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 What Cheer, 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.
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 What Cheer, 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 What Cheer, 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 What Cheer, 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.
October has several Flea Markets and vintage sales around the Des Moines metro including one of the biggest in the Midwest.Whether you are looking for a rare antique or a recycled outfit, here are four flea markets and vintage bazaars during the first two weekends of October.Heartland BazaarFeaturing 30 different vendors, the Heartland Bazaar is a biannual vintage clothing market in Des Moines. Items available for sale include vintage clothing, accessories, jewelry and decor. Eras represented at the Hear...
October has several Flea Markets and vintage sales around the Des Moines metro including one of the biggest in the Midwest.
Whether you are looking for a rare antique or a recycled outfit, here are four flea markets and vintage bazaars during the first two weekends of October.
Featuring 30 different vendors, the Heartland Bazaar is a biannual vintage clothing market in Des Moines. Items available for sale include vintage clothing, accessories, jewelry and decor. Eras represented at the Heartland Bazaar are anywhere from the early 1900s to early 2000s, according to its website. There will also be local food and beverages at the north end of the lot.
This is the last chance to visit one of the biggest Flea Markets in the Midwest in 2024. The What Cheer Flea Market is hosting its final 2024 market. Items for sale include anything from antiques to homemade trinkets. Admission on Thursday is $6, Friday and Saturday is $4 and the last day on Sunday is free.
From January to June and September to December, the Iowa State Fair Grounds host a flea market one weekend out of each month. The market offers antiques, collectibles, home decor, jewelry and more. If you went to the last market in September, plan for something new this time around. Each Iowa State Fair Flea Market has new merchandise and vendors, according to its website. The next markets are Nov. 2 and 3 as well as Dec. 7 and Dec. 8.
DSM Flea, co-founded by Phoenix Lee and Boey Lu, will offer 15 vendors from across Des Moines including 84 Fresh, Kiwacana Vintage and Archived Vintage. Local artists and creators attending include Ney Creates, Brian Conran and Jungle House Plant Shop.
DSM Flea is the first monthly flea market in Des Moines. The next event will be Nov. 29 at the AC Hotel in the East Village. There is no admission for DSM Flea.
"At DSM Flea, our main mission is not only to bring great monthly markets to the Des Moines area but also to keep the community engaged by providing a welcoming 'third space' for people to gather," Lee told the Register in an email. "Whether you’re meeting up with friends, exploring the market, or looking for a unique date option, we aim to create a fun, relaxed environment where everyone can connect and enjoy what local vendors and artists have to offer."
Want Cy or the Spirit Squad to attend your event? For more information and to book your appearance, click here!SPIRIT SQUAD DONATION PAGEHelp support the Iowa State Spirit Squa...
Want Cy or the Spirit Squad to attend your event? For more information and to book your appearance, click here!
Help support the Iowa State Spirit Squad program! Donate here today!
CHEER TEAM
The Iowa State Cheerleading program consists of a Co Ed and All Girl team. Numbers vary each year and are at the discretion of the coaches. Both teams perform at various Cyclone sporting events such as: football, volleyball, men's and women's basketball, and gymnastics. We also compete nationally at the NCA College Nationals in Daytona Beach, Florida.
CLINICS RECRUITMENT TEAM TRYOUTS
STAFF
Kendra Simpson - Spirit Squad Coordinator and Head Coach
Shlisa Frank - Assistant Coach
Liza LoVan - Assistant Coach
SOCIAL MEDIA
Please follow us on Instagram @cylconecheer and Facebook @Iowa State Cheerleading
TEAM BENEFITS & EXPECTATIONS
All Cheer Squad members are expected to attended the following:
Academics:
Fundraising:
Other:
CHEERLEADING CLINICS
College Stunt & Prep
Fall 2024 - September 22nd & October 20th: Clinic Complete
Winter 2025 - February 22nd: Clinic Complete
Spirit Day Kids Clinics
Football 2024 - October 4th & 5th: Clinic Complete
Basketball 2025 - January 25th: Clinic Complete
CHEERLEADING TEAM TRYOUT INFORMATION
The Iowa State University Cheerleading tryout is a 3-day process that is held in-person and is closed to the public on the following dates, with potential cuts made throughout the weekend. Elements required for tryouts are standing and running tumbling, stunts, and game day material. Injuries that limit the athlete from fully completing each round of the tryout process is prohibited. Athlete must be fully cleared to participate in the entirety of the process in order to tryout.
