Watching those we love go through the natural process of aging is not easy. A mom, dad, or grandparent who was once our caregiver, nurturer, and in many cases, a best friend, who can no longer care for their own needs is a part of life we tend to be least prepared for. It seems to come all too quickly along with many questions. Should they be alone all day and all night? Should they still be driving? Are they safe going up and down stairs? Will they remember to take their medicine? Allowing an aging family member to stay in their own home for as long as possible is certainly desirable, but not always easily accomplished. This is where FirstLight HomeCare in Chardon can be most helpful!
Annette Smith, owner of FirstLight, felt strongly about keeping our elderly community safe while they age or are bound to their homes. “People choose FirstLight HomeCare of Chardon because they are looking for a quality solution for their home care needs from a company that seeks out an exceptional caregiver team,” she shares.
Founded in 2009, FirstLight HomeCare was designed by senior care industry professionals to be a completely new approach to high-quality, in-home care. The company offers customized caregiving services for seniors, people with disabilities or anyone who needs some added assistance. Over the past couple years, FirstLight HomeCare has been growing rapidly through franchise partnerships and currently operates locations in 23 states across the U.S. FirstLight HomeCare is raising the bar, creating a new standard for non-medical, in home care services.
Annette found FirstLight to be very much in line with her own philosophy regarding aging, so in April of 2011 became a FirstLight partner. ‘Caring people helping those who need care’ would be a good way to describe her Chardon FirstLight business. “I wanted to employ people who choose a career offering rewards beyond that of a paycheck, providing both client and employee a sense of purpose in their day and fulfillment in their life.”
Services Offered
Sometimes it is best to bring Grandma into your own home now that she is 86 and can no longer care for all her own needs. That can be a tough transition. Annette offers free in home assessments for just such cases. “Free in home assessments are a must! We can check for home safety and provide a fall risk assessment on the client in question. Also, we can talk to Grandma about moving to a new environment and what this means to her, giving Grandma some control over the situation and help her to see she will not lose total control of her life.”
Perhaps you are currently caring for an aging loved one with dementia or Alzheimer disease. “We can provide housekeeping, meal prep, transportation to appointments, bathing, companionship, and activities to promote wellness for these clients,” says Annette, who finds these services to be the most frequently requested.
Whether you are seeking respite care for just a few hours a week or full time day care for one who has severe dementia or Alzheimer disease, Annette’s process is thorough and focused. “The first step in the process is the initial conversation. We listen to our clients and focus on their story, getting to know them and understand the concerns of everyone involved, including those family members or friends who have been helping with their care. After that interview, it’s time to go back to the office and not only create a match based on skill need and location, but also find what personality type will flow best with the family involved. The match is personal and discussed with the caregiver team, making sure that the caregivers understand and approve the situation they will be working in. We try to prepare as much upfront before making the introduction to ensure success on every level.”
Aging is not an option.
But there ARE options for making the process less stressful for all involved. Annette Smith of Chardon FirstLight HomeCare will provide compassionate quality care. Give her a call for a free assessment. For our readers, she is offering two hours of free service for signing on with them for four or more hours per week. Just mention this article.
Long term care insurance can cover in home care, as well as the Aid and Attendance Pension plan provided to any veteran who served 90 days or more during wartime. The Geauga County Department on Aging also provides two hours of service per week for seniors in the county, and FirstLight actively participates in that bid.
FirstLight HomeCare of Chardon
440-286-1342
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