Where can you find the best resources for senior care? As the years go by, we discover that our parents need a little more help than they used to. Perhaps an illness has afflicted a beloved family member who wants to stay at home rather than be moved to a care facility. Maybe we are the ones realizing that we're getting older and unable to care for ourselves properly. Whichever the case, finding quality and reputable home care for seniors can be a challenge.
Best Option
Right at Home exists to improve the quality of life for seniors and adults with disabilities, with over 700 locations in the United States and around the world. The company was founded in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1995 to provide care for clients who want to live healthy, happy lives in their own homes.
Enter your ZIP to find a location serving your area
Because Right at Home has locations around the world, the only way to find out if there is a franchise in your area is to enter your ZIP code on their website. Once you input your ZIP code, a listing will display either the closest locations (complete with the distance between your home and the franchised location, even at 80 miles away) or note that you need to enter a "valid" location, indicating that there is no office in your vicinity.
Complete online questionnaire or call the office
After you determine that there is a Right at Home location near the loved one who needs care, click on the name of the chosen office. You will be prompted to either connect with this location or take a brief quiz to determine the needed type of care. Then you can either call or fill out a form to be contacted, including the client's name, when care is needed (immediately to within two months or unknown), your name, email address, phone number and preferred contact method.
Five step process
Right at Home's five-step process to build a care plan begins with developing a client profile to understand what is needed, including a free in-home consultation to better assess the situation. Next, they create a plan and share it with you, allowing modifications as desired. Then, Right at Home will identify the best caregiver to meet these requirements, taking into account specialized needs and personalities. Finally, the company says they deliver extraordinary care and provide ongoing support, adjusting as the situation warrants. We appreciate having their plan laid out in such a clear manner.
Individualized care plans and consistent, screened caregivers
Care plans are individualized to your loved one's needs, from dressing and hygiene to providing transportation to medical appointments. Right at Home wants you to be comfortable with their caregivers, so as the one bringing a caregiver into a home, they allow you a voice in who that person will be. While they will try to match you with the best person for your situation using their screening system, they encourage clients' involvement in the process. Changes in caregivers will be accommodated "as allowed by law," and the frequency or type of provided service may be changed as needed. The company also strives to give care with the same provider, though depending on your needs, multiple caregivers may be scheduled. We appreciate that Right at Home makes this a priority and says so on their website. Additionally, Right at Home caregivers undergo a criminal history background check and are fully insured. Through Right at Home University, the company's employees are able to train and receive ongoing education to improve their in-home care and assistance services.
Services can vary by location
Some Right at Home locations are able to administer medications while others can simply assist in reminding clients to take their meds. Categories of services offered by the company include companion care (doing chores, social interaction), personal care (hygiene), nursing services (for short-term medical needs at home), and specialty care (chronic conditions such as Alzheimer's, diabetes, hospice, and Parkinson's). Veterans care, respite care, homemaker and home health aide care may also be offered, depending on the location. While the individual webpages for the various locations had some personalized content, it was difficult to quickly discern which of these special services were offered, so you may need to directly contact them in order to find out.
Verification of visits provided
To give you peace of mind regarding your loved one's care, Right at Home tracks caregivers in multiple ways. Timesheets are completed and internet-based solutions verify their time and attendance to provide a written record of home care services. Itemized invoices are sent following visits to provide the record you need and allow for adjustments prior to the next invoice.
Philanthropic projects
Choosing to share quality of life care with children in the Dominican Republic, Right at Home supports Josiah's House, a non-profit running family-style homes to help vulnerable children with basic life necessities including education and life skills. Additionally, Right at Home partnered with Free Wheelchair Mission to provide mobility by raising over $400,000 for 5,000 wheelchairs to be distributed in Vietnam, Ecuador, and Costa Rica.
Customer feedback is mostly positive
Right at Home locations are individually accredited and rated by the BBB, so you'll need to check the location in your area. The five we viewed had "A+" ratings, with only one complaint (unrelated to care). Across online review platforms, reviews are mixed, ranging from 1.7 stars to 4.0 out of 5 for under 600 reviews, though the majority of reviews we saw gave the company 5 stars. While negative reviewers complain about caregiver reliability, service, and unprofessional behavior, the overwhelmingly pleased clients called their experience incredible, flexible, outstanding, wonderful, caring, honest, and highly recommended. As with most franchised companies, it seems that it's important to look at reviews and ratings for your local office before proceeding.
Our top choice
There are many things we like about Right at Home, including the fact that they verify visits and put client needs at the forefront of their service. We recommend them as the first place to look for either medical or non-medical care for your senior loved one.
Great
Visiting Angels operates over 600 independent care agencies in 49 states plus Washington DC, and worldwide. Since 1998, the company has restored "hope at home" with non-medical, in-home care for seniors tailored to each client's unique needs.
Locations may be in your area
The Visiting Angels website allows you to search for agency location by state or ZIP code. There are no operations in Hawaii and some states have a few locations spread out (Wyoming and North Dakota each only have one), though it's likely there is an office near you if you're in a larger metro area.
Easy to request care from trained, screened providers
Simply fill out the form on the website with your name, email address, phone number, and relationship to the person who needs care. The local agency will call you to set up a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss care needs, develop a plan, and answer any questions you may have. During the consultation, the care manager will discuss physical needs, emotional needs, homemaking assistance, schedule, and logistics. A client's hobbies, personality, preferences, and health condition will all be taken into consideration when matching with a caregiver. All Visiting Angels caregivers have been carefully screened and are qualified, knowledgeable, and compassionate providers. Caregivers have been given specialized training to prevent falls while promoting safe mobility and independence for the seniors in their care.
