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 Walker Historical Society 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 Walker, IA 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.
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“Always Best Care in Cedar Valley IA realy helps me a lot. They have Reliable Caregivers who helped me to take care of my loved one for several years. They are highly trained and managed well the daily routines and activities like bathing and dressing. Caregivers of always best care is dependable and passionate to their work. I am satisfied and so glad that I chose their service. Highly recommend whoever needs their caregiving service!”
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 Walker Johnston Park 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 Kula's It's Just Sauce or visit Walker Adams House, 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 Walker, IA, 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 Walker, IA 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 Walker, IA 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.
(This story was updated to accurately reflect the most current information.)Jan Jensen’s coaching staff continues to evolve, as Jasmyn Walker has been added as a fifth assistant coach for Iowa women’s basketball.The University of Iowa made the announcement on June 2, with summer basketball prac...
(This story was updated to accurately reflect the most current information.)
Jan Jensen’s coaching staff continues to evolve, as Jasmyn Walker has been added as a fifth assistant coach for Iowa women’s basketball.
The University of Iowa made the announcement on June 2, with summer basketball practices set to begin soon.
Walker, who spent last season at George Washington, replaces Tania Davis – who was Jensen’s director of player development last season. Davis was also listed as an assistant coach, officially. A former Hawkeye guard, Davis chose to leave the program after two seasons on staff and declined to elaborate on her future plans in a direct message with the Des Moines Register.
Walker, like Davis, played her last season of college basketball in 2018-19. She averaged 10.0 points and 6.9 rebounds per game for Western Michigan as a senior and then got into coaching. She had stops at Davenport University, Ferris State, Butler and Purdue Fort Wayne (2023-24 season) before her one year as a George Washington assistant. The Colonials went 13-18 last season.
“Jas is a bright, young coach with a skill set that will complement our staff so well,” Jensen said in a release.
Jensen will add "assistant recruiting director" to Walker's title, with the plan to have her assisting newly hired LaSondra Barrett in Iowa's recruiting efforts as well as coaching duties and overseeing palyer academics. Recruiting will be a primary focus for Walker.
Walker, who will turn 29 on June 6, arrives to join a staff that has been reshaped over the past 13 months following the retirement of legendary coach Lisa Bluder.
Longtime aide Jenni Fitzgerald also retired with Bluder in May 2024. Raina Harmon left this offseason to take the head-coaching job at Florida Gulf Coast. Davis just completed her second year on Iowa's staff. Thus, the only holdover assistants remaining from Bluder’s staff are Jensen – now entering her second year as head coach – and Abby Stamp, the backcourt coach who has been with the program as a player or coach in all but one year since 2004.
Walker joins second-year assistants Randi Henderson and Sean Sullivan along with Barrett (who arrived from Georgia Tech to replace Harmon).
The Hawkeyes’ staff is now in place to welcome a young roster for the 2025-26 season, fresh off a 23-win campaign in Jensen’s first year. Iowa has three freshmen, seven sophomores and four seniors on its roster – including offseason transfer additions Chazadi “Chit-Chat” Wright from Georgia Tech and Emely Rodriguez from Central Florida − and is chasing some top recruiting prizes in the Class of 2026.
“To have the opportunity to join a program with a tradition of excellence, national reputation, and a profound impact on the landscape of women’s basketball is truly a blessing,” Walker said in a release. “I’m excited to be part of a community that has inspired generations and elevated the game at every level.”
Hawkeyes columnist Chad Leistikow has served for 30 years with The Des Moines Register and USA TODAY Sports Network. Chad is the 2023 INA Iowa Sports Columnist of the Year and NSMA Co-Sportswriter of the Year in Iowa. Join Chad's text-message group (free for subscribers) at HawkCentral.com/HawkeyesTexts. Follow @ChadLeistikow on X.
The Iowa women's basketball team has added another coach to their staff.The team announced Monday Jasmyn Walker will be an assistant coach under head coach Jan Jensen.“I am so excited to welcome Jas to our staff.,” Jensen said. “Jas is a bright, young coach with a skill set that will complement our staff so well. I am thrilled to begin utilizing Jas’ experiences and am looking forward to having her to join our Hawkeye family.”Walker joins the Hawkeyes after coaching stints at George Washingt...
