24/7 BrightStar

Pros

• Al is described as amazing, helping with chores, mobility, and engaging conversation, bringing peace of mind to the family.
• The BrightStar team is cheerful, punctual, and highly capable in care.
• Gabriella J. and the BrightStar caregivers are compassionate and beloved by the parents.
• Artha and Victor are exceptional caregivers who form meaningful connections with mom.
• Marelyn and the Gurnee office are praised for their professionalism and responsiveness.
• Aracely, Jesus (Leo), and Victor are stellar caregivers delivering quality service and timely responses.
• Leaha and Katie are standouts who treat mom like their own family.
• Jillian is an outstanding, professional, kind, and compassionate caregiver contributing to Theresa's health improvement.
• Evelyn is loving, patient, and organized in care for the 96-year-old mom.

Cons

• A reviewer warned: "Beware of the agreement you sign," accusing BrightStar Care's 30% private-hire penalty of being punitive.
• They stated BrightStar would "execute the penalties as outlined in the agreement," implying a harsh enforcement approach.
• They described the clause as putting the interests of the patient and employee second and driven by BrightStar's bottom line.
• They said they would no longer be using BrightStar services.
• They gave BrightStar Management 1 star while praising the caregiver with 5 stars, signaling dissatisfaction with corporate actions over individual aides.
• They argued a top-notch caregiver was denied an opportunity to continue caring for their spouse because of the contract, calling the decision "heartless" and bottom-line driven by management.

Review

BrightStar Care appears in these accounts as a company that can meaningfully shift the texture of daily life for seniors and their families. One family describes a transition period where a caregiver named Al started visiting three days a week and quickly found a rhythm that fit their father's needs. Al didn't just handle chores like cleaning the bathroom or making lunch; he helped with gentle activity, such as walking around the house, and he engaged with the family through conversation and board games. The family's father has a quick, dry sense of humor, and Al's ability to listen, laugh at the jokes, and respond with fresh energy gave everyone a sense of ease. For the mom, having Al available meant she could run errands with peace of mind, knowing someone trustworthy was there if anything happened.

Another reviewer highlights BrightStar's reliability after a relative's surgery. They describe the team as cheerful, punctual, and highly capable, emphasizing that they would definitely use BrightStar again. The sense of confidence conveyed here rests on the perception that BrightStar brings both practical skill and a positive, can-do attitude to the caregiving relationship, especially important during a recovery period when every detail matters.

A common thread across several entries is the impact of a standout caregiver on an entire family. Gabriella J. is commended for caring for a 91-year-old mother after a partial hip replacement, with siblings expressing gratitude for the kindness and compassionate approach she brings. The family notes that their parents have come to love having her in their home, underscoring how a single caregiver can become a trusted presence during a difficult life transition.

In another set of testimonials, BrightStar's hospice and long-term care teams are praised for creating connections and delivering professional, compassionate service. From the Gurnee office, Artha and Victor are singled out for their attentive care and for building rapport with the patient. The reviewers describe these caregivers as not only technically capable but also genuinely caring, which matters deeply when patients are navigating serious illness and end-of-life care. The warmth and professional demeanor of BrightStar staff in these contexts contribute to a sense of dignity and comfort for both patients and their families.

Caregiver Toni receives special mention for her anticipatory approach - she seems to read needs before they're spoken, maintaining a professional yet kind presence with a loved one who requires significant attention. Descriptions of Toni emphasize trust, reliability, and the sense that she is a true partner to the family, capable of managing routine tasks while also engaging with the person's interests and routines in a thoughtful way.

The BrightStar Gurnee team is celebrated for its overall strength and adaptability. A long list of caregivers - Marelyn and others - are praised for their consistency and the ability to "come through" when 24-hour care is needed. Reviewers name several aides by name - Quiipo, Veronda, Nae Nae, Gabby, Suzette, and Kiera - crediting them with delivering comfort, competence, and a high standard of care. The sense conveyed is that the staff is not only skilled but cohesive, able to coordinate for complex care plans while maintaining a personal touch that makes the patient feel seen and valued.

