Verdict
7.7/10
BrightStar Care is a large national home care and medical staffing franchise founded in 2002 with over 400 locations across 39 U.S. states. After reviewing their BrightStar Care services, we found they offer comprehensive nurse-led home care including skilled nursing, personal care, memory care, pediatric care, and medical staffing with Joint Commission Gold Seal accreditation, BBB A+ rating, and over 20 years of experience. Their nurse-led model, national recognition, and comprehensive training programs demonstrate commitment to clinical excellence.[1][2][3]
However, when comparing BrightStar Care to Focus Family Care, important differences emerge. While BrightStar operates as a franchise with pricing ranging from $34–$45 per hour for home health aides ($90–$150 per hour for skilled nursing), 3-hour minimums at some locations, franchise quality inconsistency, and mixed reviews including concerning complaints about untrained caregivers and poor emergency response (1.6/5 rating on PissedConsumer with 96 reviews), Focus Family Care delivers more personalized, family-centered home health and home care throughout Florida with transparent pricing, greater flexibility, no rigid minimums, consistent local accountability, comprehensive skilled and non-skilled services for all ages, and responsive 24/7 support. Focus Family Care excels in caregiver consistency, proactive communication, value-driven pricing, and serving all ages with reliable emergency response. For families seeking truly individualized, reliable, and compassionate home care in Florida, Focus Family Care is the stronger choice.[4][5][6][1]
BrightStar Care Pricing
BrightStar Care does not publish comprehensive pricing on their website. According to independent reviews and client reports, BrightStar Care’s hourly rates vary significantly by location and service type:[3]
Home health aide / Personal care:
- $34–$43 per hour (national average)[1]
- Pennsylvania example: $40/hour for 3 hours or fewer; $36/hour for 4–6 hours; $34/hour for 7–24 hours[1]
- West Portland, OR: $40/hour for 24-hour care; $42–$45/hour for days and weekends[7]
Skilled nursing:
- $90–$150 per hour[8][1]
- Pennsylvania example: $150/hour for <2 hours; $100/hour for 2+ hours[1]
- Overnight nursing: $60–$90/hour ($720–$1,080 for 12 hours)[8]
24/7 full-time care:
- Non-medical care: $720–$960 per day ($21,600–$28,800 per month)[8]
- Specialized nursing care: $1,440–$2,160 per day ($43,200–$64,800 per month)[8]
Minimum requirements vary by franchise:
- Corporate policy: No minimum commitments[1]
- However, some locations require 3-hour minimums[1]
- Pricing typically decreases with more hours per shift/week[1]
BrightStar Care is noted as “typically higher than state averages” across multiple markets.[1]
BrightStar Care accepts private pay, long-term care insurance, Veterans Benefits, Medicare (for skilled services), Medicaid (in some states), and some private insurance.[3]
How Focus Family Care compares: At Focus Family Care, we provide upfront, transparent pricing discussions from day one—no hidden costs or surprise minimums. Our rates are competitive and value-driven, typically at or below Florida’s median, and we offer flexible scheduling without rigid minimums. Need just 2 hours of care? We’re here for you. Need 24-hour home care? We deliver that too at significantly better value than $720–$960 per day. We work with Medicare, Medicaid, and most major insurance plans throughout Florida.[6][9]
BrightStar Care Usability and Experience
Setup & Onboarding
BrightStar Care requires families to contact their local franchise office or call the national 24/7 line (866-618-7827) to initiate services. A Registered Nurse conducts an in-home assessment, develops a customized care plan, and matches families with a caregiver or nurse.[3]
Reviews indicate variable onboarding experiences depending on franchise location. When working well, families report “professional and efficient” service with caregivers starting “the very day after discharge from the hospital.” However, other reviews cite significant problems including untrained caregivers and poor emergency response.[5][4]
Website & Portal Experience
BrightStar Care’s corporate website (brightstarcare.com) is modern, visually appealing, and comprehensive, providing detailed information about services, nurse-led care model, awards and accreditations, location finder, career opportunities, and resources including a Home Care Guide. The site emphasizes their 20+ years of experience, Joint Commission Gold Seal, and “Knowing Care” philosophy. However, it lacks transparent pricing details or online scheduling.[3]
There is no mention of a family portal for real-time care plan viewing or caregiver communication.
