PUBLISHED JUNE 23, 2016
Longtime caregiver turns experience into thriving business
By LOIS KINDLE
Janice Bayruns took care of her father for 19 years after he had a massive stroke in 1996. That experience motivated her to start a business that offers caregiving options to families with loved ones in the same situation.
“As my dad’s primary caregiver, I realized what a taxing and stressful role it is,” said Bayruns, 54. “I also realized I couldn’t do it alone and needed to reach out for help and resources.”
So she hired some private-duty caregiving companies to assist her and learned what she liked and didn’t like about each of them.
That’s when she decided to open a First Light Home Care franchise in Hillsborough and Manatee counties. The Cincinnati-based organization has about 150 franchisees around the country.
“I looked at all the franchises out there and liked its owners’ core values, which focus on clients, caregivers and quality of care,” said Bayruns, an Apollo Beach resident. “I wanted to provide the highest level of customer service so that clients could enjoy aging in place, while maintaining their independence.
“I know the importance of achieving a personal and work-life balance, and caregiving adds yet another full-time job to the mix,” she added. “I’m passionate about helping people find that balance, but they definitely need help with the caregiving.”
First Light Home Care, locally based at 10035 Water Works Lane in Riverview, has three business partners: Bayruns and FishHawk residents Rich and Michelle Kase.
“Michelle is our registered nurse and clinical advisor, Rich oversees our financial matters and I handle operations and marketing,” Bayruns said.
Last October the company celebrated its second anniversary and went from zero to 60 employees during that time, Bayruns said. They include administrative staff, licensed home-health aides, certified nursing assistants and homemaker companions.
One of its employees, 28-year-old DeShawn Joiner, received the parent company’s Caregiver of the Year Award in April. He and Beth Bourgault, of Lynn, Mass., tied in the voting and were co-recipients chosen from a field of 2,000. The two were flown to First Light Home Care’s national conference in Phoenix and treated to VIP treatment throughout the entire event.
“We’re so proud of him,” Bayruns said. “DeShawn is the gentlest, most wonderful young man. Because he’s so patient and kind, he works with some of our most difficult dementia clients.”
It’s all part of the job to Joiner, who has been a caregiver for eight years.
“I like developing relationships with people and being able to help the elderly,” he said. “I know one day I’m going to be there, and I hope I can receive the same care I’m giving.”
Joiner was surprised and grateful to receive the award.
“This is the best company I’ve ever worked for,” he said. “Everyone is so genuine. There’s lots of communication and support from the office, and they accommodate my schedule. It’s a blessing to work here.”
First Light Home Care provides private-duty, nonmedical care in the home, assisted living facility or any setting where the client resides. It also offers respite support service for family caregivers.
Its companion care includes services like meal prep, light housekeeping and laundry, round-the-clock care, recreational activities, shopping and more. Personal care services include assistance with bathing and dressing, walking and mobility, oral hygiene, continence and toilet care and eating.
Charges start at $19 per hour and are based on the type of care and number of hours involved (from one hour to 24/7, year round).
“What sets us apart is that we maintain a higher level of communication with and supervision of our staff members, who are employees as opposed to independent contractors,” Bayruns said. “They receive Level 2 background checks; driving reference and arrest record checks; personality and drug testing; skills assessment and a lengthy orientation. Everyone is licensed, bonded and insured. We match our caregivers to clients, and we take care of both.
“Some companies do some of these things, but few do them all,” Bayruns said. “Our company motto is ‘extraordinary people, exceptional care.’ From the top down, every one of our staff members exemplifies that vision.”
For additional information, call (813) 677-2047 or visit www.firstlighthomecare.com.