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 Darien Historical Society 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 Darien, IL 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.
“We want to express our deepest gratitude for the compassionate and dedicated care Always Best”
“Always Best Care is very responsive with schedule change requests. They connected my father”
“Amazing company!”
“Teagan, it has brought me so much joy and comfort knowing that my Mom has”
“I again want to compliment Shannon on her fine work as my uncle's caregiver. She”
“I again want to compliment Shannon on her fine work as my uncle's caregiver. She is”
“Want to recognize Jeff for his kind, empathetic communication on the phone trying to help”
“Dear Jeff, I’m sorry this note is so late in arriving. I just wanted to say”
“I recently worked with Michelle Kramer at Always Best Care. I would recommend Michelle to”
“We want to thank you all for all the help over the last 5 months”
“We want to thank you all for all the help over the last 5 months And”
“I believe when someone does an outstanding job they deserve recognition. My mom has two”
“I believe when someone does an outstanding job they deserve recognition. My mom has two”
“i had no idea where to even start looking for a memory care facility for”
“I have recommend ABC Senior Services to several clients and have always received great feedback.”
“We cannot say enough about our experience with the team at Always Best Care, Chicagoland.”
“Setup a caretaker from Always Best for my Grandpa. The representative John that helped me”
“I can't say enough good things about EVERYONE at Always Best Care Senior Services in”
“The care provided by Always Best Care senior Services was better than could ever be”
“I have seen this team serve local clients with great care and compassion. Matt and”
“The caregivers are terrific. They are also very nice people. The management is professional and”
“ABC responded rapidly and with competency and compassion to an urgent family care need. With”
“ABC was a godsend helping to take care of our dear father. Owner Matt and”
“They take a personal touch. The owner Matt is awesome. He came to our home”
“They take a personal touch. The owner Matt is awesome. He came to our home”
“Matt and his team were first rate. Our family was extremely pleased with ABC.”
“I am a past client of this provider I got Always Best Care of Chicagoland &”
“This company is the best. The owner Matt showed me a whole new definition to”
“Our family worked with ABC to provide first just nighttime caregivers, but eventually 24/7 caregivers”
“We hired a care giver for a night to help me at my daughters wedding”
“If you are looking for a home care company that is caring and responsive to”
“ABC was very responsive to our situation and came through for us quickly. They communicated”
“Always Best Care was more like a family member than a service. Matt, the owner,”
“I called to get help for my aunt. I needed someone to help out on”
“Great experience with this agency. Very caring and compassionate. Very responsive to communication when changes”
“Always Best Care Senior Services or DuPage, IL., was a life saver and I would”
“They are wonderful. Best caregivers. We loved all the ones that came into our home”
“It took me a long time to decide to have a stranger in my house”
“They've been caring for my father-in-law for over a year and I'd be lost without”
“Caring, tireless effort to accommodate our needs.”
“ABC provided wonderful service to our loved one and this kindness extended to our family”
“I would like to thank all the people who work for abc. Everybody took the”
“They are wonderful. Best caregivers. We loved all the ones that came into our home”
“I had a great experience with Best Care. The lady who took care of me”
“Always Best Care Senior Services or DuPage, IL., was a life saver and I would”
“They've been caring for my father-in-law for over a year and I'd be lost without”
“It took me a long time to decide to have a stranger in my house”
“I have been an employee of Always Best Care for the past 6 months ,and”
“I love working at Always Best Care. The staff goes out of their way to”
“We had an unexpected need to assist a family member on very short notice smack”
“We want to express our deepest gratitude for the compassionate and dedicated care Always Best Care provided to our mother, Rita K, during her final days. As caregivers, Judy and Lu were remarkable. Their kindness, patience, tenderness and sensitivity to our mother's need brought immense comfort to our family during this difficult time. They made mom feel safe and cherished. Also, thank you to you and the team at ABC for a memorial tree being planted in memory of our mother, Rita”
“Always Best Care is very responsive with schedule change requests. They connected my father with an excellent care giver. Full disclosure it took 2 or 3 other care givers who did not work out but found excellent care giver who became almost like a member of the family. I highly recommend Always Best Care.”
“Amazing company!”