Daily living help, respite care, and more
Whether you are looking for hygiene assistance and medication reminders or meal preparation and light housekeeping, Visiting Angels can help with the activities of daily living for short-term, long-term, hourly care, overnight care, or even 24-hour care. (They say service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays). Clients will be matched with a trusted professional who will be by their side, establishing relationships and helping them in their own homes.
Variety of care programs
They offer personal care (also known as "private duty" including errands, toileting assistance, dressing, and medication reminders), companion care (providing services such as camaraderie, comfort, transportation, and recreational activities), respite care (short-term or temporary care to provide a break for family members), and dementia and Alzheimer's care (including walking and mobility assistance, wandering prevention, and hygiene assistance). They also have a "Ready, Set, Go Home" program to provide non-medical support after a hospitalization. If other care is needed, such as palliative or end-of-life care (for chronic illnesses), Visiting Angels offers professionals who are certified to provide comforting, holistic care for non-medical services.
Long-distance caregiving
Visiting Angels will coordinate assistance with another home care office in their network if a client splits time between two cities or frequently visits family and friends. Additionally, if you live far from your loved one, they will coordinate an initial consultation through video, phone, or email to make sure you are included in the process. They are committed to ongoing communication, including notifications of changes or concerns in a client's physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being.
May change plans or caregivers
Care plans may include daily, weekly, or monthly visits, and Visiting Angels' services may be adjusted as needs and requests change. If the caregiver assigned is not the right match for any reason, the Visiting Angels care coordinator will work with you to choose another aide.
Visiting Angels Foundation
A non-profit branch of Visiting Angels is the Visiting Angels Foundation, established to help seniors receive the social, medical, educational, and support services needed regardless of their financial situation.
In-home or elsewhere
Visiting Angels is able to provide service to those in assisted living facilities and long-term care residences, as well as in their own homes. This can be especially helpful for those with a loved one in a memory care facility across the country. The caregiver provides a familiar face to assist with personal care on a regular basis, outside of the facility staff.
Customer feedback varies
As independent franchises across the nation, Visiting Angels has listings for local offices on the BBB. Some have ratings and are accredited, while others are not. You'll need to check the location nearest to you in order to learn more, though the six we viewed both had "A+" ratings and zero complaints. When it comes to other online review platforms, just over 700 reviews place this company between 1.9 to 3.9 out of 5 stars. Pleased clients give Visiting Angels high compliments including, "They work diligently to maintain the utmost care for loved ones," "capable, professional, caring, attentive, and efficient," and "by far the best around!" Negative experiences warn that caregivers were inconsistent or unreliable, rude, and untrustworthy. Since agencies are individually reviewed, we suggest checking into the location nearest you before contacting them for your consultation.
Non-medical services shine here
Out of the strictly non-medical companies we reviewed, Visiting Angels has the best reviews for their services in the most areas, earning them a high ranking with us as well.
Great
BrightStar Care provides compassionate care for seniors in their homes in 40 states plus Washington DC, from over 400 locations nationwide. For over 20 years, this company has employed well-trained, dedicated professionals with the goal of offering at-home care supervised by a registered nurse.
Care available in many areas
BrightStar Care offers companion care and nursing, though the website noted that Connecticut locations are unable to provide medical services (unlike the rest of the 39 states where BrightStar Care is located).
Simple to set up an in-home assessment
To set up a no-cost, no-obligation, in-home assessment with BrightStar Care, enter your ZIP code to find the office closest to your location. Answer a couple of easy questions about the type of care you are seeking for your loved one, and then provide your personal information. Once you submit the form, you can expect to hear back from the location nearest you. If you prefer, you may instead call them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Numerous care options offered
Several types of care are available from BrightStar Care professionals for both short-term and long-term options, as well as 24-hour care. Personal care (daily living activities such as bathing, meal prep, companionship, and light housekeeping) and companion care (provides respite for family caregivers, transports to doctor and social events, and even includes travel companionship) are two options. For those with Alzheimer's and dementia, BrightStar Care provides memory care, which offers specialized guidance and support to help clients live a fulfilling life at home and promote overall well-being. Short-term transitional care is offered for those leaving a hospital or rehab center yet are still needing extra support as they make the trip home, thus reducing the likelihood of rehospitalization, medication errors, and falls. Finally, BrightStar Care also has in-home therapy services - including physical, speech, and occupational - performed by licensed, experienced therapists. Skilled care from nursing professionals is offered in some locations (possibly including blood sugar testing, home infusion therapy, medication management, and wound care).
Care oversight by a nurse
Something that makes BrightStar Care stand out are the nurse-led teams which create care plans for each client. Caregivers communicate any changes in your loved one's condition with the nurse, which reduces the likelihood of hospital visits or falls. Nurses may provide services, resources, or education, as well as prevent or identify medication interactions.
Joint Commission accreditation
Another place BrightStar Care stands out is in their insistence that all independently-owned agencies under their name must earn Joint Commission accreditation. They are the only national home care brand to require this designation, which indicates that a health care organization adheres to the highest standards of healthcare quality and patient safety. (We like this feature for a home care company and wonder why the others don't insist on meeting these standards..).
