Choosing an in-home caregiver affects your loved one's health, safety, and quality of life. In Greater Cleveland, families often compare two national providers: BrightStar Care and Visiting Angels. Both have local offices and strong reputations, but they serve different needs.
The key difference is that BrightStar Care offers medical and non-medical services with RN oversight, while Visiting Angels focuses exclusively on non-medical personal care and companionship.
This guide compares their services, caregiver qualifications, quality standards, and costs so you can make an informed decision based on your family's actual needs.
Services: Medical vs Non-Medical Care
Understanding what each provider offers is the most important factor in your decision.
BrightStar Care Cleveland Services
BrightStar Care provides both medical and non-medical in-home care services, allowing care to adapt as health needs change.
Services include:
- Personal care with bathing, dressing, toileting, and mobility
- Skilled nursing including medication management, wound care, and chronic condition monitoring
- Specialized programs for Alzheimer's, dementia, Parkinson's, and stroke recovery
- Companion care for emotional support and daily connection
- Respite care for family caregiver relief
Because both medical and personal care are available under one provider, you won't need to switch agencies if health conditions change.
Visiting Angels Cleveland Services
Visiting Angels specializes in non-medical home care and companionship for seniors who need daily assistance without medical monitoring.
Services include:
- Personal hygiene, grooming, and basic mobility support
- Companion care with conversation, meal preparation, and light housekeeping
- Memory care for cognitive decline
- Transitional care after hospital discharge
- Transportation and errand assistance
For stable, non-medical needs focused on daily routines and companionship, Visiting Angels delivers consistent support.
The Critical Difference
BrightStar Care offers clinical nursing services with RN oversight. Visiting Angels provides only non-medical assistance. This distinction matters most when health conditions are complex or likely to change.
Quality Standards and Accreditation
BrightStar Care: Clinical Excellence
BrightStar Care is the only national home care brand accredited by the Joint Commission, the same organization that accredits hospitals. This means:
- Strict quality standards for patient safety and clinical outcomes
- Evidence-based care protocols
- Documented care plans
- Regular third-party evaluations
BrightStar Care has received the Enterprise Champion for Quality Award annually since 2013, demonstrating consistent commitment to clinical oversight and continuous improvement.
For families managing chronic illness, post-surgical recovery, or complex medical needs, this accreditation provides measurable quality assurance.
Visiting Angels: Service-Focused Reputation
Visiting Angels prioritizes relationship-driven care and holds a BBB A+ rating. Rather than clinical accreditation, they focus on:
- Caregiver-client compatibility
- Consistency and reliability
- Compassionate personal service
- Franchise-level accountability
Reviews emphasize trust, familiarity, and emotional connection, particularly for seniors who value companionship and routine support.
What This Means for Your Decision
BrightStar Care operates within a clinical governance framework with formal quality benchmarks. Visiting Angels emphasizes personal relationships and service satisfaction in non-medical care.
Choose based on whether medical oversight and structured clinical standards are important for your situation.
Caregiver Qualifications and Oversight
Who provides care and how they're supervised directly affects safety and service quality.
BrightStar Care: RN-Supervised Care Teams
Every BrightStar Care client receives a care plan created and overseen by a Registered Nurse. This means:
- Services align with physician orders and medical needs
- Quick adjustments when conditions change
- Clinical escalation pathway when caregivers notice health changes
- Accountability through nursing oversight
Caregivers undergo extensive screening, background checks, and skills assessments. Depending on care needs, services are delivered by certified nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses, or registered nurses.
For post-surgical recovery, chronic illness management, or hospital-to-home transitions, RN supervision provides clinical continuity and reduces coordination gaps.
Visiting Angels: Non-Medical Caregiver Model
Visiting Angels caregivers are trained in personal care assistance: bathing, grooming, mobility, meals, and companionship. They complete background checks and orientation training, with matching based on personality and availability.
Because services are non-medical, caregivers work without RN supervision. Care coordinators at the franchise level manage schedules and ensure service expectations are met.
This model works well for individuals who need consistent help with daily routines rather than medical monitoring.