The Iowa women's basketball team has added another coach to their staff.
The team announced Monday Jasmyn Walker will be an assistant coach under head coach Jan Jensen.
“I am so excited to welcome Jas to our staff.,” Jensen said. “Jas is a bright, young coach with a skill set that will complement our staff so well. I am thrilled to begin utilizing Jas’ experiences and am looking forward to having her to join our Hawkeye family.”
Walker joins the Hawkeyes after coaching stints at George Washington (2024-25), Purdue Fort Wayne (2023-24), Butler (2022-23), Ferris State (2020-22) and Davenport University (2019-20).
I’m honored to join the Iowa women’s basketball coaching staff,” Walker said. “To have the opportunity to join a program with a tradition of excellence, national reputation, and a profound impact on the landscape of women’s basketball is truly a blessing. I’m excited to be part of a community that has inspired generations and elevated the game at every level. I can’t wait to get to work with the amazing staff!
During the 2024-25 season, Walker was an assistant coach at George Washington, where she coached Gabby Reynolds to A-10 All-Rookie team honors.
Her first Division I assistant coaching position was at Purdue Fort Wayne during the 2023-24 season, where the Mastodons posted a 23-13 record and advanced to the second round of the Horizon League Championships. Purdue Fort Wayne won two games in the WNIT, downing Eastern Kentucky and Cincinnati, before falling to eventual WNIT champion Saint Louis in the Super 16.
The 23 wins tied the program record for most single season victories, which included a record 12 home and 11 road wins. Purdue Fort Wayne finished the season with school records in points, 3-pointers and rebounds.
Walker played at the collegiate-level at Valparaiso and Western Michigan. She played her first two seasons with the Crusaders, earning Horizon League All-Freshman team accolades. She established a first-year school record, grabbing 250 rebounds and finished the season averaging 10.1 points and 8.3 rebounds. As a sophomore, Walker’s numbers rose, averaging 12.2 points and eight boards.
Walker transferred to Kalamazoo following her sophomore season and she sat out the 2016-17 season due to NCAA transfer rules. After returning to the court, she averaged 8.4 points and 5.3 rebounds as a junior and 10 points and 6.9 rebounds as a senior. She finished her career with 1,147 points in 111 career games.
The Muskegon, Michigan, native graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sports management (2018) and master’s degree (2020) from Western Michigan.
Jan Jensen isn't wasting any time this offseason. After landing a pair of transfer portal acquisitions, she turned her attention to hiring a new assistant coach. On Monday morning, it was announced that Jasmyn Walker would be taking her talents to Iowa City. 247Sports Embed ResourceIOWA CITY, Iowa-- Jan Jensen isn't wasting any time this offseason. After landing a pair of transfer portal acquisitions, she turned her attention to hiring a new assistant coach. On Monday morning, it was announced that Jasmyn Wal...
247Sports Embed Resource
IOWA CITY, Iowa-- Jan Jensen isn't wasting any time this offseason. After landing a pair of transfer portal acquisitions, she turned her attention to hiring a new assistant coach. On Monday morning, it was announced that Jasmyn Walker would be taking her talents to Iowa City.
Below is the full press release courtesy of Hawkeye Athletics.
Jasmyn Walker has been named an assistant coach with the University of Iowa women's basketball program, it was announced Monday by P. Sue Beckwith, MD, head coach Jan Jensen.
"I am so excited to welcome Jas to our staff.," Jensen said. "Jas is a bright, young coach with a skill set that will complement our staff so well. I am thrilled to begin utilizing Jas' experiences and am looking forward to having her to join our Hawkeye family."
Walker joins the Hawkeyes following coaching stints at George Washington (2024-25), Purdue Fort Wayne (2023-24), Butler (2022-23), Ferris State (2020-22) and Davenport University (2019-20).
"I'm honored to join the Iowa women's basketball coaching staff," Walker said. "To have the opportunity to join a program with a tradition of excellence, national reputation, and a profound impact on the landscape of women's basketball is truly a blessing. I'm excited to be part of a community that has inspired generations and elevated the game at every level. I can't wait to get to work with the amazing staff!"
