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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

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Home Care In Watkins, IA

Home Care Watkins, IA

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 Watkins Woolen Mill State Park And Historic Site 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 Watkins, IA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Watkins, IA

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 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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“Tracey Gray helped me in the biggest way today! She saved my day and I am so thankful for her choice to help me! Thank you! #CertPrint #AlwaysBestCare”

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TESTIMONIALS

“Always best care provided excellent caregivers to us. I am really happy with the care and support they provided to my father. Highly recommended to all!”

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“On behalf of my family, I would like to thank Always Best care for all the support your caregivers have provided to my mother. She was very pleased with the care she received. I confidently recommend Always Best Care to all.”

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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Melanie S.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Watkins, IA?

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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.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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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.

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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.

 Senior Care Watkins, IA

Types of Elderly Care in Watkins, IA

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal 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:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Watkins, IA
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

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:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Watkins, IA
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

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 Watkins Glen State Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Watkins, IA
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

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 The Capital Grille or visit Watkins Community MuseumHistory, 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.

 In-Home Care Watkins, IA

Benefits of Home Care in Watkins, IA

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:

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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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

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.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

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 Watkins, 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.

 Elderly Care Watkins, IA

Affordable 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:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your IA's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Watkins, IA

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

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 Watkins, 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.

Assisted Living Referral Services

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.


Respite Care Watkins, IA

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:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Watkins, IA

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:

  • Senior Living at Watkins Winona Health
  • Garden View at Hilltop
  • The Watkins House
  • Hilltop Health Care Center
  • The Watkins House
Home Care Watkins, IA

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.

 In-Home Care Watkins, IA

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

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

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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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 Watkins, 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.

 Elderly Care Watkins, IA

Latest News in Watkins, IA

Caitlin Clark Shared Special Message to Juju Watkins During Iowa-USC Game

On a Sunday afternoon at Carver-Hawkeye Arena that was special to Caitlin Clark in so many ways, the Indiana Fever guard chose to briefly direct the spotlight to another player quickly becoming the new face of college basketball.Clark returned to Iowa over the weekend for the Hawkeyes’ sold-out game against USC, after which Iowa planned to raise her jersey into the rafters and ...

On a Sunday afternoon at Carver-Hawkeye Arena that was special to Caitlin Clark in so many ways, the Indiana Fever guard chose to briefly direct the spotlight to another player quickly becoming the new face of college basketball.

Clark returned to Iowa over the weekend for the Hawkeyes’ sold-out game against USC, after which Iowa planned to raise her jersey into the rafters and officially retire No. 22.

Ahead of the retirement ceremony, Clark watched her former team pull off a 76-69 upset win against JuJu Watkins and the No. 4 ranked Trojans. Clark spoke to the FOX broadcast during the third quarter about Watkins’s impact on the game and gave the USC guard a classy nod of respect.

“I’ve talked to JuJu a little bit,” Clark said. “Obviously, I kind of watch from a distance, but honestly, more than anything, I just try to be supportive. She doesn’t need my help.

“She’s obviously really talented and her game speaks for itself. She’s so fun to watch, and as you can tell our entire scouting report—Number 12, that’s all it’s about. And that means we have so much respect for her.”

Clark gave Watkins another sweet shout-out during her retirement speech in which she wished her and USC good luck this season.

Watkins returned the love postgame and said of Clark, “I’m a big fan of hers, so to see her get her flowers, it’s amazing.”

Clark, who finished her Hawkeyes career as the all-time Division I leading scorer with a whopping total of 3,951 points, broke countless college records before being selected by the Fever as the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA draft.

Watkins wrapped up her freshman year at USC with 920 points—besting Clark’s freshman campaign total of 799—and is currently on track to dethroning Clark as the all-time scorer, though she still has quite a long way to go.

Seeing two of the brightest stars in women’s basketball continue to pave their respective record-setting journeys is one thing. Seeing them both play in the WNBA in several years’ time? Let’s hope the league is ready for it.

