BrightStar of Stroudsburg

Pros

• Valda Gragwell is a wonderful caregiver who provides attentive, thorough care for her client's father, including cooking, cleaning, and walks.
• Gabriela Lopez is a knowledgeable, caring, and understanding home care nurse who is friendly and patient.
• Angelica D. is a wonderful nurse with professional care, a pleasant personality, and helpful, cooperative scheduling.
• Shirley Romeo is a kind, compassionate, and present caregiver who consistently brings her best to her clients.
• BrightStar nurses are friendly and well-versed in therapy, and they stay up-to-date on INS standards and protocols.
• Danielle Dinaro is one of the best infusion nurses.
• Michelle R. is an amazing infusion nurse who is kind, compassionate, knowledgeable, and makes the experience comfortable and enjoyable.
• Cheryl is a delightful, caring, respectful, and professional caregiver who brings energy and warmth into the home.
• Sharawn H. and Jean are devoted aides who provide compassionate, professional care and are loved by the family.
• Talekia S. is a perfect match for memory care, consistently knowing what needs to be done and keeping the client comfortable; she is an asset to BrightStar.

Cons

• The company does not reimburse mileage between client visits.
• Pay was inaccurate on payday.
• Caregivers quit and spoke negatively about the company.
• The job is not professional.
• Elderly clients were confused about who would visit and became angry.
• Caregivers were frequently swapped, causing confusion for families.
• The overall practice is not right.

Review

Experiences with BrightStar Care in home settings vary widely, and the collection of voices here reflects a spectrum from frustration and concern to deep gratitude and relief. On the more cautionary side, several reviewers describe operational and compensation issues that can undermine trust and stability for families seeking in-home care. One caregiver and family member warns others not to work for the company, highlighting mileage reimbursement gaps and pay inaccuracies on payday. They express a broader concern about professional standards, mentioning that caregiver turnover and frequent changes in who is assigned to an elderly client leave many seniors confused and distressed, and families unsettled by the lack of consistency. The sentiment is that when an elder relies on familiarity and routine, shuffling caregivers disrupts comfort and can spark anger or anxiety in the person being cared for. In short, the negative experiences paint a picture of a system that, for some, falls short in compensation clarity, consistency, and professionalism at the operational level.

Beyond these cautions, however, there is a strong current of heartfelt appreciation for many individual caregivers who work with BrightStar Care. Across numerous reviews, families repeatedly sing the praises of particular caregivers who have made meaningful, lasting positive impressions. Valda Gragwell is described by the Gilaberts as a "godsend" and a wonderful, attentive caregiver who goes beyond the basics - cooking, cleaning, walking with Dad Antonio Gilabert, and providing "such wonderful attention." The devoted tone suggests Valda's reliability and the sense of security she brings to the family and to the cared-for individual, underscoring how the right caregiver can transform daily life when a strong match is found.

Other caregivers shine in distinct and equally compelling ways. Gabriela Lopez is praised as a knowledgeable, caring, and understanding home care nurse who is friendly and patient, earning love and trust from her family. Angelica D. is highlighted as a wonderful nurse who combines professional care with a pleasant personality and adaptability in scheduling. Reviews repeatedly emphasize her helpfulness and responsiveness, with many noting that Angelica's presence brings reassurance and high-quality care. Shirley Romeo is described as kind, compassionate, and consistently present; the reviewer calls her a "gem" and "a blessing," highlighting how her presence brings peace during difficult life trials.

Several notes center on the infusion and nursing care BrightStar provides. The nurses are described as "great," friendly, and well-versed in therapy protocols, with ongoing adherence to current standards. Danielle Dinaro is singled out as one of the best infusion nurses, characterized as kind, compassionate, and genuinely caring about patients. Michelle R. is commended for being amazing in home infusion contexts, making the experience more comfortable and even enjoyable. In these accounts, BrightStar's nurses are not only technically proficient but also emotionally supportive, helping patients feel attended to during challenging procedures.

Caregivers who demonstrate warmth, professionalism, and a strong working relationship with families appear repeatedly. For instance, a caregiver named Cheryl is described as a delight, with a positive, uplifting presence that helps a client with a large and friendly German Shepherd feel at ease. The trust extended to Cheryl highlights how small, daily interactions - tone, respect, and cheerful engagement - can meaningfully improve a home care experience. Families also speak warmly of ongoing, longtime caregivers like Sharawn H. and Jean, who have cared for a mother for years, earning the family's love and trust through consistent compassion, love, and professionalism.

