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 PARRAMORE HOUSE 1987 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 Windermere, FL 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.
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 Central 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 Hawkers Asian Street Food or visit 1890 Windermere School, 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.
Request More Information
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 Windermere, FL, 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 Windermere, FL 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 Windermere, FL 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.
Orlando, FL (April 9, 2025) – Emergency crews from the Orlando Fire Department responded Wednesday to a vehicle crash involving injuries at the intersection of Conroy Windermere Rd and South Apopka Vineland Rd. According to reports from the Florida Highway Patrol, the incident resulted in injuries but did not cause any roadblock, allowing traffic to continue flowing in the area.First responders, including paramedics and fire units, arrived at the scene to treat the injured parties. Though exact details about the number of...
Orlando, FL (April 9, 2025) – Emergency crews from the Orlando Fire Department responded Wednesday to a vehicle crash involving injuries at the intersection of Conroy Windermere Rd and South Apopka Vineland Rd. According to reports from the Florida Highway Patrol, the incident resulted in injuries but did not cause any roadblock, allowing traffic to continue flowing in the area.
First responders, including paramedics and fire units, arrived at the scene to treat the injured parties. Though exact details about the number of vehicles involved have not yet been released, authorities confirmed that medical care was provided on-site for those hurt in the collision. Additional treatment or transport was provided as needed based on injury severity.
This intersection, situated in the southwest Orlando area, is frequently traveled by both local commuters and visitors heading toward nearby attractions and residential developments. While traffic was not significantly delayed due to the crash, the presence of emergency vehicles may have caused some temporary congestion as responders assisted those injured.
Law enforcement officials remain at the scene to investigate the crash, gathering evidence and assessing whether factors such as failure to yield, speeding, or distracted driving contributed to the collision.
We extend our best wishes to those affected and hope for a full and speedy recovery for all who were injured.
Accidents at suburban intersections like Conroy Windermere Rd and S Apopka Vineland Rd are increasingly common as traffic volumes grow across the Orlando metro area. These roadways often connect residential neighborhoods to major commercial centers, creating a mix of local and through traffic that can increase the likelihood of collisions—particularly during peak commuting hours or school pick-up times.
Injury crashes at such intersections frequently result from common driver errors, including misjudging gaps in traffic, attempting unsafe turns, or failing to stop completely at traffic signals or stop signs. The design of these intersections—often lacking turn lanes or featuring limited sightlines—can also contribute to accident risk, especially when drivers are unfamiliar with the area.
Conroy Windermere Rd is a key corridor for west Orlando, and S Apopka Vineland Rd serves as a connector toward Universal Orlando Resort and various shopping centers. Their convergence near residential neighborhoods makes the intersection a hotspot for varied traffic behaviors. Even without road closures, injury accidents at locations like this can cause personal, financial, and logistical stress for those involved.
For victims of these crashes, it is important to seek prompt medical attention—even if injuries seem minor—and to understand their rights regarding insurance and compensation. Timely documentation and access to the right support systems can help ease the recovery process.
Have you or someone you know been hurt in an accident at a busy Orlando intersection? The aftermath can be overwhelming, but help is available. At Local Accident Reports, we connect individuals with the resources and guidance they need to navigate recovery—whether it’s understanding your rights, dealing with insurance, or seeking medical support. Let us help you take the next step with clarity and confidence. Reach out today.
The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Boys Basketball State Championships resume with the Class 7A Championship Game between the Windermere Wolverines taking on the Columbus Explorers. High School on SI will be providing full coverage throughout the afternoon.The Florida High School Athletic Association's (FHSAA) high school boys basketball state championships resume with the Windermere Wolverines taking on ...
The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Boys Basketball State Championships resume with the Class 7A Championship Game between the Windermere Wolverines taking on the Columbus Explorers. High School on SI will be providing full coverage throughout the afternoon.
The Florida High School Athletic Association's (FHSAA) high school boys basketball state championships resume with the Windermere Wolverines taking on the Columbus Explorers.
Follow along at High School On SI for live updates throughout the evening to see who will be crowned champions in the Class 7A championship game on Saturday.
Windermere is seeking their first state championship in school history.
Columbus is seeking their fourth consecutive and overall state championship in school history.
Windermere defeated Sarasota, 59-39 in their semifinal game on Friday.
Columbus defeated Seminole (Sanford), 78-48 in their semifinal game on Friday.
(Keep refreshing page for live game updates)
1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Windermere | 7 | 6 | 5 | 18 | 36 |
Columbus | 27 | 20 | 17 | 4 | 68 |
The Class 7A boys basketball championship game between Windermere and Columbus will tip-off at 1:00 p.m.