Mobile App Experience
BrightStar Care does not appear to offer a dedicated mobile app for families or clients.[3]
Strengths vs Pain Points
Strengths:
- Large national presence with 400+ locations and 20+ years of experience[3]
- Nurse-led care model with RN oversight[3]
- Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval[2][3]
- BBB A+ rating[2]
- Comprehensive services including skilled nursing, personal care, memory care, pediatric care, and medical staffing[3]
- 24/7 availability[3]
- Serves children, adults, and seniors[3]
- Strong positive testimonials from satisfied clients at good franchise locations[10][11][4]
- Activated Insights Best of Home Care Endorsed National Provider[3]
- Home Care Pulse Provider of Choice[3]
Pain points:
- Higher-than-average pricing: $34–$45/hour for aides, $90–$150/hour for skilled nursing (above most state medians)[1]
- Franchise quality inconsistency – experiences vary dramatically by location[4][5][1]
- Concerning consumer complaints: 1.6/5 rating on PissedConsumer (96 reviews) citing untrained caregivers, poor emergency response, lack of employee screening[5]
- Untrained caregivers – “Not trained. Poor service.” Caregiver “run to the kitchen to hide” instead of helping change clothes[5]
- 3-hour minimums at some locations despite corporate “no minimum” policy[1]
- Employee complaints about low pay despite high client charges[2]
- No transparent pricing online[3]
- No family portal or mobile app
- Franchise model creates inconsistency
Focus Family Care advantage: At Focus Family Care, families experience transparent pricing, flexible scheduling without rigid minimums, and consistently well-trained, professional caregivers at every location. We provide 24-hour home care throughout Florida with local ownership and accountability—not franchise inconsistency. Our family-centered approach ensures you’re always informed, involved, and empowered. We serve all ages—pediatric, adult, and senior—with reliable emergency response 24/7.[9][6]
BrightStar Care Core Services & Features
Nurse-Led In-Home Care
What BrightStar offers:
Personal care including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, mobility assistance, meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping, and companionship—all overseen by a Registered Nurse who develops the care plan and provides ongoing supervision.[3]
Strengths:
- RN oversight and care plan development
- Comprehensive personal care services
- 24/7 availability
Limitations:
- Higher pricing ($34–$45/hour for aides)[1]
- Quality varies by franchise location[4][5]
- Some caregivers untrained[5]
- 3-hour minimums at some locations[1]
Focus Family Care excels: At Focus Family Care, our non-skilled home care services are comprehensive, personalized, and value-driven for all ages. Our caregivers are well-trained professionals who don’t “run to the kitchen to hide” when help is needed. We provide all the same services with greater flexibility, better pricing, and guaranteed caregiver consistency.[12][6][9]
Skilled Nursing
What BrightStar offers:
RN and LPN services including wound care, IV therapy, medication management, catheter care, ostomy care, post-surgical care, chronic disease monitoring, and more at $90–$150 per hour.[1][3]
Limitations:
- Very high pricing ($90–$150/hour)[1]
- Quality depends on franchise location
Focus Family Care excels: Focus Family Care provides comprehensive skilled nursing at home throughout Florida for all ages with consistent, highly trained clinicians at significantly better value. Our nurses build long-term relationships with clients and families. Learn more about the role of skilled nurses and therapists in home health care.[13][14][12]
Memory Care
What BrightStar offers:Specialized care for Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other cognitive conditions with nurse-led oversight and caregiver training.[3]
Focus Family Care excels: We provide compassionate, specialized dementia and Alzheimer’s care with caregivers trained in cognitive engagement, behavioral management, and safety protocols—at better value than BrightStar’s premium pricing.[6]
Pediatric Care
What BrightStar offers:
Specialized care for children with complex medical needs, developmental disabilities, and other conditions requiring skilled nursing or personal care support.[3]
Focus Family Care excels: We provide pediatric nursing at home throughout Florida with compassionate, highly trained nurses who specialize in medically complex children—with responsive local support and better value.[15]
24-Hour Care
What BrightStar offers:
Around-the-clock care with caregivers or nurses available 24/7 at $720–$960 per day for non-medical care or $1,440–$2,160 per day for skilled nursing care.[8][3]
