FirstLight Home Care of Carlsbad

Pros

• FirstLight Home Care delivers personalized, compassionate attention to every client.
• Matt August, the owner, is responsive, knowledgeable, and deeply involved in care.
• Caregivers are incredibly kind, professional, and consistently go above and beyond.
• The team assists with meals, medications, errands, and appointments, easing recovery and daily life.
• They respond quickly to urgent needs and can arrange care on short notice.
• Marisa, the care coordinator, is responsive and supports smooth scheduling.
• Clients feel well cared for and treated like family by the caregivers.
• The service earns trust and glowing recommendations from seniors and housing operators.
• Staff members, such as Melissa, are regarded as treasures who provide patient, gentle care.
• The company maintains open communication, shares daily notes, and keeps families informed.

Cons

Review

FirstLight Home Care of Carlsbad and Encinitas consistently earns raves for more than just the basics of home care. Clients describe Matt August, the owner and manager, as a standout leader - fantastic, knowledgeable, and incredibly responsive from the very first inquiry. His positive energy and hands-on approach come through in each interaction, whether he's answering questions for the family or checking in after a caregiver has been provided. Alongside Matt, staff members like Jessica and Crystal are celebrated for their kindness and willingness to go the extra mile, making families feel heard, supported, and confident in the care their loved ones are receiving.

A central theme across the reviews is the level of personal attention that families experience. From the first meeting with Marisa, the care coordinator, to ongoing personal checks and visits by the owner himself, families sense that "care" is not a slogan but a practiced philosophy. The caregiver assigned to a parent, Brenda, quickly becomes more than a provider - she becomes a friendly, familiar presence in the home who understands and accommodates the elder's likes and dislikes. This seamless blend of professional expertise and genuine warmth helps create a sense of ease and trust for both the patient and their family.

Professional excellence and reliability are highlighted by a respected elder-care leader who has spent decades observing the field. Sue Farrow, founder of Integral Senior Living/Solstice Senior Living, notes that in her 50 years in the business she has seen good home care and not-so-good home care - but FirstLight delivers a great experience. Every caregiver Matt sends is described as stellar, with Melissa singled out for truly going above and beyond. The continuity and consistency of care give families the reassurance they need during healing or recovery, and even when a neck surgery is looming, the prospect of continuing with the same capable team brings relief and confidence for the future.

Beyond the bedside, the practical support provided by FirstLight is repeatedly praised. One family recounts how the team prepared delicious, nutritious meals, kept the home spotless, helped with errands, and ensured no doctor's appointment was missed. The caregivers are described as punctual, organized, and genuinely concerned with the patient's wellbeing. The owner's personal involvement - checking in to ensure care plans stay on track and progress is being made - reinforces the sense that this is a holistic service rather than a series of tasks being checked off.

The human connection remains at the heart of the experience. In many testimonials, families emphasize the comfort and friendship that caregivers bring into their loved ones' lives. From listening to conversations that brighten the day to adapting to the patient's routines, caregivers such as Linda, Jessica, and - repeatedly - Melissa are portrayed as more than professionals; they are trusted companions who help the patient feel valued and understood during a difficult time. The capacity to respond quickly to changing needs - whether a last-minute schedule shift or a sudden caregiving requirement - is described as a hallmark of the team.

Notes and communication further distinguish the FirstLight experience. Marla's habit of writing detailed notes about what the mom did and what she ate is treasured by families who want to stay connected to daily happenings in the home. The care team's attentiveness extends to specialized tasks as well - support with hearing aids, driving to medical appointments, and coordinating with the broader care network to keep everyone informed. The reviews consistently highlight the seamless collaboration among caregivers, coordinators, and the family, underscored by timely updates and thoughtful planning.

A broader sentiment expressed across multiple reviews is one of profound gratitude for the support during challenging times. Families recount urgent needs met with immediate, compassionate responses - sitter arrangements for evenings when conditions suddenly deteriorate, flexible scheduling to accommodate evolving care demands, and ongoing reassurance that loved ones are safe, engaged, and well cared for. Paige and the broader FirstLight team are cited for their responsiveness and ability to mobilize a capable staffing solution on short notice, which can be a life-changing difference in crisis moments.

Overall, the stories converge on a single message: FirstLight Home Care of Carlsbad and Encinitas delivers more than just hands-on care. They provide a dependable, compassionate, and community-minded service that honors the dignity of each patient while supporting families with practical, tangible help. From the owner's direct involvement to the carefully coordinated support of caregivers like Brenda, Linda, Jessica, Melissa, and many others, the experience is consistently described as professional, personal, and deeply reassuring. Families express sincere appreciation for the peace of mind that comes from knowing their loved ones are in capable hands and that they themselves are not alone in navigating the challenges of aging, recovery, or dementia care.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• Reliant Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.4 miles)
• Sav-On Pharmacy (3.2 miles)
• Walgreens (3.4 miles)

Restaurants

• Eureka (0.7 miles)
• Mrs. Taco (1.1 miles)
• Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers (3.3 miles)
• Shake Shack (3.5 miles)
• The Dragon (3.6 miles)
• 7 Mile Kitchen (3.7 miles)
• Miniland USA (3.7 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.1 miles)
• Starbucks (2.2 miles)
• Starbucks (3.5 miles)
• Panera Bread (4.8 miles)
• Starbucks (5.2 miles)
• The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (5.6 miles)
• Panera Bread (5.7 miles)

Parks

• Alga Norte Community Park (1.3 miles)
• San Elijo Hills Park (3.5 miles)
• Santa Fe Hills Park (4.2 miles)
• Olympus Park (4.7 miles)
• Montiel Dog Park (4.8 miles)
• Holiday Park (5.7 miles)

Physicians

• Scripps Coastal Medical Center (1.9 miles)
• Jessica K Laursen M.D. (2.9 miles)
• Carlsbad Shores Family Dentistry (4.2 miles)
• Carla Celene Schuermann-Berryman, MD (4.2 miles)
• Tri-City Primary Care (4.2 miles)
• Orthopaedic Specialists of North County (4.2 miles)
• Oceanside Dental Arts (4.2 miles)

Transportation

• McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) (2 miles)
• Vista Transit Center (5 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Edwards San Marcos (3.2 miles)
• Cinépolis Vista (4.8 miles)

Hospitals

• Tri-City Medical Center (4.5 miles)
• Tri-City Medical Center Registration (4.5 miles)
• North Coast Surgery Center (4.7 miles)
• Eye Surgery Associates (5 miles)
• Rady Children's Hospital (5.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• Mission Hills Church (5.9 miles)