Frequently Asked Questions

About On-Call Grandma

  • On-Call Grandma (OCG) connects families with kind, experienced caregivers who provide flexible, reliable support—whether you need a few hours to run errands, help with before- or after-school care, transportation to activities, or extra support during a busy week.

  • We make finding care simple, personal, and reliable. Our caregivers bring real-life experience and a genuine love for children, and we take the time to thoughtfully match families with someone they can trust. It’s flexible support you can feel good about without the stress of searching on your own.

  • We care for children of all ages, from infants to teens.

  • We serve Frederick, Maryland and surrounding areas, including Ballenger Creek, Brunswick, Monrovia, New Market, Thurmont, Urbana, Walkersville, and more (with more areas coming soon!).

Caregivers

  • Our caregivers are carefully selected individuals with real-life childcare experience. Many are:

    - Retired teachers or nurses
    - Experienced moms or grandmothers
    - Individuals with a passion for caring for children

  • Yes, safety is a top priority. All caregivers must pass an interview, reference check, background and MVA check before working with families.

  • Many caregivers are CPR certified. (You can request this if it’s important to you.)

  • Caregivers are independent contractors who choose when and how often they work. This allows flexibility while still maintaining OCG’s high standards and expectations.

  • Yes! We love building relationships. If you find a caregiver you love, you can absolutely request them again.

  • No. Caregivers agree to work through OCG so we can maintain quality, safety, and consistency for all families.

Booking & Scheduling

  • Start by registering your family so we have your basic information on file. Once you’re registered, requesting care is quick and easy—just fill out our short request form or send a text with your details, and we’ll take it from there.

  • We accept both:

    - Advance bookings
    - Last-minute requests (based on availability)

  • Yes, there is a one-hour minimum per visit. After the first hour, time is billed in 15-minute increments.

  • We can absolutely support ongoing or recurring needs, and we offer a discount for recurring services. Just let us know what you're looking for!

Pricing & Payment

  • Our rates vary depending on the type of care, timing, and specific needs of your family. We’re happy to provide clear, upfront pricing before you book — Just submit a request and we’ll take care of the rest.

  • Payment is handled securely online at the time your caregiver is confirmed.

  • Yes, a small $2.95 service charge is applied per payment to cover secure processing.

  • No. Our hourly rate stays the same regardless of the number of children in your home. We aim to keep pricing simple and straightforward for families.

  • Yes! Additional time can be billed if your plans change.

  • We understand that plans can change!

    Cancellations made more than 24 hours in advance are fully refundable.
    Cancellations made 12–24 hours in advance are 50% refundable.
    Cancellations made less than 12 hours in advance are non-refundable, as your caregiver has reserved that time for your family.

  • We’ll always do our best to accommodate rescheduling requests. Availability may vary depending on your caregiver, so changes are handled on a case-by-case basis. Just reach out as soon as possible, and we’ll work with you!

Services Provided

  • Our caregivers are here to make your life easier! We provide a wide range of support, including childcare, before and after school care, transportation to activities, homework help, and light meal preparation.

    We’re also a great option for last-minute or backup care when your regular caregiver is unavailable. And if you need an extra hand, we can even pick up dinner or run an errand for you. Every visit is tailored to your family’s needs.

  • Yes, with your permission and proper safety measures (car seats if applicable, etc.)

Services Not Provided

  • Yes. While our caregivers provide a wide range of support, there are a few limitations. Caregivers do not provide medical care beyond basic first aid, perform deep cleaning or housekeeping, or transport children without proper safety equipment. They also do not administer medication unless specifically discussed and agreed upon in advance.

    If you have a unique request, feel free to ask—we’re always happy to talk it through!

Safety & Trust

  • Yes, we carry business liability insurance.

  • Caregivers follow clear emergency protocols and will contact you immediately, along with emergency services if needed.

For Families

  • No. Many families use OCG while they are out, but you can choose what you're comfortable with.

  • Please let us know! We will do our best to match you with a caregiver who is a great fit.

  • Totally normal! We aim to make your first experience smooth, warm, and stress-free.

Growing with OCG

  • Yes! We are growing thoughtfully and intentionally to serve more families while maintaining quality care

  • We’d love to hear from you! Apply through our website to join the OCG family.

Still have questions?

We’re here for you!
Reach out anytime—we’d love to help you feel confident and comfortable choosing On-Call Grandma.