Windermere Starting Lineup: Andreas Smith, Sean Owens, TJ Drain, Lucas Boyd, Korvantae Hatter
Columbus Starting Lineup: Cello Jackson, Cayden Boozer, Jaxon Richardson, Cameron Boozer, Caleb Gaskins
We are underway... Columbus wins the opening tip
Cayden Boozer (Columbus) starts the scoring... 2-0 Columbus
Caleb Gaskins (Columbus) scores a 2-point field goal... 4-0
Cayden Boozer (Columbus) scores a 2-point field goal... 6-0
Jaxon Richardson (Columbus) scores a 2-point field goal... 8-0
Timeout Windermere... Columbus leads 8-0 with 4:43 left in the first quarter
Cayden Boozer (Columbus) scores a 2-point field goal... 10-0
Cello Jackson (Columbus) misses free throw 1 of 2
Jackson (Columbus) makes free throw 2 of 2... 11-0
Sean Owens (Windermere) scores a 2-point field goal... 11-2
Jackson (Columbus) scores a 3-point field goal... 14-2
Jackson (Columbus) scores a 2-point field goal... 16-2
Cameron Boozer (Columbus) scores a 2-point field goal... 18-2
Timeout Windermere... Columbus 18, Windermere 2 with 1:58 left in the first quarter
Cameron Boozer (Columbus) scores a 2-point field goal... 20-2
Cameron Boozer (Columbus) makes free throw 1 of 1... 21-2
Korvantae Hatter (Windermere) scores a 2-point field goal... 21-4
Hatter (Windermere) misses free throw 1 of 1
Jaxon Richardson (Columbus) scores a 2-point field goal... 23-4
Cayden Boozer (Columbus) scores a 2-point field goal... 25-4
Owens (Windermere) scores a 3-point field goal... 25-7
Cameron Boozer (Columbus) scores a 2-point field goal... 27-7
End of 1st Quarter: Columbus 27, Windermere 7
Cameron Boozer (Columbus) scores a 2-point field goal... 29-7 Columbus
Caleb Gaskins (Columbus) scores a 2-point field goal... 31-7
Technical Foul on Gaskins
Sean Owens (Windermere) misses free throw 1 of 2
Owens (Windermere) makes free throw 2 of 2... 31-8
Benjamin Powell (Windermere) makes free throw 1 of 2... 31-9
Powell (Windermere) makes free throw 2 of 2... 31-10
Jaxon Richardson (Columbus) scores a 2-point field goal... 33-10
Andreas Smith (Windermere) makes free throw 1 of 2... 33-11
Smith (Windermere) misses free throw 2 of 2
Keeper Jackson (Columbus) scores a 2-point field goal... 35-11
Timeout Columbus... Columbus 35, Windermere 11 with 3:57 left in the second quarter
Cayden Boozer (Columbus) scores a 2-point field goal... 37-11
Lucas Boyd (Windermere) scores a 2-point field goal... 37-13
Jaxon Richardson (Columbus) scores a 2-point field goal... 39-13
Cello Jackson (Columbus) scores a 2-point field goal... 41-13
Jaxon Richardson (Columbus) scores a 2-point field goal... 43-13
Timeout Columbus... Columbus 43, Windermere 13 with 1:16 left in the second quarter
Cameron Boozer (Columbus) scores a 2-point field goal... 45-13
Cameron Boozer (Columbus) makes free throw 1 of 1... 46-13
Cameron Boozer (Columbus) makes free throw 2 of 2... 47-13
Halftime: Columbus 47, Windermere 13
Second half is underway
Caleb Gaskins (Columbus) scores a 2-point field goal... 49-13 Columbus
Caleb Gaskins (Columbus) scores a 2-point field goal... 51-13
Andreas Smith (Windermere) scores a 2-point field goal... 51-15
Cameron Boozer (Columbus) scores a 2-point field goal... 53-15
Cameron Boozer (Columbus) scores a 3-point field goal... 56-15
Timeout Windermere... Columbus 56, Windermere 15 with 5:31 left in the third quarter
TJ Drain (Windermere) scores a 3-point field goal... 56-18
Jaxon Richardson (Columbus) makes free throw 1 of 2... 57-18
Richardson (Columbus) makes free throw 2 of 2... 58-18
Richardson (Columbus) makes a 2-point field goal... 60-18
Cameron Boozer (Columbus) makes a 2-point field goal... 62-18
Timeout Columbus... Columbus 62, Windermere 18 with 1:41 left in the third quarter
Cayden Boozer (Columbus) scores a 2-point field goal... 64-18
End of 3rd Quarter: Columbus 64, Windermere 18
Gustavo Roca (Windermere) makes free throw 1 of 2... 64-19 Columbus
Roca (Windermere) makes free throw 2 of 2... 64-20
TJ Drain (Windermere) scores a 2-point field goal... 64-22
TJ Drain (Windermere) scores a 2-point field goal... 64-24
Sean Owens (Windermere) makes free throw 1 of 2... 64-25
Owens (Windermere) misses free throw 2 of 2
Timeout Windermere... Columbus 64, Windermere 25 with 3:20 left in the fourth quarter
Ben Bunnell (Windermere) makes free throw 1 of 2... 64-26
Bunnell (Windermere) makes free throw 2 of 2... 64-27
Michael Feenane (Columbus) scores a 2-point field goal... 66-27
Bryce Hoffert (Windermere) scores a 3-point field goal... 66-30
Benjamin Powell (Windermere) scores a 3-point field goal... 66-33
Feenane (Columbus) scores a 2-point field goal... 68-33
Powell (Windermere) scores a 3-point field goal... 68-36
Final Score: Columbus 68, Windermere 36: Columbus wins their 4th state title in school history
Published Mar 8, 2025|Modified Mar 8, 2025
Allison Lowe, a Windermere High School junior, recalled going into the Central Florida Brain Bee overconfident and underprepared last year.This year, she made sure not to make that mistake again.She learned from last year’s competition not to overlook anything from the materials the University of Central Florida’s Neuroscience Alliance Organization provided. Lowe used her secret weapon — handwritten flashcards — to study. She tried to study for two hours per day when she could while juggling extracurricu...
