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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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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 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 Woolen Mill State Park And Historic Site 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 Keek's or visit Historic Watkins home, 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
  • 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

What Caitlin Clark Said About USC Trojans' Juju Watkins At Her Iowa Jersey Retirement

The USC Trojans women’s basketball team lost to the Iowa Hawkeyes on Feb. 2, and the Women of Troy are now 19-2, 9-1 in Big Ten conference play. Carver-Hawkeye Arena was filled with energy, as Hawkeye star alumni Caitlin Clark was set to ...

The USC Trojans women’s basketball team lost to the Iowa Hawkeyes on Feb. 2, and the Women of Troy are now 19-2, 9-1 in Big Ten conference play. Carver-Hawkeye Arena was filled with energy, as Hawkeye star alumni Caitlin Clark was set to have her jersey retired following the game.

While the USC Trojans faced a tough 76-69 upset, the team showed immense respect towards Clark and the Hawkeyes. The team stayed for the jersey retirement ceremony despite facing their first loss since Nov. 23.

USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb took the time in her post-game presser to explain why the team stayed for Clark’s retirement.

“This day isn’t lost on us from a non-basketball game piece of it. I’m really impressed with the atmosphere here. The love for women’s basketball. The appreciation for what Caitlin’s done,” Gottlieb said. “We had decided prior to the outcome of the game that we were going to stay out there and be a part of that, to honor her and where women’s basketball is.”

Clark helped grow the women’s basketball fandom and growth. Gottlieb understands the impact of Clark's time with the Hawkeyes that and respects it.

Clark spent four years with the Iowa Hawkeyes. While she remained a dominant player throughout her collegiate career, she went above and beyond in her senior season. Clark became a household name during the 2023-2024 season.

In her senior season, Clark broke numerous records in women’s basketball. Just some of her accolades include becoming Iowa’s all-time leading scorer, the Big Ten’s all-time leader in assists, becoming the Big Ten all-time scoring leader, and she became the Division I women’s basketball leading scorer. She also achieved the most 30-point games in Division I basketball in the past 25 seasons for both men’s and women’s leagues.

MORE: Top-25 Basketball Poll Shakeup After Ranked Matchups: USC Trojans, South Carolina

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MORE: USC Trojans' Lincoln Riley Among Highest Coaching Buyouts With Georgia's Kirby Smart

Clark, to no surprise, was the first overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, selected by the Indiana Fever. The Fever went from the first pick to ending at No. 3 in the Eastern Conference Division. Clark led the team with an average of 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 1.3 steals as a rookie.

USC staying for the ceremony did not go unnoticed. During Clark’s speech, she took a moment to pay respect to the USC Trojans.

“USC, good luck the rest of the way. I’m a big fan of all of you. JuJu [Watkins], you were awesome, and [coach] Lindsay [Gottlieb] you do a great job. It was fun to watch you guys,” Clark said.

With the growth of NIL, Clark is one of the players who paved the way for players such as Watkins. Watkins became a star player in just her freshman season with the Trojans. In just her second year, she has signed numerous NIL deals with State Farm, Nike, NYX Makeup, Gatorade, and more.

Throughout the season, Gottlieb has acknowledged how proud she is of the state of women’s college basketball. She sees the atmosphere at Galen Center and when they play elsewhere. The Trojans faced the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Jan. 5 in New Jersey. Despite the away game, fans were there to see Watkins play in person.

“When you think big picture it really is something,” Gottlieb said about USC drawing in a large crowd on the East Coast. “I’ve said it in LA, JuJu’s had really a cultural impact. I mean that the girls and boys that come to the game. The way that it’s impacted our program. It’s hard to impact winning like this.”

The USC Trojans will now have to bounce back from their upset loss. The Women of Troy will face the 11-11 Wisconsin Badgers on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. PT at Kohl Center.

MORE: USC Trojans Visit, Push For 5-Star Recruits Brandon Arrington, Elbert Hill Commitment

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MORE: USC Trojans To Land Elite Linebacker AJ Tuitele Over Texas Longhorns?

MORE: Colorado Buffaloes' Deion Sanders NCAA Violation: USC Trojans Decommit Julian Lewis

WNBA Rumors: Caitlin Clark's backup PG search solved by 5'9 Iowa star who outduelled JuJu Watkins

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark has made waves in the WNBA since her 2024 draft. She played a key role in the team's first playoff appearance since 2016 but lacked the support to advance further. However, the Fever seems to have found a promising 5'9" guard who outperformed JuJu Watkins to support their star player, as they hope to draft another standout talent from Iowa.Rumors about a new addition to the team have been circulating, with social media influencer Rachel A. DeMita indicating that the Fever have concluded their sear...