Beyond individual caregivers, some comments broaden the praise to the BrightStar team as a whole. Families express gratitude for the office staff's courtesy, politeness, and accommodation. They note that the company's caregivers are reliable, punctual, and attentive, with particular appreciation for staff who coordinate care with schools or other institutions, underscoring the importance of coordination in complex care scenarios. Kiara M. and Talekia receive explicit commendations for outstanding daily care, with Talekia described as a perfect match for a memory care patient, providing light physical and occupational therapy and consistently ensuring the patient's comfort. The sense is that, when matched well, the BrightStar approach can be incredibly effective and deeply valued by families seeking meaningful, life-enhancing care for loved ones.

Taken together, the testimonials present a nuanced portrait of BrightStar Care in home settings. The negative comments call attention to important operational gaps: inconsistent caregiver assignments that confuse elders, concerns about mileage reimbursement and pay accuracy, and perceptions of occasional unprofessional practices that can erode trust. Meanwhile, the overwhelmingly positive experiences emphasize the human connections, competence, and dedication of individual caregivers and nurses. When families are paired with compassionate, skilled professionals who communicate clearly, adapt to changing needs, and go above and beyond - even in tasks like light therapy, meal preparation, mobility support, and routine companionship - the care experience can feel transformative. The message from these reviews is clear: BrightStar Care has the potential to provide extraordinary, person-centered care, but this potential hinges on reliable systems, consistent caregiver matching, fair compensation practices, and steadfast professionalism across the organization.

In the end, many families describe BrightStar Care as a lifeline that has helped restore quality of life, dignity, and comfort for loved ones. The testimonials are filled with gratitude for nurses and aides who treat patients with respect, listen carefully, and respond with both skill and warmth. They also contain a constructive reminder that the success of in-home care depends not only on the kindness or capability of individual caregivers but also on how well the company supports those caregivers with fair pay, dependable scheduling, and consistent assignments. For families facing the challenge of care at home, the experiences captured here offer both a warning and a beacon: beware of inconsistencies, but celebrate and advocate for the caregivers who make a real, tangible difference in the lives of elderly and ill loved ones.

This part of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania offers a variety of dining options ranging from casual family restaurants like Triplets Family Restaurant to more upscale choices such as Cherry Valley Vineyards-Winery. There are also popular chain restaurants like Olive Garden and Chili's Grill & Bar nearby. In terms of healthcare, there are several physicians and pharmacies within a short driving distance, including Christopher J Nowik, Od Pc and Rite Aid. For those looking to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee, cafes like Panera Bread and Starbucks are conveniently located. Additionally, the area boasts parks such as Pennico Park and Dansbury Park for outdoor recreation. The hospitals in the vicinity include Pocono Home Center and Cvcu for any medical needs. Overall, this area provides a mix of amenities that may appeal to seniors considering living in Stroudsburg.

Restaurants

• Stone Bar Inn (2.1 miles)
• The Lakeside (2.5 miles)
• Cherry Valley Vineyards-Winery (3 miles)
• Triplets Family Restaurant (5.1 miles)
• Olive Garden (5.2 miles)
• Original Pocono Pub (5.2 miles)
• Chili's Grill & Bar (5.3 miles)

Physicians

• Christopher J Nowik, Od Pc (4.5 miles)
• Retina Care (5.2 miles)
• Kleinsorge Family Eyecare (5.2 miles)
• East West Medical Group (5.2 miles)
• Dr Frank Romascavage (5.3 miles)
• St Luke S Monroe Family Practice Associates (5.3 miles)
• St. Luke's Center for Urology (5.4 miles)

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (4.6 miles)
• Slate Belt Pharmacy (4.6 miles)
• Stroud Compounding & Wellness (5.2 miles)
• Pocono Pharmacy (5.2 miles)
• GIANT Pharmacy (5.3 miles)
• Target Pharmacy (5.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (5.4 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (5.2 miles)
• Starbucks (5.3 miles)
• Cafe Duet (6.4 miles)
• The Cure Cafe (6.5 miles)

Hospitals

• Pocono Home Center (5.8 miles)
• Cvcu (7.4 miles)
• Cardiovascular Telemetry (7.5 miles)
• Rapid Treatment Center (7.5 miles)

Parks

• Pennico Park (6.3 miles)
• Dansbury Park (7.2 miles)
• Yetter Park (7.9 miles)
• Brodhead Creek Park (7.9 miles)