GoldieCircle Terms of Service

Last Updated: December 2025

Welcome to GoldieCircle! These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your use of the GoldieCircle platform, website, and services. By accessing or using GoldieCircle, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

1. Our Platform

GoldieCircle is a community platform that connects seniors and caregivers to help one another through knowledge sharing, peer support, and resource discovery. We provide tools for community members to:

Share knowledge and experiences
Connect with others facing similar life situations
Offer and receive peer support
Access information about federal and state benefits
Find caregiver resources and support
Participate in the GoldieCircle Guild
Discover helpful resources for senior living and caregiving

1.1 Key Features

Community Support:

Ask questions and share experiences
Connect with peers in similar situations
Offer advice based on your own experiences

Information Resources:

Learn about federal benefits (Medicare, Social Security, Veterans benefits, etc.)
Discover state-specific programs and resources
Access caregiver support information
Find local resources and services

GoldieCircle Guild:

Join topic-based groups (health, caregiving, technology, hobbies, etc.)
Participate in focused discussions with specialized communities
Share expertise in areas you know well
Learn from experienced community members

1.2 SMS Text Messaging Program

Program Name: GoldieCircle Account Verification

Description: We offer SMS text messaging for account verification and security purposes. When you sign up using your phone number, you’ll receive one-time verification codes (OTP) via text message.

Message Frequency: Approximately 1-3 messages per signup or login attempt. We only send verification codes when you request them – no marketing messages.

Message and Data Rates: Standard message and data rates may apply from your mobile carrier. Please check with your carrier for details about your messaging plan.

Opt-In Consent: By providing your phone number during signup, you consent to receive SMS verification codes from GoldieCircle. Consent is not a condition of using other features of our platform – you can always choose email signup instead.

Opt-Out Instructions: You may opt out at any time by:

Replying STOP to any message to unsubscribe from SMS notifications
Choosing email-based signup instead of phone signup
Contacting [email protected] to remove your phone number

Help: Reply HELP to any message or contact [email protected] for assistance.

Customer Support:

Email: [email protected]
Privacy questions: [email protected]
We respond within 1-2 business days

SMS Service Provider: We use Twilio Inc. for SMS delivery. By opting in, you consent to receive messages sent via automated technology. Your phone number will not be shared with third parties for marketing purposes.

Privacy: See our Privacy Policy for details on how we handle your phone number and personal information.

2. Platform Use Cases

GoldieCircle serves various community needs:

For Seniors:

Benefits Navigation: “How do I apply for Medicare Part D?”
Technology Help: “Can someone explain how video calling works?”
Health Management: “What worked for you with arthritis pain?”
Social Connection: “Anyone in Baltimore want to start a walking group?”
Aging in Place: “Tips for making my home safer as I age?”
Financial Planning: “How do I understand my Social Security statement?”

For Caregivers:

Caregiver Support: “How do you handle caregiver burnout?”
Practical Advice: “Best ways to help Mom remember medications?”
Resource Finding: “Where can I find respite care in Maryland?”
Emotional Support: “Anyone else feel guilty about needing a break?”
Benefits Info: “What caregiver tax credits are available?”

For Adult Children:

Parent Support: “How to start the conversation about moving?”
Long-Distance Care: “Managing Dad’s care from another state”
Benefits Assistance: “Helping Mom apply for Medicaid – where to start?”
Family Dynamics: “Siblings not helping with caregiving – advice?”

3. GoldieCircle Guild

The Guild is our specialized community feature that allows members to join focused groups based on interests, challenges, or expertise.

