FirstLight HomeCare - Columbus

Pros

• First Light is a wonderful company to work for.
• Jerry, Janet, and their office staff are helpful and understanding.
• They truly care about each and every client.
• Employees feel blessed to be part of the First Light Team.
• FirstLight is a great place to work, with great caregivers.
• The scheduling is flexible, and the staff are extremely friendly.
• The managers work with caregivers and clients to help with any issues.
• The Lancasters show great integrity and are great leaders.
• The Lancasters connect with caregivers, genuinely care, and listen without judgment.
• Caregivers are the heart and soul of the company.

Cons

• One reviewer labels the company a huge scam, accusing it of being all about money and profiting from a loved one's death.
• The managers are described as horrible to work with, rude, and unprofessional.
• A reviewer criticizes the weekly billing as a negative aspect.
• A reviewer notes that they were not the best in caring for the client.
• A reviewer highlights a $13,000 charge after the loved one passed away, calling the billing excessive.

Review

FirstLight HomeCare - Columbus is best suited for families who want their loved one to remain at home with consistently compassionate, hands-on support and a caregiver-centric culture. This community excels when a senior requires assistance with daily living tasks, reliable companionship, and steady care coordination delivered through a trusted, family-led leadership team. In Columbus, IN, the Lancasters shape a service ethos that emphasizes empathy, honesty, and a personal touch - from scheduling flexibility to attentive problem-solving - that makes in-home care feel like a trusted extension of family care.

There are clear reasons to consider alternatives, especially for households with tight controls on cost and billing or those seeking a more formal, clinical oversight. The most notable red flags in the feedback are financial and managerial: charges described as up-front or posthumous bills, weekly invoicing, and claims of aggressive profitability tied to a loved one's death. Prospective clients should be prepared to demand explicit, written pricing and contract terms, and to verify how end-of-life and termination charges are handled. Those who prioritize a strictly professional, audit-ready billing process or who worry about uneven management conduct will want to compare options with transparent fee schedules and steadier administrative experiences.

The strongest appeals - compassionate caregivers, steady leadership, and a proven track record of client-focused care - can significantly offset the main concerns when paired with prudent contracting. The caregivers are repeatedly described as thorough, punctual, and genuinely invested in clients' well-being, while the owners' hands-on approach fosters a humane, respectful atmosphere that permeates day-to-day care. This combination often translates into reliable routines, better emotional balance for clients, and smoother communication for families. When a family values trust, continuity, and a warm, responsive care team, these advantages tend to outweigh the understandable risk around billing ambiguity.

Still, the not-insignificant billing and management drawbacks cannot be dismissed. The most serious issue raised is a sense that financial practices could override the emphasis on care quality, creating anxiety about hidden or unexpected costs or about how invoices are structured. A potential solution is rigorous contract literacy: insist on a detailed, itemized rate sheet, a clear cap on any end-of-life or discharge charges, and a defined process for addressing disputes before care begins. Families should request a single, named point of contact, scheduled care plan reviews, and regular written updates. Doing so keeps the focus on care quality while protecting against the financial ambiguities that have appeared in some reviews.

In evaluating fit, the practical realities matter. This agency appears strongest for households seeking a warm, human-centered home-care arrangement rather than a facility-based solution. It suits clients who prioritize caregiver compatibility, flexible scheduling, and a responsive in-home team - plus a leadership culture that genuinely appears to care about both clients and the people delivering the care. Recommended next steps include a candid meeting with the Lancaster leadership, a careful review of the proposed care plan, and corroboration of references who can speak to billing practices, continuity of care, and the handling of any concerns. The goal is to confirm that the care philosophy aligns with expectations and that pricing and contracts are transparent before committing any funds.

Overall, FirstLight HomeCare - Columbus offers a compelling combination of compassionate care and personal leadership that many families will find highly attractive. The decisive factor is whether the desire for a warm, dependable in-home team can be paired with airtight pricing clarity and professional, consistently respectful management. If those safeguards are negotiable, this provider stands out as a strong choice for keeping a loved one safe, engaged, and comfortable at home. If not, explore alternatives that deliver similar warmth with more predictable, documented financial terms and steadier administrative footing.

This part of Columbus, Indiana offers a wide range of amenities and services that cater to senior living. With multiple restaurants, cafes, and pharmacies within close proximity, residents can easily access dining options and necessary medical supplies. Additionally, the presence of reputable physicians and hospitals nearby ensures convenient healthcare options. For leisure activities, there are several parks where seniors can enjoy nature and outdoor activities. Places of worship are also conveniently located for those seeking spiritual fulfillment. Overall, this area provides a well-rounded environment for seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient place to live.

Restaurants

• Arby's (0.2 miles)
• Applebee's (0.2 miles)
• Red Lobster (0.2 miles)
• Amazing Joe's Grill (0.3 miles)
• Riviera Maya Mexican Restaurant (0.4 miles)
• Donut Central (0.5 miles)
• Las Mangonadas (0.5 miles)

Transportation

• National Car Rental (0.2 miles)
• Budget Rent A Car (0.6 miles)

Parks

• Lincoln Park (0.3 miles)
• Donner Park (0.7 miles)
• The Commons (1.6 miles)
• Mill Race Park (1.6 miles)
• Clifty Park Baseball Diamonds (1.8 miles)

Physicians

• Columbus Gynocology and Adult Medicine (0.4 miles)
• Rau Family Medicine (0.4 miles)
• Cancer Center At Regional Hosp (0.5 miles)
• Southern Indiana ENT - Columbus (0.6 miles)
• Southeastern Indiana Gastroenterology (0.6 miles)
• Southern Indiana Rheumatology (0.7 miles)
• Doctors Park Family Medicine (0.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• Asbury United Methodist Church (0.4 miles)
• St Bartholomew Catholic Church (0.6 miles)
• Dayspring Church of God (0.7 miles)
• Second Baptist Church (0.9 miles)
• Wygb (1.3 miles)
• St Peters Lutheran Church (1.4 miles)
• Jerry K Day Rev (1.4 miles)

Hospitals

• Columbus Regional Hospital (0.5 miles)
• St Helena Hospitals (0.5 miles)
• Columbus Regional Health-ER (0.5 miles)
• Columbus Regional Hospital (0.9 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.6 miles)
• C.A.T. Coffee (0.7 miles)
• Panera Bread (0.9 miles)
• Starbucks (1 miles)
• Starbucks (1.2 miles)
• Yoyo Boba Teahouse (1.5 miles)

Pharmacies

• Kroger Pharmacy (0.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• Walgreens (0.8 miles)
• Pharmacy Care Solutions (1 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Applied Laboratories (1.9 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Showplace Columbus 12 (1.5 miles)