FAQs

How do I get a quick overview?

Check out our film about the Granny’s Aid Service! If you would like to use our services,  these 5 steps will give you clear instructions about what you have to do in order to join.

How does the placement work?

Our project-users leave childcare requests on our hotline: (040) 250 69 12 with their name and telephone number, the desired childcare date and time, the reason for childcare and the names of the children. The questionnaire completed by the parents is indispensable for a good matching. The hotline is monitored continuously during office hours. Our team will automatically get back to the parents by phone as soon as a suitable person has been found to take care of the children. In this call, all other information relevant to the care will be discussed.

How early do I have to put in my care-request?

Scheduled care-requests for relief (babysitting) must be received at least 3-4 working days in advance on the care hotline. In unexpected emergency situations this is of course not always possible. The rule here is: the earlier we receive your request, the better. Should an emergency situation arise during the night for the next day, please do not hesitate to leave a message on the hotline at night as well. In order for our grandma-grandpa emergency team to come to you on the same day, your request should be received by the care hotline by 7:30 a.m. at the latest.

What will the first placement look like?

We recommend making the first appointment with the volunteer about ½ an hour to 1 hour prior to leaving the child in their care, so that there is enough time for you to get to know each other over a cup of coffee or tea. If it feels like a good fit, the parent(s) can leave after that. For the return you should plan about ½ hour in addition, to be able to discuss whether everything went well.

Will it always be the same person taking care of my children?

For planned care, we always speak to the person you prefer first. If they are not available on the specified date, it is up to you to decide whether you want to reschedule or get to know someone else. Over time, most project-users build up a permanent base of around 2 – 3 volunteers who they know well and who form a care team.

What happens if the “chemistry” isn’t right?

This can always happen, even if it is the exception. If it does happen we take note of it and arrange for another person for the next time.

How does the “gift” work?

During the placement process, we will give you tips on what the respective person would be happy to receive. This can be: natural goods (flowers, coffee, chocolates), vouchers (theatre, cinema, shopping) or pocket money. Some helpers also go to work with their own piggy bank or take the donation box from Jung & Alt e.V. with them. Basically: The “gift” is a symbolic recognition for the voluntarily provided help and depends entirely on the possibilities of the parents. When asked “How much?” the “how” is more important here than the “much”. In addition to the “gift”, the volunteers receive travel-fare and food on site from the parents.

I need regular support …

Jung & Alt e.V. does not offer ongoing, regular support. We always help when regular care is cancelled – up to 15 days per emergency situation. Even for a fixed babysitting appointment that recurs on a weekly basis, we cannot guarantee – but try – that this can always be fulfilled by the same volunteer. The volunteers keep their independence and can reject requests for care at any time, e.g. for reasons of holidays or illness or because they have appointments themselves.

Are there also volunteers in my district?

Jung & Alt e.V. is active throughout Hamburg and nearby communities. The prerequisite is good accessibility with the HVV and your willingness to bring the helper home in the dark. That is why we pay particular attention to district-specific volunteers, especially when it comes to evening assignments. But there are also volunteers who can take on assignments throughout the Hamburg area during the day.

How many volunteers are involved in Jung & Alt e.V.?

We have around 125 volunteers. Before starting work, we get to know them in a personal conversation. We receive a certificate of good conduct and a doctor’s certificate in order to make sure they can provide the care activities.

How long can an assignment last?

In order to protect the well-being of our volunteers, the duration of the assignment should normally not exceed 4 – 6 hours – in emergency situations a maximum of 8 hours. Our volunteers also come on Sundays and public holidays, from 8 a.m. at the earliest and until midnight at the latest.

What are the costs and how often can I get help?

You can find all the important information on this in the agreement for the respective project (agreement with Granny’s Aid Service; agreement with Senior Citizen Assistance Service) – this describes, point by point, when and how we can help you and under which conditions. If you have any further questions, you can reach us on Tel. (040) 251 77 33, Mon-Thu from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Are there any discounts?

Yes. Families with low incomes receive a reduction of 30% of the monthly project-usage fee (upon presentation of ARGE notification or similar).

How long does my agreement with Jung & Alt e.V. last?

The agreement can be terminated quarterly. If you’d rather get to know our projects without obligation, choose the Granny’s Aid Service trial or the Family Help Service trial first.

The Granny’s Aid Service is not intended as a cheap ‘babysitting service’

The monthly fees for parents can, in fact, be much cheaper than those of economically oriented recruitment agencies. However, the volunteers should not be confused with employees: They “donate” their time to the children and look forward to moments together. The primary aim of the project is to revitalize intergenerational dialogue. Children get a feeling for older people and their needs and can learn to be respectful and considerate. We do not want the seniors to feel abused as cheap babysitters – we are reluctant to speak to our volunteers for care requests before 8 a.m. or after midnight, for pick-up / delivery services for the children or for care that goes beyond 6 hours for other than emergency situations.

I want to start a similar initiative …

An overview of similar initiatives in Germany and further information can be found at leihoma-leihopa.de.