3.1 Guild Groups

Members can join guilds such as:

Health & Wellness Guild: Managing chronic conditions, fitness, nutrition
Caregiver Guild: Supporting family caregivers, sharing strategies
Technology Guild: Learning tech, troubleshooting devices
Benefits Navigator Guild: Understanding federal/state programs
Creative Arts Guild: Hobbies, crafts, music, writing
Local Connections Guild: Regional meetups, local resources
Veterans Guild: VA benefits, veteran-specific support

3.2 Guild Participation

Guild Members Can:

Ask questions specific to guild topics
Share expertise and experiences
Participate in guild discussions
Access guild-specific resources
Connect with subject matter experts

Guild Leaders:

Experienced community members may volunteer as guild leaders
Leaders help moderate discussions and share expertise
Leadership is earned through consistent, helpful participation

Guild Guidelines:

All community guidelines apply within guilds
Stay on topic for the specific guild
Respect diverse perspectives and experiences
Share knowledge generously

4. Benefits Information Disclaimer

IMPORTANT – Please Read Carefully:

4.1 Nature of Benefits Information

GoldieCircle community members share information about federal and state benefits programs including but not limited to:

Federal Programs: Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans benefits, SSI, SNAP, housing assistance
State Programs: State health insurance programs, property tax relief, utility assistance, caregiver support programs
Tax Benefits: Senior tax credits, caregiver tax deductions, medical expense deductions

4.2 Information is Peer-Shared, Not Professional Advice

We explicitly state that:

Information shared about benefits comes from community members’ personal experiences
Community members are NOT licensed benefits counselors, social workers, or government representatives
Benefit rules, eligibility, and programs change frequently
State programs vary significantly by location
Individual circumstances affect benefit eligibility

4.3 Always Verify Benefits Information

You MUST:

Verify all benefits information with official sources:
- Social Security: SSA.gov or 1-800-772-1213
- Medicare: Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE
- Veterans: VA.gov or local VA office
- Medicaid: Your state Medicaid office
- State Programs: Your state’s Department of Aging or Social Services
Consult with licensed benefits counselors or social workers for personalized guidance
Contact SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) for Medicare questions
Seek legal advice for complex benefit situations

4.4 No Liability for Benefits Information

GoldieCircle and its community members are NOT responsible for:

Accuracy of benefit information shared
Changes to benefit programs or eligibility
Outcomes of benefit applications or decisions
Financial consequences of relying on community-shared information

5. Caregiver Resources and Support

5.1 Caregiver Information Sharing

Community members share information about:

Caregiving techniques and strategies
Local and national caregiver resources
Respite care options
Caregiver support groups
Financial assistance for caregivers
Self-care strategies
Medical equipment and supplies

5.2 Caregiver Safety Disclaimer

Caregiving involves serious responsibilities. Please note:

Medical caregiving information shared is from personal experience, not medical training
Always follow care plans from licensed healthcare providers
Emergency situations require immediate professional help (call 911)
Medication management should be supervised by healthcare professionals
Physical care techniques should be learned from trained professionals

5.3 Respite and Support Resources

While community members may share information about respite care and support services:

Verify all service providers independently
Check licensing and credentials
Read reviews from multiple sources
GoldieCircle does not endorse or vet service providers mentioned by users
We are not responsible for the quality or safety of any services

6. Eligibility

To use GoldieCircle, you must:

Be at least 18 years of age
Provide accurate registration information
Maintain the security of your account credentials
Comply with all applicable laws and regulations

If you create an account on behalf of someone else (such as an elderly parent), you represent that you have authority to do so and will be responsible for all account activity.

7. Account Responsibilities

You are responsible for:

All activity that occurs under your account
Maintaining accurate and current profile information
Notifying us immediately of any unauthorized access
Keeping your password secure and confidential
Ensuring information you share is truthful and helpful

We reserve the right to:

Suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms
Remove content that doesn’t meet our community standards
Modify or discontinue services with reasonable notice
Investigate suspicious activity or policy violations

8. Community Guidelines

To maintain a safe and welcoming environment, all users must:

8.1 Be Respectful

Treat all community members with kindness and dignity
Refrain from harassment, bullying, or discriminatory behavior
Respect diverse opinions and experiences
Disagree respectfully when views differ
Be patient with members learning to use technology

8.2 Be Honest

Provide truthful information in your profile
Share accurate experiences and advice
Don’t misrepresent your identity or qualifications
Clarify when sharing personal opinions vs. facts
Acknowledge when you’re not sure about something

8.3 Be Helpful

Share knowledge generously
Answer questions when you have relevant experience
Provide constructive feedback
Welcome new community members
Contribute to a positive atmosphere