More of the Latest Around the WNBA

Iowa women's basketball stuns JuJu Watkins, USC on Caitlin Clark jersey retirement day

IOWA CITY — When analyzing all possible outcomes of anything Caitlin Clark-related, discounting the fairytale scenario as a real possibility usually isn't wise. The Iowa women's basketball legend has a way of bringing the improbable to life.Sunday was some of her best work yet.On a festive day that blended Clark nostalgia with a massive matchup in the present, No. 22's mere presence unlocked a winning route few outside the Iowa program thought was possible. Sunday's final scene inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena m...

IOWA CITY — When analyzing all possible outcomes of anything Caitlin Clark-related, discounting the fairytale scenario as a real possibility usually isn't wise. The Iowa women's basketball legend has a way of bringing the improbable to life.

Sunday was some of her best work yet.

On a festive day that blended Clark nostalgia with a massive matchup in the present, No. 22's mere presence unlocked a winning route few outside the Iowa program thought was possible. Sunday's final scene inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena marked another memorable moment in a recent run full of them, as Iowa secured a sizable signature win that spilled in perfectly to Clark's postgame jersey retirement ceremony.

Not only did the Hawkeyes' 76-69 win over JuJu Watkins and No. 4 USC inject confidence into a roster still hunting consistency across the board, it provided the perfect backdrop for Clark to officially pass the torch to Iowa's next wave. On this day, Jan Jensen's group embraced everything that arrived with Sunday's incredible scene.

"Today was just amazing," said senior point guard Lucy Olsen, who delivered a game-high 28 points punctuated by a riveting fourth quarter. "Everything Caitlin has done for the sport, that's part of the reason I'm here — because of how much she's grown women's basketball."

Even with all intangibles on the home side, Iowa's on-court product had to match the arena aura. After coughing up a hefty lead early that led to tense action late, the Hawkeyes (15-7, 5-6 Big Ten Conference) needed to operate with the confidence Clark leaned on so much throughout her collegiate years.

Olsen took charge there, pouring in 15 points while going 5-for-5 at the line in the fourth quarter alone. A 63-57 advantage with five minutes remaining held up throughout a chaotic finish. Defensive intensity balanced out perfectly while forcing four USC turnovers over the final 10.

Watkins did all she could to keep the Trojans (19-2, 9-1) afloat, delivering 27 points on 8-for-22 shooting while standing as USC's only reliable offensive option. But the cavalry never came to offer assistance. Meanwhile, the Hawkeyes picked up 13 points from Addi O'Grady, 11 more from Sydney Affolter and another 10 via Hannah Stuelke despite her sitting the entire fourth. All of the contributions added up to make this upset possible.

"It was really a huge part of our gameplan, focusing on our defense. Really making sure that JuJu was going to pass to other people and make other people hurt us," O'Grady said. "Obviously, JuJu was going to get her own points but to not get discouraged by that. When she wasn't hitting and no one was hitting, we were just rolling."

It was clear early this could be a special afternoon. Iowa's start at least was something from a basketball dream. USC missed just about everything it attempted, literally, while Iowa leaned on a bumping building with several eye-popping treys. A methodical 15-0 run saw the Hawkeyes up 17 before everyone had a chance to breathe.

USC's opening sputters would've permanently damaged many. The Trojans finished the first quarter 1-for-14 from the field with zero field goals until the final 30 seconds, giving Iowa a window to establish separation and keep the environment intense.

The Hawkeyes held off a Trojan charge for some time ... but not long enough to even enter the locker room ahead. Iowa's disastrous second quarter undid almost all of its positive early work en route to a 29-28 intermission deficit. As USC cranked up the press, the Hawkeyes had little success breaking it. Eleven first-half turnovers evened the action and set the stage for a seesawing finish.

So many other times this season, Iowa has wilted when the spotlight intensifies. Several near-wins have morphed into painful stumbles on the backs of rough finishes that put this team's flaws further under the microscope.

With Clark in the building, though, anything is truly possible. The Hawkeyes showed that in the most emphatic way Sunday.

"I was so happy they got this moment," Jensen said, "because they've had so many go the other way. It's a possession here, a possession there. I really challenged them at halftime. I said, 'You know what? Not today. Not after everything you've been through.'"

