It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Santa Fe Plaza gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Santa Fe, NM is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I have been with Always Best Care for almost 5 yrs. This is an amazing company.”
“Great place to work! Very friendly people and excellent work environment.”
“Always best care is an extremely fast-growing company and a wonderful place to work! The”
“Awesome place to work, friendly staff. Caregivers are the heart of the agency. Our clients”
“This is a fantastic company of compassionate and hard working people who genuinely care about”
“Always best care is an extremely fast-growing company and a wonderful place to work! The”
“The service that my mom has received has been a total blessing. The”
“Great company to work for. Love the staff”
“Darlene, Sara, Annalee, and Sam have been so awesome ! My live in Mother is”
“I have been working for Always Best Care for 4 1/2 years and that should”
“I love working for this company! They are one of the best when it comes”
“Working for an in home health care agency committed to providing the best care possible”
“Amazing place to work for. Highly recommend. Flexible schedule foe caregivers and amazing supportive staff.”
“I have been working for this company 7 years and in all my time with”
“I've been with Always Best Care, Vacaville, about a year and a half and I”
“Here's what I posted on Google and Facebook: Life would have been a lot harder”
“ABC is absolutely amazing! The staff is very caring and very friendly. always go above”
“Always Best Care is the best! Darlene and her team are exceptional and provide”
“Kathy McClure is a problem solver. She assisted us on Long Term Care Reimbursement and”
“I was very satisfied with the professional care Always Best care provided to my father.”
“Nate and Charlene are the best in their field. It has been a pleasure getting”
“Dave and his staff go above and beyond with their care. They all take special”
“I have been with Always Best Care for almost 5 yrs. This is an amazing company. We not only care about our clients but the company also takes care of their employees.”
“Great place to work! Very friendly people and excellent work environment.”
“Always best care is an extremely fast-growing company and a wonderful place to work! The CEO truly cares about each individual, welcomes creativity, and leads by example. The culture at Always best care is the best I've ever worked for and everyone is authentic and loves what they do. Training processes are great and really help people to feel comfortable in each position. The Supervisors are always willing to help and will take time out of their day to dedicate to helping you if needed.”
“Awesome place to work, friendly staff. Caregivers are the heart of the agency. Our clients really appreciate us.”
“This is a fantastic company of compassionate and hard working people who genuinely care about making a difference in people’s lives. They go above and beyond the call of duty to provide the best quality care to people in the community.”
“Always best care is an extremely fast-growing company and a wonderful place to work! The CEO truly cares about each individual, welcomes creativity, and leads by example. The culture at Always best care is the best I've ever worked for and everyone is authentic and loves what they do. Training processes are great and really help people to feel comfortable in each position. The Supervisors are always willing to help and will take time out of their day to dedicate to helping you if needed.”
“The service that my mom has received has been a total blessing. The team at Always Best Care Albuquerque has done an amazing job getting my mom the care and attention that she has needed ever since she was discharged from the hospital. My mom had been treated with kindness, care and respect. Highly recommend”
“Great company to work for. Love the staff”
“Darlene, Sara, Annalee, and Sam have been so awesome ! My live in Mother is 92 years old and if left alone, she would blowup the microwave oven, burn something on the stove top, or toaster oven, let the 3 dogs out 25 times, and feed them snacks they should not have. I work, and with the daily care from Always Best Care, I don't worry over my mother's antics while I'm not home. My wife and I are cyclists and tennis players, and we workout at the gym also. When we have days off from work, we can enjoy hours of endurance training knowing my Mom is receiving comfort, company and care. Thank you Always Best Care ! We love you.”
“I have been working for Always Best Care for 4 1/2 years and that should say it all, but I will elaborate. The company makes sure you are part of a team. The pay is good, and the hours are good. There is an open door policy to make sure the caregivers experience is enhanced by strong support. If your are looking to work with a team that has your best interest and that of client in mind then then don’t hesitate to consider Always Best Care.”
“I love working for this company! They are one of the best when it comes too making sure their staff has the support and essentials that are needed for work. Communication is amazing. I can honestly say this is byfar my favorite company I have worked for.”
“Working for an in home health care agency committed to providing the best care possible to clients in need, is extremely rewarding work.”