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark has made waves in the WNBA since her 2024 draft. She played a key role in the team's first playoff appearance since 2016 but lacked the support to advance further. However, the Fever seems to have found a promising 5'9" guard who outperformed JuJu Watkins to support their star player, as they hope to draft another standout talent from Iowa.

Rumors about a new addition to the team have been circulating, with social media influencer Rachel A. DeMita indicating that the Fever have concluded their search in Iowa. According to DeMita, the Fever appears to be a championship-caliber team and has created a roster spot for Iowa's Lucy Olsen after waiving Grace Berger earlier this week.

Taking to X on Saturday to share her findings, Rachel captioned her post with a short note:

Trending

"So I have a theory…" she wrote.

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The influencer emphasized that the entire Fever front office attended Caitlin Clark's special night in Iowa on Sunday. The Hawkeyes, led by Olsen's 28 points, defeated JuJu Watkins' USC team by seven points. Rachel suggested that the backroom staff was present to both honor Caitlin and recruit talent:

"The entire Indiana Fever front office and coach Stephanie White were in attendance. And you think of course they're there to support Caitlin, but maybe they were also recruiting," she expressed, "I present to you Lucy Olsen," Rachel continued.

DeMita went on to explain that Olsen was being scouted by the Fever during Caitlin's special night. She noted that Olsen would be an ideal backup for Clark, especially after she outperformed JuJu Watkins and helped defeat the No. 4-seeded USC team.

Caitlin Clark praises JuJu Watkins as Iowa Hawkeyes defeat USC on special night

Former Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark had a memorable night on Sunday as she was honored by her alma mater. The Indiana star's no. 22 jersey was retired by her school as the Hawkeyes then went on to beat USC 76-69.

Clark, who was in attendance, enjoyed the spectacle and gave her props to JuJu Watkins as she joined the commentary team during the match:

"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 doesn’t need my help. She’s obviously really talented and her game speaks for itself," Clark said, laying praise on the youngster.

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Drafted as the No. 1 overall pick of the 2024 WNBA Draft, Caitlin Clark has had a great first season in the WNBA where she won the Rookie of the Year Award. The guard's honor in Iowa stems from her successful stint with the program, where she recorded 3,951 points and broke multiple records.

Caitlin Clark singles out JuJu Watkins during Iowa retirement jersey speech

Caitlin Clark heaped praise on USC star guard JuJu Watkins during her highly-anticipated return to Carver-Hawkeye Arena .On Sunday, ...

Caitlin Clark heaped praise on USC star guard JuJu Watkins during her highly-anticipated return to Carver-Hawkeye Arena .

On Sunday, Clark was in attendance for Iowa’s upset 76-69 win over No. 4 seed USC. Moments after the final whistle sounded in the Hawkeyes’ victory, the Indiana Fever guard took center stage as her college jersey was retired.

Less than one minute into her retirement speech, Clark shouted out the Trojans for putting up a good fight - but particularly singled out Watkins and her performance. The 19-year-old finished the contest with 27 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals on 8-of-22 shooting from the field.

READ MORE: Paige Bueckers uses Luka Doncic trade to divert attention away from UConn change

READ MORE: Indiana Fever complete blockbuster signing to give Caitlin Clark another All-Star teammate

"And obviously, USC, good luck the rest of the way," Clark said. "I’m a big fan of all of you. JuJu, you were awesome, and Lindsay [Gottlieb], you do a great job. It's fun to be here and watch you guys.”

Earlier in the afternoon, Clark was asked if she’s frequently spoken with Watkins, who’s similarly attracted thousands of new fans to women’s basketball thanks to her exciting style of play. "I've talked to JuJu a little bit. Obviously, I kinda watch from a distance. Honestly, more than anything, I just try to be supportive,” Clark said while making a guest appearance on the FOX broadcast.

"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.

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“We have so much respect for her. She’s only a sophomore, she’s gonna get so much better and she already is really good. So it’s scary to think about.”

Speaking to reporters during a postgame press conference, Watkins returned the favor by commending Clark and all she’s done for the sport. Discussing the 23-year-old’s retirement ceremony, she said: "It was great. Just to see the love that she gets from her community, and everybody in the stands. I'm a big fan of hers, so to see her get her flowers, it's amazing.

