DON Services in New Castle, PA

Pros

• They find the new website user-friendly and visually appealing.
• The home healthcare worker was wonderful.
• Chris and his crew promptly cleaned up the water and accepted responsibility.
• The staff and caregivers have been wonderful and very helpful this past year.
• The agency's team is friendly, arrives on time, and is prepared.
• They are very helpful to consumers and friendly.
• Don Services has nice, friendly people who enjoy helping others, and is highly recommended.
• The caregiver is excellent and a good match for the family.
• The agency is easy to contact and returns calls promptly.

Cons

• They leave disabled clients without a home healthcare worker and provide no replacement or heads-up.
• They are rude and disrespectful to clients and their families.
• They fail to ensure care by blaming staff shortages and offering no solutions.
• They leave loved ones alone for long periods and ignore patient preferences (e.g., sending a male caregiver against stated wishes).
• They are unreliable with a poorly managed office and no timely replacements when staff call off.
• They hire underqualified nurses and PCAs, resulting in unprofessional care.
• They frequently cancel or are late, disrupting schedules.
• They are described as the rudest company and should be avoided.

Review

DON Services in New Castle, PA is best suited for families that need flexible, in-home caregiving support where the priority is responsive, personable assistance for disability-related needs, and where active oversight and clear communication can be maintained. This agency can deliver strong caregiving relationships and practical hands-on help when a reliable caregiver is assigned and kept in place. Those who prize consistency in staffing above all else or require rigid, predictable shift coverage should look elsewhere. If a household cannot tolerate scheduling gaps or sporadic replacements, alternatives with tighter staffing controls and higher managerial accountability will likely serve better.

The core strengths show up in how staff interact with clients and the ease of access to the agency. Reviewers consistently describe caregivers as friendly, helpful, and capable of addressing daily needs with compassion. The agency's ability to mobilize support, respond quickly to issues, and maintain a clean, professional presentation of services stands out. In several accounts, caregivers arrived on time, prepared to work, and formed strong connections with families - an essential factor when the goal is to preserve independence at home. When care teams settle in with a client, the personal rapport can be a substantial benefit, translating into smoother routines and a more reassuring daily experience for both the client and family members.

There are notable success stories that underline the agency's problem-solving capacity. One account highlights a contractor-driven repair issue where staff not only fixed the immediate problem but also checked in regularly, going beyond the call of duty during a stressful period. Another client recounts a caregiver who became a good match for an elderly parent, delivering reliable, affectionate care that family members could trust. The ability of DON Services to respond, support, and maintain a constructive presence during challenging times demonstrates what the agency can deliver when functioning at full strength. These positives show that the core service model can work exceptionally well under the right conditions.

However, the collective experience also makes clear that staffing reliability and organizational consistency are the major Achilles' heel. Repeated reports describe caregivers being left without coverage, with shifts canceled or delayed and no immediate replacement, sometimes forcing families to bear the burden or scramble for a solution. Office management and communication gaps compound the problem, with some families reporting rude or unresponsive interactions and a lack of proactive contingency planning. These elements create real risk, especially for clients who require constant supervision or who rely on a familiar caregiver for safety and continuity of care. In short, the system can work brilliantly on good days, but it can falter badly when coverage breaks down.

The critical balance comes down to whether the strong caregiving ethos can be paired with unwavering scheduling reliability and respectful, efficient office operations. The pros - compassionate, capable caregivers; timely arrivals when a consistent match exists; and proactive problem-solving - can offset many daily frustrations if backed by solid backup plans and clear accountability. Without that backbone, however, the same strengths can quickly be overwhelmed by missed shifts, late replacements, and communication pain points. Families must decide whether a robust, hands-on oversight approach is feasible in their situation or whether a provider with more predictable staffing and firmer policy enforcement is worth pursuing.

For families moving forward, demand clearly defined expectations before onboarding: designate a primary and reliable backup caregiver, require timely replacements, and insist on written scheduling commitments and escalation contacts. Verify the agency's replacement protocols, response times, and accountability measures, and request direct lines to administrators who can authorize alternatives during staffing shortages. Seek detailed references about consistency over time, not just short-term wins. If constant supervision, guaranteed coverage, and professional, courteous administration are non-negotiable, DON Services may still be an option, but readiness to manage gaps and push for reliable systems will determine whether the care experience truly delivers peace of mind.

This area of New Castle, Pennsylvania offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to senior living needs. With several restaurants in close proximity, including Elham Restaurant and Hugger-Mugger Tasty Recipes, seniors can enjoy delicious meals without having to travel far. Additionally, there are multiple pharmacies such as CVS and Revco Drug Stores nearby for convenient access to medications. Medical care is readily available with several physician offices and hospitals in the area, including UPMC Jameson Hospital. For recreational activities, there are parks like Shenango Community Park and Pearson Park within a short distance for enjoyable outdoor outings. Places of worship such as First Assembly Of God and First United Methodist Church provide spiritual support for residents. Overall, this part of New Castle offers a range of services that cater to the needs of older individuals looking for a comfortable and convenient living environment.

Restaurants

• Elham Restaurant (0.1 miles)
• Hugger-Mugger Tasty Recipes (1.1 miles)
• Two Fat Guys And An Oven (1.7 miles)
• Pizza Man's Pizza (2 miles)
• Edwards Restaurant & Lounge (2.7 miles)
• Forbush Drive In (3.2 miles)
• Bills Sandwich Shop (3.6 miles)

Physicians

• Shenango Primary Care (0.6 miles)
• UPMC Jameson Community Health Center: Shenango (1.1 miles)
• UPMC Jameson Partial Hospitalization Program (1.9 miles)
• Dr Ali (2.2 miles)
• Pain Management Clinic (2.4 miles)
• Lawrence County Surgery Center (2.6 miles)
• Oral & Facial Surgical Center - John W Clemenza DMD MD (4.1 miles)

Parks

• Shenango Community Park (1.3 miles)
• Pearson Park (5.6 miles)
• Marti Park (8 miles)
• R.C. Stiefel Park (9.3 miles)
• McConnells Mill State Park (10 miles)
• Moraine State Park (10.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• Revco Drug Stores (1.3 miles)
• East Side Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• Professional Pharmacy Solutions (1.6 miles)
• McKesson (1.6 miles)
• Medicine Shoppe (2 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.1 miles)

Hospitals

• UPMC Jameson Hospital - South Campus (1.6 miles)
• Jameson Health System (1.6 miles)
• Edgewood Surgical Hospital (2.6 miles)
• UPMC Jameson Hospital - North Campus (2.9 miles)
• Heritage Valley Health System (9.6 miles)
• New Wilmington Family Medicine (9.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• First Assembly Of God (4.2 miles)
• First United Methodist Church (4.2 miles)
• Crestfield (13.2 miles)
• Chippewa Alliance Church (13.6 miles)
• Zion's Hill (13.8 miles)

Cafes

• National Grind (8.5 miles)
• Panera Bread (14.2 miles)