“Teagan, it has brought me so much joy and comfort knowing that my Mom has a caregiver such as yourself, who has consistently been working with her. I am so grateful you are still available to work with her during the times she is living with me and my family. Thank you for all that you do!”
“I again want to compliment Shannon on her fine work as my uncle's caregiver. She truly came from above. Today is his 92nd Birthday and I can't be there, but she has made the day special for him with cake and small gifts. She also keeps close tabs on his failing health and coordinates his care excellently. She goes above and beyond what would be expected. I don't know Rihanna as well, but she, too, sounds like she cares for my uncle in a kind and positive way. My uncle can be demanding and cranky and they both do a good job maintaining an upbeat attitude. Last but not least, I appreciate Ana for juggling so many clients and caregivers, which in our own situation seem to change on a dime, yet she always comes through. Thanks again”
“I again want to compliment Shannon on her fine work as my uncle's caregiver. She is truly heaven-sent. Today is his 92nd Birthday and I can't be there, but she has made the day special for him with cake and small gifts. She also keeps close tabs on his failing health and coordinates his care excellently. She goes above and beyond what would be expected. I don't know Rihanna as well, but she, too, sounds like she cares for my uncle in a kind and positive way. My uncle can be demanding and cranky and they both do a good job maintaining an upbeat attitude. Finally, I appreciate Ana for juggling so many clients and caregivers, which in our own situation seem to change on a dime, yet she always comes through. Thanks again”
“Want to recognize Jeff for his kind, empathetic communication on the phone trying to help us with our wheelchair bound friend. The medical system leaves disabled people behind to fend for themselves. Jeff is really trying to work with us to provide some kind of care for our friend who can't help himself. Jeff makes the world a happier place. Thank you Jeff and Always Best!”
“Dear Jeff, I’m sorry this note is so late in arriving. I just wanted to say how much I appreciated all your help during this very trying time in our lives. The people that came and helped care for Mickey were kind, thoughtful and loving. He was treated with dignity and respect, he deserved that. Thank you for that and please pass on my regards to all that enriched our lives. It was much appreciated.”
“I recently worked with Michelle Kramer at Always Best Care. I would recommend Michelle to anyone who is navigating Senior care for their loved one. Michelle is so knowledgeable as she has been in the industry for so long. She helped me to find places to move my dad, she knew all the answers to the hard questions that I had. Michelle was just amazing and I literally could not have moved my dad recently without her help. I also used their care facilities in July when I moved my dad to his first memory care facility to help him transition. Their caregivers were great and they were so flexible with the times that I needed someone with my dad.”
“We want to thank you all for all the help over the last 5 months And we recognize there is a chance we will need help again in the future. Jeff pls thank Virgie, Tia and the rest of the team Everyone was fantastic!!”
“We want to thank you all for all the help over the last 5 months And we recognize there is a chance we will need help again in the future. Jeff pls thank Virgie, Tia and the rest of the team Everyone was fantastic!!”
“I believe when someone does an outstanding job they deserve recognition. My mom has two excellent care givers. I stop by my moms one to two times a week. My mom and her house are well cared for each time I stop by. Most often they don't know I am coming, so I know she is receiving wonderful care all the time. My mom has dementia and she realizes that she can't remember most things. It is a large weight off my mind knowing that I couldn't ask for better caregivers. Felicia and Sadie are to be commended for the wonderful job they do taking care of my mom.”
“I believe when someone does an outstanding job they deserve recognition. My mom has two excellent care givers. I stop by my moms one to two times a week. My mom and her house are well cared for each time I stop by. Most often they don't know I am coming, so I know she is receiving wonderful care all the time. My mom has dementia and she realizes that she can't remember most things. It is a large weight off my mind knowing that I couldn't ask for better caregivers. Felicia and Sadie are to be commended for the wonderful job they do taking care of my mom.”
“i had no idea where to even start looking for a memory care facility for my husband. Matt Friscia was extremely helpful and immediately put me at ease, asking about my situation, my husband's level of alzheimers and my budget. i was so relieved when he provided me with several possible facilities. i was lucky enough to ultimately decide on the first place on the list. My husband is receiving excellent care now and i have peace of mind that i chose the best place!”
