Overview
Carina, located in Seattle, Washington, is a free online platform designed to connect individuals needing in-home care with certified caregivers in the area. The service is contracted with the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) in Washington and aims to facilitate access to quality care for all, regardless of income. Despite its noble intentions, users have reported various challenges when trying to connect with caregivers.
Services & Support
Carina offers a matching service for in-home care clients and individual providers. The organization emphasizes the importance of connecting clients with well-trained, compassionate caregivers. However, many families have expressed frustration regarding the responsiveness and reliability of the caregivers listed on the platform. A significant number of users have noted difficulties in receiving timely replies to their inquiries, with some caregivers not following up at all.
Care Approach & Staff
Carina is a nonprofit organization that focuses on improving community access to quality care. While the platform aims to match clients with trustworthy caregivers, reviews indicate that the quality of care can vary significantly. Some users have reported negative experiences with caregivers who were unresponsive, unreliable, or unprofessional, leading to concerns about accountability and the overall hiring process.
Who They Serve
Carina serves individuals in need of in-home care, particularly those who are vulnerable or elderly. The platform aims to connect these clients with caregivers who can assist them in daily activities. However, many families have reported challenges in finding suitable caregivers who are willing to work and respond to their needs.
Service Area
The service is based in Seattle, Washington, and is designed to serve clients across the region. However, users have mentioned issues with the matching process, including caregivers being located far from clients, which complicates the provision of timely care.
Scheduling & Availability
Families have expressed difficulties in scheduling care due to the lack of responsiveness from caregivers. Many have reported that caregivers who are listed as “available” do not respond to messages or inquiries, leading to frustration for those in need of immediate assistance.
What Families Say
Feedback from families indicates a mix of experiences with Carina. While some users appreciate the concept of the platform, many have shared concerns regarding the lack of accountability among caregivers and the challenges faced in securing reliable help. Users have noted that the quality of caregivers can vary widely, with some caregivers reportedly failing to meet basic expectations of care.
Room for Improvement
There appear to be several areas where Carina could enhance its service. Many users have highlighted the need for better screening and vetting of caregivers to ensure quality and reliability. Additionally, implementing a system for blocking unprofessional caregivers and improving communication between clients and caregivers could address some of the ongoing frustrations expressed by families.
Summary
Carina offers a valuable service aimed at connecting individuals with in-home care providers in Seattle, Washington. However, the platform faces significant challenges related to caregiver responsiveness and accountability. Families seeking care have reported mixed experiences, with many expressing a need for improvements in the hiring process and communication strategies to better meet their needs.
