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 The Granger House Victorian Museum 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 Marion, 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 Waldo's Rock 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 Napoli's Italian Restaurant or visit Marion County (Knoxville) Freedom Rock, 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 Marion, 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 Marion, 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 Marion, 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.
More Like ThisLocals craft a vision for uptown Marion, IA's revitalization.Uptown Marion is undergoing a renaissance.With numerous developments taking shape, the 27-square-block downtown district is worth exploring.About a 6-mile drive from downtown Cedar Rapids, Uptown Marion features more than 60 independent stores, restaurants, galleries and ente...
More Like This
Locals craft a vision for uptown Marion, IA's revitalization.
Uptown Marion is undergoing a renaissance.
With numerous developments taking shape, the 27-square-block downtown district is worth exploring.
About a 6-mile drive from downtown Cedar Rapids, Uptown Marion features more than 60 independent stores, restaurants, galleries and entertainment venues. From your morning coffee fix to an evening nightcap, this charming historic district is an all-day destination.
“The entire district has been going through a revival, and the revitalization goes well with Marion’s tagline of ‘Reach Higher,'” says Jill Ackerman, president of Marion Chamber of Commerce. “The district has reimagined itself, and we’ve had quite a few officials from other Iowa communities visit us to see what progress we have made.”
The rebirth of Uptown Marion began in earnest in late 2020, following a devastating derecho (fast-moving violent windstorm) that caused significant damage throughout the city and was categorized as the largest natural disaster in Marion’s history.
One of the many recent efforts to enhance the district is a multi-million-dollar streetscape beautification project along Seventh Avenue, a main thoroughfare in Uptown Marion. Dating back to 1880, the historic Owen Block Building on Seventh Avenue is just one example of several landmark buildings finding renewed purpose in Marion.
“Today, in Uptown Marion, there is the beautiful three-story Broad & Main building, with apartments on the top two floors and commercial space on the lower level. Belltower Lofts is also coming online with more apartments,” Ackerman says. “This has become a walkable district with more downtown living options for people of all ages.”
Other upgrades to Uptown Marion include the redevelopment of Central Plaza in City Square Park, including an ice-skating loop, live performance space and an interactive play schedule. In addition, the 5.5-mile paved CeMar Trail that connects Uptown Marion with downtown Cedar Rapids is in its final phase of construction.
Also slated for redevelopment, the former Marion Public Library site on Sixth Avenue is awaiting transformation, with the city actively seeking a private developer to breathe new life into the property. In 2024, the city was vigilant about adding and improving on-street parking and vacant lot availability throughout downtown to serve businesses, residents and customers better.
“We have an awesome City Council that is very supportive of Uptown Marion development, and that development has included theaters, restaurants, stores, nightlife, new housing and a creative vibe,” Ackerman says. “If you haven’t visited Uptown Marion in a while, come see the progress.”
Get to Know Cedar Rapids
Want to learn more about living and working in Cedar Rapids, IA? Check out the latest edition of Livability Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Linn County opening marks new chapter in rapid growthElijah Decious The Gazette offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.MARION — A rapidly rising bakery concept, proofed in Solon over the past three years, is ready to be rolled out in Marion.Since its first 2021 ...
Linn County opening marks new chapter in rapid growth
The Gazette offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
MARION — A rapidly rising bakery concept, proofed in Solon over the past three years, is ready to be rolled out in Marion.
Since its first 2021 opening in Solon, The Eat Shop’s owner has been bringing back treats last sold by her great-aunt Mary Ann Drahos, whose bakery by the same name closed in Cedar Rapids almost 75 years ago.
Now, after several cafe partnerships and two openings at the University of Iowa, the bakery is opening its first Linn County location to serve as a flagship with offerings from every other shop — plus a few new things.
“We’re marrying our formats,” owner Cheryl Maloney said. “Solon is our headquarters, and this is our flagship.”
The Eat Shop’s largest location by far will open Feb. 1.
What: The Eat Shop
Address: 1107 Seventh Ave., Suite 101, Marion
Website: theeatshop.com/
Phone: (319) 200-1107
Hours: To be determined. Opens Feb. 1, 2025.
Details: Find the full line of The Eat Shop’s signature baked goods along with new fresh-baked bread, hot sandwiches, soups and salads, espresso and coffee, and alcoholic beverages. Available in their dining room or for carryout.
With more than 3,300 square feet of dining and kitchen space, The Eat Shop’s new opening brings a bakery with elements of a cafe to a convenient spot at Marion Square.
