24/7 BrightStar

Pros

• Alexis is described as always on time, in a good mood, and going above and beyond to help with groceries, organization, and companionship.
• Kelly is noted for engaging mom in crafts, fostering chatter and laughter, and meeting mom where she is.
• BrightStar Care's caregivers are characterized as competent, professional, skilled, personable, and passionate about their jobs.
• Karen and Gina are praised for thorough initial meetings, practical guidance, and building trust with the family.
• Rebecca is highlighted as experienced, kind, and professional.
• The BrightStar staff are described as responsive and easy to work with.
• BrightStar provided exceptional care for parents over several years, adapting to changing needs and coordinating with assisted living and hospice.
• Families express that BrightStar caregivers become like family, offering companionship and peace of mind.

Cons

• Lawrence arrived late as usual and left the father to shower unsupervised, after which the father fell.
• Lawrence has been late over eleven times since December.
• Lawrence was described as slacking and not doing essential tasks like showering, laundry, or cleaning.
• The VA canceled service, citing Lawrence's claims about dirty/unsanitary conditions, a claim the reviewer disputes.
• The reviewer was infuriated by Lawrence's statements about cleanliness and by the company's lack of communication.
• The bathroom and floors were not cleaned for weeks, and Lawrence did not clean the toilet, counters, or floors as expected.
• The company was perceived as unhelpful and unwilling to share information or address concerns.

Review

BrightStar Care is described by many families as a dependable, compassionate partner in caregiving, with a strong sense of teamwork and a genuine commitment to meeting evolving needs. Across a range of experiences, clients repeatedly highlight the consistency, warmth, and competence of the BrightStar staff, emphasizing how much relief and peace of mind they bring to daily life, transitions, and end-of-life care.

One caregiver who stands out in these accounts is Alexis. The reviewer notes that Alexis is always on time and maintains a positive mood, tackling a wide span of tasks with grace. Alexis helps with everything the client needs, ensures grocery orders arrive on schedule, and even makes mornings enjoyable by watching game shows together. Beyond daily help, Alexis actively organizes orders, helps locate items that are misplaced, and handles returns for accidental double-orders. The caregiver "goes above and beyond," supporting the client during the two days a week she is present and consistently ensuring that everything that needs doing gets done. The personal connection and reliability described here suggest a level of dedication that goes beyond basic tasks and into meaningful companionship and proactive support.

Another caregiver, Kelly, is praised for her engaging, hands-on approach with an elderly parent. Kelly participates in crafts and fills the air with chatter and laughter during sessions, and she welcomes the opportunity for the mom to teach her decorative skills on bags. The reviewer appreciates Kelly's willingness to meet mom where she is and notes that she checks in at the start of each visit. This emphasis on open communication and a partner-like approach to activities reflects BrightStar's ability to tailor care to individual preferences while keeping families informed and reassured.

Beyond individual caregivers, the overarching message across several reviews is that BrightStar stands out after experiences with other agencies. One family explicitly states that after trying four other agencies, BrightStar's difference was remarkable. They describe every caregiver as competent, professional, skilled, personable, and passionate about their job, expressing strong confidence that they would not choose any other agency again. This sentiment recurs in multiple testimonials, underscoring a consistent perception of quality care, reliable staffing, and a genuine investment in client well-being.

Several reviews recount the experiences of clients and families who felt welcomed and supported by BrightStar's leadership team in addition to the caregivers. The initial meeting with Karen, the owner, and Gina, the Director of Nursing, followed by introductions to Stephanie, Rebecca, and others, is described as thorough and reassuring. Rebecca, in particular, is highlighted for experience, kindness, and professionalism, to the point that a mom developed a strong bond with her caregiver and preferred having Gina care for her. Families express appreciation for the staff's responsiveness and the way BrightStar's team collaborates with family members to craft plans that work as needs change.

Longer-term partnerships with BrightStar are celebrated as well. One family recounts how BrightStar provided exceptional care for their parents, Tom and Joan, over roughly four years. The agency offered a broad range of services, adapting to changing needs and coordinating seamlessly with assisted living facilities and hospice care providers. The caregivers were described as true partners who could navigate dementia, transitions in health status, and eventually end-of-life care with compassion. The BrightStar team was praised for becoming like family, offering companionship and dependable daily support, so family members could trust that their parents were in good hands even when they could not be there themselves. The gratitude extended to specific staff members - Gina, Stephanie, Rita, Ruth, Erica, Bobbi, Kyra, Gorety, Caitlin, and Jordan - who went "above and beyond," underscoring the depth of their impact and the lasting connection they formed with the family.

Care for a broader range of families is also highlighted. One reviewer notes that all the caregivers for their dad have been wonderful - Nikki, Rebecca, Melissa, and Jessica - combined with a supportive office team that works with families to adjust scheduling as needed. The sense of partnership and attentiveness to family needs comes through clearly, reinforcing BrightStar's reputation for reliable, flexible care that respects the family's routines and preferences.

