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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always

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Home Care In Duck River, TN

Home Care Duck River, TN

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 John Gordon House 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 Duck River, TN is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Duck River, TN

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“Francie, thank you so much for the brief visit. It was a pleasure to meet you and have the opportunity to give you my honest assessment of your company and Lisa in particular. From the moment I met Stacy and outlined our needs until I first met Lisa I felt comfortable and felt positive about your company and the staff. You and your staff are very sincere and compassionate. Lisa is a dream come true. She is gracious and kind and extremely well-trained. You only have to request something once and she remembers. She is thoughtful and precise about her work and helps in any way she can. She is the BEST" at her job should be held as the gold standard. Thank you for the beautiful flowers. We enjoyed them very much. Sincerely, Pam W”

Pam W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I've been working at Always Best Care Nashville for a few months now, and I can confidently say it's been a fantastic experience. The supportive and collaborative environment here truly stands out. The team is made up of dedicated professionals who genuinely care about providing the best care for our clients. If you're looking for a caring and professional organization to work for or to seek care services from, I highly recommend Always Best Care Nashville. It’s been a pleasure to be part of such a committed and compassionate team!”

Jane Y.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have had the pleasure of working with Always Best Care, and I can't speak highly enough about this amazing organization. The team is incredibly wonderful and compassionate, going above and beyond in every aspect of their work. From the very first interaction, it's clear that they truly care about their caregivers and the community they serve. Their dedication to providing top-notch senior services is evident in the genuine relationships they build and the thoughtful care they deliver.”

Liz M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“"Best care" was definitely our experience with Always Best Care Senior Services. After a family member visiting Nashville was stranded in a hotel room following a fall, we were desperate for help. Friday evening at 7PM isn't a great time to go looking for help, but Stacey jumped in and by 9PM we had the support we needed to get us to the next morning's flight back home. Our nurse Eunice was friendly, communicative, anticipated our needs and made us immediately at ease. Ours wasn't the typical case, but I'm sure the urgency and care Stacey and Eunice showed us IS typical for them!”

Dan F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“We so appreciated the team at Always Best Care was amazing! Stacie listened to what I needed and helped me find just the right fit AND has continued support as I navigate all the details!! Fantastic organization!”

Sophie M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Hello! I've just retired from ABC Senior Services - Philadelphia PA I was with the company for 7 years 3 months as a caregiver. I've learned much from each and every client l've served and have found the work to be very gratifying and rewarding. During my time, I have formed lasting bonds with several of my former clients and their loved ones.”

Charlene D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Amazing company!!!!”

JasperKai L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have found Always Best Care to provide exceptional service with caring, responsible Caregivers. The office communicates great with the family members involved and they are all very professional I would recommend their services to anyone looking for a great support team for their loved one.”

Brooke D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Great response time! They did a great job meeting our needs.”

Susan R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I been with them for over7 years”

Ursula S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have been a caregiver for this company for 8 years plus. The office staff are incredible and the caregivers pour their whole hearts into caring for others. We're all very passionate about what we do and take so much pride in that. Love my company and highly recommend for any of your needs rather that be needing care or wanting to become a caregiver”

Bradley M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am extremely grateful for the home care services ABC offers. Their staff is absolutely phenomenal. Very professional, dependable and caring. The support staff for scheduling and billing are very courteous and easy to do business with.”

m H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I’d like to take a moment to thank you and everyone at Always Best Care for the assistance and great care provided to my mother following her stroke. After a lengthy stay in a rehabilitation center, mom was very clear that she wanted to go home. The stroke had unfortunately robbed her of her independence, and to go home, we would need round-the-clock care. Always Best Care came into our family at that point and made it possible for mom to be at home for over 20 months. Maintaining continuity of care and finding the right match of caregivers is no east task. There are so many moving parts that go into making that happen day after day, and somehow your team made it look easy. Coordinating staffing around last-minute callouts, illness, incompatible personalities, holidays, family dynamics, etc. These and other challenges did arise, but the important thing is that you reliably found solutions. Through a challenging state in my mother’s life, and for our entire family, your caregiver and office staff provide the support and peace of mind we needed. We’ve been very fortunate along the way to have many wonderful caregivers, and I’ve personally enjoyed getting to know them, I want to emphasize that you have very special people on your team. Thank you for supporting our family and caring for my mother!”

Michael F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“We have been accessing Always Best Care’s wonderful staff in recent months to go along with my husband to doctor’s appointments. I’ve lost track of how many times, but it’s been frequent. And every one of their caregivers have been outstanding. So wonderful to know you can rely on the people at ABC!”