The Oversight Difference
The distinction becomes critical when health needs evolve. Hospitalization, medication changes, or health decline may require medical intervention and closer monitoring. RN-supervised care makes these transitions smoother without switching providers.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
BrightStar Care Pricing
- Personal care: $34-$43 per hour
- Skilled nursing: $90-$150 per hour
Rates reflect licensed medical professionals, RN oversight, and physician-aligned care plans. Care plans are clearly outlined so families understand costs.
Insurance and coverage:
BrightStar Care accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance where applicable. Skilled nursing visits may qualify for Medicare coverage when eligibility requirements are met, reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
Visiting Angels Pricing
- Non-medical care: $26-$44 per hour
Lower rates reflect the non-medical service model focused on personal care and companionship.
Insurance and coverage:
Medicare does not cover custodial care. Families may use long-term care insurance, VA benefits, or Medicaid depending on eligibility.
Understanding True Value
Comparing hourly rates alone is misleading. Consider:
- Medical oversight capabilities
- Ability to adjust care as health needs change
- Insurance coverage potential
- Avoiding provider transitions later
Note: Rates are estimates and vary based on care requirements, visit length, and individual circumstances. Contact providers directly for accurate pricing.
Which Provider Is Right for You?
Choose BrightStar Care If:
- Your loved one has medical needs requiring licensed nursing
- Health conditions are complex or likely to change
- You want RN-created and supervised care plans
- Post-hospital recovery or chronic illness management is needed
- Insurance coverage for medical services is important
- Clinical oversight provides peace of mind
Choose Visiting Angels If:
- Care needs are stable and exclusively non-medical
- Focus is on daily routines, personal care, and companionship
- Budget constraints favor lower hourly rates
- Medical monitoring is unnecessary
- Simple, relationship-focused care is sufficient
Questions to Guide Your Decision
- Does your loved one have a medical diagnosis requiring home intervention?
- Are medications, symptoms, or recovery needs likely to change?
- Would switching providers later create disruption?
- Is professional medical oversight important for your situation?
Answer these honestly to identify which structure aligns with your actual needs.
BrightStar Care Cleveland: Medical and Personal Care Combined
BrightStar Care Cleveland delivers comprehensive home care backed by clinical expertise and national quality standards.
Founded in 2002, BrightStar Care operates 365+ locations across 39 states. As the only national home care brand with Joint Commission accreditation, quality and safety standards are consistent across all services.
The Cleveland team provides the full spectrum of care - from daily assistance to advanced medical services - allowing families to work with one provider as needs evolve. With 24/7 availability, support is always accessible.
If you're deciding between medical and non-medical care, start with a conversation. Contact BrightStar Care Cleveland to speak with a care specialist and explore a personalized care plan designed around your family's specific needs.
Making Your Decision
Choosing between BrightStar Care and Visiting Angels depends on whether your loved one needs medical support, non-medical assistance, or both.
Families managing medical conditions or recovery benefit from coordinated medical and non-medical care under one provider. Those focused exclusively on daily assistance and companionship may find non-medical care sufficient.
Prioritize safety, continuity, and appropriate clinical oversight to make a confident, long-term decision.
If you're unsure whether your situation requires medical or non-medical care, talk to BrightStar Care Cleveland. Our care specialists can discuss your concerns and create a plan that fits your family's needs.
Contact us today to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare cover home care from both providers?
Medicare covers medically necessary skilled home health services from eligible agencies but does not cover non-medical custodial care. BrightStar Care's skilled nursing services may qualify for Medicare coverage when requirements are met. Visiting Angels' services typically do not qualify because they are non-medical.
How do I know if RN oversight is necessary?
RN oversight is essential when managing complex medical conditions, post-surgical recovery, chronic illness, or situations where health status may change. If care needs are stable and exclusively related to daily living assistance, RN oversight may not be necessary.
Can families start with non-medical care and switch later if needs change?
Yes, but this requires transitioning to a new provider, adjusting to new caregivers, and reestablishing routines. Many families prefer starting with a provider that offers both medical and non-medical services to avoid future disruption.
What's the difference between personal care and skilled nursing?
Personal care involves assistance with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and meals. Skilled nursing includes medical services like medication management, wound care, vital sign monitoring, and clinical assessments that require a licensed nurse.
Which provider is better for dementia care?
Both offer dementia support, but BrightStar Care provides medical oversight for managing medications and monitoring health changes common with cognitive decline. Visiting Angels focuses on companionship and routine assistance without medical monitoring.