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Home Care In Toledo, IA

Home Care Toledo, 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 Pythian Castle 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 Toledo, IA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

In-Home Care Toledo, 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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“Always Best is OK but doesn’t seem to make up hours very well. When the”

Always Best is OK but doesn’t seem to make up hours very well. When the caregiver is sick, nobody comes. I would think that they need a little more back up than they have right now. They give me a schedule, and billing is paid by Medicaid.
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“I knew a lady who works for Always Best Health Care that's why I chose”

I knew a lady who works for Always Best Health Care that's why I chose it. The caregiver is very good with a very good attitude. They were able to provide the caregiver for myself immediately. She accompanies me to shopping.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best is OK but doesn’t seem to make up hours very well. When the caregiver is sick, nobody comes. I would think that they need a little more back up than they have right now. They give me a schedule, and billing is paid by Medicaid.”

DouglasJJIWF
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TESTIMONIALS

“I knew a lady who works for Always Best Health Care that's why I chose it. The caregiver is very good with a very good attitude. They were able to provide the caregiver for myself immediately. She accompanies me to shopping.”

Carol64210350

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Toledo, 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.

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Senior Care Toledo, IA

Types of Elderly Care in Toledo, 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
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Respite Care Toledo, 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
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Caregivers Toledo, 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 Wildwood Preserve Metropark 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
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Home Care Toledo, 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 Georgio's Cafe International or visit Toledo History Museum, 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.

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In-Home Care Toledo, IA

Benefits of Home Care in Toledo, 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 Toledo, 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 Toledo, 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 Toledo, 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 Toledo, 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 Toledo, 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 Toledo, 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:

  • Traditions at West Park Place
  • Majestic Care of Toledo Assisted Living
  • Henderson House
  • AVIVA Glendale
  • Merit House Senior Community
  • Alpine House of Toledo
Home Care Toledo, 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 Toledo, 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 Toledo, IA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

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Elderly Care Toledo, IA

Latest News in Toledo, IA

Moss scores 21 as Toledo downs Northern Iowa 84-80

TeamCONFGBOVRIndiana State9-1-18-3Drake8-2117...

TeamCONFGBOVR
Indiana State9-1-18-3
Drake8-2117-4
Bradley7-3215-6
Southern Illinois6-4314-7
Northern Iowa6-4312-9
Belmont5-5412-9
Murray State5-548-13
Missouri State4-6512-9
Illinois State4-6510-11
Evansville3-7612-9
Valparaiso2-876-15
UIC1-988-13
TeamCONFGBOVR
Akron7-1-15-5
Toledo7-1-13-7
Central Michigan6-2111-9
Bowling Green5-3214-6
Western Michigan5-328-12
Miami (OH)4-4310-10
Ohio4-4310-10
Ball State3-5411-9
Kent State3-5410-10
Eastern Michigan2-659-11
Buffalo1-65.52-17
Northern Illinois0-76.56-13

Iowa town removes Nativity scene after out-of-town atheist steps in

A Nativity display in an Iowa town was removed from its longtime location at the fire department after city leaders received a letter from an atheist group arguing it is "divisive" to showcase the Christmas scene on public property."Right now, we're just … looking through to see what options we have. My intent as mayor is to get it back at the fire station. We obviously just want to make sure we do it in a wa...

A Nativity display in an Iowa town was removed from its longtime location at the fire department after city leaders received a letter from an atheist group arguing it is "divisive" to showcase the Christmas scene on public property.

"Right now, we're just … looking through to see what options we have. My intent as mayor is to get it back at the fire station. We obviously just want to make sure we do it in a way that complies with any First Amendment issues," Toledo, Iowa, Mayor Brian Sokol told Fox News Digital in a phone interview Wednesday.

The Nativity scene was removed from the Toledo Fire Department’s property on Friday after the city received a letter from the Freedom From Religion Foundation, a nonprofit based in Wisconsin that advocates on behalf of atheists and agnostics. Sokol explained that city leaders did not authorize the display to be taken down, but that the fire department did so with "good intentions" to avoid a potential lawsuit.

Toledo is located roughly 70 miles northeast of Des Moines and has a population of just over 2,000 residents.

THE SATANIC TEMPLE SETS UP PUBLIC DISPLAY INSIDE IOWA CAPITOL BUILDING: 'VERY DARK, EVIL FORCE'

"It’s unfortunate that we even have to have this discussion. It was donated to the city and has been up every year for 15 to 20 years," Sokol previously added in a comment about the Nativity, according to local outlet the Times-Republican.