Cindy S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Can't say enough nice things about the caregivers from ABC. Professional, personal, reliable, we feel so fortunate to be working with them.”

Larry K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I was in need of someone to be with my husband for 8 hours while I had to be away from home. I was a little nervous since we had never used this type of service before. The two ladies who interviewed us and explained the procedure could not have been nicer and more professional. When the caregiver Rhonda arrived, she immediately put us at ease. She was very efficient in making sure she had my husband’s medicine doses correct and in asking questions pertinent to his Parkinson’s. When I returned home, they both seemed to have had a great time looking at my husband’s extensive photography collection and watching westerns on TV. We will most definitely use Always Best Care again!”

Margaret F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care goes above and beyond! They treat you and your loved ones like family. When faced with the difficult decisions that come along with caring for a senior, they showed compassion and helped guide us with confidence. My family can not recommend them enough!”

Allison S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“A very kind review from a client's family member that was received today. We are grateful to have such wonderful families to work with and take care of in addition to great staff like Stacey Leverette. To Whom it May Concern, I would like to recommend Always Best Care Senior Services. My experience with them has been great! My father had advanced Parkinson's disease as well as some other physical problems. He finally got to the place he needed some assistance. I contacted Stacey and she came out and met with my dad and myself. She was very knowledgeable and thoroughly answered all the questions and concerns for us. More than anything else, she calmed all the concerns that my father had. In a very short time Stacey had someone on site. We've had days where we needed to change the day or time of service because of appointments, holidays or something else. When that occurs, I simply call Stacey and give her the information and she makes the adjustments in a seamless manner. If you work with her for a little bit, you will see quickly that she is very good at what she does. It has been a very good experience. I recommend Always Best Care. Yours Sincerely, Bill A.”

Francie Y.
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TESTIMONIALS

“This is an amazing company! I work at a senior living community and we love having ABC come in our community to be an extra support to our residents. Casie will take good care of you!”

Anna O.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Stacey is so knowledgeable and a great resource for senior care.”

Shawn C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The best company I've ever worked for, we're all a team and strive to give the best care we possibly can to our clients and families!”

Brad M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care exceeded my expectations! Their caring staff helped make mine and my family's lives so much easier when we were in need of help! My father was well taken care of and developed a great relationship with his ABC caregiver. I highly recommend this company to anyone looking for caregiving help!”

Liz P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care exceeded my expectations! Their caring staff helped make mine and my family's lives so much easier when we were in need of help! My father was well taken care of and developed a great relationship with his ABC caregiver. I highly recommend this company to anyone looking for caregiving help!”

Libby F.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Duck River, TN?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Duck River, TN

Types of Elderly Care in Duck River, TN

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Duck River, TN
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Duck River, TN
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Duck River Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Duck River, TN
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local River Terrace or visit Duck River Unit Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Duck River, TN

Benefits of Home Care in Duck River, TN

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Duck River, TN, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Duck River, TN

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your TN's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Duck River, TN

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Duck River, TN understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Duck River, TN

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Duck River, TN

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:

  • Olive Branch Senior Living
  • The Pearl at Fairview
  • A Place For Mom - Senior Living Advisor Sarah Ellis
  • Just Like Home Senior Living
  • The Lodge at Natchez Trace
  • Optimum Senior Living
Home Care Duck River, TN

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Duck River, TN

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Duck River, TN 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

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

 Elderly Care Duck River, TN

Latest News in Duck River, TN

TN Gov. Bill Lee has a bold conservation agenda. These bills would undermine it. | Opinion

Click here for important updates to our privacy policy.CONTRIBUTORSI hope that our lawmakers will not undercut Governor Lee’s conservation priorities by stripping protections for Tennessee’s scenic waterways and wetlands.During his Feb. 10 Stat...

Click here for important updates to our privacy policy.

CONTRIBUTORS

I hope that our lawmakers will not undercut Governor Lee’s conservation priorities by stripping protections for Tennessee’s scenic waterways and wetlands.

During his Feb. 10 State of the State address, Gov. Bill Lee outlined a bold conservation strategy. He proposed investments to protect the Duck River alongside legislation to curb Tennessee’s rapid loss of farmland.

While I am grateful for Governor Lee’s proposals, I worry that other legislation presently pending in the Tennessee legislature will undermine his efforts.

As a native Tennessean, I am grateful for Governor Lee’s conservation mindset. I grew up on a cattle farm in Bon Aqua, Tennessee, and when I’m not working my day job, I raise cows there with my brother on our family farm in the Duck River watershed.

