HomeWell Care Services of Cincinnati, OH

HomeWell provides in-home health aids. We used them for 6 months for our mother. They provided care a few hours a day several days a week. During this time about a dozen different aids came to moms house. What struck me most was the wide range in quality of the aids. There were 2 who were fantastic. We gave them a list of stuff to do for mom — help bathing, taking vital signs, supervising exercises, meal prep, laundry, cleaning, etc. The best aids got it all done — they were always busy either helping mom or doing useful projects. But other aids ignored the list, and only did a few tasks. Some would make long phone calls, or sit and fall asleep. One aid would consistently disappear to the bathroom for hours. I can appreciate that it is difficult to find good employees these days. Management was always available by phone and attentive to our concerns. Their website was useful for verifying schedules, and handling payments. I would recommend them with some qualifications.

We tried Homewell for about 4-5 weeks. Staffing seemed to be an issue at times but they were open and willing to assist us during our time we used their services. The agency responded to any concerns I had and I’m grateful for that. Our family didn’t continue with the agency because my father was not open to strangers coming in his home. My father has Alzheimer’s and his needs are increasingly changing. My dad feels the most comfort with familiar family members. Because of my father’s illness we have decided it’s best to have family assist.

As a retired nurse, this is an overall comment about homecare. I think most agencies have a high turnover, understaffed, underpaid. Communication and consistency makes it hard to ensure caregivers know about clients food preferences, daily routine. I would recommend HomeWell to others.

Everyone was very kind. Unfortunately, the turnover was pretty bad. Mom had a consistent caregiver then she was suddenly gone with no explanation. Then it was like a revolving door. We were told there would be no more than 2 different caregivers. I understand, but an explanation would have been nice. Also, the credit card fee is a little steep and was never communicated to us. Switching to a bank account (which would have been my preference anyway) wasn't given as an option but I had to dig around to find how to do that. Wasn't made easily visible.

[name removed] was great, would use her again, one other was hard to communicate with, she was very quiet. The first caregiver seemed to be in a hurry and not interested in her job. Overall experience would be a 3.5

We had an issue with one of the care givers where she left her son to take care of the patient and left. As soon as we figured this out I contacted the office and they immediately terminated the individual; however, even other care givers did not do much for the patient, (ie. make him move around, eat, drink). They would be on their phones, etc. The office did give us an adjustment on the bill for the days that the individual who left worked. I understand that background checks are done, but I wonder what kind of experience the individuals have that are hired. Unfortunately, this is an area where there’s a huge turnover and getting quality help is rough. The owner and the office and management staff were wonderful and there were some good aides. It’s just unfortunate. The problem is a business like this is only as good as the people that are hired it doesn’t matter how good management is.

I would also add that we truly appreciated the flexibility even at last minute requests. You truly embody the meaning of care both for the patient and the caregiver. Above and beyond the companionship was the transportation which was helpful taking mom to appointments.

They are great! Highly recommend We had a very bad experience with a different Home Care service and Homewell was the Company I called after. I explained my situation they came to me at the last minute communicated every change. Offered additional hours for my daughter's birthday party. They have a second nurse (I forget the term they used) that comes to check to make sure the nurses are where they are supposed to be, at the times expected, and completing all the services agreed upon. They continued to check in and confirm the days and times needed. Did not complain when i had to cancel service at the last min. Followed up after my grandma passed away. Billed me correctly. I have nothing but great things to say about every person I encountered with that company and the services provided.

For us, the billing and online payment and proof of payment for insurance reimbursement are easy and efficient. If for some reason they can't fill a time slot, managers step-in to provide the service.

To family and friends looking into Homewell Care Services, they were very responsive in terms of communication and the care givers were very proactive.