“Amazing place to work for. Highly recommend. Flexible schedule foe caregivers and amazing supportive staff.”
“I have been working for this company 7 years and in all my time with this company I have been blown away at how much they support the caregivers and there ability to hold the caregivers needs and concerns as high as there clients is why I have been an employee of this company for so long. The owner has truly created an environment that puts the focus of care for the client's and work continuity for the caregiver as her highest priority and this is why I have been truly blessed to be employed with this company.”
“I've been with Always Best Care, Vacaville, about a year and a half and I am very pleased with the service. Their Caregivers are very kind and competent helpers. I would recommend this service to anyone and I have recommend this service to several of my friends.”
“Here's what I posted on Google and Facebook: Life would have been a lot harder without Always Best Care in my life, I have COPD and I am on oxygen full time at level 4 so doing daily chores are out question without my caregiver Ricci Anthony who has been taking tremendous care of me for 3 years this August 2022 and I thank God everyday for him. Every time he arrives he immediately says Hi checks in with me to see how I am doing. As well as, every time he departs I thank him for all that he does for me and I tell him I love him Ricci replies in same likeness. Ricci and I are incredible friends, it’s closer to a dad and son relationship. We’re both strong Christian me. As for Chelsea who does Intake and is the Schedules for Always Best Care equally an amazing individual. Don’t let her young age fool you on the contrary she is a powerhouse. She’s highly a professional, she’s industrious, highly intelligent, she’s a great friend and you can always depend on her to be in support for you. Always Best Care is always best care.”
“ABC is absolutely amazing! The staff is very caring and very friendly. always go above and beyond. They have great communication between Clients and Staff.”
“Always Best Care is the best! Darlene and her team are exceptional and provide excellent service to their clients. I thoroughly enjoy working with them. Call them today for all your home care needs!”
“Kathy McClure is a problem solver. She assisted us on Long Term Care Reimbursement and took us thru the process smoothly.”
“I was very satisfied with the professional care Always Best care provided to my father. Our caregiver was fantastic to work with and always easy to reach when I had any questions. Always Best Care and their staff showed so much care and compassion towards my father, I always knew they were taking excellent care of them. I would highly recommend them to any family.”
“Nate and Charlene are the best in their field. It has been a pleasure getting to know you and your company.”
“Dave and his staff go above and beyond with their care. They all take special interest with their clients. Also a very helpful resource in future planning and current ideas. Trust your parents to these people - they will not let you down.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Frenchy's Field/Santa Fe River Trail with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Dinner For Two Restaurant in Santa Fe or visit Oldest House Museum, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Santa Fe, NM, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Santa Fe, NM understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Santa Fe, NM 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Ski Santa Fe, New Mexico, is closing a week earlier than planned due to “Unusually warm temperatures and rapidly diminishing snow.”The ski area will now close on March 30, 2025 according to a social media update.Those who have pre-purchased a lift ticket or lessons for dates between March 31 and April 6 can secure refunds through their online Sk...
Ski Santa Fe, New Mexico, is closing a week earlier than planned due to “Unusually warm temperatures and rapidly diminishing snow.”
The ski area will now close on March 30, 2025 according to a social media update.
Those who have pre-purchased a lift ticket or lessons for dates between March 31 and April 6 can secure refunds through their online Ski Santa Fe accounts.
Want to keep up with the best stories and photos in skiing? Subscribe to the new Powder To The People newsletter for weekly updates.
“We would like to express our deepest appreciation to our staff, who worked tirelessly to deliver a top-notch mountain experience throughout the season,” Ski Santa Fe wrote. “Additionally, a huge thank you goes out to all of our loyal pass holders and guests who visited us this season.”
The ski area will conclude the season with a Beach Party at Totemoff’s on March 30 with live music and drink specials.
For Ski Santa Fe, the start of the ski season looked more promising. Last fall, after 27 inches of snow fell, it opened on November 23, bucking its historical trend of opening for skiing and riding on Thanksgiving day.
Thanks to all the snow, the ski area had more opening-day terrain than it had seen in 25 years. The opening of the new Santa Fe Express high-speed quad added to the early-season momentum.
