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A group of FirstLight franchisees all stand and cheer

Boyd Lowry’s Vision of Compassionate Senior Living

When Boyd Lowry left the military in 1986 after serving as a Marine, he struggled to find a career that would give him the same sense of purpose and mission. After working in several industries, Boyd realized his calling – to serve others through senior home care. In 2012, he launched FirstLight Home Care of Bergen County, part of a larger home care franchise, with the goal of enabling seniors to comfortably and safely age in place. 

Over the past decade, Boyd has grown FirstLight Bergen County into a thriving 60-employee operation that provides personalized in-home care to seniors across Bergen County. FirstLight’s licensed and insured caregivers assist with daily activities like bathing, meals, light housekeeping, and medication management. The company also offers skilled nursing, therapy services, and 24/7 care.  

A pillar of FirstLight is its ongoing commitment to education and senior wellness, with one of its key offerings, Ageless Grace, being an innovative brain fitness program consisting of simple exercises designed for seniors of all abilities. These tools aim to stimulate different brain areas to promote longevity and quality of life. 

One of Boyd’s most meaningful aging-in-place initiatives is Glen Rockin’ Seniors, run in collaboration with the Borough of Glen Rock. This member group organizes interactive activities and social opportunities tailored for older adults to combat isolation. 

In one session, Boyd brought in PBS “Legacy List” host Matt Paxton to facilitate storytelling around members’ treasured heirlooms. As the 12 attendees proudly presented special objects from their past before the crowd, conversation flowed naturally about important life memories.

Boyd also gives talks on pressing senior issues. He emphasizes that caregivers must receive proper training and self-care in order to best help their patients and also advocates for planning ahead not just financially, but emotionally – having difficult conversations with aging loved ones before health crises emerge is key. 

When asked about his organization’s success, Boyd shines the spotlight back on his employees and clients. “Every person on our team genuinely exudes passion for improving seniors’ quality of life,” he explains. “Seeing that motivation to serve our aging generation with excellence – that’s true success to me.”

At the heart of Boyd’s mission is a desire to give back to those who paved the way for his generation. He feels privileged to hear clients’ stories and be part of their final memories. Though running FirstLight keeps him busy, Boyd always makes time for community service. He is active locally with the Chamber of Commerce, his church, veterans’ groups, and various networking clubs. 

The home care industry’s demanding nature makes standing out from competitors an ongoing challenge. But Boyd measures success not in dollars, but in the smiles and thanks he receives from satisfied customers. Their heartfelt praise and referrals drive him to keep reaching higher. When asked about rewards, Boyd answers simply, “To give back to seniors, help them live at home comfortably…that’s what’s important.”