Age in Place - Berks Region

Pros

• The on-site caregiver is fantastic.
• She shows up on time daily.
• She is accommodating to the patient's doctor schedule.
• She talks with him, which he enjoys, and she takes him for walks; she is personable and professional.
• The staff are described as great and friendly.

Cons

• The starting wage of $12 per hour is not a living wage; caregivers should earn more than fast-food workers.
• The company often has no backup caregivers when staff call off, leaving the patient stuck in bed.
• The Shamokin branch allegedly engages in misconduct by employees, including using patients' cars for personal use, misusing patients' SNAP benefits, bringing their young children into patients' homes during shifts, allowing nurses' partners to be present and eat the patients' food, restricting family access, supplying illegal substances to patients, and allowing a nurse's partner to assault a family member.
• The workplace is described as horrible to work for.
• Office staff are said to be incapable of meeting clients' needs; they have left the mother without a caregiver on multiple occasions.
• Caregivers reportedly frequently call off at the last minute with no backup, and the company is not recommended.
• One reviewer notes the mother was left with no aide all day.

Review

Aging In Place, including its Shamokin branch, elicits a wide range of experiences from clients and families. On one end of the spectrum, there are accounts that highlight dependable, friendly, and attentive caregivers who show up on time, stick to a routine, and integrate smoothly with a patient's medical schedule. In these cases, the caregiver is described as personable, professional, and actively engaged with the patient - chatting with them, accompanying them on walks, and coordinating with doctors to fit appointments into the day. A particular caregiver is praised for her reliability and ability to fit into the patient's daily life, with a sense of warmth and courtesy that the reviewer deeply appreciated. Several comments circulate around the presence of "great and friendly people" who contribute positively to the patient's daily wellbeing when the service runs smoothly.

Yet these positive impressions sit alongside significant concerns raised by other reviewers. A recurring complaint centers on staffing and scheduling. One reviewer explicitly notes that the company "never has caregivers to fill in when their staff calls off," which often leaves a patient stranded or stuck in bed for long periods. The frustration is compounded by a suggestion that if the agency compensated staff better, perhaps more would stay on, reducing the frequency of last-minute cancellations. This thread of critique points to a broader fear among families: inconsistent coverage can profoundly impact a patient's comfort, safety, and routine, especially when consistent daily care is a crucial part of their well-being.

Pay and wage discussions also surface as a major theme. A reviewer questions the starting rate of $12 per hour, describing it as not a living wage and arguing that caregivers who perform such meaningful, complex work deserve more than entry-level compensation - especially when compared to other hourly roles like fast-food positions. This thread frames caregiving as valuable, demanding work that requires reliability, empathy, and skill, and it implies that improving wages could help attract and retain dedicated caregivers who can provide stable, high-quality care.

In addition to general staffing concerns, there are particularly troubling, specific allegations directed at the Shamokin branch. Some reviewers recount a list of serious alleged misconduct by staff involving patients' resources and safety: claims of using elderly patients' cars for personal use; using patients' SNAP benefits for personal meals; bringing young children into patients' homes during shifts and sometimes leaving the child with another nurse; allowing partners of nurses to be present in the patient's home and to eat their food; restricting access to family members trying to reach the patient; and even accusations of illegal substances being used on the job. There are also accounts alleging that a nurse's partner assaulted a family member, resulting in hospitalization. These descriptions are explicit and severe, and they reflect fear and concern about safety and trust within the caregiving relationship. It's important to note that these are claims reported by reviewers and not independently verified in this summary.

Separately, other reviewers point to ongoing operational issues that affect day-to-day experiences. Some families report functioning well when a caregiver is available and the assigned worker is punctual and engaged. However, the same or other reviewers also recount situations where the office staff struggled to meet needs, leaving clients frustrated and feeling neglected. Instances of missed visits or substantial delays, with limited backup, contribute to a sense that the agency's internal processes and communication could be improved. In these narratives, the human aspect - the caregiver's demeanor, the patient's ability to maintain routines, and the family's peace of mind - intersects with the administrative side of the business, revealing a patchwork of reliability and gaps.

Overall, the collection of experiences reflects a mixed set of outcomes. Some clients and families celebrate the presence of dependable, personable caregivers who arrive on time, adapt to doctor appointments, and provide companionship and active support for daily activities. Others express grave concerns about staffing consistency, administrative responsiveness, and safety within the agency, including allegations of misconduct and safety breaches. The contrast suggests that performance may vary significantly across branches, individual caregivers, and scheduling realities, leaving prospective clients with a complex picture: positive personal interactions and professional care on one hand, and serious worries about coverage, safety, and integrity on the other. Prospective customers and employees may want to weigh these perspectives carefully, asking for current staffing levels, backup coverage plans, caregiver qualifications, and a transparent discussion of pay structures and safety protocols before engaging with the agency.

This area of Hamburg, Pennsylvania offers a variety of amenities for seniors looking to settle in a convenient location. With several dining options such as Taco Bell, Wendy's, and Boston Market within a mile, there are plenty of choices for meals without having to travel far. Additionally, there are multiple pharmacies nearby including Rite Aid and CVS Pharmacy for easy access to medications. For medical needs, there are several physician offices and hospitals within a short driving distance, including Reading Hospital and Medical Center. Parks like Auburn Park and Jim Dietrich Park provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Overall, this part of Hamburg presents a well-rounded community with essential services for senior living.

Restaurants

• Taco Bell (0.8 miles)
• Wendy's (0.8 miles)
• Boston Market (0.9 miles)
• McDonald's (1 miles)
• Burger King (1 miles)
• Logan's Roadhouse (1 miles)
• 3 C's Family Restaurant (3.3 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.9 miles)
• Starbucks (11.2 miles)
• Panera Bread (11.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (1.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (8.7 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (10.1 miles)
• GIANT Pharmacy (11.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (11.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (11.5 miles)

Physicians

• Laurel center (1.1 miles)
• Progressive Pediatric Therapy (7.5 miles)
• Geisinger Medical Group (8.5 miles)
• Reading Pediatrics (8.7 miles)
• Blue Mountain Pediatrics (9.7 miles)
• Integrated Medical Group PC (10.7 miles)
• Circadia By Dr Pugliese (10.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• General Conference Of Seventh-Day Adventists (2.3 miles)
• Holy Guardian Angels Roman Catholic Church (12.4 miles)
• Vraj (12.6 miles)

Parks

• Auburn Park (6.4 miles)
• Leesport Playground (7.8 miles)
• Jim Dietrich Park (10.4 miles)
• Fleetwood Park (11.2 miles)
• Felix Dam Park (11.2 miles)
• Kutztown Park (11.9 miles)
• Grings Mill Recreation Area (13.3 miles)

Hospitals

• Reading Hospital and Medical Center (10.7 miles)
• Reading Hospital and Medical Center Radiologymgng Sts (11 miles)
• Surgical Center Of Pottsville (11.8 miles)
• Berks County Iu (13.2 miles)
• Reading Hospital For Post Acute Rehabilitation (13.3 miles)
• Surgical Institute Of Reading (13.4 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Theatres-Fairgrounds 10 (12.4 miles)