Caregivers are screened, insured, and continue their training
All caregivers at BrightStar Care must pass rigorous recruiting and stringent screening practices, which include background checks, drug screenings, and licensing or certification verification. Additionally, the nurses and caregivers take ongoing training courses in order to better meet the ever-changing needs of their clients. They are all bonded and insured. Also, BrightStar Care provides medical staffing services to hospitals and nursing homes, so you can rest assured that they are professionals.
Changing services is easy
You are not locked into a contract with BrightStar Care. If you need to increase or decrease services or time with a caregiver, it is possible to change things at any time, including choosing a different type of service or even canceling service.
Other services offered
BrightStar Care provides services for adults with disabilities, in-home child care for those with chronic conditions or short-term disabilities, and pediatric nursing in some locations for complex, in-home care for younger patients.
Mixed customer reviews
Similar to many companies with independent franchises, BrightStar Care does not have one single page on the BBB. Local offices are individually accredited and rated. The five locations we viewed had "A+" ratings from the BBB with only one complaint filed. However, across online review platforms, the 600 reviews on various websites ranked the company between 1.6 and 3.9 stars, with the majority of reviews on the Yelp page. Negative experiences label them as a "very expensive and poor service," with multiple mentions of failure to show up to provide care. On the other hand, the happy clients mention caregivers by name, noting positive personality traits such as friendly, accommodating, dedicated, compassionate, and understanding. Individual locations are reviewed, so we recommend doing a quick search to find feedback about the one closest to you when looking into BrightStar Care.
An excellent choice
Only the fact that BrightStar Care isn't available in all 50 states kept it from the top of our list. We like that they require Joint Commission accreditation and have RNs overseeing their care teams. As such, we can confidently recommend them as an excellent choice for senior care - if there's one in your area.
Very Good
SYNERGY HomeCare has independently owned and operated locations in 42 states across the country. They offer non-medical home care and in-facility assistance to address day-to-day needs for a few hours a week or 24-hour home care.
Location listings include Google reviews
Available in 42 states, SYNERGY HomeCare has more than 500 locations to provide care. The website has a listing of each state and town, or you can enter your location in the search bar to be matched with a nearby office. When you follow the link for the local office's website, there are linked Google reviews for that location. We like that they are putting third-party reviews front and center.
Quick and easy to set up assessment
Contact SYNERGY HomeCare for a no-obligation, in-home assessment by calling the location nearest your loved one or completing a brief contact form with your name, email, phone number, ZIP code of where care is needed, and message (including what services you're looking for, questions you have).
Care plans to support independent living
With numerous ways to "lend a hand" for your loved one, SYNERGY HomeCare offers in-home care and companionship (bathing, housekeeping, transportation, and companionship), specialized care (for cancer, diabetes, Parkinson's, and end-of-life, among others), memory care (which may include robotic therapy pets) and ConciergeCare (hospital-to-home care to ease the transition after surgery or illness). Whether your loved one needs a little help or a lot, SYNERGY HomeCare offers services to support independent living and improved quality of life at home. Respite care is another option to allow family caregivers a break as needed. Services received can change as your needs change, and they can do short-term or long-term care. Live-in and 24-hour care options are offered to help as deemed necessary.
Caregivers are matched to your loved one's needs
All caregivers have completed training, passed extensive criminal background checks, and are bonded and insured. They are matched with availability, skills, personality, and interests in mind to provide the best possible in-home care experience. If you request it, SYNERGY HomeCare will arrange a meeting between the caregiver and you in advance, and also allow you to change caregivers for any reason, at any time.
Other services offered
In addition to senior care, SYNERGY HomeCare provides child care, care for new and expectant moms, and veterans' home care.
Impressive positive reviews by thousands
With independent franchised locations, SYNERGY HomeCare does not have a single listing on the BBB. However, the five locations we viewed had no complaints and "A+" ratings by the BBB, which is promising. Since each location is rated and reviewed individually across user platforms, we were pleased to discover a listing for SYNERGY HomeCare on Birdeye, a platform which gathers online reviews in one location. Out of over 11,600 reviews, this home care company earned an impressive 4.7 stars out of 5. Keep in mind that this is for all locations together, so you'll want to be sure to check out your individual office first. While negative reviews complained about workers who had no specialized experience or demonstrated unprofessional behavior, positive experiences mentioned caring and reliable service from caregivers who felt like family.
Strong choice for non-medical care
SYNERGY HomeCare offers many different types of care at locations nationwide, so finding a location near you is a good possibility. The thousands of positive reviews put this reputable company near the top of our recommended services for senior care.
Very Good
The world's largest home care network, Home Instead has nearly 1,200 offices providing non-medical services. Started in 1994 to help provide care for the founders' 90-year-old grandmother, Home Instead expanded by joining with Honor to provide care around the world.
Offices available nationwide
On the Home Instead website, search via ZIP code or by state listing to find the office nearest you. With locations in all 50 states plus Washington DC, it's highly likely that you'll find one.
Simple process for requesting a consultation
Click on "Get Started," answer a couple of basic questions (including type of services needed), and provide your contact information to request a free, no-obligation care consultation with the Home Instead location nearest the senior needing service. Alternatively, you can input your ZIP code first to see the nearest office prior to requesting a consultation, which would allow you to look up reviews on that agency's services. You will receive a call from a representative within 24 hours. The care manager will complete a needs assessment, review daily living activities, identify opportunities for support, tour the home to complete a safety check, ask questions about social interactions, discuss health concerns and medication management, and finally provide a recommendation for service to best support your situation.