“I have recommend ABC Senior Services to several clients and have always received great feedback. Matt and team are always professional, efficient, and go above and beyond to care for my Seniors. Very dependable!”
“We cannot say enough about our experience with the team at Always Best Care, Chicagoland. It gave us so much peace to know the great care our Uncle was receiving during a very difficult time. If you live in the Chicagoland area and are looking for excellent, in home care services for a loved one, you cannot go wrong with the team at Always Best Care! First class operation!”
“Setup a caretaker from Always Best for my Grandpa. The representative John that helped me out was knowledgeable and made everything very easy to get going. The caretaker Linda that they sent out has been great, very personable and friendly! Don't know what we would have done without her help.”
“I can't say enough good things about EVERYONE at Always Best Care Senior Services in Lombard. Matt, the Caregiver Aides and ALL the support staff cared for my two 99 year old Alzheimer stricken parents as if they were their parents. EVERYONE is extremely dedicated, knowledgeable and worked tirelessly to care for my very elderly parents whenever things changed, which was most of the time. You can trust them 100% with the care of your family members. Also, their fees are very reasonable.”
“The care provided by Always Best Care senior Services was better than could ever be expected. They truly care about the care of my Mom and her well being. Matt and his team always went beyond what could reasonably be expected to assist with my Mom's care. I feel vary lucky to have found Always Best Care Senior Services for My Mom's care and highly recommend them to any one looking for this type of help for a loved one.”
“I have seen this team serve local clients with great care and compassion. Matt and his team of professionals are VERY responsive and ready to problem-solve on behalf of patients. Whether planning ahead, or in a pinch, this is a team worth considering for your loved one’s care.”
“The caregivers are terrific. They are also very nice people. The management is professional and conscientious. I highly recommend them”
“ABC responded rapidly and with competency and compassion to an urgent family care need. With gratitude- Jeannine Forrest, PhD, RN”
“ABC was a godsend helping to take care of our dear father. Owner Matt and his team are very professional, supportive and caring. I highly recommend this company if anyone needs help with a loved one.”
“They take a personal touch. The owner Matt is awesome. He came to our home in the beginning and answered all of our questions and some we didn’t even know we had. He keeps in tough and is easily accessible. The caregivers are all very professional and warm. Virgie our caregiver became one of the family. It is truly a warm wonderful company. If you need to use a caregiver I highly recommend ABC.”
“They take a personal touch. The owner Matt is awesome. He came to our home in the beginning and answered all of our questions and some we didn’t even know we had. He keeps in tough and is easily accessible. The caregivers are all very professional and warm. Virgie our caregiver became one of the family. It is truly a warm wonderful company. If you need to use a caregiver I highly recommend ABC.”
“Matt and his team were first rate. Our family was extremely pleased with ABC.”
“I am a past client of this provider I got Always Best Care of Chicagoland & South Suburbs last December. They help in light meal prep, housekeeping, getting my mail, taking out the garbage can, washing the dishes, and changing my sheets. The caregiver was excellent, phenomenal, and always on time. I can't say enough about her. I only had her 2 days a week, Tuesday and Friday.”
“This company is the best. The owner Matt showed me a whole new definition to what family really means. There are way too many compliments to list. The name I want to give to his company and staff is “Making a difference in Families”. Thank you Matt and to your staff for taking care of mine. Mariella”
“Our family worked with ABC to provide first just nighttime caregivers, but eventually 24/7 caregivers for our father. ABC provided well-trained caregivers who were competent, personable and friendly. Management was attentive, flexible and responsive to our needs as they changed over time. We were very pleased with their services.”
“We hired a care giver for a night to help me at my daughters wedding I’m in a wheelchair we had Chris who helped me get dressed and get around at the wedding then when we got home he helped my wife get into the house and get me situated for the night my wife asked if we needed him again would he be ok if we asked for him again he said absolutely we would use them again”
“If you are looking for a home care company that is caring and responsive to your needs, Always Best Care is the company for you! Matt was professional, honest and genuinely concerned about meeting our needs in caring for our mom. Her actual caregiver, Debbie, was fantastic. As a health care professional myself with high standards I can honestly say I was beyond pleased with ABC.”