Limitations:
- Very high cost: $21,600–$28,800/month for non-medical; $43,200–$64,800/month for skilled care[8]
- Quality depends on franchise location
Focus Family Care excels: At Focus Family Care, our 24-hour home care services are built on reliability and consistency for all ages at significantly better value. We carefully match experienced, well-trained caregivers to clients based on personality, preferences, and care needs—not just scheduling availability.[9][12][6]
Medical Staffing
What BrightStar offers:
Staffing solutions for healthcare facilities, businesses, and schools including RNs, LPNs, CNAs, and other medical professionals.[3]
Focus Family Care excels: While we focus on home-based care, our comprehensive services and flexible staffing ensure families receive consistent, reliable care at home without the institutional feel.[6]
BrightStar Care Integrations & Coordination
BrightStar Care emphasizes nurse-led care coordination with physicians, hospitals, and families. Their RN Directors of Nursing develop care plans, provide ongoing oversight, and adjust services as needs change.[3]
However, coordination quality varies by franchise location. While some clients report excellent communication and responsiveness, others cite concerning problems including “inability to deal with emergency calls for help.”[4][5]
Focus Family Care excels: We prioritize seamless care coordination with your entire healthcare team—physicians, specialists, hospitals, therapists, and case managers—for all ages. Our care coordinators ensure medication changes, therapy orders, and hospital discharge plans are executed flawlessly. We respond reliably to emergency calls—no exceptions.[14][6]
BrightStar Care Safety, Security & Compliance
BrightStar Care emphasizes rigorous caregiver screening, background checks, training programs, and ongoing RN supervision. They hold Joint Commission Gold Seal accreditation and maintain state licensure in all operating states.[2][3]
However, as a franchise model, quality oversight varies by location. Concerning consumer complaints cite “lack of employee screening” and untrained caregivers who are unprepared for basic care tasks. Employee reviews cite low pay ($3.5/5 average), which can affect caregiver quality and retention.[2][5]
Focus Family Care excels: At Focus Family Care, safety and compliance are foundational. We conduct comprehensive background checks, drug screenings, and reference verifications for every team member. Our caregivers and nurses receive extensive initial training plus ongoing education. We don’t send untrained caregivers to client homes. Local management conducts regular in-home supervisory visits to ensure quality, safety, and client satisfaction.[6]
BrightStar Care Customer Support & Family Communication
BrightStar Care provides a 24/7 national phone line (866-618-7827) and encourages families to contact their local franchise office for support. Reviews indicate highly variable customer service experiences:[3]
Common praise (from positive reviews):
- “Outstanding professionalism and attention to detail,” “excellent communication”[10]
- “Professional and efficient, sending out someone to the hospital to do the assessment immediately”[4]
- “Caregiver to start the very day after discharge from hospital”[4]
- “Very professional,” “there for you when you need them”[4]
- “Easy billing and scheduling once they find the right people”[4]
- Strong individual caregiver relationships when matched well[4]
Common complaints (from critical reviews):
- PissedConsumer: 1.6/5 rating (96 reviews) – significantly lower than other platforms[5]
- “Inability to deal with emergency calls for help”[5]
- “Lack of employee screening”[5]
- Caregiver “run to the kitchen to hide” instead of helping, “not trained, poor service”[5]
- “They act very nice and caring at the beginning, but they actually don’t”[5]
- “Should not take cases unless they have the capacity to send nurses quickly”[4]
- Recommendations: “Stay away,” “Run,” “Go to another agency”[5]
Limitations:
- Communication quality depends heavily on franchise location
- No family portal or app for real-time updates
- Franchise model creates inconsistency
- Concerning emergency response issues
Focus Family Care excels: Communication is the heart of great care. At Focus Family Care, families have direct access to their care coordinator, nursing supervisor, and caregiver team—not a distant franchise with inconsistent emergency response. We provide proactive updates after every visit, respond promptly to concerns, and offer reliable 24/7 on-call support for urgent needs. Our caregivers don’t hide—they provide professional, compassionate care.[14][6]
What Are BrightStar Care’s Review Ratings Online?
