback, available resources or regulatory changes. Members will be notified by email or our website of any significant changes that may impact their service experience. Continued use of our services after changes have been made indicates acceptance of those changes.

Termination of Services

Seniors HelpDesk reserves the right to terminate or suspend any user’s access to services if we suspect misuse, misconduct, or non-compliance with these Terms.

Reporting Violations

If any employee, volunteer, partner, or sponsor violates our data protection policies or engages in illegal conduct, we will investigate promptly. If necessary, we will report such violations to local, state, or federal authorities, ensuring that all laws are enforced.

Non-Discrimination Policy

We do not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, age, or any other protected characteristic in the provision of our services. We aim to foster an inclusive, respectful environment for everyone we serve.

Please see our detailed Non-Discrimination Policy for more information.

Third-Party Services

While we work with third-party providers to help us deliver better services, such as data management and advocacy tools, Seniors HelpDesk is not responsible for the actions or omissions of these third parties. We only work with trusted partners who prioritize security and privacy and will notify you if there is ever a breach of their security systems.

HIPAA Compliance

In cases where we handle sensitive health information, Seniors HelpDesk complies with HIPAA regulations to protect your privacy. This includes training our staff on the proper handling of Protected Health Information (PHI) and implementing necessary security measures to safeguard health data. We adhere to strict guidelines on the collection, storage, and sharing of health information, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws.

Please see our detailed HIPAA Policy for more information.

Data Breaches

Seniors HelpDesk takes data protection seriously, but no system is completely secure. If an employee, volunteer, partner, or sponsor is found to have breached our data protection protocols, we will take immediate corrective action, including reporting the breach to appropriate authorities and notifying affected members. We also maintain a policy of not knowingly working with third-party providers who have a history of significant data breaches.

Health and Safety

Seniors HelpDesk is committed to maintaining the health and safety of seniors, volunteers, and employees during in-person engagements. We follow all relevant health guidelines, including COVID-19 protocols, when interacting with vulnerable populations. Safety is our top priority in any on-site service provided.

Business Practices

Seniors HelpDesk follows a set of established guidelines and best practices in delivering its services. We are transparent in our operations, and we uphold a commitment to honesty, integrity, and accountability in all business dealings. This includes maintaining clear boundaries between our advocacy and other professional services.

Refund Policy

Membership fees and donations to Seniors HelpDesk are non-refundable, except in situations where services have not been rendered or where legal requirements dictate otherwise. We will consider refund requests on a case-by-case basis.

Intellectual Property

All content on our website, including logos, text, and designs, belongs to Seniors HelpDesk and is protected by intellectual property laws. Unauthorized use or reproduction of any materials without our written permission is strictly prohibited.

Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of Florida, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from the use of Seniors HelpDesk services will first be attempted to be resolved through mediation. If mediation fails, disputes will be settled by arbitration, with both parties agreeing to the final decision.

Limitation of Liability

Seniors HelpDesk cannot be held responsible for any direct or indirect damages that result from the use of our services. We aim to provide accurate, timely information and support, but users must use our services at their own risk.