SeniorsList Rating: 4.6 / 5
We interviewed three families who use BrightStar Care and visited two of their locations before writing this review. The thing that kept coming up in every conversation was the RN-led model — every single client has a registered nurse overseeing their care plan, even if they’re only getting help with basic stuff like bathing and meals. One daughter in Illinois told us her mom’s RN caught early signs of a UTI during a routine check-in that would have sent her mom to the ER if it had gone another few days. That kind of clinical safety net is rare in home care.
BrightStar is one of the few agencies where you can get a personal care aide and a skilled nurse through the same company. That matters because a lot of families start with “we just need someone to help with showers” and six months later they’re dealing with wound care or medication management. Not having to switch agencies when that happens takes a real weight off.
The cost is above average — we’re not going to sugarcoat that. And because every location is a franchise, the quality really does vary from one office to the next. We’ve seen glowing Google reviews for one location and complaint threads for another in the same state. So do your homework on the specific office near you. If you want help figuring out whether BrightStar is the right call for your family, email us at hello@seniorslist.com — we talk to families about this exact question all the time.
BrightStar Care: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Thoroughly screened caregivers: All BrightStar caregivers undergo background checks, drug screenings, license and certification verification, and structured training before working with clients.
- Skilled nursing available: In addition to personal care, BrightStar employs licensed nurses who can manage chronic conditions, administer medications, and provide clinical care at home.
- Disability care services: BrightStar offers specialized support for older adults and younger people with disabilities, including travel companionship and help with feeding and grooming.
- Care in any setting: BrightStar caregivers can provide services at your loved one’s home, in an assisted living community, or in a nursing facility.
Cons
- Inconsistent experience: With 400+ independently managed franchises, the quality of care can differ significantly from one location to another.
- Higher-than-average costs: Across most states, BrightStar’s rates exceed local median hourly rates.
About BrightStar Care
BrightStar Care is headquartered in Gurnee, Illinois, and serves clients through a franchise network of more than 400 locations in 40 states. The company provides both non-medical and skilled medical home care through a team that includes nurses, therapists, CNAs, and trained caregivers. A registered nurse directs each client’s care plan, providing a clinical anchor even for personal care services.
Services
BrightStar Care’s service catalog is extensive:
- Personal care: Bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, feeding, and ambulation support to help your loved one remain safely at home.
- Companion care: Regular visits, sitter services, and recreational activities to reduce social isolation.
- 24-hour home care: Around-the-clock personal care, emotional support, household assistance, and skilled nursing for clients who need continuous coverage.
- Skilled nursing: Clinical care by RNs, LPNs, or LVNs — including catheter management, wound care, infusion therapy, injections, and ostomy care.
- Memory care: Specialized support for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia, including daily task assistance, emotional support, and medication management.
- In-home therapies: Occupational, speech, and physical therapy delivered at home.
What to Expect
Since BrightStar is a franchise, your experience will depend heavily on the specific location. Based on our research:
- Home health aide rates: Generally $34 to $43 per hour, with some discounting for longer shifts.
- Skilled nursing rates: $90 to $150 per hour.
- Minimum commitments: The company recommends no minimums, but some locations require a three-hour minimum per shift.
- Getting started: BrightStar conducts a free in-home assessment 24 to 48 hours before care begins. Contact your nearest location to initiate the process.
BrightStar representatives were knowledgeable and clear about the distinction between home care and home health care — a meaningful distinction when it comes to insurance coverage.
What Customers Are Saying
Online reviews vary significantly by location. BrightStar’s Gurnee headquarters holds a 4.6 out of 5 on Google. Yelp ratings for the same location are lower at 2 stars, and Trustpilot shows a 2.6 based on a small sample.
A five-star Google reviewer wrote: “BrightStar Care in Gurnee was certainly a STAR when we needed them. The entire staff is wonderful. They came out the same day we called. Excellent care started the following day with well-trained home health aides.”
Another reviewer shared: “Two of our caregivers, Leaha and Katie, have been standouts. They treat our mom like she was their own mother. We consider both of them part of our family.”
Negative reviews have cited scheduling unreliability and caregiver no-shows. Research the specific location nearest to you before committing.
Cost and Pricing
BrightStar’s pricing is above average in most states. Here are sample rates:
Pennsylvania:
- 3 hours or fewer: $40/hr
- 4 to 6 hours: $36/hr
- 7 to 24 hours: $34/hr
- Skilled nursing: $100 to $105/hr
- State median: $31/hr
Florida:
- Home health aide: $36 to $38/hr
- Nursing: $90/hr (2+ hrs) or $180 flat (under 2 hrs)
- State median: $30/hr
Arizona:
- 2 hours or fewer: $90 flat
- 3-hour shift: $43/hr
- 4+ hours: $39/hr
- Nursing: $100 to $150/hr
- State median: $36/hr
Call your nearest BrightStar location for current and accurate pricing.
Areas Served
BrightStar Care has franchise locations in 40 states: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia.
Our Assessment
BrightStar Care is a strong choice for families who need both non-medical personal care and skilled nursing from a single provider. The RN-led care model and rigorous caregiver screening are meaningful differentiators, and the ability to provide care in any setting — home, assisted living, or nursing facility — adds useful flexibility.
The higher cost and franchise variability are genuine drawbacks. We recommend reviewing ratings for your specific local franchise and calling to speak with representatives before making a decision.