By Liz Waldron
Dorothy said it best when she clicked her heels three times and declared, “There is no place like home.” With the growing costs of assisted living facilities, and the desire for the senior community to stay in their home and hang on to their independence, local residents are thankful for a company such as FirstLight HomeCare.
According to AARP, 92 percent of people over the age of 65 desire to stay in their own home to continue living independently. Co-Founder of FirstLight HomeCare Janice Bayruns said, “I know it was my calling to use my personal and professional experience to help other seniors ‘age in place,’ and help other family caregivers get a break to find balance in their own lives.”
FirstLight HomeCare opened for business in October of 2013, offering non-medical in home care whenever it is needed, and wherever ‘home’ is. With approximately 25 employees, FirstLight HomeCare offers services to seniors, those recovering from illness or surgery, as well as concierge services for anyone who needs a part time personal assistant. Companion Care includes personal visits, meal preparation, shopping, errand services and up to 24 hour live in care. The Personal Care service offers hygiene and eating assistance.
Services start as low as $18 per an hour with no minimum time required. For the holidays, FirstLight HomeCare is offering a special Holiday Shopping Service which includes four hours of holiday shopping, gifts wrapped and delivered to the client’s door for only $75.
While there are location offices in both Hillsborough and Manatee Counties, the staff urges residents to reach out through the 24 hour telephone number at 677-2047 or use www.firstlighthomecare.com as the business operates within individual locations depending on the customer’s wants and needs.
“I highly urge families and caregivers to do their homework before selecting a home care agency,” Bayruns said.
Each client is met at their home to be sure the selected caregiver is a perfect fit. FirstLight HomeCare is fully licensed and insured in Florida, and encourages feedback from clients as to how to improve the overall caregiving experience.
“As an extension of your family, we provide peace of mind, reduce stress, and give back to our clients quality time to spend with their loved ones,” Bayruns said. During this Holiday Season, let FirstLight HomeCare give the gift of a lesser stressed holiday.