8.4 Be Safe

Never share personal financial information publicly (SSN, bank accounts, credit cards)
Be cautious about sharing detailed health information
Use discretion when sharing your address or phone number
Report suspicious activity or concerning behavior
Use common sense when arranging in-person meetings
Don’t share other people’s private information

8.5 Don’t:

Post spam, advertisements, or promotional content without permission
Share copyrighted material without authorization
Attempt to harm, harass, or deceive other users
Use the platform for any illegal purposes
Impersonate others or create fake accounts
Share dangerous or harmful advice
Solicit money or sell products/services
Share medical advice that could cause harm

9. Content and Intellectual Property

9.1 Your Content

When you post content on GoldieCircle (posts, comments, photos, etc.):

You retain ownership of your content
You grant us a license to display, store, and share your content as necessary to operate the platform
You represent that you have the right to post the content
You understand that other users may see and respond to your content
You can delete your content at any time

9.2 Our Content

The GoldieCircle name, logo, design, and original content are protected by intellectual property laws. You may not:

Copy or reproduce our platform without permission
Use our branding in misleading ways
Create derivative works without authorization
Remove copyright or trademark notices

9.3 User-Generated Content License

By posting on GoldieCircle, you grant other users permission to:

Read and learn from your shared experiences
Reference your advice in their own posts (with attribution)
Share your helpful posts within the platform

You do NOT grant permission for:

Commercial use of your content
Reproduction outside the platform
Claiming your content as their own

10. Privacy and Data

Your privacy is important to us. Our use of your personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference.

Key Points:

We collect information you provide and usage data
We use data to improve services and ensure safety
We don’t sell your personal information to third parties
You can request to view or delete your data
See our Privacy Policy for complete details

11. Peer Support vs. Professional Services

THIS IS CRITICAL – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

GoldieCircle facilitates peer-to-peer support and information sharing. We are NOT:

A licensed care provider or care agency
A medical or mental health service provider
A financial, legal, or benefits advisory service
A government agency or official resource
A substitute for professional care or advice
An emergency service

11.1 Any Information Shared on Our Platform:

Comes from community members based on personal experience
Should not replace professional medical, legal, or financial advice
Reflects personal experiences and opinions
May not be accurate, current, or applicable to your situation
Is not verified for accuracy by GoldieCircle

11.2 Always Consult Qualified Professionals For:

Medical: Diagnosis, treatment, medication, care plans (call doctor or 911)
Mental Health: Depression, anxiety, crisis situations (call therapist or 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
Legal: Legal matters, rights, representation (consult attorney)
Financial: Investment decisions, complex financial planning (consult financial advisor)
Benefits: Official benefit applications, eligibility determinations (contact SSA, Medicare, VA, etc.)
Emergencies: ANY emergency situation (call 911 immediately)

11.3 Caregiver Medical Information

Information about caregiving techniques and medical care:

Comes from personal caregiving experience
Is NOT from medical professionals (unless explicitly stated)
Should be verified with healthcare providers
Cannot replace formal caregiver training
May not be appropriate for your care recipient’s specific condition

12. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW:

GoldieCircle is provided “AS IS” without warranties of any kind. We do not guarantee:

Accuracy, completeness, or reliability of user-generated content
Accuracy of benefits information shared by community members
Uninterrupted or error-free service
That the platform will meet your specific needs
The behavior or qualifications of other users
That advice or information will solve your particular problem

12.1 We Are Not Responsible For:

Actions, advice, or information provided by other users
Outcomes from applying advice or information from the community
Benefits applications or determinations
Care decisions made based on community information
Disputes or interactions between users
Outcomes resulting from connections made through our platform
Loss or damage resulting from your use of the platform
Third-party services mentioned by users

12.2 Limitation of Damages

In no event shall GoldieCircle be liable for:

Indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
Loss of data, profits, or business opportunities
Damages resulting from reliance on user-generated content
Medical, legal, or financial outcomes
Damages exceeding the amount you paid us (if any) in the past 12 months

13. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless GoldieCircle, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from:

Your use of the platform
Your violation of these Terms
Your violation of any rights of another person
Content you post or share
Your interactions with other users
Your reliance on information from the platform

