As an experienced caregiver, caregiving administrator, and former employee, I believe families considering this agency should understand that ownership changed in recent years, and my recent experience showed that internal operations were often inconsistent and reactive rather than structured and proactive.
During my brief tenure there, communication was frequently unclear or limited, documentation was inconsistent, and changes in staffing and scheduling occurred abruptly and without transparency. When internal systems lack organization and continuity, the impact does not stop with employees — it can and does affect the families and clients who rely on predictable, coordinated care.
I personally observed situations where abrupt staffing changes and insufficient communication created distress for clients and unnecessary instability in care routines. I also witnessed and experienced preventable issues that could have been mitigated with clearer documentation and assessment processes, and better follow-through from management.
The direct care staff themselves are often compassionate and hardworking, and I believe many positive reviews reflect their efforts. However, stable caregiving requires consistent oversight, clear documentation, and proactive coordination from leadership. In my experience, those systems were not reliably in place. Management decisions appeared to prioritize operational convenience over staff stability and continuity of care, and as a result, both staff and clients were at times placed in vulnerable positions.
Families deserve structured, well-managed care with transparency and continuity. I encourage anyone considering this agency to ask detailed questions about staffing consistency, supervisory oversight, communication practices, and documentation processes — and to ensure those systems function consistently in day-to-day operations, not just in theory.
My mother’s home was burglarized a few months after my father died, on the same day my mother always hired Home Instead to sit with him. I will always believe that someone at Home Instead either provided information to the burglars about my mom’s schedule and other details of the house (lack of a burglar alarm, best place to enter, dogs, valuables, etc), or that a Home Instead employee committed the burglary him/herself. Think about it - what business is better for finding out everything a burglar needs to know? The burglars stole a box containing every item of sentimental value my father ever gave her. I left a message for Home Instead at the time asking them to investigate their people but they never even bothered to call me back. My mother died last year, still broken hearted about the loss of her letters and photos, which the burglars undoubtedly threw in a garbage can when they saw there was nothing they can sell. Lesson:: Don’t give strangers access to your elderly loved ones, or their valuables.
Update, January 16, 2024. Nobody from Home Instead has ever even responded to this message. What does that tell you?
I’m now offering a $10,000 reward, no questions asked, for that box of letters in case someone still has it in the back of a closet somewhere. I know the chances are slim to none of it still existing, but if someone does still have it, do the right thing, whether it’s to clean up your karma, save your soul, or just collect the $10,000.
Update: 4-29-24
I left more phone messages at Home Instead, asking to speak with upper management, but nobody ever called me back. I have left multiple negative reviews online, on Yelp, etc., stating my belief that (at least) the location in Burbank California is providing information on people's home, schedules, valuables and their location, security, best entry point, dogs, etc. to BURGLARS so they can carry out the job. This burglary happened shortly after my father died, and on the only day of the week my mother went out for the day. They walked into the back yard very casually, took their time, and knew just where to look for her jewelry - because someone had told them - and the only person who would have known is the woman who sat with my ailing father (who slept all day at that point) on Thursdays. If this company was guiltless, they would be outraged and reaching out to me. Their silence tells me all I need to know about them. Beware!!
I would like to very highly compliment the quality of care my wife Sandy received from Home Instead during her fight with cancer. The care givers were on time, very gentle and understanding during their visits to our home. They were professional at all times. My wife enjoyed conversing with each care giver and was comfortable with them being in our home. Janette Allen, Engagement Coordinator skillfully set up our Home Instead care program. She cares deeply about all her clients and strived to give us the best care program possible. I appreciate her "extra mile" flexibility in adjusting to my consulting schedule. She is kind and helpful through all situations. Care givers include Jennifer Hush, Shannan Vigel, and Skylar Aguiar. All three were very helpful with assisting my wife. I wish to highlight Jennifer. She was the care giver most of the time. My wife especially enjoyed her companionship and conversation. I appreciate her taking such good care of my wife. Big thanks go to Janette and Jennifer for their quality service. I value very highly the service of Home Instead during a very difficult time in our lives. The dates of service were from 10/24 - 11/19/2022. I heartily recommend Home Instead for aging adults care.
We were lucky to have 1 outstanding caregiver out of several others for our mom. After Mom died they took $3,000 out of her bank account which created an overdraft. They still have not refunded the m okney.
So we needed someone pretty quick to fulfill some in home care for my mom, the staff at Home Instead really came through !! Would recommend them 100 percent !!!! My mom has really enjoyed having vthe caregiver there
