50+ Lifestyles

Lighthouse Homecare Business Profile

Three years ago, Kirsten Adams became CEO and owner of Lighthouse Homecare. Originally founded in 1999, Lighthouse Homecare has been assisting individuals and families in the Quad- Cities to stay together in their home as long as possible with a safety net. Studies indicate that the first choice of placement for almost all of us is in our homes. That is where we are most comfortable and where we are likely to be the happiest.

“When my husband Dan and I acquired Lighthouse Homecare, our first order of business was to develop guiding principals that continue our deep rooted service to the community and also to reflect the way we wanted to run our family business,” said Kirsten.

Kirsten Adams, CEO & Owner, Lighthouse Homecare

“In addition to our guiding principals, we put together our mission statement to live and serve by. Our mission statement is: We want to be the premier Iowa and Illinois home-care agency dedicated to and recognized for our passion and  commitment to serve and assist our clients toward a better quality of life and well being of others.”

Kirsten and Dan are passionate about having the best possible experience for their customers. For both of them, care for the elderly is extremely personal. Kirsten’s grandmother, who is 95, lives on her own and behind her parents in Powell, Wyoming.

“Although my grandmother is moving slower these days, I cannot imagine someone taking care of her who doesn’t care about her well being as much as I and my parents do,” Kirsten said. Dan’s grandparents have lived in the same home for nearly 58 years and are 91 and 94. His grandparents have in-home care at this time. “The hardest thing for his grandpa to do was to let someone into their home,” said Kirsten. “However, at the end of the day, we were able to help provide his parents with valuable information about the homecare industry and the importance of this service with today’s aging population.”

Lighthouse Homecare’s Guiding Principals

• Recognize that the employees and caregivers are the cornerstone of our company and are essential to the realization of the Mission Statement above.
• Provide home and facilities with caregivers who are ethical and honest and who commit to providing consistent quality care that CONSISTENTLY exceeds customer expectations.
• Commit to a continual training program that promotes growth development and continuous learning.
• Promote a cohesive, supportive, trusting and professional work environment.
• Employees should feel valued and rewarded for contributions and commitment.
• Respect and value each other as unique individuals and commit to open and honest communication.
• Treat our valued customers and their family members, friends and associates with the utmost dignity and respect.
• Commit to continual improvement of internal processes and systems to better serve our employees and customers.

Like most homecare businesses, employees fluctuate with the amount of care. Lighthouse Homecare currently employs about 45-75 nurses, CNA’s and LPN’s in the area. All are trained professionals who are licensed and backgrounds are fully vetted. These valuable employees are available on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days of the year. All caregivers have been trained to document and journal all care requirements and needs, as well as chart the client’s progress for future physician or caregiver reference. Upon request, they offer bilingual services, interpretation for the deaf, male companionship for sports, travel, or any other need that another male client may require.

Lighthouse Homecare offers both short-term and long-term care, depending upon each individual needs. Services include up to 24-hour care, nurse on call, post hospital care, companionship, Alzheimer and dementia care, meal preparation and much more. Each client receives a free consultation and an appropriate care plan is developed, depending on each individual case.

Early on, Kirsten realized they needed a top notch administrator who shared equal passion of care for individuals and someone who can be capable to run the day-to-day operations. In 2009, Kirsten and Dan hired Cynthia Bostic, a local native to the area, as the administrator. Cynthia began her career with geriatrics at the age of 17. She completed her Health Care Administration Degree in 1982. She is a licensed Nursing Home Administrator in the state of Colorado and Iowa. Her passion for the Long Term Care Facilities spanned over two decades. Her unique facilities and experience allowed her time to serve on many Department of Health Committees while employed by the state of Colorado.

Cynthia Bostic & Jen Hughes Lighthouse Homecare, Quad-Cities

Cynthia returned to the Quad-Cities to care for her parents and grandparents she enjoyed expanding the Hospice Mission with Heartland Hospice in both the Quad-Cities and Dubuque. Cynthia brought Jen Hughes to Lighthouse Homecare as the Office Manager. Jen knows local business, as her father owns Mike’s Automotive in East Moline. She grew up being taught the value of customer service. She knows the value of doing what it takes to please the customer. Together,  they touch almost every aspect of our customers’ lives. Scheduling hospital appointments, matching personalities of caregivers and customers, creating meal plans, working with long-term insurance companies and being on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week is only a small part of what they do.

For Kirsten, Cynthia and Jen, In-Home Care involves managing network of service providers (Caregivers, CNA’s, LPN’s and Nurse’s) who deliver personal care and maintenance right to the home or to the facility. These service providers handle routine tasks including light housekeeping, meal preparation, errand running, mail sorting and a whole lot more. If desired, they can also provide assistance with personal care. Besides the elderly, In-Home Care is a wonderful service for new mothers and those with a short-term disability or illness. If you are wondering if In-Home Care is right for you, consider these four topics.

Lighthouse Homecare is convenient. They work with you to develop schedules is personalized for you or your loved ones to meet your exact needs as well as your schedule.

Lighthouse Homecare is comfortable. You are able to live independently, in your familiar surroundings. We give you companionship and there is something comfortable about being in your own home. They also offer additional services like medical alert systems and handyman services. They even have an on-staff beautician.

Lighthouse Homecare is cost-effective. You get real value when you higher an in-home care provider. You have someone who you can rely on to handle all the tedious tasks involved with living on your own or your loved ones. You won’t need additional errand service, personal chef, housekeeper or someone to help you get to appointments or out and about.

Lighthouse Homecare is secure. They are a reputable company who has been serving the Quad-City area since 1999.We are insured, licensed and bonded. That’s the best way you have of protecting yourself and your home.

Lighthouse Homecare is peace of mind. If you’re mother or father is in need, they will take care of them as if they were their own family. Oftentimes children live in different cities and they have many clients who utilize their services from afar. As a family member, you are updated regularly on the wellbeing  of your loved one. That alone is worth this valuable service.

In short, if you still don’t believe that homecare can help you, consider what these current clients say about their services.

“I’d like to thank you for the care that Lighthouse Homecare has provided for my mother. The assistance provided her by Lighthouse Homecare is key to making that possible. Thanks again for the responsive and compassionate care that you have provided for her.”

– Kevin Magnuson

“Lighthouse Homecare encourages each client to describe their needs – and then provides the means to meet those needs. My mother and I cannot say enough wonderful things about this fabulous organization, as the peace of mind they have provided my family is priceless.”

– Lynette Thompson