14. Third-Party Links and Resources

Community members may share links to:

Government benefit websites
Healthcare resources
Caregiver support organizations
Local service providers
Educational materials

Please note:

GoldieCircle does not endorse third-party sites or services
We are not responsible for third-party content or services
You access third-party resources at your own risk
Always verify the legitimacy of external resources

15. Modifications to Service

We reserve the right to:

Add new features to GoldieCircle
Modify existing features
Discontinue features with notice
Create new guilds or modify guild structure
Update community guidelines

We will notify users of material changes through:

In-platform announcements
Email notifications
Updates to this Terms page

16. Termination

16.1 Your Rights

You may:

Delete your account at any time through account settings
Leave any guild at any time
Stop using the platform at any time

16.2 Our Rights

We may:

Suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms
Remove content that violates community guidelines
Remove users from guilds for inappropriate behavior
Discontinue the service with reasonable notice

16.3 Upon Termination:

Your right to use the platform ends immediately
We may delete your account data
You lose access to guilds and connections
Provisions that should survive termination will remain in effect

17. Dispute Resolution

17.1 Informal Resolution

If you have a concern, please contact us first at [email protected]. We’ll work in good faith to resolve issues.

17.2 Arbitration

Any disputes not resolved informally shall be settled by binding arbitration in accordance with the American Arbitration Association’s rules. You waive your right to participate in class action lawsuits.

17.3 Exceptions

Either party may seek injunctive relief in court for intellectual property violations or to prevent actual or threatened harm.

17.4 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Maryland, USA, without regard to conflict of law principles.

18. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. We will notify users of material changes by:

Posting a notice on our platform
Sending an email to your registered address
Updating the “Last Updated” date at the top

Continued use of GoldieCircle after changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.

19. General Provisions

Severability: If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in effect.

No Waiver: Our failure to enforce any right doesn’t waive that right.

Assignment: You may not transfer your rights under these Terms. We may assign our rights to a successor or affiliate.

Entire Agreement: These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and GoldieCircle.

Language: These Terms are provided in English. If translated, the English version controls.

20. Special Provisions for Specific Use Cases

20.1 Veterans and VA Benefits

Information about VA benefits shared on the platform:

Comes from veterans’ personal experiences
Must be verified with VA.gov or your local VA office
VA benefits rules change and vary by service history
Contact a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) for application help

20.2 Medicare and Medicaid

Information about Medicare and Medicaid:

Must be verified with official sources (Medicare.gov, your state Medicaid office)
Eligibility rules are complex and individual
Contact SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) for free counseling
Don’t make coverage decisions based solely on community information

20.3 Caregiving for Dementia/Alzheimer’s

Special care considerations:

Information shared is from personal experience
Every case is different
Follow care plans from neurologists and healthcare team
Contact Alzheimer’s Association (800-272-3900) for professional resources
Join our Dementia Caregiver Guild for peer support

20.4 Financial and Legal Matters

Estate planning, power of attorney, guardianship:

Require consultation with licensed attorneys
State laws vary significantly
Community can share experiences but not legal advice
Contact local legal aid or elder law attorneys

21. Contact Us

Questions about these Terms?

GoldieCircle Support Email: [email protected]
Phone: 956-649-5971
Website: https://goldiecircle.com/contact

Specific Concerns:

Terms questions: [email protected]
Privacy concerns: [email protected]
Safety issues: [email protected]
Benefits information: [email protected]

Important Reminders

✅ GoldieCircle IS: A peer support community where seniors and caregivers help each other

❌ GoldieCircle IS NOT: A substitute for professional medical, legal, financial, or benefits counseling

✅ Use for: Sharing experiences, getting peer support, finding community

❌ Don’t rely solely on for: Medical decisions, legal matters, financial planning, official benefits determinations

✅ Remember: Verify important information with official sources and professionals

By using GoldieCircle, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.

Thank you for being part of our community! Together, we’re creating a supportive space where seniors and caregivers can help one another thrive.

GoldieCircle: Seniors and Caregivers Helping Seniors and Caregivers