Home Instead - Carefree, AZ

Pros

• The office led by Aaron is professional and prompt.
• Aaron Strough leads by example, is respected by his employees, and maintains exceptional caregiver hiring practices.
• Home Instead caregivers are honest, consistently on time, knowledgeable, experienced, compassionate, respectful, professional, friendly, and skilled.
• Aaron and staff are consistently proactive.
• The caregiving provided over five months was reliable 24/7 with no concerns.
• The Cave Creek / North Valley Home Instead location is highly recommended; speak with Aaron.
• Aaron and Frances are wonderful; Aaron provides helpful guidance, and Frances is patient and kind.
• Melissa, the wife's caregiver, is outstanding; weekly visits are highly valued.
• Melissa proactively keeps in touch and even makes masks to promote safety.
• Aaron Stough is an excellent communicator who listens well and finds the best caregivers and solutions.
• The agency is a great team and extremely flexible.
• Aaron is always available to handle needs and schedule caregivers, and the staff is professional and courteous.

Cons

• One reviewer reported nothing but problems with the agency, including issues with office staff and most caregivers.
• Billing took several attempts to get it right, according to a reviewer.
• The person scheduling the caregivers was described as rude and difficult.
• It was noted that one of the caregivers was good but she left the agency.
• The reviewer described their experience with the competing company 24-Hour Home Care Co. as horrible.

Review

The collection of experiences shared about the Cave Creek / North Valley Home Instead location paints a clear and consistent picture: a caregiving team that shows up with professionalism, compassion, and a readiness to adapt to each family's needs. Several reviewers emphasize how quickly they could get help when time was of the essence - one account describes arranging care for a brother on short notice and having skilled staff on the ground the very next day. Across the board, the sentiment is that the care provided was detailed, attentive, and genuinely supportive, leaving families feeling relieved and confident in the arrangement.

A central thread in these testimonials is the leadership and standards set by the local franchise owner, Aaron Strough. Reviewers repeatedly describe him as a steady, proactive, and well-regarded leader who earns the respect of his staff through strong hiring practices and ongoing involvement. The caregivers themselves are presented as top-notch - honest, consistently punctual, and well-trained - qualities that set Home Instead apart from a previously-mentioned, less satisfactory experience with another agency. The contrast is notable: while one reviewer recounts a lengthy, difficult relationship with a different company, the Cave Creek / North Valley location is praised for caregivers who are knowledgeable, compassionate, respectful, and eager to represent the Home Instead name with professionalism and warmth.

Caregiver reliability and proactive support are highlighted as standout strengths. In one extended period of care described as 24/7 over several months, there were no concerns raised, night or day. This sense of dependability is reinforced by remarks on how Aaron and his staff stay proactive - anticipating needs, coordinating schedules, and ensuring that families feel supported rather than overwhelmed by the process. The overarching message is that you can rely on this office to manage the caregiving needs smoothly, which is a meaningful relief for families facing stressful situations.

Personal anecdotes further illustrate the human side of the operation. For instance, Aaron and Frances are described as absolutely wonderful in guiding families through unusual or challenging beginnings, with Frances singled out for her patience and kindness. One reviewer wished they could have kept Frances longer, underscoring the deep impression a single caregiver can leave when they truly click with a client and their family. Another account centers on Melissa, a caregiver whose weekly visits became the high point of the reviewer's week. Her care for a wife dealing with dementia was described as exceptional, and even during a stay-at-home period, Melissa remained in contact and went above and beyond - making practical gestures like creating masks to help the couple stay safe. These stories emphasize not only professional skill but also the genuine, compassionate engagement that families remember.

Beyond individual caregivers, several reviews acknowledge the broader management team's role in recognizing and addressing family needs. One account notes that the management team's understanding of a couple's situation, along with Melissa's thoughtful presence, provided steady support during a difficult year. The owner's responsiveness and communication are repeatedly praised, with statements that he listens well, helps identify the best caregiver for each situation, and offers solutions that reduce stress for the family. This level of accessible leadership - described as excellent, beyond the call of duty, and a dependable partner in caregiving - appears to be a core contributor to the consistently positive experiences described.