“ABC was very responsive to our situation and came through for us quickly. They communicated with us well and updated us regularly. I would recommend ABC”
“Always Best Care was more like a family member than a service. Matt, the owner, was kind, supportive and flexible with all needs and requests. His responsiveness to my requests was immediate. The caregivers were caring and trustworthy. Both Matt and the caregivers were attentive to my friends needs and concerns. My friend was extremely anxious about strangers coming into his house to provide care. Always Best Care made it so easy for my friend to quickly adapt because they are so personable and attentive.”
“I called to get help for my aunt. I needed someone to help out on the weekends. They were able to get someone immediately . Then shortly after that I needed someone more weekday hours as well. They immediately had someone to come out and help. Matt, the owner, was kind, supportive and flexible in all my requests and everything couldn't of worked out any better. The caretakers were caring and took great care of my aunt who was in a wheelchair. I truly could not have gotten through all this without Matt and Always Best Care.”
“Great experience with this agency. Very caring and compassionate. Very responsive to communication when changes were necessary. Always has the clients best interest in mind. Personally get involved with their clients. Highly recommend!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services or DuPage, IL., was a life saver and I would recommend using their services...Art who was sent to help take care of my father for a very important event was prompt, considerate , friendly and took excellent care of my father helping him get ready for his son's, my brothers wedding.. Thank you ABC...”
“They are wonderful. Best caregivers. We loved all the ones that came into our home especially Rosa and Rochelle. They took very care of me at a difficult time. My daughter is recovering nicelyy.”
“It took me a long time to decide to have a stranger in my house to care for my husband Keith. When I started calling for care services I was skeptical. . Then I called Always Best Care and from the first conversation I knew they were perfect. My experience with everyone I encountered was like we were family. They are as caring as a family member could be for me and Keith. I now have an extended family not just a care giver service.”
“They've been caring for my father-in-law for over a year and I'd be lost without their help. Their caregivers are so caring and helpful; they don't just do their job, they go above and beyond to ensure the best care. I highly recommend them for your care needs.”
“Caring, tireless effort to accommodate our needs.”
“ABC provided wonderful service to our loved one and this kindness extended to our family as well. The staff was professional, compassionate and went well above and beyond. Thank you so much for helping us through a difficult time. I most highly recommend this company of wonderful people serving our precious elderly loved ones.”
“I would like to thank all the people who work for abc. Everybody took the best care of my mother-in-law at her time of need. I would like to recommend them to anybody in need of in home care for your loved one. They all were the best people you could ask for when the family needed them. Thanks again!!!”
“They are wonderful. Best caregivers. We loved all the ones that came into our home especially Rosa and Rochelle. They took very care of me at a difficult time. My daughter is recovering nucelyy.”
“I had a great experience with Best Care. The lady who took care of me after surgery was wonderful. She was helpful, nice and very caring. I will definitely use their services in the future if I need them again. And I will ask for the same caregiver. Thank you Always Best Care Chicagoland.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services or DuPage, IL., was a life saver and I would recommend using their services...Art who was sent to help take care of my father for a very important event was prompt, considerate , friendly and took excellent care of my father helping him get ready for his son's, my brothers wedding.. Thank you ABC... Scott”
“They've been caring for my father-in-law for over a year and I'd be lost without their help. Their caregivers are so caring and helpful; they don't just do their job, they go above and beyond to ensure the best care. I highly recommend them for your care needs.”
“It took me a long time to decide to have a stranger in my house to care for my husband Keith. When I started calling for care services I was skeptical. . Then I called Always Best Care and from the first conversation I knew they were perfect. My experience with everyone I encountered was like we were family. They are as caring as a family member could be for me and Keith. I now have an extended family not just a care giver service. Kathleen Carlson”
“I have been an employee of Always Best Care for the past 6 months ,and I love how professional they are ..”
“I love working at Always Best Care. The staff goes out of their way to help you in any situation.”