"It will be a discussion item for the council to decide if we put it back up or permanently relocate it. … We have received a lot of positive comments and the feedback has been [to] keep it up. A lawsuit could be a possibility, but unfortunately, it seems too many groups want to sue about anything."

The letter, which was posted publicly on Toledo’s official government Facebook page, argues it is "inappropriate" to showcase a Nativity scene on public property.

"Nativity scenes on public property are unnecessary, inappropriate and divisive," the letter states. "It is irrefutable that the nativity is a religious, Christian symbol. The best solution is to remove this nativity scene and discontinue hosting religious displays on public property altogether."

BETHLEHEM CHURCH BRINGS PEOPLE TO TEARS AFTER REDESIGNING CHRISTMAS NATIVITY SCENE TO REFLECT ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR

The founder of the Eastern Iowa Atheists, Justin Scott, first spotted the Nativity scene and flagged the Freedom From Religion Foundation about a potential First Amendment violation, the Times-Republican reported. Scott, who is not from Toledo, said he also called city hall about the display and was told to fill out a complaint with the city.

He argued in comments to the outlet that he did not want the city to remove the Nativity display but to add non-religious holiday decorations such as Santa Claus or candy canes. He added that he enjoys the holiday season despite being an atheist.

"I know I’m a godless heathen, but this is a special time," he said.

ANGRY RESIDENTS PUSH BACK AGAINST ATHEIST GROUP'S CALL FOR TOWN TO MOVE NATIVITY SCENE

The daughter of the man who crafted the Nativity scene more than 30 years ago relayed that she was shocked to find out it was removed from the fire department. She said the scene had previously been installed on private property before it was moved to the fire station an estimated 20 years ago.

AT CHRISTMAS SEASON, IOWA MAN AIMS FOR WORLD RECORD FOR LARGEST NATIVITY SCENES COLLECTION

"Friday morning I went to the City Hall to see who had asked for that to be taken down, and I was given the letter and the name of the person," Becky Faircloth told WHO13. "It was found out that this person doesn’t even live in our community. This person is from another community not even connected to our county."

Sokol also addressed how locals have taken issue with how an out-of-towner's complaint led to the Freedom From Religion Foundation letter.

"I think that the frustrating part is that the complaint wasn't even a local complaint. It was not even in the same county. An out-of-towner drove through and filed a complaint. And that's what brought the City Council's attention. And then in the meantime, we received a letter from a coalition threatening a lawsuit if we did not remove it," he said.

The city council meeting Monday regarding the removal of the display drew record crowds as people sounded off that the Nativity scene should be reinstalled at the fire department, Sokol told Fox News Digital.

"We’re all here because this is a good town. This is a free town. And we, as the majority, should be able to say what it is we want, and we want that Nativity back at the fire station," one resident said at the meeting.

"I don’t like people burning flags, I don’t like people burning Bibles, and I don’t like people telling us we can’t have a Nativity scene at our fire station," Councilman Joe Boll said, according to the outlet. The crowd responded "amen" to Boll’s comment.

Sokol also addressed the crowd and said the Nativity scene controversy will not be forgotten or dismissed by town leadership.

MEET THE AMERICAN WHO PLANTED THE FIRST CHRISTMAS TREE FARM: NEW JERSEY ENTREPRENEUR WV MCGALLIARD

"We are not dropping this," Sokol said. "The city attorney is still reviewing our options; again, we think we do have options so that we can put it back, but in compliance."

Iowa is currently facing criticism for another display this Christmas season involving a satanic altar in the state’s capitol building. The Satanic Temple display includes a mirror-covered ram's head, a mannequin in red clothing, and an altar-style display with candles.

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"It's a very dark, evil force, and I truly hope people know how to battle that," an Iowa resident said in reaction to the display, KCCI Des Moines reported.

Sokol said he doesn't believe it's "mere coincidence" that his town is dealing with a complaint over the nativity scene while a satanic altar is on display in the state's capitol building.

"I don't think it's a mere coincidence. I think it's just the times that we're living in. … The timing is ironic. This is unfortunate that we're even having this conversation," Sokol said.

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The mayor said he is hoping to get the Nativity display returned to the fire department – and compliant with the First Amendment – before Christmas.