The tone across multiple testimonials is one of gratitude for flexibility and reliability. Families describe a great agency with a strong team that is willing to adapt to changing needs and schedules. The organization's approach is portrayed as customer-centered, with caregivers who are not only skilled but also professional, courteous, and consistently motivated to please. The overarching message is clear: if you are seeking caregiving support, this Home Instead location is a top choice, and beginning your journey with them is highly recommended.

There is, however, one contrasting note among the reviews. One reviewer recounts a string of problems with billing, scheduling, and a rude experience with a scheduler, along with the departure of a caregiver who had previously been satisfactory. While this perspective acknowledges real frustrations in a few areas, the reviewer still describes the agency as a great company overall - caring staff, outstanding service, and a willingness to work with families to meet needs. It serves as a reminder that, like any service, experiences can vary, but the prevailing sentiment about this location remains overwhelmingly positive.

In sum, the Cave Creek / North Valley Home Instead operation appears to deliver on its promises: prompt and reliable care, empathetic and capable caregivers, proactive leadership, and strong customer support. Families frequently highlight how the team alleviates stress during challenging times - whether through 24/7 coverage, quick mobilization for a loved one, or ongoing, compassionate engagement from a caregiver like Melissa. For those navigating caregiving needs, the message from these reviews is resounding: connect with Home Instead's Cave Creek / North Valley location and speak with Aaron Strough (also seen as Aaron Stough in some references) to start your experience with the best.

This part of Phoenix, Arizona is a bustling suburban area with a variety of amenities nearby. There are numerous dining options including fast food restaurants like McDonald's and Chino Bandido, as well as cafes such as Panera Bread and Starbucks. Several pharmacies are also conveniently located for easy access to medication and healthcare needs. The area boasts several parks for outdoor recreation and relaxation, including Moon Valley Park and Phoenix Mountain Preserve. For medical care, there are multiple physicians' offices nearby including NOAH Palomino Health Center and Acacia Internal Medicine. Additionally, there is a range of entertainment options in the area with theaters like AMC Deer Valley 30 within close proximity. Places of worship such as New Vision Center for Spiritual Living cater to spiritual needs, and Mayo Clinic provides top-notch medical services in the vicinity. Overall, this part of Phoenix offers a comfortable environment with convenient access to essential services for senior living.

Restaurants

• McDonald's (0.1 miles)
• Sonic Drive-In (0.3 miles)
• Chino Bandido (0.9 miles)
• Manuel's Mexican Food (1.4 miles)
• McDonald's (1.4 miles)
• McDonald's (2 miles)
• McDonald's (2 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (0.3 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (2.6 miles)
• The Human Bean (2.8 miles)
• Starbucks (3.2 miles)
• Starbucks (3.7 miles)
• Starbucks (3.7 miles)
• Starbucks (4.1 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.5 miles)
• Fry's Pharmacy (0.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.1 miles)
• Walgreens (2.1 miles)
• Salibas Pharmacy (2.4 miles)

Parks

• Moon Valley Park (1.4 miles)
• Conocido Park (3.6 miles)
• Sun Devil Ridge Park (4.3 miles)
• Aviano Park (4.7 miles)
• Phoenix Mountain Preserve (5.1 miles)
• Paseo Highlands Park (5.5 miles)
• Royal Palm Park (5.8 miles)

Physicians

• NOAH Palomino Health Center (2 miles)
• Acacia Internal Medicine (2.8 miles)
• The CORE Institute - North Phoenix (2.9 miles)
• Pulmonary Associates P (3.5 miles)
• West Valley Ear Nose & Throat (3.5 miles)
• 2nd Chance Treatment Center (3.8 miles)
• Quail Run (3.8 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Deer Valley 30 (3.9 miles)
• AMC DINE-IN Desert Ridge 18 (5.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• New Vision Center for Spiritual Living (5 miles)
• Pure Heart Christian Fellowship (5.4 miles)
• Open Door Fellowship Church (6.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Mayo Clinic (6.3 miles)