“We had an unexpected need to assist a family member on very short notice smack dab in the middle of the holidays. Matt did an awesome job assessing our needs and getting the resources in place”
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 Darien Community 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 Buona - Darien or visit National Shrine and Museum of St. Therese, 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 Darien, IL, 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 Darien, IL 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
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In one district, teacher absenteeism has dropped dramatically, state figures show.Patch Staff|Updated Thu, Dec 26, 2024 at 6:44 am CTDARIEN, IL – The rates of teacher absenteeism in two of Darien's three elementary school districts were above the state average last school year, according to the Illinois Report Card.The state measures the percentage of teachers who are absent for at least 10 days.Locally, Cass School Di...
Patch Staff
|Updated Thu, Dec 26, 2024 at 6:44 am CT
DARIEN, IL – The rates of teacher absenteeism in two of Darien's three elementary school districts were above the state average last school year, according to the Illinois Report Card.
The state measures the percentage of teachers who are absent for at least 10 days.
Locally, Cass School District 63 reported the highest absenteeism rate last school year, with 38 percent who missed at least 10 days. Center Cass District 66 and Darien School District 61 were 36 percent and 16 percent, respectively.
Those numbers compare to a statewide rate of 34 percent.
In response to a Patch inquiry, Cass District 63 Superintendent Mark Cross said his district's teachers are highly professional, but they are also human beings.
"Over the previous three school years, 20 of our teachers have taken time off for a new baby," Cross said in an email. "School employees also become ill themselves, take care of sick children, and tend to aging parents. We've had several fight major health battles as well."
He continued, "Like the rest of the world, teachers do occasionally require time off. The difference for teachers is they cannot work remotely, they need another person to take their place, and they have to make detailed plans for the person taking their place, often the morning they need to miss. Therein lies proof of how important their job is."
Over the last three years, Darien District 61 has seen a big drop in teacher absenteeism. In 2021-22, 47 percent of teachers were absent for at least 10 days in the district.
Hinsdale High School District 86 also saw a big drop in teachers who missed at least 10 days, which was 24 percent last year, down from nearly 50 percent the previous two years.
Under state law, the rate excludes absences for professional development, leave under the Family Medical Leave Act, long-term disability or parental leave.
The U.S. Department of Education sees teacher attendance as a leading indicator of student achievement. Teachers with regular attendance provide continuity of instruction and attention to individual students, according to the Illinois Report Card.
"The National Bureau of Economic Research has shown that when teachers are absent for 10 days or more, student outcomes decrease significantly," the report card said. "Teacher absence results in loss of instruction time for students, as well as financial concerns to the district when substitutes must be employed."
| School district | % of teachers with 10 or more absences |
| Burr Ridge 180 | 38% |
| Cass 63 | 38% |
| Center Cass 66 | 36% |
| Darien 61 | 16% |
| Elmhurst 205 | 36% |
| Gower 62 | 33% |
| Hinsdale 181 | 33% |
| Hinsdale 86 | 24% |
| La Grange 102 | 0% |
| La Grange 105 | 46% |
| La Grange Highlands 106 | 34% |
| Lyons Township High | 27% |
| Pleasantdale 107 | 25% |
| Western Springs 101 | 0% |
Source: Illinois Report Card, 2023-2024
The chamber of commerce is opposed. It is losing its events and executive director. Patch Staff|Updated Fri, Dec 20, 2024 at 6:23 am CTDARIEN, IL – The city of Darien announced to the business community Thursday that it now has the chamber of commerce's events and its former executive director.This is all a part of the city-created Darien Business Alliance, which the City Council approved earlie...
Patch Staff
|Updated Fri, Dec 20, 2024 at 6:23 am CT
DARIEN, IL – The city of Darien announced to the business community Thursday that it now has the chamber of commerce's events and its former executive director.
This is all a part of the city-created Darien Business Alliance, which the City Council approved earlier this week.
The chamber board is on record opposing the alliance's creation, saying it was "blindsided."
In a letter to business owners, Mayor Joseph Marchese said all 350 Darien businesses have free alliance memberships.
For the last couple of years, Darien has given the chamber about $30,000 annually in exchange for all local businesses joining for free.
"It is our hope that by creating this new business group, it will open the door to our business community, allowing for more meaningful business-oriented seminars, luncheons and activities, offering a coordinated voice for local businesses, while also focusing on tourism and community events," the mayor said.
