Homewatch CareGivers of Arvada

Reviews 3

PJ

PJ Baracani

The decision to use Homewatch CareGvers is a no brainer. They walk with you every step of the way... My husband and I moved into his aged parents home to help them out in their "golden years" of life. After the move my father-in-law passed in June 15 (89 yr. old) leaving his wife (88 yr. old) that has been diagnosed with Alzheimers-late onset, Dementia type. In September ’15 my Mother-In-Law (MIL) fell ill to a gallbladder infection that landed her in the hospital for a week and a rehabilitation facility for over a month. During this time I realized that I was going to need help upon her discharge from rehab. At that time I began looking for a daytime caregiver for my mother-in-law, (MIL) but I didn’t know where to begin. My MIL had received a medical evaluation/assessment a few months prior to her hospitalization that was performed by a licensed, professional Tracy K, RN. This seasoned nurse highly recommended that I look into Homewatch CareGivers in Northbrook for help with my MIL. -She praised Homewatch and assured me there wasn’t a better outfit on the North Shore. After several recommendations from others and a list full of agencies to research Homewatch Caregivers was the only name still on the list that had all of credentials, services, and personnel that I was looking for- So I called. My first contact with Homewatch was by phone. A woman by the name of Leslie patiently listened to my story, my needs and concerns. She set an appointment at my convenience for a personal meeting and assessment of my situation. The meeting was with Mitch Abrams and it took place in the convenience of our house. I found out during that meeting that Mitch was the Managing Director of North Shore Homewatch Caregivers. I was very impressed with this personal testimony, his down to earth, hands-on representation of the company. Our family was more than pleased. Mitch along with Stacey from the Business Office consulted, explained all options and handled all of the financial / insurance matters seamlessly under our discretion. I was then contacted again by Leslie as a follow-up and was introduced to a Jenny; both women were with Client Services, I call it “Client Caring”. Leslie and Jenny worked with me to help find a special individual that would be a perfect fit for not only my MIL but for all involved in the household. I was notified the following business day that there were two individuals that fit the bill. “Client Care” set up a meeting with Denise B., LCSW (social worker) and the individuals that were to care for my MIL. We discussed the schedule, my MIL’s needs and general expectations. I did not want to alienate my MIL, I didn’t want her to feel like a patient or uncomfortable in her own home. My MIL has accepted and enjoys others caring for her in her home; she refers to her caregivers as “Friends.”-And they are. My husband and I are more than satisfied with The Homewatch Caregivers “family”. The individuals that are a part of this agency have given our family a ‘peace of mind’ with their outstanding, continued, committed services. Some surveys rating a particular business or service rendered will ask, “Would you recommend this agency or service?” and the options are: Never, Possibly, Recommend or Highly Recommend” with HCG, I would have to write-in, “There is only ONE agency and that is Homewatch Caregivers. Everyone that has been involved with this HCG team: Mitch, Leslie, Jenny, Stacey, Denise, and a special shout out" to Anne F and Julianah O we THANK YOU all a million, billion!

RO

Ronnie Schecter

We learned 5 months after a caregiver was placed with my mom through this agency that the caregiver was prohibited from working for an agency licensed/certified by the Illinois Dept of Public Health (IDPH). This is noted on IDPH registry and on the background report that the agency is required to run. The reason was an "alleged" theft from an elderly person. We were told by IDPH that this was more than an accusation - that although charges were never pressed, evidence supporting the claim was presented. When we contacted Homewatch and spoke to the social worker and their credentialing "expert", they told us over and over that there was nothing on the background check they ran to indicate the caregiver was prohibited from working through them. We finally called IDHP ourselves, and the person we spoke to immediately confirmed that our information was correct. We then convinced the social worker and credentialing expert at Homewatch to contact IDHP, which they did; they confirmed they were given the same information we were and shortly afterwards the caregiver was removed from my mothers home. We replaced her with someone from another agency. The next day the only call we received was from Homewatch asking why we put a stop on our credit card. The following day we received a call from Mitch Abrams, the owner, telling us that there was a misunderstanding and that again there was nothing to indicate the caregiver was prohibited from working for them. After close to 30 minutes we convinced Mitch that the best thing for him to do was to call IDPH to sort this out. He was supposed to call us the next day--he didnt--but he did call after we followed up with him. He reported that IDPH did confirm that the caregiver was prohibited from working for an agency but then told us: 1. IDPH is very confused on the issue and you get a different answer depending on who you speak to, and 2. That the third person he spoke to told him that based on how confusing the report is, that they could understand why he would interpret the report as he did (!). This is his business, and background checks are a critical part of this business. It is hard to believe that Mitch and his team do not know how to read background checks on potential employees. We then asked Mitch for reimbursement of some of the money we paid (they are the most expensive agency weve worked with); he told us that he didnt see himself as being able to do what we asked, but that he would call us back and let us know what, if anything, he was prepared to do. That was a week and a half ago and no call from Mitch. We called the parent company of this franchise and the woman there reached out to Mitch on Tuesday; he told her hed call us on Wednesday which never happened. We are extremely disappointed that Homewatch placed a person that had a documented history of an act against an elderly person with our mom, and also with the way that Mitch Abrams and his team handled the situation. **Update: I just saw Mitch Abrams response to my review. Again, the person placed with my mother was sanctioned by IDPH and was not allowed to work as a caregiver through an agency under IDPH. Mitch continues to want to say that everything was done as it should have been, when clearly it wasnt. I dont see any response to his not following through on a return call to us--as he promised he would do.

MA

Mary Szostak

We had the pleasure of working directly with Shaun during the last days of Ray Szostak, the patriarch of our large family. He immediately made him feel comfortable. Shauns great connection with Ray, and perseverance to make him happy, allowed the rest of the family, "peace of mind". We noticed how Shaun was very perceptive, empathetic, and committed to every task. Shaun acted with a quiet authority and competence. He is a valuable caregiver! Janean has worked with Rays wife, Lillian, for over a year! She has been a tireless worker, and demonstrated sensitivity to all of Lils needs. Janean is an extremely capable & professional caregiver!! Lil has Parkinsons, and Janean has gone to Dr. appts, paid strict attention to Lils strength on any given day, and been a rock throughout this year, including Rays passing. She keeps meticulous notes on everything from Lils BP readings, exercise log, and general health daily! Also, Janean has kept the house spotless, and done countless loads of laundry. Her communication skills are exceptional, especially in dealing with a lot of family members! Moreover, Janean has been instrumental in keeping both Ray & Lil, safe, in their home! Dianne has worked the other half of the shift for Lil, since July. She has been such a warm and caring presence for Lil, especially in the last six weeks! Dianne has encouraged Lil to sing, talk, write, and do chair exercises to slow the progression of Parkinsons! In addition, she has Lil count her blessings & prays with her continually! Dianne is a supportative and nurturing caregiver! Overall, Homewatch, as an agency has helped our family tremendously! The office staff has shown incredible adaptability when scheduling issues occurred. I have highly recommended them to friends who have aging parents! Sincerely, Mary