For those who know me now, through YELP, you don't know about most of my former lives (well, that's…read morea relief, in some respects!). In one of them, I was involved with the conception and development of an upscale assisted living residence, and became quite knowledgeable in the arenas of care planning, client advocacy, and all the components which comprise assisted living. This review is of a company (TLC Social Services), and is focused on its CEO and principle, PEARLINE THOMAS. My cousin Edythe was hooked up with Pearline Thomas and TLC somehow - I'm not really sure, and for about 4 months, whenever I would speak with Edythe, she would say "I am seeing my social worker today", or "Pearline said I should do this, or that", and I would listen, and think "well, I really should meet this Pearline one day". My initial encounters with Pearline was telephonically, when she introduced herself and explained what she was attempting to do for Edythe - and I learned, they were some of the very same things I as attempting to do. Basic issues dealing with ADL (activities of Daily Living) for a 90 year old woman who, because of her exceedingly strong sense of independence, would engage in activities which placed her at risk. And what do I mean? Like getting on a city bus to go shopping, taking her walker with her, and pulling herself up the front steps of the bus, hoping that she would not fall down, walking around Publix, pushing the wagon, and buying just enough groceries that she could fit into the front of the walker, and taking the same City bus home to Kings Point. Or going to all of her endless medical appointments, using a van provided by Mae Volin Services, or relying on the not so good will of neighbors, as opposed to taking a taxi ("why should I pay $10 when I can go for free?"), or sometimes even WALKING to appointments. And of course, Edythe was exhausted almost everyday. Think how you would feel schlepping around Delray Beach, with a walker, in 90 degree heat and humidity, using public transportation, and dealing with the crazies out there? I soon learned that Pearline was working her social-worker magic on Edythe, essentially counseling her that while she could remain at home, independent, but she really needed an aide to spend about 12 hours a week with her, on various days, to help her shop, go to medical appointments, and yes, even go to the movies and go out to eat lunch or dinner afterwards. Pearline was concerned, rightfully so, that Edythe would take a fall on one of those busses, fracture her hip, and that would be the start of her decline to a life of no independence at all. I arranged to meet Pearline in person after numerous phone calls, and met a delightful Caribbean-nation woman, of mild temperament and patience of a saint (I guess saints are patient?). I grilled her on her pedigree, as I am known to do, learned she had her MSW from Barry University, her BS from FAU, and had been actively engaged in elder care assessments, benefits assistance, client advocacy, care planning, legal and financial coordination, for about 9 years. I was impressed, and I do not impress easily or lightly. Impressed not so much with credentials and degrees, as we can all acquire them, but with her genuine concern for Edythe, and her never-ending desire to steer Edythe into a safer lifestyle. She gave her a lot of time, not just the 45 minute meetings that were billable to Medicare, but endless phone conversations and consults, and she certainly engaged me telephonically on numerous occasions as she was driving from one appointment to the next. Have an elderly relative in South Florida in need of an independent, caring, patient, knowledgeable, sensitive social worker? Consult with TLC Social Services, work with Pearline, and your life and life of your loved one will be that much richer. And then you can go out to dinners and lunches and Yelp all those pics of food and people being Yelpy, and share your life on-line, and maybe even show those pics to that 90 year old man or woman who will appreciate that you hooked them up with a social worker...

Senior Care Planning was recommended to me and it was everything I was told it would be as it…read morerelates to seeking guidance on the best care for my Mother. Marlene Lieberman is a great, patient listener. Her experience, compassion and calm approach were immediately evident. She does this service because she Loves It. Ms Lieberman understands the challenges and obstacles in seeking care for an elderly Loved One and was there every step of the way, and made herself available when she was needed most. My Mother and I were in the best hands possible and You will be too.

I highly recommend Marlene Lieberman! She goes over and above to help! It's nice to have somebody…read morelike her on your side to help navigate the unknown scenarios. Who knew helping a loved one could be so complicated. Thank you again

Some of the nicest people I've ever had the pleasure to meet. With some of the sweetest caregivers…read more Someone is always there to answer the phone even on weekends. If you any kind of helping hand with grandparents or kids please call them

My mother lives with dignity in her own home in the Boynton Beach area with the assistance of…read moreSynergy Home Care. For the past five years, the Synergy aides have shown up on time and have assisted her with a smile. As she has been infirmed with a terminal lung disease, the choice to live in her own home has been made easier with home care aides that show up on a daily basis. This service has proven invaluable to her children, as we know she is in good care. The owner Mr. Vish Rajan was in touch by telephone, text and email ~ his communication was extremely helpful as we live out of state. Each and every aide walked through the door with a smile and eager to assist.