Cheerleading Team Tryouts
2025-2026 Cheerleading Tryouts - May 2nd - 4th 2025 : Registration Link *NOW OPEN*
Tryout Schedule
Friday: 5pm - 8pm: Tumbling & Stunt Group practice (non-scoring day)
Saturday - Session 1: 9am - 12pm: Tumbling (scoring & first round cuts)
Saturday - Session 2: 2pm - 5pm: Stunting (scoring & second round cuts)
Sunday: 9am - 12pm: Gameday & Interviews (scoring & final team selection)
Preferred Tumbling Skills:
Preferred Stunting Skills:
All Girl
Co-Ed
*Female flyers have the option of trying out for both Co Ed and All Girl; however, the coaches will place them on the squad that they best see fits*
Game Day Skills: *Practice Videos Sent with Received Registration*
*Video tryout submissions are not permitted unless competing at Cheerleading Worlds or Summit and has been verified by the Iowa State Cheerleading Head Coach. If verified, you will receive details on what your video submission should include. Please note, all tumbling skills must be performed on dead mat. Video and application must be submitted to the head coach by (date TBD), no exceptions or extensions*
CHEERLEADING TEAM RECRUITMENT
For more information, click here! *Application opens September 1st!*
DANCE TEAM
The Iowa State Dance Team consists of two squads, the Gold and Cardinal Squad. Both squads perform for football, volleyball, and men's basketball and women's basketball. Numbers on each squad vary each year and are at the discretion of the coaches. The Dance Team also competes at NDA College Nationals in Daytona Beach, Florida.
STAFF
Jill Petersen - Head Coach
Kelsie Mackie - Assistant Coach
Danielle Myers - Assistant Coach
Kate Netten - Assistant Coach
SOCIAL MEDIA
Please follow us on Instagram @cylconedanceteam and Facebook @Iowa State Dance Team
TEAM BENEFITS & EXPECTATIONS
All Dance Team members are expected to attended the following:
Academics:
Fundraising:
Other:
For further information, please see our FAQ here.
DANCE CLINICS
College Dance & Prep
Fall 2024 - September 29th: Clinic Complete
Winter 2025 - January 19th: Registration Link
Spirit Day Kids Clinics
Football 2024 - October 4th & 5th: Clinic Complete
DANCE TEAM RECRUITMENT & TRYOUT INFORMATION
For more information, click here! *Application opens September 1st!*
CY: THE MASCOT
Cy is the official mascot of Iowa State University and fulfills athletics and community events by the members of the Mascot Squad. Cy attends sporting events such as football, men's and women's basketball, volleyball, wrestling, soccer, softball, and gymnastics. In addition to sporting events, Cy is often requested to make various appearances across the state of Iowa for a number of events. Cy also competes each year at the NCA College Mascot Nationals in Daytona Beach, Florida.
STAFF
Kendra Simpson - Athletics & Appearances
SOCIAL MEDIA
Please follow Cy on Instagram @themascotcy and Facebook @Cy The Mascot
THE BEGINNING OF CY
The story of Cy the Cardinal goes back to the early 1950s when an Iowa State mascot was only a glint in the eye of Chev Adams, president of the former Collegiate Manufacturing Company of Ames, and Harry Burrell, Iowa State sports information director. The two struggled to think of a way to make a mascot costume that would remotely resemble a column of wind.
To solve the problem, two contests were held: the first, a student-run challenge to decide once and for all what form the new mascot would take; the other, a nationwide contest to find a fitting name for the character. The consensus among the students led by Pep Council president Chuck Duncan, confirmed that you "couldn't stuff a Cyclone," so they settled on a cardinal bird based on the school colors, cardinal & gold and on existing organizations, Cardinal Key and Cardinal Guild.
Collegiate Manufacturing designed the first cardinal costume - after receiving a green light from Alumni Association director W.E. "Red" Barron and Cyclone Club director Ray Donels at a cost of $200.
Seventeen people submitted the name "Cy" in the nationwide contest. The first to submit the name was Mrs. E.H. Ohlsen of Ames. "Cy the Cardinal" (his official name) debuted at the 1954 Homecoming game and has become the enduring symbol of Iowa State athletics.
Virgil Petty ('57 farm op, DVM '64) was chosen out of pity by the athletic club to be the inaugural Cy after just being cut from the varsity basketball team.
THE EVELUTION OF CY
Over the last half century, Cy has undergone several makeovers and redesigns. The first Cy was approximately 8 feet tall with a bulging chest made mostly from chicken wire and aluminum. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, a miniature "Baby Cy" made appearances at many athletic events. Several years after, the smaller Cy was discontinued and "Clone" debuted at Hilton Coliseum in January of 1989. The more agile mascot complemented the traditional Cy for several years.
In 1995, "Clone" was discontinued and a more menacing looking Cy was created. This was much different from the cartoon-like prototype that Petty wore. Cy was again transformed when ISU Athletics changed the school's logo and color combinations. Today's Cy has a wide grin that is friendly, yet a bit mischievous. He is able to move through crowds with ease and loves to pose for pictures with his adoring fans!
MASCOT SQUAD TRYOUTS
Mascot Tryouts - Dates TBD: Registration Link
MASCOT TRYOUT INFORMATION
Tryouts for the Mascot Squad are determined based on the need of adding members. Because the Mascot Squad is a small group of people, tryouts are not held yearly. If you are interested in getting more information about joining the Mascot Squad, please email Kendra Simpson.
877-292-2126