Non-medical care for daily needs through end-of-life
Home Instead has six types of non-medical services to provide at home for their clients. Personal care offers assistance with grooming and dressing, while enhanced care reminds clients to take medication or check glucose levels. Meal prep and home helper services can assist with chores to make a comfortable home life, and transportation care gets clients where they need (or want) to go. Companionship care brings in someone to spend time with conversing or playing cards. Finally, end-of-life care is offered to comfort a family during a difficult time, and chronic condition support is offered for Alzheimer's and dementia, heart disease and stroke, weight-related issues, Parkinson's, arthritis, diabetes, and cancer.
Caregivers are trained and screened before match
At Home Instead, the care consultant works to match caregivers' skills with clients' needs. All 100,000 of their trained care pros are carefully screened with a comprehensive background check.
Gives back to senior charities
Home Instead works to combat loneliness for seniors and promote senior-focused charities. The company has donated nearly $1 million for programs and services, raised over $410,000 for Alzheimer's Association, and donated 2 million gifts to older adults during the holiday season.
Numerous reviews provide mixed results
With so many franchised locations, Home Instead does not have a single listing on the BBB. We suggest looking up the office closest to you and see how it's rated and if there are any complaints. As a result of individual franchises, reviews for the company overall are mixed across online review platforms, including international locations and reviews from former employees, which don't help to give an accurate idea of what Home Instead has to offer clients. The nearly 1,000 reviews range from 2.2 stars to 3.8 out of 5. Negative reviews warn of unskilled workers, no-shows, substandard care, theft, and inconsistent care. Positive reviews mentioned caregivers who "become good friends and almost part of our family," are accommodating, and have provided "peace of mind" for the family. Since the reviews seem related to the location providing the service, we highly recommend looking up the location you are considering prior to your consultation.
Quality option depending on location
We love that Home Instead offers nationwide coverage, though we are concerned by the numerous negative reviews from some locations. Depending on the location you are closest to, Home Instead could be your best option, though we encourage you to check local reviews first.
Good
Home Helpers Home Care has offered care for over 25 years, including services for military veterans and their loved ones. They operate over 300 locations in 39 states across the country.
Fewer locations to choose from
To find a location in your area, enter your city or ZIP code and you'll see a photo of a map with pinned Home Helpers locations. According to an online search, the company is currently offering service in 39 states and Washington DC.
How to set up care
Home Helpers will provide a free in-home care assessment to discuss your needs and the services they offer. Just fill in the form on the website with your name, contact information, location of needed care, care recipient's name and phone number, and what assistance is needed. Once they have received your request, they will call to gather more information and schedule a time for your free assessment to create a Cared-4 Customized Care Plan to meet your unique needs. When the care starts, a representative will accompany the caregiver and review the plan in person. Following that, the Home Helpers representative will visit from time to time when the caregiver is in your loved one's home to assess if care needs to be adjusted.
Non-medical options in your home
Care can be scheduled for just a few hours or around the clock to accommodate your unique needs. Home Helpers only gives you what you need; there are no packages you must sign up to receive. Services provided by them include respite care (giving a caregiver a break), companionship (spending time and being social), specialized care, wellness calls, 24/7 live-in care, nutrition and meal planning, and home safety assessment.
Monitoring for your loved one
If you decide that in-home care is more than you need for your loved one but still want to have peace of mind regarding his or her wellbeing, Home Helpers offers a variety of monitoring devices. There are even ones with GPS tracking and fall sensors. We love that they offer these options for seniors who would like to retain more of their independence while keeping their loved ones assured of their wellbeing.
Experienced caregivers matched to your situation
Professional and attentive, the caregivers from Home Helpers have been extensively background checked, well-trained, and insured. These experienced caregivers are compassionate and caring, having been specifically chosen for your loved one's care. Additionally, they receive ongoing training and advanced certifications from Home Helpers to improve their skill sets and make them the best at what they do.
Other services offered
Home Helpers not only provides care for seniors, but they also provide services to support working parents with managing responsibilities and childcare, new mothers with newborn care and household tasks, and anyone who needs recuperative care as a result of surgery or injury. Continuing care is also offered for those managing chronic conditions to aid with daily living. Military services include many of the same for seniors but also add homemaker services, disability home care and end of life care.
Helpful questions to consider
On the Home Helpers website, one list we found particularly thoughtful was "What to Ask a Home Care Agency." This short article offered helpful suggestions as you conduct interviews for in-home senior care helpers.
Small number of reviews are positive
As with many franchised locations, each individual Home Helpers agency is listed separately by the BBB. The ones we saw either had no rating or "A+" with no complaints, so that's promising. Across online review platforms, we were pleased to see mainly positive reviews with ratings averaging between 4.0 to 4.8 out of 5 stars (although it was from a pool of only a few hundred experiences spread across the country). Pleased customers have said the company is a "blessing" and highly recommended with "very professional" and "attentive and patient" caregivers. Negative reviews rant about workers on their cell phones or outside smoking instead of paying attention to the client, referring to those caregivers as a "revolving door of individuals" inexperienced and unable to care for the client. With franchised locations varying, we recommend looking up reviews and listings from the BBB for your closest agency.
Just above average
We love the non-medical care options offered by the highly-reviewed staff at Home Helpers, but their lack of nationwide presence means it may be harder to find a location near you. That lands this senior care option a slightly above average rating from us.
Good
Started in 1996, Always Best Care operates more than 230 locations in 30 states and Canada. Both medical and non-skilled services are offered for in-home and in-facility care.