But a different, less snowy status quo settled across the Southwest as the season progressed. In basins across New Mexico and Arizona, snow water equivalents are well below the median, indicating a lack of winter precipitation.
Another ski area in the region, Sandia Peak—which sits outside Albuquerque, New Mexico—announced a temporary closure in early February, citing warm temperatures and limited snow.
Still, skiers at Ski Santa Fe scored some fresh snow earlier this month. On March 15, the ski area shared that it had received five inches of powder. A few days prior, Ski Santa Fe enjoyed a 24-hour storm total of 15 inches.
The warm weather Ski Santa Fe is now experiencing isn’t limited to the Southwest, either. Ski areas in Washington, California, and Utah—among other states—have seen a sudden arrival of spring-like conditions.
At Alta Ski Area, Utah, high temperatures well above freezing are expected early this week. Mt. Baker Ski Area, Washington, is closed Monday and Tuesday this week as balmy weather and rain hits the mountains of the Pacific Northwest.
SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – New Mexico Gas Company found five issues during their investigation at the home of ...
SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – New Mexico Gas Company found five issues during their investigation at the home of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa, but they “are not believed to be a factor in the deaths,” the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office said Tuesday.
Hackman, Arakawa, and their dog were found dead inside their home on Old Sunset Trail in Santa Fe on Feb. 26. New Mexico Gas Company was called to the home that night to investigate and run tests on the property’s gas line.
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New Mexico Gas Company told the sheriff’s office Monday that while there were “no significant findings” in the investigation for gas leaks or carbon monoxide, they issued five red tags at Hackman and Arakawa’s home, the sheriff’s office wrote in a news release Tuesday.
According to officials, one of the red tags was because of one “minuscule leak” of 0.33% gas in the air, which is not a lethal amount, according to the news release from the sheriff’s office.
The four other red tags issued by the gas company were for “code enforcement violations not involving gas leaks or carbon monoxide.”
The sheriff’s office said those tags were issued for a water heater and gas log lighters installed in three fireplaces.
“Those results are not believed to be a factor in the deaths of Gene Hackman, Betsy Arakawa or their dog though the information was relayed to the Office of the Medical Investigator for consideration,” Denise Womack Avila, the sheriff’s office public information officer, wrote in an email accompanying the news release.
Hackman, 95, was found on the floor of the home’s mud room alongside a walking cane and sunglasses. Arakawa, 65, was found on the bathroom floor near a space heater. Deputies also found an open prescription bottle with pills scattered on a nearby countertop.
In the bathroom closet, investigators found one of the couple’s three dogs dead, according to a Feb. 26 search warrant affidavit from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies found the two other dogs alive on the property.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said in a Feb. 28 news conference that both Hackman and Arakawa tested negative for carbon monoxide poisoning and there was no trauma to the bodies. The sheriff also said Hackman’s pacemaker last registered an event on February 17, 2025.
Investigators initially noted in the search warrant affidavit that there were no issues with the gas pipes and no signs of a carbon monoxide leak at the home.
While carrying out the search warrant at the couple’s home, investigators seized Tylenol, thyroid medication, and a medication to treat high blood pressure. Other items removed included health records, a 2025 monthly planner, and two cell phones.
40°ClearDay 53° • Night 34°Winter Weather AdvisoryNext 48 HoursWeather Today in Santa Fe, NMFeels Like...
40°
Clear
Day 53° • Night 34°
Feels Like34°
7:18 am
7:09 pm
High / Low
--/34°
Wind
8 mph
Humidity
46%
Dew Point
21°
Pressure
29.95 in
UV Index
0 of 11
Visibility
10 mi
Moon Phase
Waxing Gibbous
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Out of the Hollywood spotlight, actor Gene Hackman painted, did Pilates and rode his bike in the Santa Fe, N.M., community where he and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were woven into the fabric of the local community.Friends said Hackman came to cherish the simpler life away from paparazzi and hype of the show business machine. In Santa Fe, he made friends, took part in community events and dined at the local eateries.“He was a pretty low-key individual even though he was someone who had amazing stories to tell about Hollywood ...
Out of the Hollywood spotlight, actor Gene Hackman painted, did Pilates and rode his bike in the Santa Fe, N.M., community where he and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were woven into the fabric of the local community.
