Family First Adult Family Homes: 25 years committed to residents and their families By Julie Reed | Photo by In-Gear Media For nearly a quarter of a century, Family First has been providing care for our elderly community in Gig Harbor. Owners Chris and Julie Thomson started their journey long ago to ensure the safety and security of their grandmothers, who needed care. There was no place to be found that fit the description of what they were looking for.
The Thomsons built their now six homes, one by one, with a maximum of six residents per home to “ensure our standard of being committed to providing professional, compassionate assistance in a safe and nurturing environment, ensuring a life of dignity and independence for the seniors in our community,” Chris says.
“It is about fulfilling the needs of our residents and giving them options and helping families in a difficult situation,” affirms Julie. “Quality of care means so much to Chris and me, and we are so honored to be a part of this process with the families and their loved ones. Safety, security and helping our residents maintain freedom to make choices matter, and that is what we provide for our elder community.”
There are many options for care, but Family First Adult Family Homes has garnered the reputation for being the most valued resource in the community—and trust is one of them. After 25 years, Family First has longevity and experience on its side.
By offering a warm and safe environment in their nature settings, the caregivers and medical team provide all levels of care with 24-hour personal care. The layers of support from caregiver to house manager, to resident care and quality assurance staff, to their medical director, activities director (who caters entertaining activities according to household preferences), home cooked meals and transportation services, families are assured of the quality of care and comfort your loved one deserves.
Family First is a small home setting you will not find in a nursing home or corporate owned facility. Family First offers Memory support, Dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s care, Stroke care, Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy, medication management, Diabetic care and Hospice care. Family First also has hair services, a dentist and podiatrist that make home visits so residents can maintain their health and well-being in the comfort of their home. Another benefit to Family First is that the fees are not uncapped, which is significant considering the costs do not increase as the care needs evolve.
Respite care is another important feature Family First offers. This is a short-term stay so loved ones who may be current caregivers can have a break and rest from the daily demands of caring and guardianship.
There is a high need for a model like this for our beloved elderly community, and Family First is honored to be able to fill this void. “We have started to care for second generations now, and the families remain close to our hearts as we build relationships with their grandparents and parents,” Julie says. “’Family is always First,’ not just a business slogan, but words we live by in our everyday lives.” It is apparent when you tour or visit, you will receive the same warm, welcoming and respectful manner from the caregivers that Chris and Julie exemplify.
Upon moving in, families of loved ones feel that choosing Family First was the right decision, especially after they observe the care and attention to detail the caregivers provide. Family First’s advantage is the longevity of their caregivers, which provides stability and less confusion with residents who find comfort with seeing the same faces every day. This level of expertise and knowledge is unmatched in the realm of elder care, which makes Family First really stand out. The ratio of caregiver to resident is above standard, and Family First prides itself on the commitment that they treat people like people, not a number. “We search for passionate people that share our same commitment to impacting people in a positive way,” shares Chris.
How does a family member determine what is the right living situation for their aging relative? You may see signs of decline where someone is no longer safe living independently, has not been able to drive safely, cook meals, remember to take medications, has confusion with timelines, or who has had a series of falls. Family First is that “next step” when a person is not safe behind closed doors.
In the times when families face these challenging decisions, Family First stands as a symbol of trust and compassion. With a legacy of 25 years, Chris and Julie Thomson have helped to create an environment that not only cares but understands. At Family First, the essence of family extends beyond its name; it is their commitment, a promise that has resonated through generations in Gig Harbor. Family First Adult Family Homes 4700 Point Fosdick Drive, Suite 312 Gig Harbor, Washington 253.853.2033 Julie@familyfirstafh.com FamilyFirstAFH.com
It's heartwarming to see establishments offering such a sanctuary for seniors. Quality care for our elders is paramount, and it reminds me of the dedication and compassion I've seen in hospice care settings. Both emphasize the importance of dignity, love, and understanding during the most vulnerable phases of life.