SeniorSitters offer 
Free Membership 
to holders of
 Australian and 
New Zealand 
Seniors Cards and of similar cards in many
other countries.



For details of these cards and their eligibility requirements, etc 
click on the  appropriate link below

Security

Security is one of the commonest reasons for owners to seek sitters, instead of leaving their properties empty when absent. But there are ways in which security can be enhanced for the benefit of owners and sitters alike.

1. SeniorSitters states repeatedly on this website, in our literature and at talks we give on housesitting that it is important for Homeowners to check references given and to confirm the identity of the sitters to whom they plan to entrust their assets.
   
   
2. Assuming you have done all of these and that your sitter checks out, there are still several things you can do for mutual protection. If you have a spare room, we suggest you move into this room items that you do not want the sitter to use or touch. If the room is lockable, so much the better, but most mature sitters will respect your request not to enter the room.
   
   
3. An inventory of valuables is another important way to protect your interests. It also protects those of the sitter because both parties agree to the list and sign it at the commencement and the conclusion of the sit. It’s really that easy.
   
   
4. We are strong believers in "Murphy’s Law", so we use our own basic appliances, such as toaster, coffee machine and so on. This relieves us of the responsibility for the owners’ appliances, and for the obligation to repair them if anything goes wrong – as it probably will!. This also applies to VCR and DVD machines, as well as computers and motor vehicles, of which more below.
   
   
5. Owners, in an effort to be helpful and friendly, often suggest that sitters are able to use their computers and ISP (Internet Service Provider) account. Because broadband services are generally not portable, an arrangement for use of the Homeowner's ISP account, when available, is desirable, but not using the owner's computer. This is fraught with potential problems and is best avoided. If the sitter has a computer with a modem, he or she can either connect or access their own ISP via a dialup connection. If they don’t, then Internet cafes and public libraries have Internet access available.
   
   
6. Similarly, unless there is special justification for doing so, making a motor vehicle available to the sitter is not a good idea. Maybe the owner’s car will be used to take the owner to the airport, or something similar. Or there may be the need to use a specialised vehicle, such as a tractor or a farm utility. Otherwise the potential for disaster – without it being anybody’s fault – far outweighs any goodwill that my be generated.
    

100 Points of Identification

Australia ’s Financial Transaction Reports Act 1988 awards different values to different forms of identification. It requires a score of at least 100 for acceptable proof of identification.   More...