Friends said Hackman came to cherish the simpler life away from paparazzi and hype of the show business machine. In Santa Fe, he made friends, took part in community events and dined at the local eateries.
“He was a pretty low-key individual even though he was someone who had amazing stories to tell about Hollywood and other celebrities,” longtime friend Stuart Ashman said. “He was just a regular guy.”
But this peaceful anonymity did not follow the Oscar winner into death.
Last week, Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 65, were found dead in their home, along with one of their three dogs. Investigators have ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning, but are awaiting toxicology results. They are working to rebuild a timeline of the couple’s final days through phone records, emails and other means.
On Tuesday, the sheriff’s office said that a “minuscule” gas leak was discovered within a stove burner in the home, but it was not a lethal amount. Still, the information was passed along to investigators.
The couple were described as private but neighborly by those who got to know them over the years.
Ashman was one of those people — befriending the two-time Oscar winner nearly 30 years ago after the two ended up sitting next to each other at a community arts meeting. Ashman was director of the New Mexico Museum of Art at the time, while Hackman had a seat on the board of the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, on which he served from 1997 to 2004.
“He told me his name and I said, ‘Of course I know who you are,’” Ashman said. “He just smiled that big smile of his and our friendship went from there.”
For two years, Ashman was Hackman’s part-time egg supplier, gifting him the occasional dozen from the chickens he was raising. One day, Hackman returned the favor with a painted landscape of a tree-lined river. When Ashman initially declined to take it, Hackman politely insisted.
“Gene tells me, ‘You’ve been giving me eggs for two years. I think a painting is a fair trade,’” Ashman recalled.
The two would also chat it up between Pilates classes, where they shared the same personal instructor.
“She would say, ‘Gene, are you here to work or do you want to visit with Stuart?’” Ashman said, laughing.
Ashman said Hackman years ago discussed renting a home in the Florida Keys in the winter and possibly meeting up after their vacations, but then the pandemic happened, and the men drifted apart.
Longtime friend Doug Lanham didn’t think of Hackman as a movie star, but as one half of Gene and Betsy, the couple that was always helping in the community.
Their friendship also started out of happenstance. The couple went into his restaurant, Jinja Bar & Bistro, in the early 2000s, and ended up chatting with Lanham and the other owners, Lanham said. The topic of Arakawa’s cooking skills came up.
Lanham invited Arakawa to come by the next day, when the kitchen would be tasting some new recipes. Arakawa apparently had some ideas of her own.
“The next day, here comes Betsy just looking so wonderful and confident,” Lanham said. “And here comes Gene behind Betsy, lugging a cooler with all the food that Betsy was going to prepare for everyone to sample.”
Eventually, the couple put a financial stake in the restaurant. Over the years, Hackman contributed his artworks that now hang inside, including one large piece that occupies much of a 5-by-13-foot wall.
Initially, Hackman was intimidated by the scale of that piece, Lanham said.
“You did all these movies that are great, and we got this little wall that we want to just put a piece of art on. I never heard you say you can’t do anything,” Lanham said he teased Hackman over a few beers.
But three weeks later, Hackman called the restaurant owners up to his artist studio. There they found a bunch of tropical leaves hanging from wires on the ceiling that he used as models and on the back wall a large triptych painting of a woman looking out on a sunset in a South Pacific setting.
While Arakawa marveled at the piece once it was shown, Hackman was much more subdued, Lanham said. The reaction from customers was overall positive, but there were also critics.
“You see them crossing their arms and looking at the mural and going, ‘It’s kind of a Gauguin, look at the color. And then I’d go, ‘Oh, this is a go-Gene. Look at this color,’” Lanham said.
The couple slowed down in the last few years, according to news reports.
Arakawa and Hackman’s friends Daniel and Barbara Lenihan, along with their son Aaron, told People magazine that Hackman was “essentially kind of homebound” and had stopped riding his bike around his neighborhood. He had been showing his age in the last few months while his wife was “in perfect health,” the family told the magazine. She tried to keep him active and engaged, including doing puzzles and yoga over Zoom.