During the 2024-25 season, Walker served as an assistant coach at George Washington, where she coached Gabby Reynolds to A-10 All-Rookie team honors.
Her first Division I assistant coaching stint came at Purdue Fort Wayne during the 2023-24 campaign, where the Mastodons posted a 23-13 record and advanced to the second round of the Horizon League Championships. Purdue Fort Wayne won two games in the WNIT, downing Eastern Kentucky and Cincinnati, before falling to eventual WNIT champion Saint Louis in the Super 16.
The 23 wins tied the program record for most single season victories, which included a record 12 home and 11 road wins. Purdue Fort Wayne finished the season with school records in points, 3-pointers and rebounds.
Walker got her collegiate coaching start at Davenport University in 2019-20 before coaching two seasons at Ferris State, where she helped the Bulldogs win the 2022 GLIAC Tournament. The team finished with 22-10 and advanced to the NCAA Midwest Regional quarterfinals. Walker coached two all-conference honorees, including the GLIAC Freshman of the Year.
Walker made the move to Indianapolis for the 2022-23 season, where she served as the program's coordinator of recruiting and creative content. The Bulldogs improved their win total by 10 games during her lone season in Indianapolis.
As a player, Walker was a standout student-athlete at Valparaiso and Western Michigan. She played her first two seasons with the Crusaders, earning Horizon League All-Freshman team accolades. She established a first-year school record, grabbing 250 rebounds and finished the season averaging 10.1 points and 8.3 rebounds. As a sophomore, Walker's numbers rose, averaging 12.2 points and eight boards.
Walker transferred to Kalamazoo following her sophomore season and she sat out the 2016-17 season due to NCAA transfer rules. After returning to the court, she averaged 8.4 points and 5.3 rebounds as a junior and 10 points and 6.9 rebounds as a senior. She finished her career with 1,147 points in 111 career games.
The Muskegon, Michigan, native graduated with a bachelor's degree in sports management (2018) and master's degree (2020) from Western Michigan.
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Walker Homestead Farm and Winery in Johnson County took root nearly 2,000 miles away, when Bob and Kristy Walker, both professors at the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business, were on a trip to Sonoma County, Calif.“Three wineries in, sipping on a glass of wine under an olive tree playing bocce ball, we (thought), ‘Wouldn't it be cool if we had this in our backyard?,’” said Kristy, adding, “Careful what you dream for.”What they dreamed for is now a reality — and a venue and expe...
Walker Homestead Farm and Winery in Johnson County took root nearly 2,000 miles away, when Bob and Kristy Walker, both professors at the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business, were on a trip to Sonoma County, Calif.
“Three wineries in, sipping on a glass of wine under an olive tree playing bocce ball, we (thought), ‘Wouldn't it be cool if we had this in our backyard?,’” said Kristy, adding, “Careful what you dream for.”
What they dreamed for is now a reality — and a venue and experience unlike any in the state and one that undoubtedly rivals its muses in California wine country. Part working farm, part winery, part special events venue, part laid-back and family-friendly hangout, Walker Homestead Farm and Winery has become a destination in itself.
And when the Walkers say they have a “working farm,” they aren’t talking an acre or two with a couple chickens running around. Try 85 acres full of what seems to be a little bit of everything.
“Our herd is made up of Highland cattle, Nigerian dwarf goats, baby doll miniature and Harlequin sheep, heritage turkeys, chickens and honey bees,” Kristy said.
“We have 22 acres of crops that rotate corn/beans/wheat with cover crops and 22 acres of alfalfa, four acres of native grasses and wildflowers, over seven acres of woods and silvopasture, cherry and apple orchards, chestnut and paw paw groves and Shiitake and Golden Oyster mushroom cultivation log structures.
"We have four acres of garden vegetables, herbs and flowers, three tunnels to support extending our season, two acres of sunflowers, a new large lavender patch, elderberry, aronia berry and — of course — grapes.”
