Cerna Homecare - Irvine

Cons

• The caregiver billed the client for services that were never provided and displayed dishonest behavior regarding billing practices.
• Caregivers lacked the necessary medical knowledge to properly address seniors' needs, and the office staff was also uneducated about care requirements.
• There were issues with timely communication and invoicing, causing confusion and discomfort for family members managing care from a distance.
• A bait-and-switch tactic was perceived in pricing discussions, leading to distrust in the company's business practices.
• Caregivers frequently arrived late and needed reminders about their responsibilities, indicating a lack of professionalism in service delivery.
• The overall quality of care experienced by some clients did not meet expectations, resulting in disappointment with the agency's services.

Review

The reviews about Cerna Homecare present a mixed bag of experiences from various clients, highlighting both positive feedback and significant concerns regarding the service provided. Several users praised the professionalism and courtesy of individual caregivers, noting their punctuality and kindness. One reviewer, who recently recovered from a spinal cord injury, noted an excellent experience with their caregivers who went above and beyond to ensure comfort while providing essential services. The commitment shown by these caregivers in adhering to schedules, especially for early morning calls at 6 AM, was particularly appreciated.

However, contrasting this positive sentiment are serious allegations against certain practices within the company. A reviewer recounted distressing incidents wherein they dealt with caregiver billing issues following three seizures that led to confusion regarding payment methods. It was reported that a caregiver misused their debit card meant solely for dog-walking services to bill for home care visits that never occurred. This individual further claimed repeated billing mistakes were acknowledged by the company but refused reimbursement for the incorrect charges. This situation paints a troubling picture of potential exploitation where vulnerable patients may be taken advantage of.

On another note, there are critiques specifically addressing care quality inconsistencies among different caregivers assigned through Cerna. One family shared how their experience fluctuated depending on which caregiver was sent; while some providers delivered exceptional service, others fell short of expectations in meeting medical needs adequately. Reviews indicated numerous cases where caregivers displayed limited training or understanding necessary for senior care, raising concerns about whether all staff were qualified to handle specialized medical requirements.

Additionally, communication with administrative staff appears to be an ongoing challenge highlighted in several reviews. One user expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of updates from Cerna regarding their elderly father’s daily care despite initial promises during onboarding discussions. Multiple invoices awaited payment without timely reminders made by the office staff exacerbated frustration and left family members feeling uncertain about financial matters related to caregiving services.

Despite some negative aspects mentioned above, there were still individuals who found value in Cerna's offerings. Another family noted that Catalina—one of Cerna's contacts—was highly responsive and supportive throughout their mother’s recovery process post-surgery. They appreciated having access to a dedicated contact person who facilitated effective communication through texting and weekly planning sessions aimed at adapting assistance based on evolving needs as recovery progressed.

Overall, while many clients hold high regard for specific caregivers associated with Cerna Homecare due to their attentiveness and reliability; systemic issues largely involving administration and billing have cast shadows over overall satisfaction levels among users seeking consistent quality care for loved ones during vulnerable times in life. Clients emphasize thorough vetting processes for agencies furnishing caregiving services is crucial emphasizing families should explore alternatives if confronted by problems similar to those described here when evaluating home health options available within their regions like 24 Hr HomeCare or Salus instead perhaps reflecting broader sentiments conveyed across numerous reviews towards improved trustworthiness among such vital service providers dedicated toward enhancing lives amid challenging circumstances faced by individuals requiring assistance at home settings.

This particular area of Irvine, California offers a convenient location with a variety of amenities for senior living. With several dining options nearby such as Gulliver's Restaurant and McDonald's within walking distance, residents can enjoy a range of culinary experiences. Additionally, there are pharmacies like CVS and Rite Aid in close proximity for easy access to medication and healthcare needs. For leisure activities, theaters like AMC Tustin 14 At The District and parks such as William R. Mason Regional Park provide opportunities for entertainment and outdoor recreation. Medical facilities like Hoag Tustin Legacy and Kaiser Permanente Tustin Medical Offices offer quality healthcare services for seniors in the area. Overall, this part of Irvine presents a blend of convenience, entertainment, and medical care making it an appealing choice for senior living.

Restaurants

• Gulliver's Restaurant (0.2 miles)
• McDonald's (0.4 miles)
• North Italia (0.8 miles)
• Von Karman Plaza (1.7 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (1.9 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (1.9 miles)
• The Capital Grille (2 miles)

Transportation

• Terminal A (0.4 miles)
• John Wayne Airport (SNA) (0.4 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• The Clinic Patients Association (1.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2 miles)
• Rite Aid (2 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.4 miles)
• Super Clinik (2.5 miles)

Cafes

• Diamond Jamboree Shopping Center (1.3 miles)
• Nespresso Boutique at Bloomingdale's (2 miles)
• Starbucks (2.5 miles)
• Orobae (4.5 miles)
• Kean Coffee (4.7 miles)
• Yifang Fruit Tea (4.9 miles)
• Starbucks (5 miles)

Theaters

• Amc Tustin 14 At The District (1.9 miles)

Parks

• William R. Mason Regional Park (2.1 miles)
• Plaza Park (2.7 miles)
• Bonita Canyon Park (3.6 miles)
• Ashwood Park (3.9 miles)
• Valley Oak Park (4.7 miles)
• Mile Square Regional Park (5.4 miles)
• Tustin Sports Park (5.5 miles)

Physicians

• Hoag Tustin Legacy (3.3 miles)
• Hoag Medical Group (3.3 miles)
• Coastal Kids (4.1 miles)
• Kaiser Permenente Tustin Medical Offices (4.2 miles)
• Kaiser Permanente Orthopedics (4.9 miles)
• Cardiology Specialists of Orange County (5.1 miles)
• Newport Orthopedic Institute (5.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Kaiser Permanente Hospital (4.9 miles)
• Hoag Hospital Newport Beach (5.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• Islamic Center of Irvine (5.3 miles)