Homewatch Caregivers of Iowa City & Quad City

Pros

• Sarah is cheerful, kind, and incredibly caring, going beyond the call of duty.
• Melanie is loving and insightful, always anticipating the client's needs and often staying ahead of the routine.
• Mila is quick, competent, and always knows what to do.
• Becky and Jaden manage the company and schedules with skill, compassion, and responsiveness.
• The Home Instead Iowa City team is professional, compassionate, and responsive.
• Becky's team provided dedicated, effective, and dependable care during a serious health crisis.
• Home Instead is a great place for home care, with passionate and reliable caregivers.
• Clients feel fortunate to have Home Instead in Iowa City supporting them.

Cons

• They stated the company does not respect people.
• They advised others not to deal with the company.
• They alleged caregivers do not show up for scheduled home care.
• They claimed the company reschedules at the last minute and cancels on the day of service.
• They described the homecare company as awful to have as a service.
• They stated they have never been to that place.

Review

Over more than two years with Home Instead in Iowa City, the experience has been overwhelmingly positive for many clients. The care has consistently come from exceptional caregivers who genuinely care about the people they assist. In particular, Sarah and Melanie have become like family to one client, providing warmth, kindness, and a level of attentiveness that goes beyond the usual expectations of home care. Sarah's cheerful disposition and readiness to help - even beyond the call of duty - paired with Melanie's loving, insightful approach and knack for staying a step ahead of routines, have made daily life feel smoother and safer. The sense of gratitude is palpable, with the client expressing how lucky they feel to have these wonderful people helping manage everyday life.

A more recent addition to the caregiving team is Mila, who has been described as amazingly quick, competent, and always ready to take the initiative. This competence and efficiency have contributed to an ongoing sense of reassurance for the family, reinforcing the impression that Home Instead can provide dependable support even as needs evolve. The team's ability to respond to changes and maintain consistency in care has been highlighted as a key strength during this period of care.

The leadership and scheduling side of Home Instead are also a focal point of these reviews. Becky and Jaden are recognized for managing the company and the schedules with skill and compassion. They are described as highly responsive and willing to help, ensuring that families feel supported and informed. This blend of thoughtful care delivery and reliable scheduling appears to be a cornerstone of the experience for many clients, reducing stress for caregivers and family members alike.

Several accounts emphasize the initial engagement and ongoing relationship with Sarah. One family notes that Jaden conducted the interview, Sarah came on board, and care has continued seamlessly since. The sentiment conveyed is that Sarah is more than just a paid caregiver; she has shown genuine care for the client and for the family member who also relies on services. When questions arise, the office team - especially Jaden - are described as kind and helpful, underscoring a culture of accessible, compassionate support from the organization as a whole.

Another strong endorsement comes from a family facing a terminal health situation. In their words, Jaden and the health care staff at Home Instead/Iowa City were amazing - professional, compassionate, and responsive. This family would highly recommend the organization, highlighting how the team's approach balanced dignity, expertise, and timely communication at a critical time. The consistent thread across these reviews is a sense that Home Instead can meet urgent needs with empathy while maintaining high standards of care.

Beyond specific individuals, the overall message from multiple reviews is that Home Instead is a great place for home care. The caregivers are described as passionate about their job and highly reliable, and the teams across the board seem to approach their work with a genuine commitment to making life easier for clients and families. The positive energy and dedication are presented as distinguishing features that set the organization apart in the home care landscape.

Amid the praise, there are notably critical voices as well. One reviewer describes encountering a company that does not respect people and warns others not to engage with them. This perspective stands in contrast to the largely favorable experiences and underscores that not every encounter will meet expectations. Other comments reflect operational challenges, such as caregivers not showing up for scheduled visits or calling at the last minute to reschedule, with some cancellations occurring on the day of service. Phrases like "Awful homecare company to have as a service" convey strong disappointment and highlight the importance of reliability in this field.

There is also appreciation for Becky's leadership in a particularly stressful episode. In August, when a family member's health was severely impacted, Becky and her team stepped in, managed the situation, and helped stabilize the client. The caregiver team was described as gentle, effective, and dependable, with Becky herself noted as an outstanding communicator who navigated the complexities with gifted caregivers by her side. This account illustrates how effective coordination and compassionate communication can make a critical difference during serious health challenges.

Finally, a lingering line from a reviewer - "Never been to that place" - remains as a small, stark counterpoint to the otherwise overwhelmingly positive set of stories. It serves as a reminder that experiences with home care providers can be highly variable, and for some individuals or families, the impression may be shaped by factors that are not captured by broader patterns of care. Despite that, the tapestry of reviews overall conveys a deep appreciation for the care, dedication, and personal touch that Home Instead in Iowa City can deliver when the right team is in place.

Theaters

• FilmScene at The Chauncey (0.1 miles)
• Sycamore Cinema Iowa City, Ia (1.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Vine Tavern & Eatery - Iowa City (0.2 miles)
• Pullman Bar & Diner (0.3 miles)
• Panchero's Mexican Grill (0.3 miles)
• Chipotle Mexican Grill (0.3 miles)
• Basta Pizzeria Ristorante (0.3 miles)
• Joe's Place (0.3 miles)
• The Club Car (0.4 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.2 miles)
• Starbucks (0.9 miles)
• Starbucks (1 miles)
• Starbucks (1.5 miles)
• Sidekick Coffee And Books (1.6 miles)
• Java House (1.7 miles)
• Panera Bread (2 miles)

Places of Worship

• First United Methodist Church (0.4 miles)
• Christ the King Lutheran Church-Elca (2.3 miles)

Physicians

• Eye Physicians & Surgeons (0.4 miles)
• Gastroenterology Associates of Iowa City (0.4 miles)
• Iowa City Cancer Treatment Center (0.5 miles)
• Jane A. Bailey, MD (1 miles)
• Uihc Department of Ophthalmology (1 miles)
• University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center (1 miles)
• Eye Institue (1 miles)

Hospitals

• Mercy Services Iowa City (0.4 miles)
• Mercy Hospital (0.5 miles)
• PICU University Of Iowa Childrens Hospital (0.9 miles)
• 4JPEast (0.9 miles)
• Uihc-Department of Otolaryngology (0.9 miles)
• University Of Iowa Hospital Neurosurgery Department (0.9 miles)
• Uihc-Ambulatory Surgical Center (1 miles)

Parks

• Riverfront Crossings Park (0.6 miles)
• Creekside Park (1.2 miles)
• Lower City Park (1.2 miles)
• Weatherby Park (1.7 miles)
• Thornberry Off Leash Dog Park (1.9 miles)
• Terry Trueblood Recreation Area (2.4 miles)
• Mormon Handcart Park (2.4 miles)

Pharmacies

• Towncrest Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• Walgreens (1.5 miles)
• Hy-Vee Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Drug Town (1.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• Iowa Essential Oils (1.7 miles)
• Walgreens (2.1 miles)

Transportation

• Iowa City Municipal Airport (1.4 miles)