Find a location and quickly request a consultation
To find one of the Always Best Care offices in your area, enter your ZIP code. There is a map shown with pins, but no easy way to see a location listing. The most offices appear to be on the East Coast and in the southern United States. First find a location near your loved one and then click to visit their website. From there you will be prompted to schedule a care consultation and available dates are shown. Once you select one, you are entered into a chat with an AI bot. You will be asked your name, email address, and phone number so Always Best Care can reach out to confirm the chosen date and time. (We find it strange that they do not ask any questions about the type of services you may desire -very different from other companies we've seen, though it means you aren't giving as much personal information over the internet, which can be seen as a plus by some).
Comprehensive lists of available services
At your Always Best Care consultation, you will meet with a care coordinator to create an individualized service plan. The company offers personal care services (such as toileting, transportation, light housekeeping, meal preparation, and companionship). The option for 24-hour care is offered, or you could just have a couple hours a week. Hospital to Home and hospice support (end-of-life) are also options. For more specialized services, Always Best Care offers cancer care and recovery, dementia and Alzheimer's care, in-facility care, palliative care, rehabilitation, transitional care, and respite care, among a list of others. Private duty nursing is listed along with nearly 30 other medical skill offerings. If you need skilled home health care for a specific condition, it's likely on this extensive list. We appreciated the bulleted listings clearly displaying what they have to offer.
Health monitoring devices and special care services
Always Best Care has numerous technology options to cater to the needs of your loved one. The free Always in Touch program is a "telephone reassurance program" for seniors, providing companionship and security for isolated clients in need of daily contact. (As the only program of its kind in our reviews, we feel this adds an added level of care that others should consider). A fall risk analysis is available to create a tailored care plan and implement proactive care for your loved one. Patient monitoring devices (blood pressure monitor, pulse oximeter, glucometer, weighing scale, and medical alert systems) for remote patient monitoring are another way to care for seniors in the home by reducing the need for in-person hospital visits, detecting health issues before they escalate, and tracking vital signs in a timely manner. A Personal Emergency Response System can provide emergency help at the push of a button, with 24/7 monitoring using both in-home and mobile solutions. Finally, Always Best Care provides 24/7 assurance by combining their in-home care with virtual support AI, using audio analytics to detect, predict, and prevent issues before they occur.
Caregivers supervised by dedicated RN
Caregivers with Always Best Care are subject to extensive background and reference checks. They are insured and receive expert training before starting to work, and ongoing training to keep up with industry demands. You'll work with your care coordinator and your loved one to select the best qualified person to provide care, matching to your specific needs. If your loved one requires skilled home health care, these care experts include certified registered nurses, therapists, and home health aides who will create a fully individualized care plan, supervised by a dedicated registered nurse available 24/7 to support your needs.
Senior living referral services
Should you decide to instead move your loved one into a community with other seniors, Always Best Care offers a free service to match clients with the top senior living communities for their preferences and budget. This includes assisted living, memory care, residential care, independent living, and nursing homes.
Clients leave above average to positive reviews
Since they are independently owned and operated, there is no single listing for Always Best Care on the BBB. However, we viewed six independent listings of their locations, all having no complaints and "A+" ratings by the BBB, which is promising. There are limited independent reviews across online platforms, though. With scores averaging 3.7 to 5 stars over just 150 reviews, it's hard to truly gauge customer satisfaction. We wonder why there are so few reviews for a company in business for nearly 30 years. However, positive reviewers mentioned "excellent home care", reliable caregivers, and solid communication. Most of the negative reviews we saw were related to customer service or bad experiences with caregivers. We recommend looking up your location to read reviews before scheduling a consultation.
Above average choice
If you're lucky enough to have an Always Best Care location near you, we recommend checking them out for all of the benefits they provide. The lack of more customer feedback and small nationwide presence are what keep them at just above average on our list of senior care options.
Average
Founded in 1998, Comfort Keepers has more than 700 independent offices in 45 states and worldwide. The company was started by a nurse who saw that patients needed more than medical help in their homes and focused on keeping clients comfortably in their homes instead of nursing homes or senior facilities.
Easy to find a location and set up in-home visit
To get started with Comfort Keepers, either enter your city and state or ZIP code in the search bar or scroll the list of 45 states and their offices. Once you have found the Comfort Keepers location near you, click on it and send them an email or call them to schedule. Alternatively, there is a link to the office's website, which may offer a home care questionnaire designed to guide you towards the services you may need. This will lead to an initial conversation and in-home visit to determine care needs.
Care options include medical and non-medical services
With their Interactive Caregiving approach, Comfort Keepers focuses their service on the four interrelated aspects of mind, body, nutrition, and safety.
Only empathetic caregivers are chosen
Comfort Keepers caregivers have completed a rigorous interview process with national background checks, as well as personal reference and professional reference reviews. They are screened for empathy and trained to offer the best quality of life care. All caregivers are employees of Comfort Keepers, not contractors, and they are bonded, insured, and covered by workers' compensation.
Helpful glossary of care terms
Anyone seeking home health may be overwhelmed by the new language they encounter. To help, the Comfort Keepers website provides a helpful glossary of care services terms to help those seeking in-home care for their loved ones understand the jargon.
