Comfort Keepers of Stonybrook, NY in Centereach, NY

Pros

• The driver, Tomasa, was punctual and friendly, ensuring on-time transport there and back with no problems.
• Comfort Keepers staff are attentive and compassionate, with Donna, Kathy, and the caregivers described as top-notch.
• Kathy runs the office professionally, and the home health aides Elona, Patrice, and Oneka provide excellent care.
• Donna Rizzo Hayes is an amazing partner in arranging care, showing openness, empathy, flexibility, and collaboration.
• Nikki has been supportive, compassionate, and patient in caregiving.
• Donna, Nikki, and Kathy are highly regarded for their responsiveness and ongoing support.
• Donna promptly arranged care when needed and followed up with frequent, informative communication.
• The aides are reliable, kind, and respectful, making the care experience truly comforting.
• Comfort Keepers helps families keep loved ones safe at home and maintains independence with dedicated, caring staff.

Cons

• They claim the agency doesn't want to take care of their elderly family, calling the staff lazy.
• They say the agency pays aides only $15 per hour.
• They describe walking into the caregivers' homes as filthy and very disrespectful.

Review

Comfort Keepers of Centereach/Stony Brook is best suited for families seeking dependable, person-centered in-home support that preserves independence and keeps loved ones engaged in their everyday lives. This community shines for seniors who want practical help with daily activities, reliable transportation to appointments, and meaningful companionship, all while staying in a familiar home setting. It is especially well-suited for families that value a hands-on, responsive care team led by professional office staff who coordinate flexible schedules and tailor plans to evolving needs.

Care seekers who may want to consider alternatives include those requiring robust, 24/7 medical nursing oversight or highly specialized memory-care programs, since Comfort Keepers' core strength lies in non-medical home care and companionship rather than a formal licensed medical facility. Families with very tight budgets should also weigh the ongoing cost against other options, as home-care expenses can add up over time. For households expecting continuous round-the-clock coverage without dedicated medical supervision, a different arrangement - such as an assisted living facility with on-site medical support - may be more appropriate.

The strongest positives center on timeless availability, consistent communication, and genuinely compassionate care. The leadership team, notably Donna and Kathy, is repeatedly praised for being on top of scheduling, care planning, and follow-up, translating into a steadier, less stressful experience for families. The aides - among them Elona, Patrice, Oneka, Ruth, Debra, Carol, Tina, and Patricia - are described as reliable, patient, and capable of handling everyday tasks, transportation, and doctor visits with warmth and competence. The combination of meticulous intake, a tailored care plan, and ongoing coordination means families feel seen, heard, and in control of their loved one's routine.

Where the model shows its resilience is in its ability to offset potential downsides with proactive practices. A notable pattern across reviews is the agency's willingness and ability to adjust care rapidly when needs shift or emergencies arise. When coverage gaps occur due to illness or vacations, Donna and Kathy arrange comparable caregivers to maintain continuity, preserving familiar routines for the client. Families consistently report timely return calls, transparent updates, and a willingness to adapt, which mitigates the risk of disconnection that often accompanies home-care arrangements. Even the strongest initial rapport is reinforced by real-time responsiveness and a robust support network behind the scenes.

The practical framework for choosing Comfort Keepers centers on match quality, transparency, and planning discipline. Prospective clients should request specific caregiver pairings, ask for a clear, written care plan, and verify how changes are communicated. Inquire about transportation logistics, doctor-visit accompaniment, and the agency's approach to emergencies or last-minute schedule shifts. It also pays to lean on Donna and Kathy for guidance with long-term care paperwork, as their experience frequently translates into smoother transitions and fewer administrative headaches. References from current families point to a community that treats personal care as a partnership, not a transaction.

In the end, Comfort Keepers presents a compelling option for families who prize dependable, compassionate in-home support that emphasizes dignity, consistency, and family-centered coordination. The leadership's hands-on involvement, the proven ability to tailor and sustain a care plan, and the steady cadre of thoughtful aides create a foundation of confidence for anyone aiming to keep a loved one at home safely and well. For households that need deeper, ongoing medical oversight or a more budget-conscious, facility-based approach, alternatives should be considered. Yet for most families seeking practical, liveable continuity of care that honors independence and daily quality of life, Comfort Keepers stands out as a prudent, well-executed choice.

Centereach, New York, offers a convenient and well-connected location for senior living. The area provides easy access to a variety of restaurants ranging from Golden Buffet to Chili's Grill & Bar, ensuring diverse dining options. Nearby pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy are available for any healthcare needs. Additionally, there are reputable physicians and healthcare facilities within close proximity, including Stony Brook Extended Care and Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology. For leisure activities, Centereach offers cafes like Starbucks and Nesconset Bagel Cafe for socializing, as well as parks like Selden Dog Park and Avalon Park & Preserve for outdoor recreation. In terms of entertainment, residents can visit theaters such as AMC Stony Brook 17 or Island 16 Cinema de Lux. Transportation is also easily accessible with Suffolk Transportation Coram and the LIRR Ronkonkoma Station nearby for travel convenience. Overall, Centereach presents a vibrant community with various amenities that cater to the needs of seniors looking for a comfortable and engaging living environment.

Restaurants

• Golden Buffet (0.8 miles)
• Denny's (0.9 miles)
• McDonald's (1 miles)
• Chili's Grill & Bar (1.3 miles)
• Burger King (1.7 miles)
• Lake Grove Diner (2 miles)
• Applebee's (2.1 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1 miles)
• Selden Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
• Duane Reade (1.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.7 miles)

Physicians

• Stony Brook Extended Care (1.1 miles)
• Geri Galotti (1.7 miles)
• Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology (1.7 miles)
• Mark J Harary (1.8 miles)
• Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology Group (1.8 miles)
• All Island Behavioral Health (1.9 miles)
• Stony Brook Orthopedics (2 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.8 miles)
• Student Activities Center (3.6 miles)
• Nesconset Bagel Cafe (4.2 miles)
• Crazy Beans (4.5 miles)
• Starbucks (4.7 miles)
• Starbucks (5.7 miles)
• Starbucks (5.8 miles)

Parks

• Selden Dog Park (2 miles)
• Avalon Park & Preserve (4.4 miles)
• Heritage Park (5.8 miles)
• West Meadow Beach (5.9 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Stony Brook 17 (2.2 miles)
• Regal Ronkonkoma (2.9 miles)
• Island 16 Cinema de Lux (4 miles)

Hospitals

• Main Lobby (3 miles)
• John T Mather Memorial Hospital (4.9 miles)
• St Charles Hospital (5.3 miles)

Transportation

• Suffolk Transportation Coram (4.2 miles)
• LIRR - Ronkonkoma Station (4.5 miles)
• TSA Security Check Point (5.7 miles)
• Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) (5.7 miles)
• Baggage Claim (5.7 miles)
• Mid Island Air Service (5.9 miles)