In our new series, Q&A on Care with Wendy, our Executive Director and Co-Owner Wendy Adlerstein answers frequently asked questions about FirstLight Home Care of West Suburban Boston and FirstLight Home Care of Boston-Back Bay services. Read weekly to learn what makes our services unique, gain a better understanding of home care in general, and walk away with some questions to add to your list if you are looking for services.
Before we get into the first question, “What kind of services do you provide?”, let’s meet Wendy and find out why she is the most qualified to review questions about our services.
Wendy Adlerstein, LSW is an expert on aging and home care with over 25 years of experience helping seniors and their families navigate these difficult decisions. As owner and Executive Director of FirstLight Home Care of West Suburban Boston and Boston-Back Bay, she consults with families daily about how to best care for their loved ones. Wendy is a compassionate aging care leader who has dedicated her career to finding the right solutions for families and improving their quality of life. She holds a B.A. from Clark University, in Psychology with a concentration in Sociology and Human Services. In addition to her Massachusetts License in Social Work, Wendy holds a Certificate in Gerontology from the Worcester Consortium Gerontology Program. She is a member of the Aging Life Care Association (ALCA), formerly the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers. Lastly, Wendy is a Certified Dementia Practitioner® (CDP) in good standing from the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners. Wendy is a long-time resident of Wellesley.
Q: What kind of services do you provide?
A: We provide non-medical care services to people in their homes, which can look different from person to person. The setting of care can take place wherever a loved one calls home, be it a temporary stay in rehab, an assisted living facility, or their home of 30+ years where they raised a family. Our care covers everything from friendly conversation to help with basic household tasks and individual personal care needs like bathing and personal hygiene. We are also able to assist with safety supervision, dementia care, hospice care, repositioning and transfers. Our carefully screened caregivers are matched to provide anywhere from a partial day to a 24-hour day or even live-in assistance. FirstLight caregivers help with daily tasks and activities that may become difficult for your loved one to manage as they age.
Learn the differences between Personal Care, Companion Care, and Dementia Care. Or what is often called Respite Care which can involve elements of all three areas.