Not all experiences are without challenge. A veteran family describes a particularly difficult situation linked to a VA-contracted caregiver named Lawrence. They report that Lawrence began as a capable provider but soon fell short in critical duties. They describe repeated lateness - "over eleven times since Dec 30" - and a pattern of not fully performing tasks such as shower assistance, laundry, cleaning, and bathroom maintenance. A significant incident occurred on Valentine's Day when Lawrence arrived late, left to supervise his client's shower upstairs, and did not return promptly, resulting in the client's fall. The family concedes their own lapse in communication but insists the situation deteriorated into a series of unfulfilled expectations and unaddressed concerns. They also recount an incident in which the caregiver allegedly blamed the family for purported unsanitary conditions, including claims about the home's cleanliness that the family disputes.

Following these events, the VA reportedly decided not to continue providing service through the company, which further intensified the family's distress. The family contends that the home was not dirty, that there were no unaddressed items, and that instances such as the presence of pee pads for a dog did not constitute the unsanitary issues claimed by the caregiver. They express frustration with what they perceive as poor communication from the agency and a lack of transparency about what was discussed with Lawrence. They emphasize their veteran status and argue that the experience did not reflect the high standard they associate with BrightStar's other caregivers and with the caregiving reputation they had come to rely on.

Despite this difficult chapter, other reviews reinforce BrightStar's strengths. Pamela and Coral are singled out for their exceptional knowledge, caring demeanor, and friendly presence. The overall sentiment remains highly positive: many clients feel that BrightStar employees - especially Rebecca and Madison - anticipate needs and make challenging situations more manageable. The broader message is that BrightStar's staff, when aligned well with a family's expectations and communication style, can provide remarkable support that improves daily living, maintains dignity, and enables loved ones to stay connected with meaningful activities and conversations.

Ultimately, the collection of experiences paints BrightStar Care as a trusted partner capable of delivering highly personalized, compassionate care across a spectrum of needs. Families repeatedly credit the agency's leaders and clinicians for thoughtful planning, effective collaboration with other care providers, and a willingness to adapt as health circumstances shift. They also acknowledge that, in any caregiving ecosystem, challenges can arise, particularly when care is complex, there are regulatory or external factors at play, or communication gaps occur. Yet, the prevailing tone across these narratives is one of gratitude and reassurance: BrightStar's caregivers and staff are recognized for their dedication, integrity, and capacity to touch lives in meaningful ways, from practical day-to-day help to the emotional support that makes difficult times more bearable for both clients and their families.

This part of Cary, Illinois offers convenient access to transportation with two Metra stations nearby. There are multiple pharmacies within a short distance for easy access to medication needs. A variety of restaurants are also located in the area, providing dining options for every taste. The numerous parks offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and enjoying nature. There are several physicians and hospitals within a few miles, ensuring quality healthcare is easily accessible. Additionally, there are cafes to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee or tea. Overall, this area provides a well-rounded environment with amenities that cater to the needs of seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient living situation.

Transportation

• Metra (0.1 miles)
• Metra (4.4 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.6 miles)
• Walgreens (3.5 miles)
• Walgreens (3.8 miles)
• Mariano's Pharmacy (4.3 miles)
• Walgreens (4.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.4 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (0.8 miles)
• Chuck E. Cheese's (2.5 miles)
• Portillo's (2.6 miles)
• Around The Clock Restaurant & Bakery (2.9 miles)
• Jameson's Charhouse (2.9 miles)
• Broken Oar Marina-Bar & Grill (3.2 miles)
• Chili's Grill & Bar (3.4 miles)

Parks

• Lions Park (1.5 miles)
• McHenry County Conservation District (2 miles)
• Three Oaks Recreation Area (3.2 miles)
• Presidential Park (3.2 miles)
• Barbara Key Park (3.7 miles)
• Larsen Park (3.9 miles)
• Towne Park (4 miles)

Physicians

• Associates In Integrated Care (2.6 miles)
• IBJI Doctors’ Office - Crystal Lake (2.6 miles)
• Family Medicine For McHenry County (2.7 miles)
• Illinois Spine Institute (3.3 miles)
• Comprehensive Urologic Care (3.5 miles)
• Children's Medical Group (3.6 miles)
• McHenry County Orthopaedics Sc (3.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Vitalant Blood Donation- Crystal Lake (3 miles)
• Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital (3.7 miles)
• Sherman Hospital Immediate Care (5.6 miles)
• Centegra Health System (7.6 miles)
• Centegra Hospital-McHenry (7.6 miles)
• Northern Illinois Medical Center (7.7 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (3.8 miles)
• Starbucks (5.1 miles)
• Daily Projects (5.4 miles)
• Panera Bread (5.4 miles)
• Starbucks (5.8 miles)
• Starbucks (7.1 miles)