More women's March Madness: 12-seed Toledo downs Iowa State women 80-73

The 12th-seeded Toledo knocked off No. 5 seed Iowa State 80-73 for Saturday's second big upset of the women's NCAA Tournament.KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Quinesha Lockett scored 24 points and grabbed 13 rebounds as 12th-seeded Toledo knocked off No. 5 seed Iowa State 80-73 for Saturday's second big upset of the women's NCAA Tournament.Toledo became the second 12 seed to win Saturday, joining Flo...

The 12th-seeded Toledo knocked off No. 5 seed Iowa State 80-73 for Saturday's second big upset of the women's NCAA Tournament.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Quinesha Lockett scored 24 points and grabbed 13 rebounds as 12th-seeded Toledo knocked off No. 5 seed Iowa State 80-73 for Saturday's second big upset of the women's NCAA Tournament.

Toledo became the second 12 seed to win Saturday, joining Florida Gulf Coast not long after its win over Washington State. Toledo now will play No. 4 seed Tennessee, a 95-50 winner over 13th-seeded Saint Louis, on Monday night for a spot in the Sweet 16 in the Spokane 3 region.

The Rockets (29-4) matched the program record for most wins for a second straight season by winning a record 17th straight game, topping the 16-game streak of 2000-01. They also posted their first NCAA win since 1996 in their ninth tournament appearance overall and first since 2017.

Jayda Jansen scored 17 points for Toledo, Sophia Wiard added 15 points and Nan Garcia 12.

Iowa State got within 78-73 on Denae Fritz’s 3 with 29.4 seconds left. Toledo didn’t make a bucket after Lockett’s layup with 3:35 to go, but the Rockets sealed the win hitting its final eight free throws over the final 63 seconds.

When Lexi Donarski’s 3 missed with 24 seconds left, Toledo got the rebound and Justina King just held the ball as the final seconds ticked off before the Rockets started celebrating.

Iowa State (22-10) came in as the Big 12 Tournament champ for the first time since 2001 after stringing together upsets of a trio of NCAA Tournament teams in Baylor, Oklahoma and Texas. The Cyclones also had the Big 12 Player of the Year in Ashley Joens looking for a second straight Sweet 16 berth.

Instead, the Cyclones head home with their first opening round loss since 2017.

Joens led Iowa State with 23 points and 13 rebounds, including a perfect 11-of-11 at the free throw line. Joens was 0-of-4 in the fourth quarter. Donarski finished with 13, and Fritz and Emily Ryan each had 11.

Iowa State took its biggest lead at 23-18 and was up 23-20 after the first quarter.

Garcia's layup put Toledo ahead to stay with 7:52 left in the second as Toledo outscored Iowa State 23-13 in the second for a 43-36 lead into halftime. Toledo led 61-53 going into the fourth.

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Toledo: The Rockets also won 29 games in 2012-13. They improved to 4-8 in the NCAA Tournament with their first win since downing Ole Miss in 1996. The Rockets were the No. 10 seed and lost in the second round to Old Dominion.

Iowa State: This was the 14th tournament berth in the last 16 tournaments for the Cyclones who had a strong argument to be hosting themselves as the Big 12 Tournament champ and ranked 17th nationally. They won their first-round games in 2019, 2021 and 2022 when they lost to Creighton in the Sweet 16.

Toledo will play No. 24 Tennessee for the second time in program history on Monday night for the program's first ever trip to the Sweet 16. Tennessee beat Toledo 81-63 on Dec. 18, 1985, in a regular season tournament in Hawaii.

Iowa State women's basketball to play Toledo in first round of NCAA Tournament in Knoxville

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – After the Iowa State women’s basketball team completed its memorable run through the Big 12 Tournament and won its first championship since 2001, there was one big question: Was it enough to earn the Cyclones one of the coveted top four seeds needed to host the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament?Iowa State found out during Selection Sunday they hadn't done quite enough. The Cyclones won't be playing at Hilton Coliseum during this year's tournament. Instead, the 5-seed Cyclones will pl...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – After the Iowa State women’s basketball team completed its memorable run through the Big 12 Tournament and won its first championship since 2001, there was one big question: Was it enough to earn the Cyclones one of the coveted top four seeds needed to host the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament?

Iowa State found out during Selection Sunday they hadn't done quite enough. The Cyclones won't be playing at Hilton Coliseum during this year's tournament. Instead, the 5-seed Cyclones will play No. 12 Toledo on Saturday in Knoxville, Tenn.

