Assisting Hands Home Care - Polk County in Winter Haven, FL

Pros

• The staff at Assisting Hands are very considerate and patient, making a huge difference for clients' appointments.
• Janet Cruz is an absolutely excellent employee who consistently does a superb job and knows exactly what clients want.
• The team is incredibly helpful and knowledgeable, with Cari putting callers at ease from the first call.
• Marcy is amazing with the family's parents, being confident, kind, and highly effective at communication and planning.
• Ella provides excellent service; she is kind, helpful, professional, accomplished, efficient, and considerate.
• Mayra is punctual, patient, and caring, providing thoughtful, hands-on assistance.
• Tabitha brings engaging health and wellness programs that inspire residents to participate.
• Raymond Gordillo is appreciated for everything he does.
• Branna is absolutely one of the best assistants, with long tenure and outstanding performance.
• Amanda and her team are amazing, delivering kindness, timeliness, and reliable care with proactive communication.
• The caregivers are attentive and reliable, always going above and beyond to ensure comfort and safety.
• Assisting Hands feels like family, truly caring about clients and keeping families in the loop.

Cons

• The review states that the agency is not good, alleging it promises hours but hardly provides them, pays cheaply, and "throws their staff under the bus."
• The reviewer notes that Julie was not kind, describing her as curt and abrupt, and says they refuse to place a loved one with that attitude.

Review

This Winter Haven operation is best suited for families pursuing dependable, compassionate in-home care for aging loved ones who want to preserve independence while receiving steady hands-on assistance. The program shines for residents who need help with daily activities, medication reminders, transportation to appointments, and meaningful engagement, with particular strength in Dementia and post-acute scenarios. Families that prize consistent communication, a familiar care team, and the reassurance of a coordinated schedule will find this agency a strong match. In short, it's the choice for households seeking a trusted, responsive partner to keep a loved one safely at home.

Those who may want to consider alternatives are families with tight budget ceilings or rigid expectations about guaranteed hours at the lowest possible cost. A few reviews flag occasional scheduling bumps or an initial interaction that felt curt, suggesting that while the overall service is outstanding, some buyer expectations around tone or rapid responsiveness at every moment may not align perfectly with every call. For families needing nonstop, facility-level medical oversight or absolute certainty of hours without any variability, exploring other arrangements - such as a different agency with a more explicit 24/7 guarantee or a skilled-nursing facility - could be prudent.

The core strengths here offset the drawbacks in practical, high-value ways. Caregivers consistently demonstrate reliability, warmth, and the practical competence required to support daily routines, mobility tasks, and in-home safety. The agency excels at caregiver matching, often pairing staff with compatible temperaments and routines, which translates into steadier days and fewer repeat caregiver handoffs. The scheduling and administrative team - especially leaders like Audra and Amanda - deliver proactive communication, rapid problem-solving, and a visible commitment to keeping families in the loop.

The strongest offset comes from the team's depth of experience and their hands-on approach to care coordination. RN-level involvement, attentive scheduling, and a culture that treats families as partners produce tangible peace of mind. Caregivers go beyond routine tasks to offer companionship, cognitive-stimulating activities, and practical support (from transportation to grocery runs) that keeps a loved one engaged and safer at home. Family members repeatedly credit staff for going above and beyond, reworking days to fit changing needs, and maintaining continuity even when shifts shift. This combination of clinical capability and personal warmth is the standout value.

If evaluating this agency, look for a defined primary contact - often Audra or Amanda - who will guide the intake, caregiver matching, and ongoing updates. The pros are most effective when there is a established rhythm: a reliable scheduling process, readily available back-up caregivers, and transparent communication about changes in care plans. The negative notes, while present, tend to be isolated and promptly addressed by an organized leadership team that has built a reputation for responsiveness and flexibility. In practice, the overall picture is of a well-run operation where caregivers feel like part of a family and families feel grounded in a trusted routine.

Bottom line: this community is ideal for families seeking a compassionate, high-touch in-home care partner in Polk County with strong dementia-capable staff, dependable scheduling, and a proven track record of caregiver continuity. It's less well-suited for households prioritizing the absolute lowest hourly rate with zero scheduling variability or for those needing uninterrupted, 24/7 on-site medical oversight with no potential for change. For most families, engaging with Audra or Amanda to set clear expectations, confirm the care plan, and establish a preferred caregiver roster will yield the strongest possible outcomes and lasting peace of mind. If that partner is wanted, this is the proven choice.

This area of Winter Haven, Florida, offers a variety of healthcare options with physicians, hospitals, and pharmacies all within close proximity. Additionally, there are a number of restaurants and cafes for dining out and socializing. Places of worship are also nearby for spiritual fulfillment. The presence of parks such as Circle B Bar Reserve and Lake Eva Park provide opportunities for leisurely walks and outdoor activities. Overall, this area provides easy access to essential services and amenities that may be beneficial for seniors looking to settle in a convenient and well-rounded community.

Physicians

• Pediatric Partners Of Winter Haven (0.2 miles)
• Rodrigo A. Bolanos (0.2 miles)
• MyEyeDr (0.3 miles)
• The Barranco Clinic (0.3 miles)
• Neurology and Neurosurgery Associates, P.A. (0.4 miles)
• Central Florida Pain Management (0.4 miles)
• Winter Haven Audiology (0.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Barrel 239 (0.2 miles)
• Egg Haven (0.2 miles)
• McDonald's (0.3 miles)
• Andy's Drive-In Restaurant (0.5 miles)
• Old Man Frank's (0.6 miles)
• Crispers Fresh Salads, Soups and Sandwiches (0.7 miles)
• Cain's Snowballs (0.8 miles)

Hospitals

• Winter Haven Ambulatory Surgical Center (0.2 miles)
• Winter Haven Hospital Occupational Health (0.4 miles)
• Nierman Stephen Winter Haven Hospital Winter Haven (0.5 miles)
• Regency Medical Center (1 miles)
• Winter Haven Hospital Cath Lab (1.6 miles)
• Day Surgery Center (2.7 miles)
• Mpn Medical Center Dundee (5.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• Kay Pharmacy (0.5 miles)
• Walgreens (0.6 miles)
• Winter Haven Hospital (0.6 miles)
• Walgreens (1.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
• Walgreens (3.1 miles)
• Walgreens (3.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Beymer Memorial United Methodist Church (0.5 miles)
• First Missionary Baptist Church (1.3 miles)
• The Rock of Winter Haven (3.3 miles)
• Winter Haven Worship Center (3.5 miles)

Cafes

• Baking Donuts Plus (0.6 miles)
• Starbucks (3.2 miles)

Transportation

• Bartow Municipal Airport-KBOW (5.5 miles)

Parks

• Circle B Bar Reserve (8 miles)
• Lake Eva Park (8.5 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Eagle Ridge Mall (8.5 miles)