Griswold Special Care in Berlin, NJ

Pros

• Griswold Home Care staff are kind and compassionate toward patients and their families.
• The care plan coordinators and case managers are described as kind, compassionate, supportive, and attentive.
• Caregivers are consistently kind and compassionate, even when the patient is not easy.
• The one-to-one attention offered by Griswold far exceeds what nursing home facilities provide.
• The Griswold team is known for wonderful communication, easy collaboration, and reliability.
• Live-in aides are intelligent, respectful, and capable, and act quickly in emergencies.
• Some caregivers become like family to the patients, reflecting deep commitment.
• Griswold is praised for flexibility and dedication to meeting individual care needs.
• Families express lasting gratitude for the care received over the years.

Cons

• Griswold lacks in the aide staff and there is not enough knowledge among aides.
• Griswold's office staff, including manager Kathy, are accused of being rude, unhelpful, and accusatory toward families.
• Griswold would come to the home unannounced with a warm smile, looking for reasons to tear the family apart.
• Griswold's aides are said not to clean the living space or prepare meals, delivering only basic care.
• Griswold reportedly cancels contractors at the last minute and reassigns them to difficult clients as consolation.
• Griswold is described as one of the cheapest options, implying low value for care.
• The company is accused of making false allegations and should be shut down.
• The reviewers warn not to trust Griswold, claiming their case workers are useless.

Review

Griswold Special Care in Berlin, NJ, is best suited for families who want a highly personalized in-home care experience that stays flexible through transitions from rehab or hospitalization, chronic illness management, or end-of-life support. The model centers on one-to-one attention from compassionate aides and a coordinated care team that can move quickly to set up services, adjust care plans, and keep a loved one safely at home. For relatives who prize continuity, warmth, and a caregiver who feels like part of the family, Griswold is a compelling fit.

Those who may want to consider alternatives include families that need ironclad staffing stability and minimal turnover. If the possibility of last-minute cancellations, unannounced home visits, or management friction feels intolerable, other agencies with larger staffing pools and stricter scheduling controls may offer greater predictability. For households requiring round-the-clock, highly medicalized oversight or 24/7 live-in coverage with deeply standardized protocols, a traditional home health agency or a facility-based option could be a better match.

On the upside, Griswold consistently earns praise for its people-driven approach. Coordinators, notably the care plan team, are described as kind, patient, and relentlessly responsive; aides are routinely commended for warmth and competence and for forming bonds with clients and families. The service supports real flexibility: a two-hour minimum keeps care affordable for shorter needs, and live-in arrangements are available when extended support is required. The ability to mobilize quickly after rehab or discharge and the frequency of caregiver check-ins - even when the primary aide is off schedule - help families breathe easier during stressful times.

However, several reviews flag consistency and operational gaps. Some families report not enough aides with strong knowledge to meet complex needs, while others note last-minute shifts that scramble plans. A minority voices concerns about how outreach and case-management are handled, including unannounced visits and at least one harsh account of management interaction. Those who cannot tolerate even occasional staffing variability or perceived management friction should weigh alternatives more heavily before committing.

Yet the strong points often outweigh these drawbacks. The depth of compassionate care, the rapid deployment during hospice or post-acute phases, and the long roster of individuals who feel like trusted members of the family create real value. The agency's high overall rating - 4.6 out of 5 from 32 reviews, with the vast majority awarding five stars - reflects broad satisfaction. When a live-in caregiver is a perfect match, families recount decisive, effective responses to emergencies and a sense that help is coordinated, not chaotic. For many households, Griswold provides the reliable, personal touch that at-home care demands.

For families pursuing in-home care, Griswold is a strong option, especially when clear expectations are established up front. Demand a dedicated care coordinator, confirm the two-hour minimum policy, and probe the agency's track record on caregiver retention and smooth handoffs. Plan a trial period with a primary caregiver and a backup, and insist on regular communications about any schedule changes. If those guardrails feel navigable, Griswold offers a practical, compassionate pathway to keeping a loved one at home with dignity. If not, alternatives with steadier staffing or different care models may prevent the stress that stems from inconsistent coverage.

This part of Berlin, New Jersey offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for seniors looking to settle in the area. With several hospitals nearby including Virtua Berlin Hospital and Jefferson Stratford Hospital, residents have easy access to quality healthcare services. Additionally, there are numerous pharmacies such as Rite Aid and CVS Pharmacy for medication needs. The dining options in the area cater to various tastes, with restaurants like Palace Diner Restaurant and Chick-Fil-A within close proximity. For leisurely activities, seniors can enjoy a cup of coffee at Starbucks or a meal at Panera Bread. Transportation options are also readily available with the PATCO/NJ Transit: Lindenwold Station nearby for easy travel. Overall, this part of Berlin offers a well-rounded living environment suitable for seniors seeking convenience and accessibility to essential services.

Hospitals

• Virtua Berlin Hospital (0.3 miles)
• Virtua Voorhees Hospital (4.3 miles)
• Jefferson Stratford Hospital (5.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (1.1 miles)
• Virtua Medic 42 (1.3 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Rite Aid (3.5 miles)
• Walgreens (3.8 miles)
• Rite Aid (4.2 miles)

Restaurants

• Palace Diner Restaurant (1.7 miles)
• Sundaes (1.8 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (2 miles)
• McDonald's (2.1 miles)
• China King (3.4 miles)
• McDonald's (4.5 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (4.7 miles)

Physicians

• The Endo Center at Voorhees (3.2 miles)
• Advocare Atrium Pediatrics (4.9 miles)
• Kressville Pediatrics (5.3 miles)
• CHOP Specialty Care & Surgery Center (5.5 miles)
• Rowan SOM Family Medicine Residency Program (5.9 miles)
• Cooper Internal Medicine (5.9 miles)
• Cooper Medical Building 1 (6 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (4.8 miles)
• Panera Bread (4.9 miles)
• Starbucks (9.8 miles)
• Jersey Java & Tea (10.5 miles)

Transportation

• PATCO/NJ Transit: Lindenwold Station (5.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Charles Boromeo Catholic Church (6.9 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Ua Washington Township (7.5 miles)

Parks

• Country Farms Park (8.7 miles)
• Washington Lake Park (9.8 miles)