Home Instead - Virginia Beach, VA

Pros

• The scheduling office provided invaluable assistance during a challenging time.
• Transitioning to a steady group of caregivers greatly improved the experience.
• The flexibility of shifting from 2 four-hour shifts to 24/7 care was incredibly helpful.
• The responsiveness of the scheduling office made it easy to request changes in caregivers when needed.
• Having consistent caregivers has created a more comfortable and reliable environment for the family.

Cons

• The initial scheduling of two four-hour shifts resulted in a frustrating experience due to the constant turnover of caregivers.
• There were instances when the client had to call the office to request that certain caregivers not be sent back, which indicates dissatisfaction with their performance.
• Transitioning to 24/7 care while being out of town added stress and uncertainty to the situation.
• The lack of consistency in caregivers during the early stages caused feelings of instability and discomfort for both the client and their family.
• The need to adjust care arrangements on short notice contributed to an overall sense of overwhelm for the caregiver managing these changes remotely.

Review

The experience of navigating caregiving and scheduling services can be challenging, particularly when dealing with the varying needs of a loved one. In this case, the individual in need of care was the reviewer’s mother, whose health circumstances necessitated an evolving approach to caregiver support. The journey began with a modest arrangement that involved two four-hour shifts; however, the reviewer quickly realized that this setup led to a rotating cast of caregivers. This inconsistency made it difficult to build rapport and familiarity between the caregivers and their patient.

Initially overwhelmed by the options and unsure about their specific requirements, the reviewer sought assistance from the scheduling office. Their proactive involvement proved essential in managing the complexity of caregiving logistics. Each time a caregiver arrived who didn’t meet expectations or provided inadequate service, simple communication facilitated adjustments—allowing for direct feedback to eliminate those who were not a good fit for their mother’s care.

The turning point came when the mother experienced hospitalization, prompting an immediate need for more intensive care upon her discharge. With an increase in demands and no time to spare given their own out-of-town commitments, transitioning to 24/7 care became necessary. This decision was made with limited time for reflection; still, it represented a crucial step towards ensuring consistent support during a vulnerable period.

Despite being away physically, the reviewer maintained close contact through phone calls with the scheduling office while travel kept them busy. They communicated clearly about their intention to maintain 24/7 coverage until they returned home and had a chance to evaluate what would work best moving forward. While this arrangement may have felt overwhelming at first due to its immediacy and demand for constant attention, it showcased how adaptable these services can be based on fluctuating needs.

Upon returning home after this whirlwind experience, there was finally an opportunity for reflection and structured planning regarding caregiver schedules. The reviewer opted for two eight-hour shifts instead of three or four shorter ones—the rationale being that longer shifts could foster deeper connections among caregivers while also reducing turnover rates in personnel assigned to their mother's care. Evidence suggested that establishing stability within home-care routines increased comfort levels not only for the patient but also amongst family members assisting in coordination efforts.

Through these changes—and seeing results from their new arrangements—the reviewer found themselves appreciating having developed a steady group of caregivers whom they could rely on consistently over time. This newfound familiarity fostered trust among everyone involved: caregivers were becoming familiar with both their duties and emotionally bonded with the family as well as their charge, which enhanced overall quality of life during sessions spent together.

Ultimately, this experience highlighted both challenges faced by families needing care services and potential solutions offered by accommodating scheduling offices willing to listen and adapt as needs evolve. The journey from initial uncertainty through significant transitions ultimately culminated in finding an effective balance between professional support staff and familial oversight—a vital partnership contributing positively towards navigating complex emotional landscapes often inherent in elderly care dynamics.

This area of Virginia Beach, Virginia offers a convenient and vibrant community for senior living. With multiple pharmacies within close proximity, access to healthcare services is readily available. There is a diverse selection of restaurants and cafes nearby, providing plenty of dining options for residents. The presence of theaters and parks offer opportunities for entertainment and recreation. Additionally, there are reputable physicians and hospitals in the vicinity for medical needs. Transportation options such as the Tide-Newtown Road Station and Norfolk International Airport provide easy access to travel. Overall, this area presents a thriving and well-equipped environment for seniors looking to settle in Virginia Beach.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.3 miles)
• Walgreens (1.2 miles)
• Wegmans (1.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)
• Walgreens (2.6 miles)
• Rite Aid (3 miles)

Restaurants

• Village Inn (1.2 miles)
• P.F. Chang's China Bistro (1.3 miles)
• Shake Shack (1.3 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (1.3 miles)
• Tupelo Honey (1.3 miles)
• Yard House (1.4 miles)
• Sonic Drive-In (1.5 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.3 miles)
• Starbucks (2.3 miles)
• Kahiau's Bakery & Cafe (2.8 miles)
• Starbucks (3.4 miles)
• Starbucks (3.8 miles)
• Panera Bread (4.3 miles)
• Starbucks (5.3 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Entertainment Group (1.4 miles)
• AMC Lynnhaven 18 (4.5 miles)

Parks

• Kings Grant Park (1.5 miles)
• Mount Trashmore Park (2.2 miles)
• Broad Bay Estates Park (4.4 miles)

Physicians

• Hearing Services of Virginia (1.7 miles)
• Allergy & Asthma Center (1.9 miles)
• TPMG Holland Road Family Medicine (2.3 miles)
• Jordan Young Institue (2.7 miles)
• Gastroenterology Associates of Tidewater (2.7 miles)
• Patient First (2.8 miles)
• Bayside Family Practice (2.8 miles)

Hospitals

• Sentara Health Care (3.9 miles)
• Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital (5.8 miles)
• Virginia Beach Ambulatory Surgery Center (5.9 miles)

Transportation

• The Tide-Newtown Road Station (4.7 miles)
• American Airlines Ticket Counter (4.8 miles)
• Norfolk International Airport (ORF) (4.8 miles)
• Norfolk Airport USO (4.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• Spring Branch Community Church (5.1 miles)