The Walkers grow all cold-hardy grapes: Marquette, Petite Pearl, Crimson Pearl, Verona, Breanna, Leon Meon, La Crescent and Frontenac Gris. Using those, winemaker Jenny Lovetinsky makes dry and semi-dry wines in a California style.
“We also make brut sparkling wines, made using an intricate process called ‘Me?thode Traditionnelle’ — the same time-honored approach used to make French Champagnes,” said Kristy. “Our goal is to make the best Iowa wines with Iowa grapes.”
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The winery itself is an open, modern barn building, with 22-foot ceilings and white shiplap floor through ceiling. The south and west walls open up to the outside.
“The sunsets are stunning,” said Kristy. “The winery overlooks our vineyards with sunflowers, an alfalfa field, wildflowers, prairie and 7-plus acres of woods. All areas of the farm are accessible via walking trails.”
Although most of their business consists of private events, Walker Homestead does open up for the public to experience their food and wine weekly as well as for special events.
Known for their wood-fired brick oven pizzas and vegetarian and salad plates, the menu does change weekly, “driven by what the gardens and the orchards dictate that we should be feeding you,” said Kristy. “It is our goal that 80 percent of what makes it to your fork comes from our farm or products from our local producers.”
Farm manager Ben Weber, previously seed manager at Decorah Seed Saver, works with chef and general manager Kent Foulkner, who was recently awarded Winegrower of the Year from the Iowa Winegrowers Association, to “curate the food we bring to your plate,” said Kristy.
“Walker Homestead Farm and Winery is a little bit of Napa in the middle of Iowa,” said Kristy. “Walker Homestead is a farm and table experience. We are a working farm and winery where guests can experience food prepared at the peak of freshness and see how it is grown and raised. Our mission is to build community through agriculture education and culinary celebration. It is a perfect place for a micro vacation.”
Address: 3867 James Avenue SW, Iowa City
Website: walker-homestead.com
Distance from downtown Des Moines: 109 miles
Hours: Walker Homestead is open to the public from 5-9 p.m. each Thursday.
Kids: People of all ages are invited to explore Walker Homestead. “Our farm is a playground for all generations," Kristy Walker said. “This is a place where parents and grandparents can relax around a fire while the kids play. On rainy days, kiddos will find a large wood toy barn under the staircase with vintage farm toys and a wooden train set.”
Events: On the first Thursday of each month, come for garden tours with bites and wine pairings. The third Wednesday of the month are their farm-to-table dinners. Look for these ticketed events, as well as Nolte Ballet on the Farm and Sunday Afternoon Music on the Farm, at walker-homestead.com.
Weddings: Walker Homestead is booking weddings now for 2023 and into 2024. “We like to think that we provide a Napa-like wedding in Johnson County, Iowa,” said Kristy. Couples exchange vows either in the vineyard, under a pavilion overlooking the vineyard or inside the winery. “When you reserve your wedding here, you get the whole farm to yourself, the gardens, the farm animals that love to eat treats from the palm of your hand, horseshoes, carpet ball, bocce ball, corn hole, torches lit at sundown highlighting the roses at the end of the vines, the sunflower background and the stunning sunsets over the vineyard,” said Kristy.
While You’re There: Being Hawkeyes themselves, the Walkers recommend taking in a sporting event, cultural show or lecture at the University of Iowa. During camping season, rent a site at Kent Lake, Lake McBride or the Coralville Reservoir.
Iowa Items -- Three-time All-American, earning first-team honors in 60 meters (2024), and second-team honors in 60 meters (2022) and as part of 4x100-meter relay (2023)... ran lead leg on 2024 B1G Champion 4x100-meter relay (39.28)... set Iowa school records in 60 meters (6.51), 100 meters (10.09), and as part of 4x100-meter relay (38.64).2025 -- Indoor - Did not compete.2024 -- Indoor - First-team All-American... NCAA runner-up in 60 meters (6.59)... placed third in 60 meters ...
Iowa Items -- Three-time All-American, earning first-team honors in 60 meters (2024), and second-team honors in 60 meters (2022) and as part of 4x100-meter relay (2023)... ran lead leg on 2024 B1G Champion 4x100-meter relay (39.28)... set Iowa school records in 60 meters (6.51), 100 meters (10.09), and as part of 4x100-meter relay (38.64).