- BBB: A+ rating[2]
- Top Consumer Reviews: Positive recommendation citing “plenty of praise from clients”[2]
- PissedConsumer: 1.6/5 (96 reviews) – Concerning complaints about untrained caregivers and poor service[5]
- Employee reviews: ~3.5/5 (4,000+ ratings) with complaints about low pay[2]
- Individual Florida locations:
- Tampa: 4.6/5 (139 reviews on Caring.com) – Strong positive feedback[4]
- Pinellas: Positive testimonials[10]
- Yelp (Tampa): Mixed reviews[16]
Common themes:
- Likes: Nurse-led care model, RN oversight, individual caregivers can be excellent (when well-matched), comprehensive services, Joint Commission accreditation, professionalism at good franchise locations
- Concerns: Higher-than-average pricing ($34–$45/hour for aides, $90–$150/hour for skilled nursing), franchise quality inconsistency, 1.6/5 PissedConsumer rating citing untrained caregivers and emergency response failures, lack of employee screening at some locations, low caregiver pay despite high client charges, 3-hour minimums at some locations
Focus Family Care difference: At Focus Family Care, we’re proud of our above-industry-average client satisfaction for all ages. We measure success by personalized outcomes, consistent care delivery, and family trust. Our clients consistently report feeling heard, valued, and cared for by well-trained, professional caregivers who show up reliably and respond to emergencies.[6]
BrightStar Care App & Technology
BrightStar Care does not prominently feature a family mobile app or online portal on their website.[3]
Focus Family Care excels: While we prioritize human connection, we also leverage modern technology to keep families informed. Our care coordination system provides families with visit confirmations, caregiver updates, and secure, HIPAA-compliant communication channels.[6]
Focus Family Care – The Better Alternative for Florida Families
When comparing BrightStar Care and Focus Family Care, the difference comes down to better value, consistent quality, reliable emergency response, and family-first philosophy—not franchise roulette.
Better Value, No Premium Pricing:
While BrightStar charges $34–$45/hour for aides and $90–$150/hour for skilled nursing (noted as “higher than state averages”), Focus Family Care provides competitive, transparent pricing typically at or below Florida’s median. Our 24-hour home care is significantly more affordable than BrightStar’s $720–$960 per day for non-medical care or $1,440–$2,160 per day for skilled care.[9][6]
Consistent Quality, Not Franchise Roulette:
Unlike BrightStar where quality varies dramatically by franchise (1.6/5 on PissedConsumer vs 4.6/5 on some local pages), Focus Family Care delivers consistent quality with local accountability throughout Florida.[6]
Well-Trained Caregivers, Not “Hiding in the Kitchen”:
Unlike BrightStar where consumer complaints cite caregivers who “run to the kitchen to hide” and are “not trained,” Focus Family Care employs experienced, thoroughly trained caregivers who take pride in delivering professional, compassionate care.[6]
Reliable Emergency Response:
Unlike BrightStar where reviews cite “inability to deal with emergency calls for help,” Focus Family Care provides reliable 24/7 emergency response. When you call, we answer and we act.[6]
All Ages, Comprehensive Services:
Like BrightStar, we serve pediatric, adult, and senior populations with both skilled nursing and personal care. Unlike BrightStar, we deliver consistent quality at better value with local accountability throughout Florida. From pediatric nursing at home to skilled nursing to non-skilled home care, we provide the full spectrum.[12][13][15][14]
No Rigid Minimums:
While some BrightStar franchises require 3-hour minimums, Focus Family Care offers flexible scheduling without rigid minimums. Need just 2 hours? We’re here for you.[9][6]
True Long-Term Care Partnership:
We specialize in long-term care that adapts to your evolving needs. We’re not a franchise—we’re your long-term care partner committed to your family’s wellbeing.[17]
