Right at Home

Pros

• The agency had a more educated staff and offered nursing care.
• They impressed the reviewer during their visit.
• The agency provided medication reminders for the loved one.
• The reviewer appreciated the companionship and getting their father-in-law out of the house.
• The staff made an effort to remind the loved one about her medication, even if it was through a phone call from Seattle.

Cons

• The agency was very unorganized and lacked sufficient information.
• They were unable to provide in-person medication reminders and could only offer phone calls from a distant location.
• During the interview, they were ill-prepared and the intended representative was absent, showing a lack of professionalism.
• The staff seemed uninformed and not apologetic about their disorganized state.
• Despite having a more educated staff with nursing care, they were not suitable for non-medical needs such as companionship and getting out of the house.
• The agency's focus on medical care didn't match the requirements of the client, resulting in higher costs compared to other options.
• The impressive visit by the agency didn't align with their LVN-oriented services, which prompted the decision to choose a different provider to save money.

Review

Mixed Experiences with an Unorganized Home Care Agency

Choosing the right home care agency for a loved one can be a difficult and important decision. This article explores the experiences of one individual and their family with a specific agency, shedding light on both positive and negative aspects. While the agency boasted an educated staff and specialized nursing care, shortcomings in organization and communication left much to be desired.

One concerned reviewer expresses disappointment regarding the unorganized nature of the agency. The reviewer recounts a frustrating instance where they arrived for an interview only to find that the agency was ill-prepared. The assigned representative was absent upon their arrival, and upon finally joining the meeting, she displayed little knowledge or understanding of the situation. The lack of apology or acknowledgment further compounded the reviewer's dissatisfaction.

Despite these organizational issues, it appears that the agency had competent staff members capable of providing medical assistance. However, this level of support was unnecessary for the reviewer's father-in-law, who required companionship rather than extensive healthcare services. While impressed during an initial visit by a representative who primarily discussed more advanced nursing options (Licensed Vocational Nurses - LVNs), ultimately, the reviewer determined that such specialized care was not suitable given their relative's needs.

The focus of attention then shifts to medication management – a crucial aspect of caregiving for many individuals requiring home care services. Regrettably, according to the review, this particular agency fell short in adequately addressing this concern. Recognizing that reminders were necessary for their loved one to take medication consistently, they were disappointed when all that could be offered was a remote phone call from Seattle.

It is worth noting that one positive aspect highlighted in this review is the agency's professionalism during its outreach efforts. The reviewer describes being impressed during their interaction with representatives who showcased expertise and knowledge relevant to more medically oriented care services provided by LVNs. However, the difference in cost ultimately led the reviewer to consider alternative options that aligned better with their father-in-law's requirements.

The reviewer emphasizes that their loved one did not require extensive assistance with daily activities such as showering or personal care. Instead, what they sought was companionship and support to ensure their relative had opportunities for social engagement outside of the house. While it remains unclear whether this agency could fulfill this specific need, the reviewer opted to explore other alternatives which may offer a more suitable balance of services and costs.

This review highlights both positive and negative experiences with a home care agency. While the agency demonstrated professionalism and expertise regarding specialized medical care, issues concerning organization, communication, and medication management raised concerns. Additionally, the reviewer found the agency's focus on nursing services excessive for their father-in-law's needs, prompting them to seek more appropriate options. Ultimately, selecting a home care agency requires careful consideration of individual needs and preferences to ensure the best possible support for our loved ones.

This area of Tacoma, Washington, offers a variety of convenient amenities for seniors looking to settle in the community. With a selection of popular restaurants such as Olive Garden and BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse nearby, residents can enjoy dining out with friends and family. Access to quality medical care is also readily available with several physicians' offices and pharmacies within close proximity. For leisure activities, there are cafes like Panera Bread and Starbucks for social gatherings, as well as parks like Sheridan Park for outdoor enjoyment. Additionally, transportation options such as the Lakewood Station Sounder train provide easy access to neighboring areas. The area also features entertainment options like the AMC Lakewood Mall 12 theater for moviegoers. In terms of health care facilities, MultiCare hospitals offer comprehensive services for peace of mind. With a mix of amenities catering to various needs, this part of Tacoma presents a well-rounded community suitable for senior living.

Restaurants

• Olive Garden (0.2 miles)
• Park Avenue Tavern (0.8 miles)
• Hans's Place (1.3 miles)
• Dawson's Bar & Grill (1.6 miles)
• BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse (1.7 miles)
• Moctezuma's Mexican Restaurant & Tequila Bar (1.9 miles)
• Wendy's (2 miles)

Physicians

• Group Health Hear Center (0.9 miles)
• Hanmi General Medical Clinic (1.6 miles)
• Liu Beth Beth Liu Md Lakewood (2.3 miles)
• Maureen A. Mooney, MD (2.5 miles)
• Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, PC (2.5 miles)
• Baby Catchers and Beyond (2.5 miles)
• Pacific Medical Prosthetics and Orthotics (2.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• Highway 7 Recreational Marijuana Store (1.1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.4 miles)
• Walgreens (1.5 miles)
• Costless Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• Safeway Pharmacy (2.4 miles)
• Walgreens (2.5 miles)
• Rite Aid (3 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (1.7 miles)
• Starbucks (2.2 miles)
• Panera Bread (3.1 miles)
• Alfred's Cafe (3.6 miles)
• Starbucks (3.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• Iglesia Ni Cristo (1.9 miles)
• Bethlehem Baptist Church (2.7 miles)
• St Mary's Catholic Church (4.2 miles)

Parks

• Sheridan Park (3.2 miles)
• Conservation Park (3.6 miles)

Transportation

• Lakewood Station Sounder train (3.2 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Lakewood Mall 12 (3.2 miles)
• Grand Cinema (4.6 miles)

Hospitals

• MultiCare (3.7 miles)
• Child Study & Treatment Center (4.6 miles)
• MultiCare Regional Cancer Center - Tacoma (4.6 miles)
• Group Health Cooperative (4.8 miles)