Lacking significant customer reviews
Individual Comfort Keepers offices are listed separately on the BBB website with their own accreditation and ratings. We looked at six separate locations, primarily having "A+" ratings and no complaints. However, across online review platforms, the rating averages bounce from 1 star to 4.8 stars out of 5. With a total of only 130 reviews found, it's hard to put too much reliance on these rankings. (A company that's been around since 1998 with 700 locations should have more feedback). Negative customer comments mentioned rude or dishonest caregivers, cancellations of service with no replacement help offered, and rushed appointments. Pleased customers share that they would highly recommend the service for being caring, highest quality, stellar, friendly, and compassionate. Be sure to look for reviews of the individual franchise location near you.
Average option
Chances are there is a Comfort Keepers location near you, but with the inconsistent ratings we only put this service as an average location and recommend looking at our higher-ranked senior care choices first.
Fair
For over 23 years, TheKey has offered senior home care in 110 locations across 33 states and parts of Canada and Australia. The company rebranded to the current name in 2022, previously known as Home Care Assistance.
Limited availability
TheKey serves 33 states across the country with the least amount of locations of any we reviewed (just 110 worldwide). Enter your ZIP code or click on your state on the map to learn if there is a location near you.
Simple consultation requesting process
Start the process by completing the brief online questionnaire from TheKey. You'll need to provide your name, information about the person who needs care at home, your phone number, email address (optional), and preferred contact method. TheKey will contact you within 24 hours to schedule a free phone, in-home, or virtual care consultation.
Balanced Care Method to take care of your loved one
TheKey's Balanced Care Method is a holistic approach focusing on nutrition, engagement, social connection, and overall wellness for clients to live happier and healthier lives. Home care options include companion care, help around the home, respite care, 24/7 care, live-in care, memory care, and specialized care for specific medical conditions (including Parkinson's, cancer, and after a stroke). End-of-life care and hospital-to-home are also options provided by TheKey. Some locations are able to receive Concierge Nursing (private duty), including California, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York. Care needs may change, and the plan can be easily modified as desired. While you don't have to make a long-term commitment to service through this company and may cancel at any time, cancellation fees may apply.
Caregivers are vetted and trained
TheKey combines staffing principles with understanding of caregivers' personalities, skills, and strengths to match you with the right caregiver for your loved one. Any needs and preferences you may have will be taken into account. The caregivers are expertly trained, thoroughly vetted, background checked, and insured. The loved one's care team will also include specialists who schedule visits and update care plans.
Customer reviews are limited but promising
Since the locations for TheKey are independently run, there is not one main listing on the BBB website. The good news is that the five locations across the country that we viewed had earned an "A+" rating with zero complaints to the BBB, though you will still want to check your local office. Individual locations will have their own online reviews, but we found less than 50 across various platforms. One office of TheKey in California had 31 reviews and garnered 3.8 stars out of 5. One positive review gushed about receiving personal attention despite the fact that the agency was large enough to ensure coverage. A negative reviewer ranted about the numerous issues experienced with the caregivers provided by TheKey. While we're disappointed with these less than stellar review results, we encourage you to look up the location you may use to see how they rank.
More reviews and locations needed
TheKey may provide great senior care for some locations, but it is lacking in nationwide coverage as well as feedback, so it's difficult to rank it any higher than below average. We recommend looking at one of our higher-ranked senior care companies first.
Weak
Great AuPair is the "most trusted" international job matching service used by families to find affordable and trustworthy caregivers since 2001. Though their name leads many people to automatically think of childcare, the platform also offers to match senior care providers with families, as well as pet sitters, housekeepers, personal assistants, and more.
A hands-on approach to finding care
If you're willing to do more of the work to find a qualified caregiver, Great AuPair offers thousands of worldwide options at varying salary and skill levels. You can find someone who speaks your loved one's native language or is looking for a live-in situation while working in the United States on a visa. College students working on their advanced degrees are also an option found on this matching service. However, you should know that you will encounter some listings that seem sketchy, and the website even warns against contacting certain email domains. If that's not something you have the time to carefully scan through, this may not be a service for you.
Create your family profile or search listings
To find a caregiver on Great AuPair, complete the free registration form, state your needs, and connect with the community. The company serves to help both families and caregivers find the best possible match with personalized searches and detailed profiles. Your family profile serves as an online job advertisement so care providers can learn about your family, your job, and your requirements. (If you would prefer to keep your personal details off the internet, avoid this option). Validate your email address and then search options on the "hire" tab. You can filter your search by candidate location, availability, full- or part-time status, live-in or live-out, age range, weekly rate range, gender, single or couple, nationality, languages, religion, experience (years), and skills (including paid positions and certifications). If desired, you can even filter for photos, non-smokers, driver's license, and use of their own vehicle for the job. View the caregiver profile and contact through your preferred method for membership level to proceed with interviews.
Membership subscriptions and reports available for a fee
While you can certainly use the free option on Great AuPair to find a caregiver, other choices provide greater search options, features, and direct contact with job candidates. A payment of $45 for a single, 30-day membership permits direct messaging, access to in-depth interviews and photo galleries, interview questionnaires, and sample contracts. A 90-day membership is discounted to $33 per month when paid upfront. Be aware when choosing a paid membership that subscription plans automatically renew unless canceled. Reports are also available to provide assurance before hiring your chosen candidate, such as US federal, state, or county criminal records searches, specific New York-related searches, and personal reference checks for candidates living in the US or Canada. These additional services range from $25 to $150 each. Finally, if you want caregivers to contact you instead of seeking them for yourself, you can pay to be "showcased" on Great AuPair, in addition to membership privileges.