Proactive, Transparent Communication:
We keep families informed with direct access to care coordinators, nursing supervisors, and caregiver teams. No franchise layers, no hiding caregivers—just responsive, professional service.[6]
Medicare, Medicaid & Insurance Expertise:
We work with Medicare, Medicaid, and most major insurance plans throughout Florida. Learn more about what happens when Medicare stops paying.[14]
For families seeking home care that truly feels like family—with better value, consistent quality, reliable emergency response, and professional caregivers for all ages—Focus Family Care is the clear choice.[6]
Pros & Cons of BrightStar Care
Pros
- Large national presence with 400+ locations and 20+ years of experience
- Nurse-led care model with RN oversight and care plan development
- Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval
- BBB A+ rating
- Comprehensive services: skilled nursing, personal care, memory care, pediatric care, medical staffing
- 24/7 availability
- Serves children, adults, and seniors
- Strong positive testimonials from satisfied clients at good franchise locations
- Activated Insights Best of Home Care Endorsed National Provider
- Home Care Pulse Provider of Choice
Cons
- Higher-than-average pricing: $34–$45/hour for aides, $90–$150/hour for skilled nursing (above state medians)[1]
- Very expensive 24-hour care: $720–$960/day for non-medical; $1,440–$2,160/day for skilled ($21,600–$64,800/month)[8]
- Franchise quality inconsistency – experiences vary dramatically
- 1.6/5 rating on PissedConsumer (96 reviews) citing untrained caregivers, poor emergency response, lack of screening[5]
- Untrained caregivers at some locations – complaints of caregivers who “run to the kitchen to hide” instead of helping[5]
- “Inability to deal with emergency calls for help”[5]
- 3-hour minimums at some locations despite corporate “no minimum” policy[1]
- Employee complaints about low pay despite high client charges[2]
- No transparent pricing online
- No family portal or mobile app
- Recommendations from dissatisfied clients: “Stay away,” “Run,” “Go to another agency”[5]
Final Thoughts – BrightStar Care vs Focus Family Care
BrightStar Care may be an option for families in areas with well-managed franchise locations and the budget for premium pricing ($34–$45/hour for aides, $90–$150/hour for skilled nursing). Their nurse-led model, Joint Commission accreditation, and BBB A+ rating demonstrate commitment to clinical standards. When their franchise model works well, families report excellent experiences.[2][4][1]
However, the dramatic disconnect between their premium pricing and concerning consumer complaints (1.6/5 on PissedConsumer citing untrained caregivers, emergency response failures, and lack of screening) reveals significant quality control issues. The franchise inconsistency means families are taking a gamble on which version of BrightStar they’ll get.[5]
If your priorities include better value, consistent quality with local accountability, well-trained and professional caregivers, reliable emergency response, flexible scheduling without minimums, transparent pricing, and a family-first approach, then Focus Family Care is the superior choice. We deliver clinical excellence with experienced caregivers, responsive management, reliable emergency support, and real value.[6]
Whether you need care for a child, home care after surgery for an adult, or support for an aging parent anywhere in Florida, Focus Family Care treats your family like our own—with well-trained caregivers who show up reliably, professional management, and emergency response you can count on.[14][6]Ready to experience the Focus Family Care difference?Get started today or call us at 561-693-1311 to speak with a care coordinator who will listen, understand, and create a personalized plan just for you—with transparent pricing, no rigid minimums, experienced caregivers, and reliable 24/7 support from day one.[6]