As the city has indicated before, Marchese said April Padalik was hired as the new director of the business alliance and community events. She is still listed on the chamber's website as the group's executive director.
With the alliance, Padalik will organize events such as Darien Fest, Darien Dash, the summer concert series and the fall Oktoberfest celebration, the mayor said. Darien Fest and Darien Dash were chamber events.
In a statement last week, the chamber board said city officials informed the group that "they will not allow us to run our two primary and cherished events, Darien Fest and Darien Dash."
"We were all blindsided when this was presented to us," the chamber said. "There was no mention of the Chamber of Commerce working together on this or even inviting our current board to the table to discuss or participate in this new 'chamber' concept."
The chamber board vowed to continue its mission.
In his letter, Marchese did not describe the status of the chamber.
Last week, City Administrator Bryon Vana said he thought the chamber would "sit dormant."
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The city wants to form a business group, a move the chamber said it completely opposes. Patch Staff|Updated Fri, Dec 13, 2024 at 4:14 pm CTDARIEN, IL – The Darien City Council is likely to create a new business group that officials say would resemble a traditional chamber of commerce.In an interview Thursday, City Administrator Bryon Vana said he was not sure what would happen to the Darien Chamber of Commerce."I think they're going to sit dormant," he said.On Monday, the City Counc...
Patch Staff
|Updated Fri, Dec 13, 2024 at 4:14 pm CT
DARIEN, IL – The Darien City Council is likely to create a new business group that officials say would resemble a traditional chamber of commerce.
In an interview Thursday, City Administrator Bryon Vana said he was not sure what would happen to the Darien Chamber of Commerce.
"I think they're going to sit dormant," he said.
On Monday, the City Council plans to vote on forming a new group called the Darien Business Alliance.
In response to a Patch inquiry Friday, Andrew Blumenfeld, the chamber board's chairman, sent Patch a statement from the board. The chamber said it was completely opposed to the city's plan.
"We were all blindsided when this was presented to us," the board said. "There was no mention of the Chamber of Commerce working together on this or even inviting our current board to the table to discuss or participate in this new 'chamber' concept. Instead, we were told after it was all planned out and our one full-time employee had been offered a job with the city."
The chamber continued, "This sudden news dealt a financial blow to the Chamber of Commerce, but it’s not a fatal blow. We plan to continue to serve our membership by helping grow business."
Vana said the chamber's ability to raise money has been problematic over the years and that it has neared bankruptcy.
The chamber's biggest fundraising event, he said, has been Darien Fest, where success depends on good weather.
Many other chambers of commerce have similar financial struggles, Vana said.
"It's hard to maintain a chamber if you're not on solid financial footing," he said. "In our minds, we're getting ahead of the game before it gets harder on the chamber."
The chamber's nonprofit tax forms show surpluses in the last three calendar years. For instance, the chamber's income was $125,148 in 2023, nearly $20,000 above expenses. At the end of 2023, the chamber had about $105,000 in its accounts, according to the tax forms.
The board said the chamber has never been close to bankruptcy.
"We have never complained about the financial risk we take on to make Darien Fest and Darien Dash happen," the board said in the statement. "We have never lost money on our events due to weather or for any other reason. It's very disingenuous for city representatives to make these claims."
As part of its plan, the city is poised to hire a director of the business alliance and community events. That job is set to go to April Padalik, the chamber's executive director, Vana said. Padalik didn't immediately return a message for comment Friday.
For the last couple of years, the city has provided a grant of about $30,000 to the chamber. In return, every Darien business with a city license got a free chamber membership, instead of paying $225 a year.
Before the subsidies, city officials said they were considering taking over the chamber, a plan that the organization's board at the time seemed to favor.
The chamber's office is at City Hall.
Here is the complete statement from the Darien Chamber of Commerce:
You may have heard rumblings around town recently that the City of Darien is taking over our private organization and rebranding it under a different name. The Board of Directors of the Darien Chamber of Commerce is completely opposed to this move, but the mayor and city council cut us off at the knees. They informed us that they will not allow us to run our two primary and cherished events, Darien Fest and Darien Dash.