Investing millions in the Duck River is the right thing to do

The Duck River needs and deserves our protection. It’s one of the most biodiverse rivers in the world, supports a thriving sport fishery, and provides drinking water to more than a quarter-million people. But the river is suffering from growing stressors. Droughts are becoming longer and more severe while industrial and residential water demands are increasing.

During last summer’s drought, water levels in the river plunged to historic lows, putting the river’s health and world-class aquatic ecosystems in jeopardy.

At the same time, local utilities are planning to increase dramatically the amount of water they pump from the Duck River to keep pace with Middle Tennessee’s rapid development. Those utilities want permission to pull an additional 22 million gallons of water from the Duck each day, and those threats recently landed the Duck River on a list of America’s Most Endangered Rivers.

The rapid growth that is fueling increased water consumption from the Duck is also consuming farmland at alarming rates. Tennessee is losing farmland to development at a rate of ten acres per hour.

It is against that backdrop that Governor Lee proposes investing $100 million in a regional water supply strategy for the Duck River watershed, and his administration is introducing farmland conservation legislation targeted at helping farmers and curbing farmland loss. But those efforts could be undermined by other legislation.

These bills would undermine the governor's efforts

A recently introduced bill (HB0895/SB0725) would allow a huge landfill to be built on the banks of the Duck River in Maury County. That proposal would strip away protections for Tennessee scenic rivers, and it would threaten downstream communities with harmful pollution.

Another bill (HB0541/SB0670) would remove state law protections for more than 300,000 acres of Tennessee’s wetlands, including wetlands that recharge the groundwater system connected to the Duck River.

Wetlands help keep Tennesseans safe and healthy by soaking up floodwaters and acting as natural sponges and filters. Wetlands slowly release water into our surface and groundwater systems, replenishing our springs, streams, rivers, and underground drinking water aquifers. Without abundant wetlands, our springs, streams, and groundwater systems dry up more quickly during drought, and our neighbors and communities suffer more flooding when hard rains come.

The upper Duck River watershed is a hotspot for wetlands, and if we destroy those wetlands, we will destroy the groundwater system that recharges the river with healthy flow.

Removing legal protections for wetlands will turbocharge farmland loss and make remaining farmland less productive. Farmers should not be forced to suffer losses when crop fields are flooded by runoff from nearby developments, and they should not be forced to worry about their creeks, springs and groundwater wells drying up during drought.

I hope that our lawmakers will not undercut Governor Lee’s conservation priorities by stripping protections for Tennessee’s scenic waterways and wetlands.

George Nolan is director of the Southern Environmental Law Center’s Tennessee office.

Which Nashville-area rivers are at risk of flooding? What to know about Cumberland and Harpeth water levels

A flood watch is in effect for Saturday as Middle Tennessee is expected to receive several hours of "moderate to heavy rainfall."According to the National Weather Service, rain will begin as early as 6 a.m. Saturday.The chances for northwest counties to receive at least two inches of rain is 100%, while ...

A flood watch is in effect for Saturday as Middle Tennessee is expected to receive several hours of "moderate to heavy rainfall."

According to the National Weather Service, rain will begin as early as 6 a.m. Saturday.

The chances for northwest counties to receive at least two inches of rain is 100%, while the chances of four inches is between 40-50%. For the remainder of the region, additional rainfall amounts of 1.5 to 3 inches will be possible, reported the weather service.

Along with a severe weather threat, there is also a potentially significant flooding threat. The greatest concern for flooding lies over the northwest, but all of Middle Tennessee could experience flooding, especially in low-lying areas.

What Middle Tennessee rivers are likely to flood this weekend?

The rivers with the greatest flooding risk are rivers north and west of Nashville, said the weather service, especially the Red River which is forecast to reach major flood stage and portions of the Cumberland River which are forecast to reach minor flood stage at Clarksville and Dover.

Other rivers that will likely see rises are the Duck River, Buffalo River, Harpeth River, and Stones River which are likely to reach action stage, the point at which action is taken for possible high water, or even minor flood stage, said National Weather Service Meteorologist James La Rosa.

Flood stage is the point at which a body of water is considered to be flooding and can potentially threaten lives or property. Here is what else to know about flood risks for Middle Tennessee rivers.

Red River

The weather service has issued a flood advisory for Red River at Port Royal affecting Montgomery and Robertson Counties. The river is expected to rise above flood stage (30 ft) late Saturday evening to 43.2 ft early Sunday afternoon.