“They seemed like real life partners, really, really close to each other, and they were both incredibly kind,” Aaron Lenihan told People. “They were reserved, but they were real, [and] a lot of fun.”
SANTA FE, N.M. —Two-time Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe home.A spokesperson for the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office told KOAT deputies were called to the home Wednesday afternoon following a 911 call.Santa Fe County Sheriff Alan Mendoza said their causes of death could not be determined. However, he did say Hackman and Arakawa tested negative for carbon monoxide poisoning.Mendoza also said the pacemaker of Hackman turned off o...
SANTA FE, N.M. —
Two-time Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe home.
A spokesperson for the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office told KOAT deputies were called to the home Wednesday afternoon following a 911 call.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Alan Mendoza said their causes of death could not be determined. However, he did say Hackman and Arakawa tested negative for carbon monoxide poisoning.
Mendoza also said the pacemaker of Hackman turned off on Monday, Feb. 17.
According to a search warrant filed by the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office, a maintenance worker doing pest control could not get a hold of the couple. He then reached out to neighborhood security for a welfare check.
Just before 1:45 p.m., a 911 call was made.
"I think we just found two or one deceased person inside a house for purchase here," a man said to emergency dispatchers. "I'm not inside the house. It's closed. It's locked. I can't go in. But I see them. She's laying face down on the floor from the window."
Deputies found Hackman near the kitchen, which is believed to be the mud room. According to a search warrant, a cane and sunglasses were found by his body.
Arakawa was found in a bathroom with a space heater nearby. A warrant revealed that there was an open prescription bottle on the counter, and pills were scattered everywhere.
According to the search warrant, deputies believed, based on their experience and evidence in the home, the couple suddenly fell.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said while there are no signs of foul play, it has not been ruled out. Law enforcement is waiting for the autopsy results as well as toxicology reports.
During their search, the deputies found the front door of the home ajar, but did not find any signs of forced entry, nor did items seem taken or rummaged through. The Santa Fe Fire Department responded and did not find any signs of a carbon monoxide leak or poisoning.
New Mexico Gas Company responded to the home as well and was doing active testing on the gas line, according to court documents. It was learned by law enforcement there was no evidence of any problems with the pipes connected to the residence.
The bodies of Hackman and Arakawa were transported to the Office of the Medical Investigator for autopsies to be performed. No external trauma was found during that process.
Carbon monoxide and toxicology tests were requested for both Hackman and Arakawa.
Court records also show several items were taken from the home. A total of six listed items were provided.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office and the Santa Fe City Fire Department will hold a press conference Friday at 3 p.m. to give an update on the investigation.
Hackman's daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie, along with his granddaughter Annie, released a statement on their deaths.
"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy. He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us, he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss."
Video below: Sky 7 flies over home where Gene Hackman and wife were found dead
Hackman, 95, was a five-time Oscar nominee who starred in dozens of films and was one of the industry's most respected and honored performers. His two Oscar wins, for “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven,” were spaced out 21 years apart. Hackman played a variety of roles, appearing in action movies, thrillers and even appearing in a comedic part in “Young Frankenstein.”
The gruff-but-beloved Hackman was among the finest actors of his generation, appearing as villains, heroes and antiheroes in dozens of dramas, comedies and action films from the 1960s until his retirement in the early 2000s.
Hackman met Arakawa, 63, a classically trained pianist who grew up in Hawaii when she was working part-time at a California gym in the mid-1980s, the New York Times reported in 1989. They soon moved in together, and by the end of the decade had bought their home in Santa Fe.
The large Southwestern-style ranch in a gated community just outside New Mexico’s capital city sits on a hill with views of the Rocky Mountains.
Hackman was often seen around town and served as a board member of the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in the 1990s, according to the local paper, The New Mexican.
Aside from appearances at awards shows, he was rarely seen in the Hollywood social circuit and retired about 20 years ago. His was the rare Hollywood retirement that actually lasted.
In his later years, he wrote novels.
Hackman had three children from a previous marriage, but he and Arakawa had no children together. In 1999, they had adopted three German shepherds, according to the Baltimore Sun.
News of his death comes just four days before this year’s Academy Awards ceremony.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
This is a developing story and will be updated as information becomes available.
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