Inside Home Healthcare with Wendy Adlerstein episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 27, 2026 · 25 MIN

Inside Home Healthcare with Wendy Adlerstein

from Risking Old Age in America: The Coming Elder Care Crisis · host pod617 - The Boston Podcast Network

Wendy Adlerstein, co-owner of First Light Home Care of West Suburban Boston, shares her journey and experiences running a private, non-medical home healthcare agency. Wendy discusses the benefits of being part of a larger franchise, the challenges faced in recruiting qualified caregivers, and the impact of immigration policies on staffing. She also highlights the importance of licensure and regulation in the home healthcare industry and shares her thoughts on the need for specialized caregiver visas. Wendy emphasizes the value of planning ahead for families seeking care for their loved ones and advocates for early preparation and research to avoid crisis situations.   Topics 00:29 Overview of the Home Healthcare Agency 01:13 Benefits of Being Part of a Franchise 01:52 Wendy's Background and Journey 02:54 Differences Between Private and Nonprofit Home Care 03:38 Typical Clients and Home Health Aides 04:59 Recruitment and Vetting Process 06:15 Impact of Immigration Policies 08:46 Employee Compensation and Client Costs 14:09 Regulation and Licensing in Home Care 20:12 Challenges and Recommendations 24:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Wendy Adlerstein, co-owner of First Light Home Care of West Suburban Boston, shares her journey and experiences running a private, non-medical home healthcare agency. Wendy discusses the benefits of being part of a larger franchise, the challenges faced in recruiting qualified caregivers, and the impact of immigration policies on staffing. She also highlights the importance of licensure and regulation in the home healthcare industry and shares her thoughts on the need for specialized caregiver visas. Wendy emphasizes the value of planning ahead for families seeking care for their loved ones and advocates for early preparation and research to avoid crisis situations.   Topics 00:29 Overview of the Home Healthcare Agency 01:13 Benefits of Being Part of a Franchise 01:52 Wendy's Background and Journey 02:54 Differences Between Private and Nonprofit Home Care 03:38 Typical Clients and Home Health Aides 04:59 Recruitment and Vetting Process 06:15 Impact of Immigration Policies 08:46 Employee Compensation and Client Costs 14:09 Regulation and Licensing in Home Care 20:12 Challenges and Recommendations 24:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Inside Home Healthcare with Wendy Adlerstein

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This episode is 25 minutes long.

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This episode was published on January 27, 2026.

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Wendy Adlerstein, co-owner of First Light Home Care of West Suburban Boston, shares her journey and experiences running a private, non-medical home healthcare agency. Wendy discusses the benefits of being part of a larger franchise, the challenges...

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