Against the overwhelmingly positive feedback, there is also a cautionary note about a contract clause related to hiring, which some families found troubling. One reviewer describes a provision that imposes a significant fee if a family privately hires a current BrightStar employee after a period of time, arguing that such a clause prioritizes the business bottom line over the patient's and employee's interests. This account is more than a critique of a single policy; it reflects a real tension families can feel when care arrangements evolve and relatives want to continue benefiting from a caregiver's companionship and expertise. The reviewer ultimately chose to discontinue BrightStar services in protest of what they perceived as punitive penalties.

There still remains a strong sense of gratitude for BrightStar's role in major life moments. Another family recounts their positive introduction to BrightStar through a case manager at Alden Rehab in Barrington, which led to a sustained relationship with caregivers Aracely, Jesus (Leo), and Victor. The reviewers praise BrightStar for rapid responsiveness - answering calls within minutes and providing updates within half an hour - and for the overall sense that BrightStar delivered dependable, compassionate support during a period of hospital discharge and home care transition. They describe the care team as a blessing during a time when their friends were returning home from hospital and rehab, reinforcing the idea that BrightStar's presence can bring reassurance to families facing health challenges.

Taken together, these testimonials sketch a portrait of BrightStar Care as a company that many families rely on for not just basic in-home help but for meaningful engagement with their loved ones. The most resonant messages center on caregivers who listen, adapt, and connect with patients on a human level; staff who communicate clearly and promptly; and a network of caregivers who can provide continuity of care across shifts and days. The few critiques that appear - most notably around contract terms - are balanced by many stories of trust, reliability, and genuine care that help families navigate recovery, aging, and end-of-life moments with greater peace of mind. For these families, BrightStar is more than a service - it is a partner in making difficult times manageable and more humane.

Restaurants

• Culver's (0.3 miles)
• Olive Garden (0.5 miles)
• McDonald's (0.5 miles)
• White Castle (0.7 miles)
• Portillo's Hot Dogs (0.7 miles)
• McDonald's (0.8 miles)
• Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers (0.9 miles)

Physicians

• Northwestern Medicine Family Medicine Gurnee (0.6 miles)
• Family Focused Health Care (1 miles)
• Towne Vision Center (1.8 miles)
• NorthShore Medical Office Building (2.7 miles)
• Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons (2.8 miles)
• North Suburban Dermatology Associates (2.8 miles)
• Hanger Clinic: Prosthetics & Orthotics (3 miles)

Theaters

• Gurnee Mills Cinema Gurnee, Il (1 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (1.1 miles)
• Starbucks (3.2 miles)
• Starbucks (3.6 miles)
• Starbucks (5.6 miles)
• Somethings Brewing (5.8 miles)
• Hansa Coffee Roasters (6.5 miles)
• Conscious Cup Coffee Roasters (6.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2.2 miles)
• Walgreens (3.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.4 miles)
• Walgreens (3.5 miles)
• Walgreens (4.4 miles)
• Walgreens (4.5 miles)

Parks

• Waukegan Park District (3.7 miles)
• Millenium Park of Lindenhurst (3.9 miles)
• Sun Lake Forest Preserve (5.8 miles)
• Butler Lake Park (6.7 miles)
• Lakefront Park (7.2 miles)
• Illinois Beach State Park (7.5 miles)

Hospitals

• Northwestern Grayslake Hospital (4.8 miles)
• Vista Medical Center - East (5.7 miles)
• Waukegan Il Hospital Co. (5.7 miles)
• Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center (7 miles)
• Cancer Treatment Centers of America - Gastroenterology (7.4 miles)
• Advocate Condell Medical Center Heart Scan (7.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Gilbert Parish (6 miles)
• United Methodist Church of Libertyville (6.8 miles)
• Santa Maria Del Popolo Church (8.9 miles)

Transportation

• Metra (6.5 miles)