"You have to earn certain things," said Iowa State coach Bill Fennelly. "The bottom line for us is to get in the tournament. Yeah, hosting is part of it but at the end of the day, we've proven that we can leave Hilton and play really well. Hopefully that will be the case next week."

More:Here's your chance to join Randy Peterson's Iowa State Cyclones text-message group

The Cyclones had put together a promising resume but were looked at as an outsider in projections for hosting the tournament. Iowa State, the preseason pick to win the Big 12, finished third in the conference. Injuries and inconsistent play, including a three-game losing streak in February, caused the Cyclones to fall in the standings and the seedings.

But Iowa State heated up when it mattered most and bolstered its case with a huge weekend in Kansas City. The 25th-ranked Cyclones beat Baylor in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Tournament, toppled No. 12 Oklahoma in the semifinals and took down No. 16 Texas in the finals. The hope was that the success, along with Iowa State's passionate fanbase, would persuade the committee to keep the Cyclones in Ames.

That wasn't enough for the Cyclones who are coming off a Sweet 16 appearance in last season's NCAA Tournament. But it will be a homecoming of sorts. Iowa State guard Denae Fritz is from Maryville, Tenn. Cyclones forward Maggie Vick is from Morristown, Tenn. Even the opponent is a familiar one: Fennelly coached at Toledo from 1988 to 1995.

"There won't be a shortness or lack of media stuff to cover on that one," Fennelly said with a smile. "It's just a great moment for our team."

NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Predictions: Iowa State vs. Toledo

5. Iowa State Cyclones ( 21-9, Big 12)On Selection Sunday, the Cyclones won the Big 12 tournament championship 61-51 over Texas in a game that the Longhorns mucked up defensively in order to stay in the game. Texas was able to will their own style on the Cyclones, but that didn’t stop the superior outside shooting Iowa State had all tournament long. While the Cyclones only hit 33.9 percent of their total shots, they still made 7 threes, including 4 from star wing and new member of the 3,000 point club, Ashley Jo...

5. Iowa State Cyclones ( 21-9, Big 12)

On Selection Sunday, the Cyclones won the Big 12 tournament championship 61-51 over Texas in a game that the Longhorns mucked up defensively in order to stay in the game. Texas was able to will their own style on the Cyclones, but that didn’t stop the superior outside shooting Iowa State had all tournament long. While the Cyclones only hit 33.9 percent of their total shots, they still made 7 threes, including 4 from star wing and new member of the 3,000 point club, Ashley Joens. What makes Iowa State so difficult to guard is how much space and size they amass. Their core consists of Joens and two other shooters with guard skills that are 5’11 or taller in junior point guard Emily Ryan and junior defensive stopper Lexi Donarski. And then inside, the Cyclones have Stephanie Soares, a 6’6 center who nearly averaged a 14-10 double double.

Stats to know:

1st- Free throw percentage (80.4%)

4th- Defensive rebounds per game (31.3)

12th- Three point attempts per game (27.1)

Stats courtesy of CBB Analytics and Her Hoop Stats.

12. Toledo (28-4, Mid-American Conference)

Toledo needed a late 3-pointer by Quinesha Lockett and then a missed jumper at the buzzer by Buffalo just to get to overtime in the quarterfinals. The Rockets posted double-digit wins in the last two games to reach the NCAA tournament for just the second time in the last 22 seasons.

Lockett has been Toledo’s leading scorer in each of the last three seasons and she has led the Rockets to 17 wins in a row after the 73-58 win over Bowling Green in the MAC title game. Junior Sammi Mikonowicz had 31 rebounds in the last two games in the tournament.

Toledo led the MAC in field goal percentage defense, holding opponent to 39.2% shooting and led the conference in free throws made and attempted. The Rockets made more foul shots than six of their conference rivals attempted.

Stats to Know

11th- Free Throw Percentage (78.6)

15th- Free Throws Made (15.5)

32nd- Assist Differential (4.5)

Stats Courtesy of ESPN and NCAA

PREDICTION: Toledo

NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Predictions: Index

If you’re looking for help with your March Madness bracket, you’ve come to the right place. We’re breaking down every first-round game on the bracket, with stats, analysis and a look at which teams might have a chance at pulling off the upset. This is your bracket, simplified. Take a look at our predictions stories … Continue reading NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Predictions: Index

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