Dargan Southard is a sports trending reporter and covers Iowa athletics for the Des Moines Register and HawkCentral.com. Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter at @Dargan_Southard.

JuJu Watkins Scares Caitlin Clark as Iowa Alumni Claims USC Star Doesn’t Need Her Help

“I had this attention for a year and a half, two years, and you’re going to have it for the next three.” That’s what Caitlin Clark told JuJu Watkins previously, and honestly, we are seeing it unfold in real time. The USC Trojans star continues to shine, breaking some of Caitlin’s records along the way. And could it have been any more fitting for the Iowa alumna to have her jersey retired in front of her successor?Even though USC faced just their second loss of the season against Iowa, Clark, who ...

“I had this attention for a year and a half, two years, and you’re going to have it for the next three.” That’s what Caitlin Clark told JuJu Watkins previously, and honestly, we are seeing it unfold in real time. The USC Trojans star continues to shine, breaking some of Caitlin’s records along the way. And could it have been any more fitting for the Iowa alumna to have her jersey retired in front of her successor?

Even though USC faced just their second loss of the season against Iowa, Clark, who was back in the building for her legendary jersey retirement, looked nothing short of impressed when talking about Watkins.

When asked about the rising star stepping into the spotlight, CC had nothing but respect. “I’ve talked to JuJu a little bit. Obviously, I kind of watch from a distance. But honestly, more than anything, I just try to be supportive,” she said. “She doesn’t need my help. She’s obviously really talented in her game. She speaks for herself.”

She also added that the Trojans guard is only a sophomore and she [JuJu] is only going to get better with time. And considering how good of a player she is, the W star admitted, “So it’s scary to think about.”

And the 19-year-old proved that scary part right on the court. She dropped 27 points, including 23 in the first three quarters, going 6-of-17 from the field and a near-perfect 10-of-11 from the free throw line.

When asked about that insane takeover moment, Clark completely understood the feeling, “You know, as a player, there’s nothing better than seeing the ball go through the rim. It just gives you confidence. She got to the free-throw line. That’s huge.” She believed that helped Watkins find her rhythm and make some key plays down the stretch.

But at the end of the day, Iowa wasn’t going to lose on a night this big. With the energy of Carver-Hawkeye Arena at full blast, the Hawkeyes secured a 76-69 win, marking their biggest victory in the post-Caitlin Clark era.

What’s your perspective on:

Is JuJu Watkins the next big thing in basketball, or is Caitlin Clark's legacy untouchable?

Have an interesting take?

Iowa proves they won’t let Caitlin Clark’s legacy go to waste, pulling off the unexpected

As wrong as it might feel—given the experience, the chemistry, and everything in between—the comparison between the previous and current Iowa squad is inevitable. Jan Jensen has spoken about giving this group time, much like the team that led Iowa to two championships, who had the advantage of being together for years.

So, when Iowa faced No. 4 USC today, there was a quiet expectation in the back of some people’s minds that they might pull off the win. But realistically, against JuJu Watkins and Co., it felt like a tall order. That is, until Iowa actually made it happen.

The victory was more than just an upset, it was a statement. The win not only injected confidence into a team still seeking consistency, but it also set the stage for Clark’s emotional jersey retirement ceremony. And, truly, that wasn’t easy to do after coughing up a hefty early lead. The Trojans made it tense late, but Iowa held on.

Lucy Olsen stepped up huge, pouring in 15 of her game-high 28 points in the fourth quarter, while the team collectively turned up the defense, forcing five USC turnovers in the final 10 minutes. Watkins did everything she could for USC, dropping 27 points, but it was Iowa’s balanced effort that made the difference.

From the start, it felt like something special was in the air. USC couldn’t buy a basket early, and Iowa was hitting shots left and right. With their alums Caitlin Clark, Gabbie Marshall, and Kate Martin in the crowd, it was the perfect way to honor the legacy and show that this new squad is more than ready to carry the torch.

Debate

What's Your Perspective On

Is JuJu Watkins the next big thing in basketball, or is Caitlin Clark's legacy untouchable?

Hear from JuJu Watkins, USC after suffering upset loss vs. Iowa women's basketball

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