2025 -- Indoor - Did not compete.
2024 -- Indoor - First-team All-American... NCAA runner-up in 60 meters (6.59)... placed third in 60 meters with a school record-setting 6.51 at Jarvis Scott Open... named Big Ten Men’s Co-Track Athlete of the Week (2/14) after setting the school record... B1G runner-up in 60 meters (6.61), matching his school record 6.51 in the prelims... won 60 meters at Black & Gold Invite (6.58)... named UI Men’s Student-Athlete of the Month for February... won 60 meters with a then-school and meet record-setting at Jimmy Grant Invite (6.59), posting meet record and then-school record times... named Big Ten Men’s Track Athlete of the Week after Jimmy Grant Invite performance... Outdoor - Won 100 meters with a school record-setting 10.09 at USF Alumni Invite, earning B1G Men’s Track Athlete of the Week honors... ran lead leg on team-leading and B1G Champion 4x100-meter relay (39.28)... that time ranks seventh all-time at Iowa... placed third in 100 meters at B1G Championships (10.22)... placed 21st in 100 meters at U.S. Olympic Trials (10.22)... ran a season-best 21.37 in 200 meters at Jim Click Shootout... letterwinner.
2023 -- Indoor - Placed fourth in 60 meters with a season-best 6.67 at Razorback Invite... placed fourth in 60 meters at B1G Championships (6.71)... Outdoor - Second team All-American, running lead leg on school record-setting 4x100-meter relay (38.64)... ran lead leg on 4x100-meter relay that set a then-school record and placed second at Texas Relays (38.70)... ran lead leg on 4x100-meter relay that placed fifth in 39.19 at NCAA West Preliminary... that time ranks fifth all-time at Iowa... ran lead leg on B1G runner-up 4x100-meter relay (39.41)... that time ranks 10th all-time at Iowa... placed fourth in 100 meters at B1G Championships (10.26), running a season-best 10.18 in prelims... placed sixth in 100 meters at Texas Relays (10.20), running a wind-aided 10.11 in prelims... ran a collegiate-best 20.92 in 200 meters at Michael Johnson Invite... letterwinner.
2022 -- Indoor - Second team All-American in 60 meters, placing 13th in 6.64 at NCAA Championships... won 60 meters with a then-school record-setting 6.61 at Tyson Invite... placed third in 60 meters at B1G Championships (6.62)... also ran event at Larry Wieczorek Invite (6.67), Razorback Invite (6.68), Jimmy Grant Invite (6.69) and Hawkeye Invite (6.71)... Outdoor - Set then-school record in 100 meters at Baldy Castillo Invite (10.20)... ran lead leg on then-school record-setting and winning 4x100-meter relay at Jim Click Shootout (39.03)... that time ranks second all-time at Iowa... letterwinner.
2021 -- Competed for Indian Hills Junior College... Indoor - Placed second in 200 meters (22.15) and sixth in 60 meters (6.90) at Region XI Championships... ran collegiate-best 60 meters at Northwest Open (6.87)... Outdoor - Ran on 400-meter relay that placed third in 39.78 and posted a collegiate-best 200 meters (21.52) at NJCAA Championships... ran on 400-meter relay that won title in 39.90, and placed fifth in 100 meters (10.81) and 200 meters (21.35) at NJCAA Regional XI Championships... ran season-best 100 meters at Kip Janvrin Open (10.65).
High School -- Placed third in 200 meters (22.83) and fifth in 100 meters (11.42) at state meet junior year... senior track season was cancelled due to COVID-19...four-sport standout... first team all-district in football... first team all sub-state and team MVP in basketball... led class 2A in steals his senior season and was an all-state selection... 2021 Iowa Games Champion in the 200 meters (20.94).
Personal -- Born October 13, 2001… son of Ian and Christina Walker…both parents attended Iowa for college…has three siblings; Allison, Maria and Raya…sports and recreation major.
Kalen Walker’s All-Time Results at Iowa via TFRRS.org
Kalen Walker’s All-Time Results at Indian Hills via TFRRS.org
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