Addus Healthcare

Pros

• The care assistant was extraordinary for three years.
• Terri Smith deserves positive recognition for her care.
• The client valued the care provided over that three-year period.

Cons

• The care assistant was not treated well, respected, or appreciated.
• The client is deeply disappointed in Addus.
• The rating is intended for Terri Smith, not for Addus.
• There was a breakdown in communication; attempts to reach the client were not followed up on.
• The overall experience reflects poor handling of the caregiver transition.

Review

There was a care assistant in my life who stood out in every possible way for three years. For a long stretch, she wasn't just someone who showed up to help me with daily tasks; she became a steady, dependable presence who transformed what could have been a difficult arrangement into something nearly seamless. Her dedication, attention, and genuine warmth made a real difference every single day. It's not easy to overstate how meaningful that consistency felt when health needs are constant and routines matter so much. Three years of reliable support isn't luck or happenstance; it's the result of real care, skill, and a caregiver who understood what I needed most.

Even so, the way she was treated - by the organization that provided the help and by the system that's supposed to back up caregivers - was not aligned with the care she delivered. She was not treated well, not respected, and not appreciated in the ways that someone who gave so much should be. It's painful to witness, especially when you've seen the difference she made firsthand. The disconnect between the quality of her care and the way she was valued by the agency is something I felt deeply, and it has left a lasting impression. When the people delivering essential support aren't acknowledged or respected, it's not just demoralizing for them; it affects the people who rely on them as well.

Now that she's gone, the disappointment is compounded. The loss isn't just missing her steady presence; it's also the sense that the system didn't do enough to honor her contributions or to ensure a smooth transition for me as a client. The caregiver who stood by me for three years deserved to be treated with dignity and appreciation, and it's hard to reconcile that fact with the impression left by the experience I've had since she departed. The absence of her expertise, her rapport with me, and the personal touch she brought to every day leaves a gap that's not easy to fill. My disappointment extends to the larger picture of care coordination and support that should have, in my view, better reflected her value and commitment.

My rating, if you're looking for a verdict, is for Terri Smith. She was the bright point in this arrangement - the person who consistently went above and beyond. My rating is not for Addus as a whole. Terri's performance, her reliability, and the human connection she fostered deserve recognition independent of the agency's overall performance. It's important to separate the excellent care Terri provided from any broader criticisms of the organization. Terri Smith represents the standard I hope all caregivers can achieve, and in her absence, the contrast is sharp.

I'm also a client who tried to reach those who attempted to call me and who seem to sit on a layover in the process. The attempts to connect with me were there, but the experience felt bogged down by delays, long holds, and unclear follow-up. I understand that teams are busy and that schedules are tight, but the bottom line is that communication matters, especially when you're coordinating care for someone who relies on you. The sense that calls were initiated yet left unresolved or stalled created additional stress at a time when steady, reliable contact was most needed. It's not simply a nuisance; it's a meaningful part of how supported a client feels when they're navigating care needs.

Ultimately, this experience emphasizes two core truths. First, extraordinary caregivers - like Terri Smith - should be celebrated and protected. Their work isn't just about performing tasks; it's about building trust, stability, and a sense of safety during challenging days. Second, the systems that employ and coordinate caregivers must reflect that value in how they treat staff and how they communicate with clients. A caregiver who shows up consistently and treats a client with respect should be met with corresponding respect and effective support from the organization behind them.

If there's any hope to move forward constructively, it's a call for better recognition and better communication. Recognize the individuals - like Terri Smith - who provide extraordinary care, ensure they're supported, and respect the deep commitment they bring to clients. At the same time, improve the process of reach-out and follow-up so that clients aren't left feeling left on hold or unclear about who to contact. It's not just about a single caregiver; it's about building a care system where dedication is acknowledged, and where the human element - the person who stands beside you in daily life - is treated with the dignity and appreciation they deserve.

This part of Quincy, Illinois offers a variety of healthcare options, with several physicians and hospitals located within a short distance. There are also pharmacies nearby for convenient access to medication. In terms of recreational activities, there are parks within walking distance where you can enjoy nature and outdoor activities. For spiritual needs, there are several places of worship in the area. Additionally, there are cafes and restaurants for dining out and socializing with friends or family. Transportation services are readily available, making it easy to get around the area. Overall, this neighborhood provides a range of amenities that can cater to the needs of seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient living environment in Quincy.

Physicians

• Mobile Health Screening & Diagnostic (0 miles)
• Leo's Hearing Aids (0.1 miles)
• Quincy Audiology (0.2 miles)
• Moss Hearing Centers (0.2 miles)
• Schroeder, Jennifer Quincy Medical Group (0.4 miles)
• Quincy Medical Group (0.4 miles)
• Barnes Retina Institute (0.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• Lifepoint Bible Church (0.2 miles)
• Salem Evangelical United Church of Christ (0.3 miles)
• Prayer Line Community (0.3 miles)
• Unity Church Of Quincy (0.4 miles)
• Central Baptist Church (0.4 miles)
• Crossing (0.8 miles)
• Harvest Outreach Center (0.9 miles)

Transportation

• Diamond Cab & Coaches (0.2 miles)

Restaurants

• The Fuzz Bubb Quincy (0.2 miles)
• The Patio (0.3 miles)
• Thyme Square Cafe (0.3 miles)
• Seoul2Sou (0.3 miles)
• Revelry (0.3 miles)
• Taco Bell (0.4 miles)
• Burger King (0.4 miles)

Parks

• Washington Park (0.3 miles)
• Edgewater Park (0.5 miles)
• Clat Adams Bicentennial Park (0.6 miles)
• Clat Adams Bicentenial Park (0.7 miles)
• Quincy Park District (0.8 miles)
• Ben Bumbry Riverview Park (1 miles)
• Reservoir Park (1.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• Good Neighbor Pharmacy (0.5 miles)
• Walgreens (1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.1 miles)
• Shopko Pharmacy (2.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Total Renal Care (0.5 miles)
• Blessing Hospital (0.6 miles)
• Blessing Hospital (0.6 miles)
• Blessing Hospital (0.7 miles)
• Quincy Medical Group (0.9 miles)
• Blessing Hospital (2 miles)
• James R Nuessen DVM (2.5 miles)

Cafes

• Coach House Restaurant (1.5 miles)
• Baileys Coffee, Fudge and Fine Gifts (2.1 miles)
• Cafe J (2.5 miles)