When you hear the phrase “home care” you likely imagine elderly adults wanting to maintain independence and stay in their homes. And, you’d be right. Much of the work done by Olympia’s FirstLight Home Care involves assisting aging clients with daily living. Home caregivers can do many of the non-medical tasks that become too much for many adults in their later years, and at a cost well below a full-time care facility.
But, FirstLight Home Care can be a life saver for many people who are not elderly, yet may have a circumstance or condition limiting their abilities to care for themselves or their family members. These circumstances are often temporary yet can impact an entire family when someone is out of commission.
“Some people have the misperception that home care is a permanent thing, when in fact it can be utilized for temporary conditions and short-term situations,” shares owner Greg Lane.
For any age, home care falls into two categories: companion care and personal care. Personal care is includes tasks like bathing, grooming, and using the bathroom. Companion care is more hands-off and includes laundry, light housekeeping, meal prep, errands or transportation to appointments.
Owner Sarah Lane says most people are surprised when they discover the variety of FirstLight’s services and by how flexible and accommodating they can be when tailoring care for individual needs.
Maternity Care/Mother’s Helper
Having a baby can change everything, but for some, changes come even before the baby is born when mom is put on bed-rest. The inability to run errands, prepare meals, do laundry, and in some cases, drive, can create major problems for moms-to-be and their families. FirstLight Home Care can lend a hand with the many household tasks that crop up when mom is out of commission.
And, after a new baby arrives, new moms often need help as they adjust to the “new normal.” For those who may live far from family, who have medical complications after the birth, or just need a helping hand, a home care provider can be a lifesaver.
Post-Surgical Care
Many surgeries include significant recovery periods, often with mobility limitation. FirstLight can help during the recovery period. Rotator cuff surgery or joint replacements, for example, limit your ability to bathe and dress long after your procedure. In addition, the many follow-up appointments required post-surgery, when many patients aren’t ready to drive can be difficult to arrange transportation to. FirstLight caregivers can give you a lift for a surprisingly low cost.
Basic hygiene help can also be a life-saver post-surgery. “Most care agencies have a minimum time of two to three hours,” shares Lane. “But something we offer, that is fairly rare, is a 1 hour bath visit. Sometimes clients are recovering from surgery and they just need help with a shower and that’s all they need. We aren’t going to make them have us in their home for three hours.”
Medical Procedure Transport and Care
You or a family member may not need home care on a daily basis, but may require help on days when medical procedures are scheduled and a driver and post-procedure care is needed. From periodic appointments like colonoscopies to regularly scheduled appointments such as dialysis or chemotherapy, FirstLight Home Care can provide a caregiver to transport you to and from your appointment safely and on time.
In addition, caregivers can help you into your home, get you settled in bed or on the couch, and either make a meal or ensure there are things close by – water, food, television remote – for when you begin to feel better.
Respite and Vacation Care
When you are the primary caregiver for an aging or disabled adult in your life, sometimes you just need a break. FirstLight Home Care offers that break in the form of respite care. Whether you are planning a family vacation or just need a day or two away, FirstLight caregivers can provide safe and nurturing care, putting your mind at ease while you are away.
Many families want to include loved ones on family trips, but are worried about their care requirements. FirstLight caregivers can serve as travel companions, joining the family to ensure everyone enjoys the trip and no one is left in the care role, missing out on the fun.
Disabled Young Adult Care
When you have a disabled child, you care for them, without breaks many times, for all their childhood years. But, as they inch towards adulthood, some of the care tasks may need to transition to an outside caregiver. For anyone over the age of 18, FirstLight Home Care can provide any of their companion or personal care services. While it may be hard for parents to let go, FirstLight’s compassionate and highly trained caregivers can help ease the transition to more independence from parents.
FirstLight Home Care fills so many needs in the South Sound community. Services extending far beyond caring for elderly patients are available to help anyone in need of help in their home. Not sure if your situation fits for home care? Simply call Sarah and Greg Lane at FirstLight Home Care and talk about your needs. You’ll be met with knowledge, compassion, and creative options to help your unique situation.
To learn more, visit FirstLight Home Care online or call them at 360-489-1621.