Allison Lowe, a Windermere High School junior, recalled going into the Central Florida Brain Bee overconfident and underprepared last year.
This year, she made sure not to make that mistake again.
She learned from last year’s competition not to overlook anything from the materials the University of Central Florida’s Neuroscience Alliance Organization provided. Lowe used her secret weapon — handwritten flashcards — to study. She tried to study for two hours per day when she could while juggling extracurriculars to prepare for the Brain Bee.
Coming out of the final phase of the competition, which was an oral question-and-answer round in front of judges, Lowe said she didn’t feel confident. She had been doubting herself when she was seeing the questions.
Lowe went home the winner of the Central Florida Brain Bee, beating about 70 other high school students from various high schools in Central Florida.
“It was definitely surreal,” Lowe said of winning. “At first, I had not even thought I would make it to the top 10, but when I was there, I was like, why not try for first? … It was very intense. I was kind of honed in on the questions they were asking. My hands were shaking afterwards, so I was like, ‘Did I really win? That’s crazy.’”
Lowe said she’s always been interested in science with a particular interest in biology and chemistry, and neuroscience was an “applicable and purposeful way” to dive into the subjects.
“If you’re really interested in a topic, you can go down the rabbit hole because there’s endless amounts of stuff that you can learn about,” she said. “It’s really interesting.”
She was shocked to discover Windermere High had a neuroscience club, she said.
“I feel like we kind of overlook or overcomplicate issues sometimes,” Lowe said. “For example, my passion in neuroscience all revolves around neuroimmunology and epigenetics. I feel like if we pay more attention to those subject areas, we can solve a lot of problems that have gone overlooked in the past.”
That’s inspired her research and poster project on multiple sclerosis, a neurodegenerative disease.
She focused on the gut-brain axis, which is the complex network of communication between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system, and the connection between the gut microbiome and the brain.
“My topic was how probiotic usage can affect and alter the gut microbiome and the immune system, which in turn will alter the clinical presentation of multiple sclerosis,” she said.
Her interest in researching multiple sclerosis stemmed from her Advanced Placement psychology class. She thought it was interesting how multiple sclerosis is considered a neurodegenerative disease when it’s autoimmune in nature, she said.
“We don’t really focus on the autoimmune aspect a lot,” Lowe said. “We just call it a neurological disease and call it a day. I feel like if we look past the surface, we can solve a lot of these similar problems.”
Starting research on any neuroscience topic, Lowe said people often think they are knowledgeable on the subject but that’s not the case.
“It’s kind of strange because you think you know a lot and then you’re immediately humbled, which is a good thing,” she said. “In retrospect, you get to speak to professors at the (Central Florida Brain Bee) itself, and that was really eye-opening. You could ask them a bunch of questions. Everyone there had endless questions because they have endless knowledge on the topic.”
At first, speaking to the professors was intimidating, Lowe said, but after a while, she realized she wanted more. She wanted to be a part of the academic and scientific atmosphere in the future. She said it was an eye-opening experience being able to speak to the professors and explore not only what it would be like to work in the field in the future but also with whom she would be working.
On top of that, she was meeting like-minded students.
“It’s very energizing because that’s basically who your coworkers are going to be, and it kind of solidifies your passion in that field,” Lowe said.
Although she is considering competing in the Brain Bee next year, Lowe wants to focus on extending her research. She said looking back on her poster project, there are gaps in her research she wants to fill, which is a part of the research process.
“If I continue down this path then I can really build up a strong foundation in research,” Lowe said.
She hopes her research can be a small piece of the puzzle to helping those with multiple sclerosis.
“You have to be very humble about your contributions because everyone does a small set, but ultimately, that will make a big change,” she said.
author
Senior Editor Liz Ramos previously covered education and community for the East County Observer. Before moving to Florida, Liz was an education reporter for the Lynchburg News & Advance in Virginia for two years after graduating from the Missouri School of Journalism.
407-280-0498
