Privacy Policy
A plain-language explanation of what information this site collects, why, and what choices you have — consistent with how we try to explain everything else here.
Effective / last updated: September 13, 2026
Who we are
The Dependency Series is an educational website published by the Health Education Resource Center. It explains the twelve medical conditions most often associated with a loss of independence in aging adults. It is not a law firm, insurance agency, or financial institution, and nothing on this site is legal, financial, or medical advice. This policy explains how information is handled when you visit thedependencyseries.com.
Information we collect
We collect information in a few ways, depending on how you use the site:
- Browser storage on your device. This site uses your browser's
localStorageto remember your light/dark theme preference, andsessionStorageto keep the on-site chat assistant's conversation and the Read Aloud widget's dismissed state for the current browsing session. See "Cookies and browser storage" below for detail. - The on-site chat assistant. Questions you type into the chat widget are sent to our server to generate an answer grounded in this site's own content. If you ask to speak with a Dependency & Elder Care Professional through the chat, the name, email, phone number, and any message you provide are transmitted to us so a person can follow up.
- The Caregiver Load Check-In. Your answers are used in your browser to generate your results. If you choose to email yourself a copy of your report, the information you enter (such as your name and email address) is transmitted to us to deliver that email.
- Information you provide directly. If you use the contact form or otherwise reach out (email, phone, or a scheduled call), we receive whatever you choose to share, typically your name, email address, phone number, and the message or questions you write.
How we use this information
- To respond to messages sent through the contact form, the chat assistant, or by email/phone.
- To deliver a requested copy of your Caregiver Load Check-In results by email.
- To remember your display preferences (such as dark mode) and keep the chat assistant working correctly during your visit.
- To maintain the security and normal technical operation of the site.
We do not sell personal information, and we do not use information submitted through the contact form, chat assistant, or Caregiver Load Check-In for marketing to third parties.
Cookies and browser storage
This site does not use Google Analytics, advertising cookies, or any other third-party tracking cookies. The only data kept in your browser is first-party localStorage (your theme preference) and first-party sessionStorage (your current chat conversation, a one-time prompt flag, and whether you've closed the Read Aloud widget) — all of which stay on your device, are never sold, and clear automatically at the end of your session (theme preference persists across visits so the site remembers your display choice). You can clear this at any time through your browser's site-data or privacy settings without affecting your ability to read any page on this site.
Data retention
Messages submitted through the contact form, the chat assistant's consult request, or the Caregiver Load Check-In email feature are kept only as long as needed to respond to your inquiry and for a reasonable period afterward for recordkeeping, unless you ask us to delete them sooner.
Your choices
- You can browse every page on this site, including the Caregiver Load Check-In, without providing any personal information.
- You can clear or block browser storage using your browser's privacy controls at any time.
- You can ask us to tell you what information we hold about you, correct it, or delete it, by reaching out through the contact page. We will respond within a reasonable time.
Children's privacy
This site is intended for adults researching long-term care conditions for themselves or a family member. It is not directed at children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children.
Security
The site is served over HTTPS, and we take reasonable technical measures to protect any information submitted to us. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Changes to this policy
If this policy changes, we will update this page and the "last updated" date above. Continued use of the site after a change means you accept the updated policy.
Contact us
Questions about this policy or a request about your information can be sent through the contact page.