Homewatch CareGivers Serving Richmond Metro and Surrounding Counties

I interviewed this provider

I interviewed Homewatch Caregivers when I was looking for someone to come and stay with my elderly mother while I went to work three afternoons a week. They were on a list of recommended agencies, so I called to ask some questions about their services and fees.

It took me a few tries before someone called me back, which worried me. If they didn't have someone answering the phone during business hours, then I logically wondered what would happen if I had some sort of emergency while I was using their services. When they finally returned my call, they explained that they used an intricate paging system and all calls are automatically logged and returned in the order that they are received. That didn't really satisfy me, though, since it took almost three hours for me to get a call back.

I did meet with this group and asked about ten very specific questions about their caregivers, procedures and what I could expect if I retained their services. I was not that comfortable with their answers, and it appeared to me that they specialized in Alzheimer's care more than general senior caregiving. My mother is of sound mind; she just needed help and assistance going to the bathroom and help in walking.

What I liked was that they offered me a trial run with their agency. They would give me ten hours of services for half-price to see if I liked them and their caregivers. However, there was something about their organization that made me a bit wary about signing up. They did not offer me the option of interviewing or selecting the caregiver for my mother, and that bothered me. I am particular about who helps my mom and if I can't be part of that choice, then I will look elsewhere.

Although Homewatch Caregivers was not the right agency for me and my mom's needs, I am sure they would provide decent services for many families, especially if dementia or Alzheimer's is part of the diagnosis.