Alex helped locate placement for my mom. He is very knowledgeable on a deep level of these…read morefacilities, not just type of facility best suited for mom's condition, but even the special licensing that different facilities carry in the same category. He has placed many many clients successfully. This is a huge decision and it's reassuring to know that there is someone staying on top of the numerous offerings out there and who is super accessible and communicates well. I won't hesitate to call him if I need placement help again.

Our family was referred to Alex by a trusted counselor who assisted me with transitioning my wife…read more Alex was very responsive in helping us locate a caregiver who could professionally evaluate a family members situation and help Alex give him our requirements. Alex then immediately gave us three excellent suggestions for visiting and accompanying us on the tours. He then assisted personally with the transition. After the transition he helped in finding an Adult Daily Living agency to provide the daily care. Overall our family would strongly recommend Alex for his personal experience and excellent resources.

I attended and completed a zoom call moments ago with Eileen Maastricht /Maastricht Law Offices…read morewhich covered many topics, will, probate, revocable living trust, contrast of both, ladybird, DPOA. It was comprehensive and she made it easy to understand. She sent a very detailed attachment that helped in following her, and she provided space for me to jot notes and/or questions. I've been on many of these and have another 3 scheduled. I was extremely impressed with her presentation and more importantly the scope of the topic and her thorough knowledge that she shared with us. This is important to understand and more importantly, getting the proper guidance. She was able to answer questions with a detailed response. Of all the ones I have attended, this is by far the BEST presentation, easy to understand and I when it was over I dropped the zoom and immediately called to set up an appointment. I am looking forward to my appointment where I can discuss my unique situation and I feel confidant that she will be the one I hire.

Excellent Attorney, the best out in her field of expertise! She assisted me and my Dad at a tough…read moretime in our lives. He was in Haiti and suffered a massive stroke and by the time we made it to Florida he was deemed physically incapacitated. With no guidance or experience with dealing with this sort of situation, she came through! Her knowledge and Professionalism with respect to Elder care and Probate laws helped us immensely in attaining his Medicaid approval. I am so happy we were able to retained her services.

Marina and her crew of care givers have done an excellent job with my disabled friend in West Palm…read moreBeach. They reliably show up when they are expected, are very attentive and patient, and consistently provide excellent care for all the things he needs!

My sisters and I recently found ourselves in the unenviable position of needing to find a Home…read moreHealthcare provider for our mom. I'm so sorry you're in this spot. But I hope that when you read this it will help you to make the call to bring what will shortly feel like extended family into your home. I still remember the angst my wife and I felt when it was time to go back to work and we needed to hire a nanny. Who's going to love and take care of my child as I would. This is what we all felt going through search for the right people and we knew as soon as we met Marina we'd found the right place. Even though she was going on a big trip the very next day, she come over and sat with my mom and I. She wanted to get to know my mom, and learn what was happening with her health. She wanted make sure she had the right person on her team, who had the necessary tools to assist my mom where she needed it, but also give her the space she desired when she wanted it. Marina's team understands the word dignity. And they understand empathy. They realize that many times when they are called this may be the first time someone may have the need to have home care. The search for the right team is hard work. But Marina's team also understands the stress, fear, perhaps even anger felt by the person who needs assistance. This is a loss of freedom and control that for some, can be very difficult. It can bring emotions to light that are unexpected. The experience Marina's team brings in situations such as these reminds you that you have hired not only someone who can be there when your mom is hungry and can make her a home cooked meal, but a professional who has been there before and can help to ease those situations where there's someone who may be scared or perhaps dealing with a sense of a loss of control. Whoever does the intake will get ALL the details! What they like to eat what they don't. When they like to rest and when they are most active. What's the med schedule? Is there an exercise program? Are there therapists coming in for PT, or Occupational therapy. Once ALL of the details are understood a schedule is made and before you know it, you and your loved one will be meeting your new new caregiver. My mom was with a wonderful woman who ultimately became her right hand. She was an absolute professional who charmed my mom as well as my sisters and I. We felt lucky to have her in all of our lives. We could be with my mom whenever we wanted. There was no feeling of awkwardness or anything like that. And the amazing part, was when it was time to leave, we didn't have to worry. We new our mom was in the best possible position with that someone who we knew truly cared about our mom and her well-being. You know you've been in that spot when no one answers and the panic starts immediately?? And if we had any questions or concerns we could give my mom's caregiver a call and she'd be there to answer the phone. That alone...I know you get it. As a post script I'll also include a brief note concerning our insurance coverage. Assisting Hands did a great job of making this part easy for us. For the majority of the time they were with my mom the insurance company was fair and provided the coverage that my mom needed. However there was a very unexpected change that occurred in coverage at one point. The kind of change that makes most of us hate insurance companies....The details are unnecessary, but I want you to know that Marina and her team were staunch supporters of ours throughout the struggles we had with the carrier and we were reminded once again of the true partnership we knew we had with Assisting Hands.