Care plan options are limited by what is offered
Both live-in and live-out caregivers are available for seniors on Great AuPair, both full-time and part-time options. Filters for searching can help you customize your care plan, including medical certifications and experience if that is a service you will need for your loved one. However, keep in mind that you are only able to get the services you want if someone on the job website offers them.
Website complaints
The Great AuPair website was frustrating to navigate for a few reasons. First, the body text font on the senior care page is very light and small, making it difficult to read (oh, the irony), as well as many of the other pages on the website (we're talking tiny 9-point font here).
Fraud protection in place but care may not be available
Detailed profiles for senior care providers on Great AuPair include free background checks for US caregivers, online interviews, references, reviews, photos, and videos. There is a 30-point fraud prevention system and complete privacy control. Be aware that depending on when you search Great AuPair, you may not find any caregivers in your vicinity, or at least any who are currently active on the matching site - making this a hit-or-miss option for senior care.
Top interview questions to consider
Since you'll be the one interviewing caregivers rather than a care service, Great AuPair offers a list of their top 10 questions to ask a potential provider. This can help anyone deciding on care for their loved one, even if you go with another company.
Customers share concerning experiences
The business Great AuPair is not accredited by the BBB, but it has earned an "A+" rating. However, there are limited reviews across online platforms, and the ones we found warned us to stay away from this company due to poor experiences (even dangerous ones) with au pairs from other countries (there were no reviews about senior care). We suggest looking elsewhere for a caregiver who has been vetted and screened without you having to pay extra for the service.
Better options available
While Great AuPair may provide the best of the online job listing options we reviewed, it's not one we can recommend if you're looking for reputable care for your loved one. We suggest going with one of the senior care-specific providers at the top of our list instead.
Weak
Since 2006, Care has offered an online platform to connect caregivers with families for jobs such as senior care, child care, housekeeping, pet care, and more.
Post your job or search listings for care
Since Care is a listing of providers, you start by posting your job and allowing caregivers to apply directly. Then you are able to compare profiles and read reviews of potential job candidates. Click on "Get Started" and answer the prompts to get you to the right area of the website. Indicate the type of help you seek (household tasks, personal care, companionship, transportation, specialized care, and/or mobility assistance). After this, you input the ZIP code where you need the care and see how many caregivers are found near your location. You will enter your email address and then your first and last name to see the candidates in your area. It is recommended that you detail your loved one's needs in your listing to best connect you with qualified caregivers.
Search before joining
Alternatively, you can search caregivers on the site before joining, but you will be unable to contact them without a premium membership. This may be the best option if you want to see if there is actually anyone in your area who may fit your needs before paying. Profiles may include a photo, home location, pay rate, customer ratings and reviews, a personal introduction, services offered, qualifications and skills, availability, and similar caregivers nearby.
Memberships must be purchased to contact a provider
Since Care is a job listing platform, you are permitted to browse listings and post a job for free, but you must have a Premium (paid) membership to message with candidates or purchase additional background checks. Plans may be paid monthly ($38. 95 per month, cancel anytime), quarterly (at $24. 95 per month paid every 3 months), or annually ($12. 95 per month paid once a year at $155. 40). Additional background checks include a continuous background check for caregivers you have hired or plan to hire (part of the premium membership). You can also purchase an enhanced or premium background check if desired (no prices listed). Membership subscription fees are typically non-refundable. Unlike most of the companies we viewed, Care had a banner discount code offering 20% off, which you can use on the premium membership and not off the actual caregiving services.
Care plan options limited by offerings
Types of care will vary based on who is offering services when you visit the online job listings. However, the website mentions full-time and part-time in-home caregivers, dementia care, and respite care as options. Live-in care is a possibility as well. Senior living communities, assisted living, independent living, and memory care facilities may also be listed on Care.
Caregivers are screened but below expectations
According to the Care website, "safety is at the heart of our community" and all individual caregivers start with a required background check, though a footnote mentions this cannot guarantee your safety. Since businesses are also listed on Care, it should be noted that the website does not perform background checks on them. You are permitted to interview multiple candidates prior to hiring, and if a caregiver does not meet your expectations, "you can explore other options and use feedback from the experience to refine your search," the website says. This is just saying you can try again. To ensure a good fit, Care suggests you consider asking for references, running a background check through Care (although they say they've already done one), schedule a trial period, and clearly communicate expectations and needs. For emergency or one-time care, there are listings for on-demand or respite care services.
Paying caregivers is your responsibility
Since the person you hire on Care is typically not an employee of another company, you will have to pay them directly. HomePay is an optional payroll service to help you handle payments, taxes, and paperwork involved in hiring someone to perform in-home care. Care mentions that caregivers set their own rates, and one-time bookings have a booking fee.
Be warned by federal lawsuit and negative reviews
Care is not accredited by the BBB and is not rated. There was an alert against the company when we viewed the listing regarding a lawsuit of the Federal Trade Commission against the company in 2024. On Trustpilot, Care has nearly 4,800 reviews with an average rating of 2.3 out of 5 stars. Negative reviews ranted about the difficulty reaching customer service, receiving automatic renewals without reminders, and even using the word "scam" to describe the experience. The positive reviews were predominantly from caregivers who had a good experience getting work.
Avoid this option
While we're not generally big fans of job listing platforms for reputable senior care, Care is even lower on our list for requiring membership fees to contact job prospects and as a result of its negative reviews. We recommend looking for a higher-ranked option to take care of your loved one - don't take the risk with Care.
