People Caring for People

Where family is always first

By Jillian Chandler

Photo Courtesy Family First

"At the end of the day people won't remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou

A small setting offering unmatched high-end care, at Family First Adult Family Homes, owners Chris and Julie Thomson have an unwavering commitment to all who come through their doors. Caring for people is behind every action, and the work they do stems from a place of love, empathy and experience.

For the past 21 years, their purpose has been to enhance the quality of life for their residents while striving to give family members the ability to spend quality time with their loved one without the stress of caregiving. The Thomsons strive to make the last few years, months, weeks and days for those in their care as good as they can possibly be.

Family First consists of six adult family homes in the Gig Harbor area; each home designed specifically with the intention to offer specialized personal 24-hour care. Each home is state licensed to care for up to six people. Some of the medical needs they specialize in are dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson's, stroke, diabetes, special diets and hospice care. Those who reside at Family First have their medical and social needs met by qualified staff members including a visiting physician, RN, CNAs, activity director, resident care manager, administrative staff and hands-on owners.

Chris’ experience as a medic in the Navy and working as an assistant in geriatric physical therapy would shape and provide training for work in caretaking—long before the idea ever crossed his mind. His unique training, combined with personal experiences he encountered with his own aging family members, led to the realization of the gaping need for quality care for the aging. His response? To fill the gap. The result was Family First Adult Family Homes.

Julie puts her effort in managing the operations, including staff and communication as needed for each resident. This allows Chris to invest his time where it matters most—the people. The staff is essential to Family First homes, and Julie has worked tirelessly to create a unified network of relationships between the staff, management, doctors, residents and the public. “The support of our family, community and dedicated staff has allowed us to continue to survive and thrive in this ever-changing and challenging industry,” she says.

Family First is not a job for the Thomsons—it is their life. Each day they are listening to the needs and worries, fears and joys of those who’ve been entrusted in their care.

During these past several months, Chris, Julie and their Family First team continue to provide a small, safe setting for their residents. They continuously stay up to date on all the current regulations, implementing extensive precautions while still maintaining balance to keep their residents engaged and connected with their loved ones. They are grateful that their homes have remained COVID-free.

The Thomsons are passionate about those they care for in their homes as well as their community as a whole. Chris is the chairman of the board at the Chamber of Commerce, while Julie sits on the board of two different nonprofits, the Alliance of Woman Owned Business and Aging Smart (a nonprofit providing education and resources on aging wisely).

For those seeking a home away from home for their loved one, a place in which their final time will be lived to the fullest, surrounded by a compassionate team, Julie and Chris invite you to call and schedule a tour. If you or someone you know is in need of their services, don’t hesitate to reach out. They are offering virtual tours and outdoor window tours; masks are required.

Family First Adult Family Homes

4700 Point Fosdick Drive, Suite 312

Gig Harbor, Washington 98335

253.853.2033

julie@familyfirstafh.com

FamilyFirstAFH.com