“I love when we play in front of a big crowd and that was what today was. Just the energy from everybody, it was electrifying,” Watkins added. “It’s just a testament to what Caitlin’s done and the direction that the sport is heading in. So I’m super grateful to have a part in it.”

Though fans and pundits alike believe Watkins will soon follow in Clark’s footsteps and achieve international fame, USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb encouraged the sophomore phenom to pave her own path. “Caitlin opened the door to so many new basketball fans, and I don’t think we ever compared JuJu or Kiki [Iriafen], or our team to Caitlin in that way,” Gottlieb said.

“But this progress for women’s basketball, I want them to be able to do it and write their own story. And obviously the attention on it is something that they’ve stepped into and handled it really well. I don’t think women’s basketball is gonna turn back.”

Caitlin Clark and JuJu Watkins Share Words of Mutual Respect After Iowa's Win vs USC

The Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball team produced an extremely impressive upset over the No. 4 ranked USC Trojans by a score of 76-69 on Sunday.The three leading scorers of the 2023-24 NCAA women's basketball season were present at Carver-Hawkeye Arena during the game. Two of them (...

The Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball team produced an extremely impressive upset over the No. 4 ranked USC Trojans by a score of 76-69 on Sunday.

The three leading scorers of the 2023-24 NCAA women's basketball season were present at Carver-Hawkeye Arena during the game. Two of them (Lucy Olsen and JuJu Watkins) were competing on the court while last season's top scorer, Caitlin Clark, was in the building because she was getting her No. 22 jersey retired by Iowa after the game ended.

Clark and Watkins have been very respectful of each other in the past. And on Sunday, there were several times when Clark gave Watkins her metaphorical flowers.

When speaking on the game's FOX broadcast in the third quarter, Clark said, "I've talked to JuJu a little bit. Obviously, I kinda watch from a distance. Honestly, more than anything, I just try to be supportive.

"She doesn't need my help," Clark continued. "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.”

Clark also spoke about Watkins during her jersey retirement speech, as the entire USC team stuck around to watch the ceremony.

"And obviously, USC, good luck the rest of the way," Clark said. "I’m a big fan of all of you. JuJu, you were awesome, and Lindsay [Gottlieb], you do a great job. It's fun to be here and watch you guys.”

When speaking with media after the game, Watkins said of the retirement ceremony, "It was great. Just to see the love that she gets from her community, and everybody in the stands," per The Hawkeye Report YouTube channel.

"I'm a big fan of hers, so to see her get her flowers, it's amazing," Watkins added of Clark.

USC vs. Iowa women's basketball live updates: How to watch, predictions, odds

Guard JuJu Watkins and the Southern California Trojans have traveled to Iowa City to play the ...

Guard JuJu Watkins and the Southern California Trojans have traveled to Iowa City to play the Iowa Hawkeyes in a Big Ten women's basketball matchup.

The Trojans (19-1, 9-0) enter the matchup ranked No. 4 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll and are currently on a 15-game winning streak. The team has not lost since a 74-61 defeat to Notre Dame on Nov. 23.

Watkins is averaging 24.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game in 20 starts this season. Forward KiKi Iriafen is nearly averaging a double-double with 18.1 points and 8.4 rebounds per game.

In their first season without superstar Caitlin Clark, the Hawkeyes (14-7, 4-6) are currently unranked but have bounced back from a five-game losing streak to win back-to-back games to close out January. Senior guard Lucy Olsen leads the team with 15.8 points per game. She also averages five assists and 3.5 rebounds.

The Hawkeyes are expected to retire Clark's No. 22 jersey after the game.

Expert NFL playoff picks: Unique data and betting insights only at USA TODAY

USA TODAY Sports will have all the action from the Big Ten contest. Follow along for news, scores and highlights of the action:

When is the Big Ten game between USC and Iowa?

The Big Ten regular-season game women's basketball game between the No. 4 Southern California Trojans and the Iowa Hawkeyes tips off at 1:30 p.m. ET (12:30 CT) at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.

How to watch USC vs. Iowa game

The Big Ten regular season game between the No. 4 Southern California Trojans and the Iowa Hawkeyes will be televised nationally on FOX.

The game can be streamed on FoxSports.com and the Fox Sports app. Live streaming is also available on Fubo, which is offering a free trial.

Catch college basketball games this season with Fubo

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