Caregiver Forum
Welcome to your space where you may provide feedback, get responses to frequently asked questions, make suggestions, and let us know of any issues that you would like to discuss. This is a “safe” space where you won’t be judged and there will be no repercussions for your opinion. SARA does ask that you be respectful, and polite, plus avoid using foul language.
SARA’s management will do its best to respond as quickly as possible. For personal issues, we will only speak to you about them. If there’s a question that affects many of our caregivers, it may be addressed in the area below so all can benefit from responses.
Please fill in the form below with your feedback, questions, suggestions, or comments. You can create a special name if you do not feel comfortable using your real one. However, if you want to be contacted with an answer, please put in your real information (name, email, and phone number).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to get a new physical by my SARA anniversary each year?
A: No. You do not need to get a new physical each year, but you must make sure that SARA has an updated Annual Health Assessment form, a newly completed Tuberculosis Questionnaire, and either proof of a flu shot for the current season or a current Flu Declination form in-house at SARA. However, if you have fallen out of compliance, you will need to update your physical with your physician as well as provide the updated forms.
Q: How frequently do I get paid?
A: Caregivers are paid weekly on Fridays, although there could be special circumstances such as a national holiday that could affect that date. SARA will try to inform caregivers in advance if that is the situation. Payroll hours are calculated from Saturday to Friday and then paid the following Friday. For example, a caregiver who worked Sat, January 13th to Wednesday, January 17th in 2024 would have been paid for those hours on Friday, January 26th. SARA can provide any caregiver with a calendar of payroll dates. It is updated each year.
Q: Why do I need to clock in and out electronically on the app?
A: All caregivers must clock in and out with the app or on their patient’s phone to provide a record that they have been caring for the patient on that date and for those number of hours. This is a legal requirement.
Q: Do I need to take in-service classes each year and how many hours are required?
A: To maintain their HHA certificate all New York State caregivers must have 12 hours of in-service classes at licensed home care agencies. SARA and other agencies provide these classes to their caregivers.
Q: If I need to take a leave of absence or a long vacation, may I do so?
A: Yes. SARA allows for caregivers who would like to be put on hold for personal reasons, however, the proper paperwork must be filled in and submitted to the agency in advance. Also, depending on the length of time off, the caregiver may need to take additional steps upon their return before being able to return to active duty. Please speak with HR Compliance for more details.
