It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Herbert Hoover National 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 West Branch, 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.
“Always Best is OK but doesn’t seem to make up hours very well. When the”
“I knew a lady who works for Always Best Health Care that's why I chose”
“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.”
“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.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Irons Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Tipsy Bear Bistro or visit Main Street West Branch, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in West Branch, 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 West Branch, IA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in West Branch, 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.
An Iowa inn that may have been a stop on the Underground Railroad is in danger, according to a report released this week.It's one of two buildings the nonprofit Preservation Iowa identified on its annual list of the most endangered historic buildings across the state. The list aims to garner attention and potential resources to save properties that "are slowly and gradually slipping away from us," the group said in a news release.Here's a look 2025's properties.James Townsend’s Traveler’s Rest in W...
An Iowa inn that may have been a stop on the Underground Railroad is in danger, according to a report released this week.
It's one of two buildings the nonprofit Preservation Iowa identified on its annual list of the most endangered historic buildings across the state. The list aims to garner attention and potential resources to save properties that "are slowly and gradually slipping away from us," the group said in a news release.
Here's a look 2025's properties.
The Traveler’s Rest in West Branch has been designated a landmark and is protected from demolition, but whether it can be preserved is unclear.
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Opened in the mid-1850s by Quaker abolitionist James Townsend, the inn at 738 E. Main St. is believed to have been a stop on the Underground Railroad, a secret network of havens that aided escaping slaves.
Local records indicate Kansas abolitionist John Brown visited Traveler's Rest in 1856. According to statements Townsend made later, he was a confidant of Brown and regularly hosted him.
Townsend shut down Traveler’s Rest sometime before 1878 but continued to live in the house. His family ultimately sold the property in 1887, and, five years later, the owner moved the former inn a short distance east to make room for a new home.
More:Des Moines metro's most endangered historic buildings for 2024
Today, the house remains a private residence for its owner, Peggy Herman, on the east side of West Branch, which straddles Johnson and Cedar counties.
There have been multiple threats to demolish the home, as it blocks direct access to Main Street for some nearby properties, Preservation Iowa said. In addition, the report said, a recent inspection determined the foundation of the structure is failing and has deteriorated to the point that it needs to be replaced. However, the city of West Branch still hopes to preserve the Traveler's Inn, adopting a historic preservation plan in 2017 that called for protecting the old inn. The city also has adopted a landmark designation that would prevent a new owner from demolishing it.
According to the West Branch Times, Herman is willing to cooperate with the city to see the inn restored. The East Central Intergovernmental Association has lined up $100,000 in federal grants for the work but estimates it needs another $40,000. The city of West Branch is expected to provide $20,000 in its next budget, the newspaper reported.
Though some local family foundations are expected to chip in, a $10,000 funding gap remains.
A Fort Dodge Catholic church featuring a unique mix of Romanesque- and Prairie-style architecture is at risk of wasting away after its congregation relocated.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church and its striking exterior was designed by architect William Steele, who lived for a time in Sioux City and is perhaps best known for his work on that city's Woodbury County Courthouse, which is considered the world's largest Prairie-style building. Construction of the church began in 1915 and it was completed section by section over a number of years, with the building officially dedicated in 1922. Its distinctive Munich-style stained glass windows were added in the 1930s.
The building served as an anchor for the Fort Dodge Catholic community for nearly 100 years, according to Preservation Iowa's report.
That came to an end 2006, when the Catholic churches of Webster County merged to form Holy Trinity Parish. A newly constructed church serving the entire parish was completed in 2020 and the individual churches closed. The Sacred Heart building hasn't been used since.
Vacancy has led to deterioration. Leaks in the clay-tiled roof as well as flooding in the basement have caused the deterioration of parts of the interior walls and ceiling. Mold also has become an issue.
While the Sacred Heart Church's pew ends and many of its stained glass windows were removed and reused in the new church, many of the interior architectural elements remain, including the wooden confessionals and the decorative detailing and stenciling, according to Preservation Iowa.
Preserve Fort Dodge, a nonprofit, was formed after the church’s closure to aid with the rehabilitation of vacant buildings and it identified the Sacred Heart Church as its first target. The structure was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2022.
"It may not seem like the most imminent property to start, but it is the most realistic for a nonprofit starting from scratch," Preserve Fort Dodge members wrote in letter to the editor published in the Fort Doge Messenger in August. "We see Sacred Heart as an important piece of the community due to its history, relatively good structural standing and being situated in the heart of our historic community. We hope in the future to address other properties and other community needs such as housing, and in the meantime are requesting the public’s support of our efforts."
Just over a decade ago, Preservation Iowa identified the West Liberty Stagecoach Inn as one of the state's most at-risk buildings. Originally known as the Beers and St. John Company Coach Inn, it served as a tavern and inn for stagecoach passengers before railroads reached Iowa City in 1855.
Since then, the 184-year-old inn, constructed five years prior to Iowa statehood, has gotten a new lease on life. Owners Emily and Nate Cahill donated the structure to the West Liberty Heritage Foundation, and, last February, the building was moved 3 miles to the city's Heritage Depot Museum and Park, where it will be restored as a museum.
Addison Lathers covers growth and development for the Des Moines metro. Reach her at 608-931-1761 or [email protected], and follow her on X at @addisonlathers.
WEST BRANCH, Iowa – The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum in this community will close on Monday, Jan. 20, for extensive renovations. It is scheduled to reopen in the summer of 2026.Multiple upgrades to the museum will include creating an immersive experience for visitors of all ages to learn...
WEST BRANCH, Iowa – The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum in this community will close on Monday, Jan. 20, for extensive renovations. It is scheduled to reopen in the summer of 2026.
Multiple upgrades to the museum will include creating an immersive experience for visitors of all ages to learn and understand the stories of Herbert and Lou Henry Hoover in new, engaging ways. The project also will bring a small expansion to the main lobby and gift shop, and a new façade at the front of the building.
Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum Director Tom Schwartz said these improvements offer unique opportunities to reshape the Hoover story into clear, interactive moments visitors will enjoy.
“This project allows the museum to tell, and the public to be inspired by, the stories of Iowa’s only president and first lady of the United States in ways that compel all types of learners,” Mr. Schwartz said. “Visitors will discover a reimagination of these stories and moments in history using multiple senses, allowing visitors a chance to gain a new perspective on the Hoovers and the times they lived.”
Mr. Schwartz emphasized this project also serves as a chance to use newer information and expert research to bolster the visitor experience.
“Our role at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum is to protect and maintain the records and stories of Herbert and Lou Henry Hoover,” he added. “This initiative is not a rewriting of history; it is an opportunity to update and refresh how moments in history came to be throughout the lives of the Hoovers, and through their continued legacy.”
The upcoming closure will not impact the facility’s Research Room, as researchers are still welcome to use and access the library’s holdings. An appointment is strongly encouraged, and prospective researchers are advised to email [email protected], write, or call the library at (319) 643-5301 in advance of their visit so that the staff can offer guidance about the amount of materials on a given topic and can prepare in advance for the researcher’s arrival.
The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum will remain open through Sunday, Jan. 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is located at 210 Parkside Drive, West Branch.
The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum is one of 15 presidential libraries that are part of the National Archives and Records Administration. The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum tells the story of the life and times of Herbert Hoover, the 31st president of the United States.
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