Home Instead Senior Care

Reviews 6

KA

Katie Birmingham Weigel

I cannot say enough good words about Home Instead and how much they helped my mom and my family through a very difficult winter and spring, when our 87 year old mother was constantly falling and had other health issues. After several rounds between hospital and rehab, my mothers doctors thought it best we have her return to her home, with 24-7 care. We are a family of 11 siblings, spread out across the globe, with my mom living independently in Evanston. We had no experience hiring round-the-clock care, and had to make a decision, with about 2 days notice, on which agency to use. I was in from Boston, completely unfamiliar with the caregiving market in Chicago, charged with the hiring. Im not sure how I came upon Home Instead; I only thank the heavens they were put in front of me. From the coordinating staff through the many caregivers sent to care for my mother between March and July, we had a caring village that supported my mom and her children every step of the way towards her recovery. In the beginning, our mom was not an easy person to work with; she was sick, scared, cranky and not at all her usual happy-go-lucky self. Yet, not once did any single caregiver waiver in their responsibilties to ensure Mom was safe and well-taken care of. Not once, in any stressful instance, did any caregiver act unprofessionally. Through the spring, our mother got stronger and stronger, and regained her usual happy disposition. We were able to reduce the caregiving needs down to 4 hours a day, 3 days a week. She developed a very close friendship with the caregiver who came those three days. In fact, the two of them spent the past month packing up our mothers condo contents, the caregiver listening to all the stories and memories behind our mothers treasuries and photos. This wonderful and kind caregiver not only helped our mother with her daily needs, she gave space and open heart to my mother as she said goodbye to the city that had been her home these past 35 years. We are happy to report, as of last weekend, my mother has moved to Wisconsin, to a beautiful Independent Living community and apartment. From 24/7 care four months ago, she is now living independently. In March we would have said my mom had less than 3 years left in her. Today, she looks and feels 20 years younger and we fully expect to be celebrating her 100th birthday. Without Home Instead, I know without any doubt whatsoever, we would not be thinking such happy thoughts. I called Home Instead on the last day of their service to us, thanking them for everything. It was actually an emotional goodbye, leaving this part of my mothers village behind.

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MI

Michael Wallach

Our working relationship with Home Instead Senior Care began in October, 2007 when it became apparent that my Dad could no longer be the sole caregiver for my Mom, who was then in her 7th year with Alzheimers. It was time for a caregiver to come to my parent’s home to help provide daily care for my mother and support for my father, who had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s two years earlier in addition to the extreme challenges he was experiencing with his loss-of-hearing. Their first caregiver was an exceptional young woman who lovingly cared for my Mom and treated my father with the respect he deserved. Home Instead made sure that this person clearly understood her responsibilities with my Mom but also needed to successfully deal with my Dad, a strong-willed, dominant eastern European man who was very set in his ways. By this point in my Mom’s illness, my Dad had reached maximum burn-out as her caregiver. This caregiver did as much for my Dad as she did for my Mom, albeit for complete different reasons. In the 6 years we have worked with Home-Instead, we have gone through a variety of caregivers as my parents now require 24/7 care and this is perfectly coordinated through the services of 3 different caregivers, each and every week. My family could not say enough wonderful things about Home Instead. Over the past 6 years, they have never once dropped the ball. As my wife and I live out-of-state, it is a great relief to know that Home Instead and their individual caregivers are caring, well-trained and devoted to their profession. The day-time caregiver is constantly managing doctor’s appointments and everything else that is involved in running a house, a house with two very needy people. These caregivers, angels as they are, very quickly became “family” to us. They understand the needs of my parents and they are loving, caring and very professional in their difficult daily tasks. My parents are treated with complete dignity and shown the highest level of respect. The entire staff at Home Instead has earned our trust and respect in every way. Their ability to handle anything that comes up removes the pressure and stress that otherwise would fall upon us. Our ongoing reliance with Home Instead allows my entire family to comfort from the knowledge that my parents are extremely well-cared for by an entire organization that has proven to us that they would accept nothing less with their consistent and reliable care. Michael W. - May 23, 2013

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KR

Kristina Turk

I worked at this office as a Community Service Representative from 2008-2011. The owners, the Melingers are great bosses. They also really take pride in hiring the most qualified caregiving staff for even some of the most difficult cases. They dont hire just anyone. Each caregiver is properly screened and interviewed to make sure that they will make a good fit with the clients. This office is also very responsive and stays on top of client issues in an expedient manner. I enjoyed working there and only left the company to pursue a PhD in Boston, not because I was displeased with my job. If you are looking for a caregiver for your elderly loved one in Skokie, Evanston, the North Shore, and even parts of Chicago, this is your one stop shop for the most reliable and quality care.

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sharon iles

Cant say enough about Home Instead!!! My family and Mother always felt so safe when one of their staff was in our home. The way they introduce new staff members to your home and loved one is truly unique and really should be the standard of how its done in the industry. They always went out of their way to try to find the same caregiver again and again for our Mom. This made her feel very comfortable about having in-home care. She (Flora) built a great relation ship with my mom and even loved our pets, although she was allergic. We cant thank her and the other great caregivers enough for their great care and loving kindness. Highly recommended. The ILES Family in Skokie

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VI

Viola Sarah

I called to arrange help for my mom while I am out of town (two hours a day for three days, total). The Home Instead website states "We can schedule a professional CAREGiverSM to help for a few hours or as many as 24 hours", however, I was told that Skokie Home Instead only works with families who are looking for a weekly, ongoing caregiver and not a one time need. This should be stated clearly on their website so people looking for temporary help do not waste their time.

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NA

Nancy Albrecht

We had 24-hour "Home Instead" care for my mother-in/law for over a year. Without exception, the caregivers were compassionate, reliable, trustworthy, and knowledgeable, as well as pleasant to have in our home. No complaints.

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