A glamorous, monochromatic interior is warmed by wood beam accents, as black acoustic paneling makes for quieter conversation. French cafe-style woven chairs, inspired by a bar at the Ritz-Carlton in Miami, offer seating for 40 inside beneath glitzy glass chandeliers. On the other side of the exterior wall, a patio for 24 awaits warmer weather in Iowa.
Great-aunt Mary’s desk, as well as a phone booth from the 1940s, offer a nod to The Eat Shop’s origins, along with its largest and most ambitious opening to date.
A private room offers a pop of color that will brighten activities inside — decorator shops, evening baking classes or private parties for small groups.
And if the baked goods aren’t stimulating enough, take a look at the staff making them through large kitchen windows running parallel to the main seating area. There, patrons can watch the bustling magic of making pastries with six ovens, work tables lining the walls and giant commercial mixers that dwarf the Solon bakery’s capacity.
“Anywhere we can bake, we’re baking,” Maloney said.
The new location will be open seven days a week, with plans for early morning and mid-afternoon hours to satisfy both the early birds and the night owls warming up to the day.
In addition to the signature baked goods that have fueled The Eat Shop’s rapid growth — cookies, pies, cinnamon rolls, kolaches and more — the Marion location will have a bevy of favorites that have been developed outside Solon.
Fresh bread, made on site, will be a centerpiece of the new bakery, with fixed and rotating options like Shokupan Japanese milk bread, French baguettes, brioche and focaccia.
Next to the front counter’s large pastry cases, patrons can pop in to find a quick bite for breakfast or lunch with hot sandwiches, soups, salads, flatbreads and more.
Breakfast and lunch options, developed through two University of Iowa campus locations opened since August 2023, have tested a separate line of goodies previously outside The Eat Shop’s main area of expertise.
Diners can expect favorites like the Holiday Turkey with cranberry chutney on a lightly-toasted croissant, or the Very Cherry with ham, cheese and cherry chutney. The burger with ground sirloin on a brioche bun, a popular option on campus, also may make an appearance in Marion.
The array of sandwiches can also take advantage of The Eat Shop’s new bread options.
Wash it all down with wine, beer or other cocktails to lighten your day and complement the carbs that make life worth living.
Although it has a distinctly adult feel, the new space will be kid-friendly, too. Children’s menu options of $5 or less will appeal to younger diners, with macaroni and cheese and sandwiches on King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls — all served with a side of edible cookie dough.
When Maloney moved from Chicagoland to Solon, she didn’t know what to expect.
“You need to know what you’re doing works and that people like it,” she said.
But with several major cafe partnerships, two University of Iowa campus openings and a Solon kitchen expansion in under three years, the proof of concept has risen enough to put in the oven.
After double-digit growth year after year, Maloney was looking for room to branch out in Eastern Iowa. In a short time, her business has grown from seven employees to about 30, with plans for a staff of about 50 by the time the Marion location opens next year.
In addition to their locations, The Eat Shop’s pastries have been distributed throughout Johnson County through partnerships with Sidekick Coffee & Books and Coffee Emporium. In the meantime, The Eat Shop has doubled its production space in Solon by expanding into Briar Ridge Bike Shop’s former storage space.
“We rolled 500 cinnamon rolls this morning in an hour and 15 minutes,” she told The Gazette in November — a sharp contrast to what was, at times, a single employee with a rolling pin at the beginning. “We have expanded when we’re bursting at the seams.”
She considered North Liberty, Davenport and several locations around Cedar Rapids and Marion, including the former Sykora Bakery building in the Czech Village, the old Dash Coffee Roasters building and the historic Maid Rite building in Marion.
As she explored the new development on Marion Square, the large space required a leap of faith.
“It felt like trying on a wedding dress I couldn’t afford. It was way bigger than I was thinking,” Maloney said.
But as she envisioned what she could do with the space, she was sold on the new build out. The district’s walkable neighborhood was a key fit for The Eat Shop, which has grown without any advertising or marketing other than word-of-mouth.
With a similar demographic to the target audience for Uptown Marion’s other growing shops and businesses, she hopes to bring added value as a bona fide community partner.
Even with her team’s rapid and mostly unsolicited growth, the baker from corporate America with a master’s in business administration still feels out of place.
“We’re surrounded by Big Grove and Barrett’s (Quality Eats), and classically trained chefs,” she said. “I feel a little bit like I’m in a world I’m not supposed to be in.”
But, culinary degree or not, baking has been in her family for generations. And if the community’s response is any indication, there’s no sign of that changing any time soon.
Comments: Features reporter Elijah Decious can be reached at (319) 398-8340 or [email protected].
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