Poor
Calling it the "easiest way to find senior care," Sittercity is a platform for online job listings related to children, pets, and seniors. Started in 2001, they say millions of families and sitters have connected to provide care. The company was acquired by childcare company Bright Horizons in 2020.
Create a job listing or view available providers
If you're looking for someone to help with senior care, you can post a job on Sittercity by creating a free account. The landing page claims there are thousands of senior caregivers in your area - though since it does not know where you are located, this can be extremely misleading. Availability of caregivers may fluctuate on the website as well. While it may seem like a good idea to post your job, not everyone wants to wait around to be contacted by interested caregivers or put their personal information on the internet. Alternatively, you can search their care companions directory by state and then city, where you will then find the listings for your area (this is only accessible by scrolling to the bottom of the webpage and selecting Senior Care under the Find Child, Pet & Senior Care menu). Frustratingly, the website is not easy to navigate, continually prompting you to log in or create a free account.
Care plan options vary with provider listings
Listed services for companion care on Sittercity include senior companions, rehabilitation care, certified nursing assistants, respite care, hospice care, drop-in care, and medication assistance. Each profile may include a photo, number of years' paid experience, location, a short bio, preferred rates, availability, certifications or qualifications, languages spoken, education, and personal tidbits. Be aware that listings seem to be old, as the first candidate we viewed mentioned his availability is valid through a date in 2022 and another said 2012. The profiles we saw were from providers who had not logged into the platform in more than six months (which you cannot see until you view the entire profile). This leads us to believe that none of these workers have stuck with the Sittercity platform, and you may find it difficult to hire help here.
Membership plan fees hidden
The top of the landing page of Sittercity mentions saving 60% with value plans, but requires you to create an account to view details. Additionally, elsewhere on the website, we learned that fees are non-refundable. While a free membership exists, it gives you limited access to the website. Upgrading to premium later is possible. An online search for the premium cost turned up three levels with different prices: monthly for $35, quarterly for $70 and annually for $140. The quarterly and annual fees are paid upfront, offering savings over the monthly options.
You pay for the sitter to be screened
On Sittercity you can match with a caregiver by skills and schedule, read reviews, purchase background checks, and message sitters directly. Sitters may also run screenings themselves to enhance their profiles, and all members go through the Family Watchdog database to check for registered sex offenders. There are three levels of background checks for a sitter on Sittercity, ranging from motor vehicle records ($38) to basic criminal ($25) and enhanced criminal ($75). The sitter may choose to accept and complete the check or decline it. Once it's processed and completed, badge results will be updated on the profile and you will be charged. (Why should we pay for someone to be screened? That should be done before they are listed on the platform).
Website security measures
The website mentions fraud protection, identity verification, and safety screenings as part of their "network of reliable, trustworthy care." To prevent scams, Sittercity says they use analytics combined with review processes and machine learning to identify and remove nefarious users. When sitters apply to be part of Sittercity's network, their identity is verified by Persona (older members were verified via Berbix or Experian). The site's secure messaging does not share full names or contact information.
Sparse but irrelevant reviews
There is no listing on the BBB for Sittercity. Reviews across online platforms are sparse (only about 50) and many of the positive ones are strangely related to specific customer service representatives. A negative reviewer said she's had two of three interviewers "ghost" her after scheduling a time to talk, while another says she's noted a decline in the platform over recent years. If your preferred hiring method is using a job listing site, we suggest trying another one.
Look elsewhere
Looking for a senior care provider at Sittercity will be a frustrating experience due to outdated listings, a difficult to navigate website, and membership fees. We strongly recommend looking elsewhere for senior care.
Continued from above...
As the years go by, we discover that our parents need a little more help than they used to. Perhaps an illness has afflicted a beloved family member who wants to stay at home rather than be moved to a care facility. Maybe we are the ones realizing that we're getting older and unable to care for ourselves properly. Whichever the case, finding quality and reputable home care for seniors can be a challenge.
The purpose of senior home care is to keep people in the environment where they are most comfortable and familiar. This "aging in place" is preferred by 9 out of 10 older adults, compared to moving into a senior facility or assisted living. Services exist to help aging individuals to live with dignity as they are treated with respect by caregivers who practice compassionate personal care. They can help by bathing clients, assisting with meal preparation, and reminding them to take medication - all non-medical tasks.
Additionally, these types of companies make it possible for older people to remain independent and mobile with help even just a few hours a week. An estimated 41% of American adults over the age of 75 may be living alone. By providing transportation to appointments, getting groceries, or even playing a game of cards together, home caregivers can offer companionship and assistance to seniors who are isolated from family who may be hundreds of miles away.
Those who are already taking care of a loved one know how hard it can be. To help prevent burnout for caregivers who are often working another job and taking care of their own young families, respite care is an option offered by many companies. The service can be utilized on a one-time or recurring basis to provide a break for the nearly 1 in 5 Americans providing unpaid care for a relative.
And, sometimes professional medical care is required. In-home health care is available from some providers to avoid unnecessary trips to the doctor's office or hospital. If your loved one requires specialized care, be sure to look for nurses and other skilled medical service caregivers.
There are many factors to consider when looking at care for your aging loved one. Here are the top criteria on our list:
At Top Consumer Reviews, we want to help you make an informed decision regarding the best care options for your senior loved one (or yourself). To that end, we have reviewed and ranked some of today's most popular services - so you can identify the best home care available in your area and get assistance as soon as possible.
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