Synergy HomeCare - Bristol in Berlin, CT

Pros

• The process with Synergy HomeCare is described as great and the staff easy to work with.
• Elynese was the main daytime caregiver and was above and beyond amazing.
• Shayena provided helpful last-minute coverage and contributed to consistency.
• Synergy delivered consistent care despite frequent scheduling changes.
• The aides were mindful and attentive to the client's needs.
• The staff is kind, compassionate, and dedicated.
• Synergy is flexible, accommodating, and reasonably priced.
• Peter Crossett is praised for accessible, empathetic leadership and clear communication.
• The agency provided 24/7 care during crises and supported the family.
• The aides are professional, well-trained, and caring, earning praise from hospice nurses.
• Families feel relief and confidence knowing their loved ones are well taken care of.
• Synergy becomes a trusted member of the family and a dependable home care partner.

Cons

• During the pandemic, securing staff was challenging.
• They expressed concerns about the availability of home care due to industry-wide worker shortages.
• Coverage was not always available.
• The labor shortage was worsened when aides stayed home for higher pay.
• Scheduling changes were frequent and sometimes last-minute, creating difficulties.

Review

Synergy HomeCare - Bristol is best suited for families who want to keep a loved one at home but require a hands-on, flexible care partner that can mobilize quickly for changes in condition or schedule. This agency excels when overnight or 24/7 support is needed, when care must be coordinated around hospital discharges or crises, and when the household relies on a team rather than a single caregiver. It is especially effective for clients with mobility challenges, cognitive concerns, or post-acute needs who benefit from a tailored mix of activities of daily living support, medication reminders, light housekeeping, meal preparation, and social engagement. The Bristol office focuses on building care teams that align with the client's routines and personality, reducing chaos during transitions and giving families confidence that reliable, compassionate assistance is always available.

Those who require absolute consistency of one unchanging caregiver for every shift may want to explore alternatives. Synergy does well with reliable coverage, but schedules can shift with last-minute requests or changes in family availability. For families who insist on a guaranteed same-aide experience or who want a facility environment with built-in 24/7 staffing, a residential care setting or a different agency with formal guaranteed assignments may be more suitable. Households on a very tight budget should also compare options, since value hinges on prioritizing highly personalized, responsive service and the ability to adapt quickly to evolving needs.

On the practical side, the core strength is the caregiving team. Across reviews, aides are described as compassionate, attentive, and well-trained, with caregivers staying flexible to meet last-minute changes while preserving quality. The office staff, particularly in leadership, are repeatedly cited for clear communication and rapid problem-solving - often aligning caregivers to client preferences and routines. A major offset to scheduling challenges is the agency's demonstrated ability to mobilize care swiftly during escalating needs and hospital discharges, and to maintain coverage with extended shifts when required.

Personal stories reinforce the pattern: families note that aides become trusted extensions of the home, with live-in arrangements arranged when needed, and that the team coordinates with medical professionals with respect and competence. Instances highlight rapid deployment in crisis and consistent caregiver pairing, accompanied by praise from hospice professionals for the level of attention and compassion shown. The depth of engagement goes beyond basic daily tasks to include cooking, light housekeeping, exercise regimens, and meaningful companionship, all coordinated through a centralized office that keeps families informed and reassured.

Value clarity emerges in practical terms: rates are described as competitive, and the overall experience tends to reduce the caregiving burden for families juggling work and daily responsibilities. The family-run nature of the operation is highlighted as a source of accessibility and accountability, with owners who stay reachable and engaged. Yet families should be prepared for some variation in caregiver assignments, and should request preferences upfront to maximize continuity and fit with the loved one's rhythms and preferences.

Bottom line: Synergy HomeCare - Bristol is a strong choice for families seeking high-touch, adaptable in-home care with a proven track record of compassionate support, rapid crisis staffing, and hands-on leadership involvement. It serves best when the goal is to keep a loved one at home with help that can flex on short notice and accommodate evolving needs. Alternatives to consider include agencies offering guaranteed caregiver assignments or a facility-based option for those who prioritize rigid continuity or a controlled environment. The first steps involve a thorough needs assessment, clear care goals, and a plan that details hours, overnight requirements, and preferred caregiver traits to guide the matchmaking process.

This part of Berlin, Connecticut offers a variety of amenities that cater to seniors looking for convenience and comfort. With several pharmacies nearby such as CVS and Walgreens, access to medication and healthcare is easily accessible. There are also numerous dining options ranging from fast food chains like Taco Bell and Wendy's to sit-down restaurants like Aldo's Ristorante and San Marino Ristorante Italiano for those who enjoy dining out. Medical care is readily available with a range of physician offices including specialists in women's healthcare and dermatology within a short distance. Additionally, there are several parks for enjoying the outdoors and staying active, as well as nearby hospitals such as Saint Mary's Hospital for peace of mind in case of any medical emergencies. Overall, this area provides a mix of essential services and leisure activities that make it an attractive option for seniors looking to settle down in the Berlin area.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1 miles)
• Walgreens (3.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.8 miles)
• Saint Mary's Hospital, Inpatient Pharmacy (4.2 miles)
• Walgreens (5.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (6.5 miles)
• Towne Apothecary (6.6 miles)

Cafes

• Riders Smokehouse Bar (1.6 miles)
• Starbucks (10.5 miles)
• Panera Bread (10.7 miles)
• Starbucks (11.3 miles)
• Arethusa A Mano (11.4 miles)
• Meraki (11.4 miles)

Restaurants

• Frankie's Hot Dog (2.6 miles)
• Taco Bell (3.2 miles)
• Burger King (3.4 miles)
• Wendy's (3.4 miles)
• Aldo's Ristorante (3.4 miles)
• San Marino Ristorante Italiano (3.5 miles)
• McDonald's (3.6 miles)

Physicians

• Quadrastep (2.7 miles)
• Stride (2.7 miles)
• Ihsan I Jabbour (3.2 miles)
• Bidarkote Somanath (3.2 miles)
• Specialists In Women's Healthcare PC (3.3 miles)
• Shetty Jay, MD (3.3 miles)
• Yale Medicine Dermatology (3.4 miles)

Parks

• Bucks Hill Park (3.4 miles)
• Plymouth Green (6.2 miles)
• Hollow Park (7.9 miles)
• Litchfield Green (11.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Naugatuck Valley Surgery Center (3.4 miles)
• Saint Mary's Hospital (4.4 miles)
• Saint Mary's Health System Affiliates (5.1 miles)
• The Wellspring Foundation (7.4 miles)
• Hospital Of Central Connecticut At Bradley Memorial (11 miles)

Places of Worship

• Church of Eternal Light (9.5 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Starplex Cinemas Southington 12 (9.7 miles)