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.
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 Johnston, 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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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.
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. 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 Johnston, 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 Johnston, 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.
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 Johnston, 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.
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Familiar territory.That’s how the Class 5A state championship game must feel for Johnston girls basketball, the reigning title holder. ...
Familiar territory.
That’s how the Class 5A state championship game must feel for Johnston girls basketball, the reigning title holder. The Dragons (25-0) are back in the state championship game yet again after defeating Ankeny Centennial, 61-42, on Thursday.
Amani Jenkins led the Dragons with 19 points. Jenica Lewis added 16, and Ari Phillips scored 10 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.
“We get in a routine here,” said head coach Chad Jilek postgame. “They’re familiar with everything, and they understand how this week’s gonna go if we can get to the championship game. I think that keeps them loose, knowing what’s expected.”
Thursday's matchup started out as a tight back-and-forth, but that didn’t last.
Johnston climbed to a four-point lead before a 3-pointer from Tillie Smith gave Centennial some life. The Dragons pulled ahead again, and the Jaguars cut into the lead again. Even when Johnston managed to go on an extended run, Centennial battled its way back into the game.
The Dragons finished the first quarter with a 16-13 advantage.
Lewis started the second quarter with a steal, which turned into points on the board after Jenkins scored on her own putback. Jenkins sank a 3-pointer on the next possession and then turned another steal into more points, landing another 3-pointer from the corner.
The Dragons’ 3-ball was falling, as Lewis scored from deep on Johnston’s next possession. Centennial called a timeout after Phillips lobbed a half-court pass to Kelli Kalb, who dribbled into the paint for an easy layup.
But by then the reigning state champions had found their rhythm.
"We got six to eight transition points in the second quarter because of our defense,” Jilek said. “We got a lot of tips; we got a lot of loose balls. We have the offensive firepower that we’re probably gonna score on most teams, but it’s our defense that teams have a hard time scoring (on).”
Johnston built a 16-point lead before Centennial scored any points in the second frame – two free throws from Mya Crawford – and it took another two minutes and four more Dragon points before the Jaguars picked up a field goal. Maize Smith broke the drought with her first 3-pointer of the tournament.
The Jaguars picked up some more points in the final few minutes of the half, but the Dragons had already built a comfortable 39-22 lead before heading to the locker room.
Johnston built its lead to 19 points in the opening minutes of the third quarter, but with two and a half minutes remaining Centennial closed the gap. Save for one free throw from the Dragons, Centennial scored eight straight points and forced Johnston to take a timeout.
The Dragons came out of that timeout and scored six unanswered points to end the quarter, entering the fourth frame with a 51-33 lead.
Johnston started the final frame in the same manner, putting up three points in the first 12 seconds. And despite the Jaguars’ best efforts, the Dragons' lead never fell below double digits.
Some moments injected life into the Centennial crowd: Crawford scoring on a falling layup, Ava Martin hitting a 3-pointer right after a Crawford steal. Those were two moments from two seniors not quite ready for their final season of high school basketball to end.
"We have nine seniors,” said Centennial coach Scott DeJong. “Three of them don’t get to play. They’re the most enthusiastic. They’re all-in and you don’t see that nowadays, that people are just happy to be a part of it.
“To have nine kids like that and have the same team for two years, it’s really remarkable. I was really proud to bring them here and have the season we had.”
In the end, Johnston’s championship experience and loaded starting lineup proved too much for Centennial, which finished its season with a 17-8 overall record.
Johnston advances to the championship game for the sixth straight season. The last time the Dragons didn’t play for a title was in 2019, when Valley beat Johnston, 76-64, in the semifinal.
They'll take on Dowling Catholic in the state title game on Friday at 6 p.m.
Alyssa Hertel is the college sports recruiting reporter for the Des Moines Register. Contact Alyssa at [email protected] or on Twitter @AlyssaHertel.
Johnston put its foot on the gas and never let off the pedal.That’s how it felt on Monday, when the Dragons (24-0) rolled to a 73-45 win over Iowa City Liberty (18-7) in the Class 5A quarterfinals of the Iowa high school girls basketball tournament.“If you’re a high school basketball coach, this is your favorite week of the year,” Johnston coach Chad Jilek said after the victory. “… we don’t take anything for granted. We work hard to get here, but it’s always fun.&...
Johnston put its foot on the gas and never let off the pedal.
That’s how it felt on Monday, when the Dragons (24-0) rolled to a 73-45 win over Iowa City Liberty (18-7) in the Class 5A quarterfinals of the Iowa high school girls basketball tournament.
“If you’re a high school basketball coach, this is your favorite week of the year,” Johnston coach Chad Jilek said after the victory. “… we don’t take anything for granted. We work hard to get here, but it’s always fun.”
Amani Jenkins led the Dragons with 16 points. Ari Phillips scored 15 and grabbed seven rebounds. Jaliyah Kinnetz scored 13 points off the bench.
Johnston took less than 10 seconds putting points on the board, with Jenica Lewis dishing a pass to Ari Phillips, who drove toward the basket and tipped in a layup. Lewis banked a 3-pointer shortly after and the Dragons went up by five before Liberty registered any points.
“It’s what we’ve been doing for a while,” Lewis said about her pass to Phillips, with whom who she has played since long before Johnston. “She’s just such a good player and I love playing with her. And being able to hit her on the first play is pretty good.”
The Lightning’s first point came off a free throw – one-of-two attempts made by Madeline Casey – and, despite Liberty getting some solid shots on net, Johnston stockpiled 15 points before its opponent recorded a field goal.
Janessa Mosley broke the scoreless streak – one that spanned four minutes and 44 seconds – with a layup. Thirty seconds later, Ava Casey sank a 3-pointer from the top of the key to give the Lightning some life.
Liberty’s efforts stalled and Johnston sat several of its starters before the end of the first quarter. The Dragons led, 24-7, after one.
Johnston continued to control the game in the second quarter. A trio of 3-pointers from Ava and Madeline Casey provided the Lightning with a much-needed boost but, again, it didn’t make a significant dent in Johnston’s lead.
The Dragons headed to the locker room at halftime with a comfortable 51-20 lead.
Both teams started the second half with a couple misses before Ari Phillips knocked down a 3-pointer, putting Johnston within one point of a running clock. Another 3-pointer from Ava Casey and Natalie Ramsey’s first score from beyond the arc held off that ticking clock a little longer.
But a breakaway layup from Kelli Kalb gave Johnston the continuous clock with 2:51 remaining in the third quarter. Johnston followed that by substituting four of its starters.
It was more of the same in the final frame. Every time Liberty closed the gap – albeit slightly – the Dragons responded. But a 30-point lead almost always remained intact.
With four-and-a-half minutes of running clock remaining, all five starters took a seat on Johnston’s bench. With a little over a minute-and-a-half left, Jilek cleared the rest of his bench, finishing out the game with one junior, three sophomores and a freshman.
“When you have an opportunity in a game like this to get kids rest … it’s definitely on my mind right now,” Jilek said. “If you can win on Thursday, you’ve got to turn around and play right again on Friday. So, the team that’s a little more rested has a little better chance.”
Alyssa Hertel is the college sports recruiting reporter for the Des Moines Register. Contact Alyssa at [email protected] or on Twitter @AlyssaHertel.
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