When is a good time to organise help?
We would recommend to meet one of our carers when you are about 7-8 months pregnant. However, some mums like to be more organised and some mums don’t ring us until baby is born. You can contact us at any stage and we will try our best to accommodate your needs.
Do I get to meet a carer beforehand?
Absolutely. It is very important that you are comfortable with your carer. We will organise an initial meeting first, where you get to meet your carer and she can explain the types of services we offer. This is always a no-obligation meeting and you can then decide if you want to book us in.
Do I get the same carer for every visit?
Yes, unless the carer is unwell or if there is another reason she can’t come. We can try and find another carer to cover if you wish to do so.
I just want someone to come and clean my house. Do your carers do that?
Day-to-day cleaning is part of the services we offer. However, we are not a professional cleaning agency. What we specialise in is offering an extra pair of hands in your house, to help with a combination of household chores, laundry, cooking and looking after baby or older siblings. If that’s what you are after, a Pepsicles carer is the ideal choice..
How is payment made?
Our carers will invoice you for their hours worked at the end of each week, our rate is $20 per hour. Payment is due the week after and can be made by cheque, cash, or preferably directly into the carer’s bank account..
Is there a deposit payable?
Not at this stage. We do ask to let your carer know if your circumstances change and you don’t need our services any longer.
Have your carers had a background check?
Yes, all our carers have had a police check and at least three reference checks.
What experience or qualifications do your carers have?
The majority of our carers are mums themselves. They know from their own experience what mums need help with during those first few weeks. A small number of our carers are trained nannies. Lots of our carers have additional qualifications or experience, eg some are ex (Karitane) nurses or some have early childhood training.
Is there back up care available?
In most situations there is. If one of our carers can’t come due to sickness or other reasons we will endeavour to find another carer to cover. However, this is not guaranteed and it depends on availability and the area you live in.
Are your plans flexible?
Yes, we can customise the plans to your specific needs.
Do your rates include GST?
Our carers are not registered for GST so there is no GST applicable. This means that you pay $20 (or $22 in Auckland) an hour without any extras added.
Is there an agency fee?
No, we don’t charge an agency fee.
Do you charge for travel?
We don’t usually charge for travel. We may charge for travel if you live in a rural area and our carers need to travel further than normal. This would always be discussed up front.
Note that our carers will charge you for trips they make in their own car on your behalf, such as picking up children or getting groceries.
How long has Pepsicles been around?
Pepsicles started in August 2006 in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga and Wellington. Most of our other regions followed early 2007. .
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