1st Choice Caregivers - Burbank

Pros

• Melinda and her team worked around the clock to ensure the medication was ordered, delivered, and administered, with terrific follow-up and genuine concern for patients.
• The caregivers were consistently on time for every appointment, performed their services competently and pleasantly, and never let clients down.
• The service was neat, tidy, and prompt, leaving clients very satisfied.
• The staff have been friendly, helpful, and reliable.
• The caregivers are nice, and the administrative staff is very nice and professional.
• The owner, James, is one of a kind; he is great to work with, and the providers have been phenomenal, with substitutes of the same caliber as the originals.
• The contract is easy and simple to sign.
• The cost is right, and the caregiving services are great.
• The company comes highly recommended by satisfied clients.

Cons

• The reviewers report billing problems, including prepayment and being billed for services not rendered, with reimbursements taking a long time.
• Some reviewers say they would not use the services again due to these billing issues.
• Administrative staff turnover is noted as a negative factor.
• A language barrier between caregivers and clients is mentioned as a challenge.

Review

This community is best suited for families seeking dependable, person-centered in-home care where caregivers arrive on time, perform tasks competently, and bring a friendly, professional demeanor to daily routines. The value here rests in practical reliability: aides who show up prepared, stay engaged, and carry out care with consistency over time. The owner-driven model matters, delivering a sense that staff are chosen with care and that replacement caregivers are vetted to maintain the same standard. In practice, families describe a cohesive team atmosphere, and the ability to meet and approve caregivers before care begins helps set clear expectations from the start.

Those considering alternatives are wise to look closely at billing practices and staffing stability. Reviews flag prepayment requirements and occasional charges for services not rendered, with reimbursements that can lag. While the administrative team is described as courteous and professional, turnover can surface as a recurring concern, and language barriers - though not a deal-breaker - appear as a minor friction point for some clients. For households prioritizing perfectly predictable invoicing, or seeking a completely uninterrupted, fixed caregiving roster, exploring other agencies with tighter billing cycles and longer-tenure staffing would be prudent.

Yet the agency's core strengths often offset these drawbacks. Caregivers are repeatedly described as neat, prompt, friendly, and reliably capable, and many families note that substitutes come up to speed with the same level of quality as the original staff. Follow-up practices and genuine concern for patients contribute to a level of continuity that keeps care on track even when a replacement is needed. The ability to align staff with client needs - and to approve providers after an in-person introduction - adds tangible value, particularly for families navigating complex care plans or coordinating with clinicians.

The billing friction is not negligible, but it is a manageable hurdle with clear, proactive steps. The reality of prepayment and occasional billing for non-work days can create cash-flow pressure and disputes if not watched closely. The practical remedy lies in locking down a precise invoicing schedule, insisting on accurate timesheets, and requesting itemized charges from the outset. The simple contract is a strength, offering straightforward terms, but turning that simplicity into consistent, error-free billing requires ongoing client oversight, transparent communication, and a shared expectation about how substitutions or delays are handled.

A notable operational asset is the ability to meet providers in a convalescent hospital setting to interview them before hiring. This transparent onboarding approach signals a genuine commitment to matching the right caregiver to the right client, which is a meaningful advantage for families weighing fit and chemistry. Caregivers receive consistent positive notes on demeanor and competence, with a few mentions of minor language barriers that can be overcome with clear care plans and open dialogue. The pricing is described as reasonable, and when staffing stays aligned with expectations, overall engagement feels well managed and straightforward.

In practical terms, 1st Choice Caregivers represents a reliable, owner-backed option for families who want steady day-to-day support and direct access to the people delivering care. Entering a care plan with a clear schedule, a transparent billing agreement, and a system for monitoring hours will maximize value. If stable staffing and flawless invoicing are non-negotiables, alternatives deserve consideration. For households that prize responsiveness, a strong caregiver culture, and the ability to interview staff before hiring, this agency offers a concrete, actionable pathway to maintain high-quality home care without sacrificing oversight or control.

Located in Burbank, California, this area offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors. With multiple hospitals nearby such as Providence St Joseph Medical Center and Glendale Adventist Medical Center, residents have access to quality healthcare facilities within close proximity. There are also numerous dining options including Chick-Fil-A, Bob's Big Boy, and Porto's Bakery & Cafe for convenient meal choices. In terms of recreation, residents can enjoy parks like Lake Hollywood Reservoir and Runyon Canyon Park for outdoor activities. Additionally, there are several pharmacies and cafes in the area for everyday necessities. Transportation options include the Universal City Metro Station and North Hollywood Metro Station for easy access to public transit. Overall, this part of Burbank provides a comfortable and convenient living environment for seniors looking to retire in a dynamic urban setting.

Hospitals

• Providence St Joseph Medical Center (0.2 miles)
• Medical 2 unit (5.8 miles)
• Glendale Adventist Medical Center (5.8 miles)

Restaurants

• Chick-Fil-A (0.3 miles)
• McDonald's (0.6 miles)
• Taco Bell (0.9 miles)
• Bob's Big Boy (1 miles)
• Porto's Bakery & Cafe (1.1 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (1.9 miles)
• Transformers: The Ride - 3D (2 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.1 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.7 miles)
• Starbucks (1 miles)
• Starbucks (2.3 miles)
• Starbucks (2.7 miles)
• Proof Bakery (4.9 miles)
• The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker (5.5 miles)
• Starbucks (5.6 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Burbank 16 (1.9 miles)
• Universal Cinema AMC at CityWalk Hollywood (2 miles)
• TCL Chinese Theatre (4.1 miles)
• AMC The Americana at Brand 18 (4.3 miles)

Parks

• Lake Hollywood Reservoir (2.1 miles)
• Lake Hollywood Park (2.2 miles)
• Hollywood Bowl Overlook (3.1 miles)
• Runyon Canyon Park (3.9 miles)
• Fryman Canyon Park (4 miles)
• Nancy Hoover Pohl Overlook (4 miles)
• Plummer Park (4.8 miles)

Transportation

• Universal City Metro Station (2.3 miles)
• North Hollywood Metro Station (2.7 miles)
• Terminal A (2.8 miles)
• Burbank Airport Ride Share Pick Up (2.8 miles)
• Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) (2.8 miles)
• Baggage Claim (2.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Michael & All Angels (4.9 miles)