Here's how it feels from our perspective. We were running a successful organization. We have been doing very well financially for the past few years. We have been meeting our primary objective of providing a conduit for our member businesses to gain new customers and sales. Then, Mayor Marchese and City Manager Bryon Vana showed up at our board of directors meeting to tell us they’re taking away our ability to raise funds by taking away our two primary events. They additionally informed us that they would no longer award a grant from the city to cover certain operating costs we incur that we have received in recent years.
We were all blindsided when this was presented to us. There was no mention of the Chamber of Commerce working together on this or even inviting our current board to the table to discuss or participate in this new “chamber” concept. Instead, we were told after it was all planned out and our one full-time employee had been offered a job with the city.
This sudden news dealt a financial blow to the Chamber of Commerce, but it’s not a fatal blow. We plan to continue to serve our membership by helping grow business. That’s been our mission all along, and we will continue finding ways to grow your business. Please bear with us while we find our niche here in Darien.
While membership in the Darien Chamber of Commerce will continue, we will not be collecting any dues while we reformulate our organization. Members will receive our new contact information and other news through email messages to our membership.
Board of DirectorsDarien Chamber of Commerce
Postscript note: This letter was written, but not sent, before an article was published in Darien Patch about the Chamber of Commerce going dormant. We should certainly clarify a few points. We have not made any plans to go “dormant”. We also have never been close to bankruptcy. We have never complained about the financial risk we take on to make Darien Fest and Darien Dash happen. We have never lost money on our events due to weather or for any other reason. It's very disingenuous for city representatives to make these claims.
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Shifting the line would cause "extreme upheaval," a school board candidate said.Patch Staff|Updated Fri, Nov 22, 2024 at 9:02 am CTDARIEN, IL – A school board candidate from Darien is against changing the attendance boundary between Hinsdale South and Central high schools, saying it would cause "extreme upheaval."Hinsdale South's enrollment is about half that of the wealthier Central. As a result, South's course selection is more limited and scheduling conflicts are far more likely....
Patch Staff
|Updated Fri, Nov 22, 2024 at 9:02 am CT
DARIEN, IL – A school board candidate from Darien is against changing the attendance boundary between Hinsdale South and Central high schools, saying it would cause "extreme upheaval."
Hinsdale South's enrollment is about half that of the wealthier Central. As a result, South's course selection is more limited and scheduling conflicts are far more likely.
At Thursday's Hinsdale High School District 86 board meeting, candidate Liz Mitha said students had been denied course opportunities at both South and Central. She said the community must find "creative ways" to solve that problem.
But Mitha, who is running for the District 86 board in the April 1 election, shut the door on a boundary change. Shifting the line, some residents say, would equalize enrollments and course offerings.
"Families are looking for stability and opportunity, and it is the district's job to provide this for our families," said Mitha, a Cass School District 63 board member. "Changing boundaries would cause extreme upheaval for our students and their families, and it's unnecessary."
The district's documents show that course offerings are less extensive at the smaller South because many classes are canceled due to low enrollment.
Also, the district's data indicates class scheduling conflicts are 11 times more likely at South – again, because of limited classes.
At the same meeting in which Mitha spoke, South's student liaison, Uyen Millon, discussed course scheduling conflicts.
In a survey, Millon said, nearly two-thirds of students had such conflicts. About 40 percent of that group reported that their conflicts were never resolved.
"Respondents of the survey acknowledged that course scheduling conflicts are primarily driven by low enrollment in certain classes," Millon said in her report. "(T)hese students do not wish to see any more classes to be removed at Hinsdale South."
The idea of a boundary change is considered politically toxic for a school board with a 5-2 Central zone majority. Residents on the Central side fear their home values would plunge if their properties shifted to the South zone.
At times, though, a board member here or there has noted the disparity. In 2022, then-board member Cynthia Hanson, who lives in the South zone, brought it up, saying her colleagues "danced around" the issue.
Before leaving the board in 2023, then-board President Erik Held, who did not seek re-election, said a boundary change should be on the table. He acknowledged it was a topic that "no one likes to ever talk about."
"It cannot be ignored when you're dealing with serious operational impact to students," Held said.
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