Homewatch CareGivers of Westlake

Pros

• The availability of someone to help the brother-in-law was a positive aspect.
• The director and head of nursing addressed the concerns about the relationship between the brother-in-law and the caregiver.
• Homewatch-Westlake took the brother-in-law to doctor appointments, which was helpful.
• The care provided by Homewatch-Westlake was good enough that they would consider using their services again under specific conditions.

Cons

• The increase in the bill for the in-home service without prior notice was a negative experience.
• The development of a concerning relationship between the care giver and the brother-in-law was a cause for alarm.
• Lack of communication regarding the increased care and involvement of the POA was disappointing.
• The perception that Medicare would cover all expenses turned out to be false, resulting in unexpected costs for the brother-in-law.
• The caregiver's failure to fulfill certain responsibilities such as cleaning and shopping caused significant problems.
• Homewatch-Westlake did not respect or honor the authority of the POA in managing the overall care of the brother-in-law.

Review

Homewatch-Westlake has provided a mixed experience for its customers. While it was commendable that the agency had someone available to assist with the care of a brother-in-law, there were several issues that arose during their engagement. Initially, the in-home service was set up for 2 to 3 days a week, but without any prior notification, the bill increased to 5 days a week. This sudden increase in cost came as quite a shock to the family when they received their statement.

As power of attorney (POA) for their brother-in-law, the family expected to be informed about any changes in care or billing before they occurred. Unfortunately, this was not the case, and it left them feeling overwhelmed and flooded by unexpected expenses. Additionally, concerns arose regarding the relationship that developed between their brother-in-law and the home health aide. Recognizing these concerns, the family promptly addressed the issue with Homewatch-Westlake's director and head of nursing.

In response to their concerns, Homewatch-Westlake did take action by addressing the issue with the caregiver involved. However, given the circumstances and their dissatisfaction with how things had unfolded, the family decided to discontinue using the agency's services altogether. One significant factor contributing to this decision was that their brother-in-law had been led to believe that Medicare would cover all expenses associated with his care. It was only when he received Homewatch-Westlake's statement directly and had to pay the full amount himself that he realized he was responsible for shouldering these costs.

Having experienced such challenges with Homewatch-Westlake's services thus far, the family remains hesitant about considering them again in the future. Should they choose to engage with Homewatch-Westlake again, they emphasize that it is crucial for the agency to honor their position as power of attorney and ensure open communication regarding all aspects of their loved one's care.

While Homewatch-Westlake did provide transportation for their brother-in-law's doctor appointments, there were other aspects of care that fell short. The caregiver did not fulfill responsibilities such as cleaning or shopping, which caused additional problems for the family. These unmet expectations further solidify their decision to potentially seek alternative options instead of continuing with Homewatch-Westlake.

In conclusion, the family's experience with Homewatch-Westlake has been a mix of both positive and negative elements. Although they appreciate the availability of assistance for their brother-in-law, issues surrounding billing, lack of communication, concerns regarding relationships forming between caregivers and patients, and unfulfilled responsibilities have led them to question future engagements with the agency. If Homewatch-Westlake were to address these grievances and prioritize communication with the family as power of attorney for their loved one's care, it might restore their trust in considering the agency's services once again.

Westlake, Ohio is a vibrant and convenient location with a variety of amenities within close proximity. The area offers easy access to pharmacies such as Rite Aid, Discount Drug Mart, Walgreens, and CVS Pharmacy for any medical needs. There are also numerous dining options including Dover Gardens Tavern, The Cheesecake Factory, and Blue Sushi Sake Grill. Additionally, there are reputable hospitals like St John Medical Center and Cleveland Clinic nearby for healthcare services. For leisure activities, residents can enjoy parks like Tri-City Park and Bohlken Park or catch a movie at Regal Crocker Park & Imax. Transportation options are also readily available with rental car centers located just a short drive away. Westlake provides a well-rounded environment for senior living with convenient amenities and recreational opportunities.

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (0.2 miles)
• Discount Drug Mart (1.2 miles)
• Walgreens (1.2 miles)
• Market District Supermarket (1.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• Walgreens (2.2 miles)
• Discount Drug Mart (2.3 miles)

Restaurants

• Dover Gardens Tavern (1.1 miles)
• The Cheesecake Factory (1.5 miles)
• Blue Sushi Sake Grill (1.6 miles)
• Crocker Park (1.6 miles)
• Yard House (1.6 miles)
• Bonefish Grill (1.6 miles)
• Another Broken Egg Cafe (1.6 miles)

Hospitals

• St John Medical Center (1.4 miles)
• Cleveland Clinic - Avon Hospital (3.2 miles)
• Cleveland Clinic - Fairview Hospital (5.2 miles)
• CCF Fairview Hospital (5.3 miles)

Physicians

• Premier Physicians (1.4 miles)
• Fairview Ob Gyn Associates Crocker (1.5 miles)
• Bay Dental Offices (1.9 miles)
• North; Shore Gastroenterology & Endoscopy Center (2 miles)
• Orthopedic Associates Westlake (2.1 miles)
• Westshore Primary Care (5.6 miles)
• Southwest Family Physicians (7.3 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.4 miles)
• Starbucks (1.8 miles)
• Starbucks (2.3 miles)
• Starbucks (3.5 miles)
• Starbucks (4 miles)
• Panera Bread (4.4 miles)
• Starbucks (6.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• Jehovah's Witnesses (1.5 miles)
• St Barnabas (3 miles)
• St Joseph Church-Avon Lake (6.7 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Crocker Park & Imax (1.6 miles)

Parks

• Tri-City Park (2.7 miles)
• Bain Park (3.6 miles)
• Rocky River Reservation (3.7 miles)
• Bohlken Park (3.8 miles)
• Metroparks Rocky River Reservation North (5.2 miles)
• Niagara Park (5.7 miles)
• Loraine County Metro Park (6.1 miles)

Transportation

• Cleveland Rental Car Center (4.8 miles)
• National Car Rental (4.9 miles)
• Hertz Rent A Car (4.9 miles)
• Concourse B (5.1 miles)
• Concourse C (5.2 miles)
• American Airlines Ticket Counter (5.3 miles)
• TSA Checkpoint C (5.3 miles)