POWHATAN POINT - A new senior service provider is establishing itself. Family First Senior Care, LLC will provide non-medical care to seniors on both sides of the river.
Chief Executive Officer Larry L. Bayless said they are registered in Ohio and West Virginia and are in the process of establishing themselves and obtaining references. It will operate in Hancock, Brooke, Ohio and Marshall counties in West Virginia and Columbiana, Jefferson, Belmont, Guernsey and Tuscarawas counties in Ohio. They are beginning in Belmont and Marshall counties and plan to slowly expand.
In January, they completed franchise training with The Senior's Choice out of California, covering non-medical senior care.
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Family First Senior Care, LLC will provide non-medical care to seniors on both sides of the river. It will operate in Hancock, Brooke, Ohio and Marshall counties in West Virginia and Columbiana, Jefferson, Belmont, Guernsey and Tuscarawas counties in Ohio. Attendees at the first Caregiver Training and Orientation class last month were, front row from left, Sara Smith, Connections; Brittany Carr, caregiver; Larry Bayless, owner, CEO Family First Senior Care LLC; Anne Urwin, Connections; and Beth Pollock, Connections. Back row: Ray Wright, Connections; Mike Schlanz, Connections; Craig E. Bayless, COO, Family First Senior Care LLC; Charles Denning, caregiver; and Christian McFarland, caregiver.
He added that they were motivated by the senior needs in the area after acting as caregiver for his mother-in-law.
"We thought this would be an opportunity to provide non-medical care for seniors to stay in their homes longer," he said, adding that they have been met with a welcome response. "Everybody seems to be enthusiastic."
Bayless noted that the populations of Ohio and West Virginia are about 385,000. Of these, 18 percent are 65 or older, compared to the national average of nine to10 percent.
"The need is here for senior services based on the age of the population," he said.
Bayless added that they would work around the client's schedule, providing anything from a few hours a day to all-day care. Services include meal planning and preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, incidental transportation and assistance in paying bills or organizing mail. They will also perform a home check for layout and safety issues.
They hope to employ 25-30 caregivers within three years. Bayless said they have been receiving numerous referrals through sites such as Craig's List. They have also enjoyed the resources of the Belmont County Connections office.
Bayless added that Family First has a thorough vetting process of background checks and referral checks for each caregiver applicant.
"We are seeking qualified, trained caregivers," he said, noting that Senior's Choice will also offer a certified companion aid training program for caregivers to complete. They may also go through a certified hospice program. "We pride ourselves on well-trained caregivers. We think we have a highly-qualified workforce. We're having some experienced applicants."
Bayless has a business and sales background and has worked in banking and finance.
"I think this is going to be a challenging yet rewarding field," said his son, Craig, chief operations officer, adding that he valued seniors' experience. "It's wonderful to see the changes through their eyes and hear their stories."
The Senior's Choice has about 400 members nationwide.
For more information, contact Bayless at 888-823-9035 or visit www.family1stseniorcare.com
DeFrank can be reached at rdefrank@timesleaderonline.com