It will then fall below flood stage Monday evening, said the weather service.

Cumberland River at Clarksville

The Cumberland River at Clarksville reaches flood stage at 46 ft and it's expected to rise to 48.70 ft by Monday causing minor flooding. At 50 ft, most agricultural areas along with industrial and commercial properties are flooded.

Cumberland River at Nashville

Flood stage at the Cumberland River in Nashville is 40 ft. By Monday, water levels are expected to reach 35 ft.

Mill Creek at Woodbine

Mill Creek at Woodbine in southeast Nashville could surpass flood stage, 14 ft, by Sunday morning, reaching 14.70 ft and causing minor flooding. Further south, Mill Creek at Antioch could hit 13.20 ft, just below flood stage.

Duck River at Centerville

Action stage on the Duck River at Centerville in Hickman County is 17 ft. As of Friday morning, the river was at 17.6 ft and falling. It's expected to rise to 18.5 ft by Tuesday morning. Flood stage is 22 ft.

Duck River at Shelbyville

Flood stage at the Duck River is 25 ft. By Monday, water levels are expected to reach 12 feet.

Buffalo River

Flood stage at the Buffalo River near Lobelville is 14 ft; however, at 10 feet, water will begin to inundate low lying areas and agricultural land along the river. As of Friday morning, water levels were 10.2 feet and rising slowly, reported the weather service.

By Sunday, water levels are expected to reach 13 feet.

Harpeth River at Bellevue

Flood stage on the Harpeth River at Bellevue is 20 ft. The river is expected to crest at 18 ft by Sunday.

Harpeth River at Franklin

Flood stage at the Harpeth River is 30 ft, water levels are expected to reach 22 ft by Sunday.

Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for The Tennessean. Contact her at [email protected] or follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @_leyvadiana

Gov. Lee Announces Appointments to Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership

Thursday, Gov. Bill Lee announced appointees to the Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership, established by Executive Order 108. The Order, signed in November 2024, furthers Tennessee’s commitment to balancing economic growth, water resource management, and environmental and habitat conservation to ensure the long-term sustainability of Tennessee’s watersheds.“The Duck River is not only a scenic treasure, but is also North America’s most biologically diverse freshwater river and the sole water source for thou...

Thursday, Gov. Bill Lee announced appointees to the Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership, established by Executive Order 108. The Order, signed in November 2024, furthers Tennessee’s commitment to balancing economic growth, water resource management, and environmental and habitat conservation to ensure the long-term sustainability of Tennessee’s watersheds.

“The Duck River is not only a scenic treasure, but is also North America’s most biologically diverse freshwater river and the sole water source for thousands of Tennesseans,” said Gov. Lee. “I’m pleased to appoint these highly-qualified individuals who will make strategic recommendations and oversee our work to preserve the Duck River and enhance water resource management statewide, and I thank them for their willingness to serve.”

The following Tennesseans have been appointed:

The Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership will be responsible for the following:

Developing comprehensive watershed management recommendations that balance the needs of water users and economic growth against the need to protect the environmental integrity of the Duck River. Advising and providing recommendations to the Governor, the Duck River Development Agency, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), and legislative leadership on policies and actions to promote the sustainable use and conservation of water resources in the Duck River Watershed. Identifying opportunities for water system regionalization, drought resilience, habitat conservation, and water loss reduction. Engaging with local communities, utilities, industries, and conservation organizations to ensure broad participation in watershed planning efforts. In an effort to continually manage and preserve other watersheds and prioritize regionalization throughout Tennessee, the Order also requires TDEC, in partnership with TWRA, to identify additional priority watersheds, continue conducting statewide water supply planning, support municipalities in optimizing their wastewater treatment operations, and provide technical and financial assistance to urban stormwater communities for implementing nature-based stormwater control measures.

For your Close to Home LIVE radar find your county here

Flood WatchNational Weather Service Nashville TN109 AM CST Fri Feb 14 2025TNZ005>011-023>034-056>066-075-077>080-093>095-142100-/O.CON.KOHX.FA.A.0002.250215T0600Z-250216T1800Z//00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/Stewart-Montgomery-Robertson-Sumner-Macon-Clay-Pickett-Houston-Humphreys-Dickson-Cheatham-Davidson-Wilson-Trousdale-Smith-Jackson-Putnam-Overton-Fentress-Perry-Hickman-Lewis-Williamson-Maury-Marshall-Rutherford-Cannon-De Kalb-White-Cumberland-Bedford-Coffee-Warren-Grundy-Van Buren-Wayne-Lawrence-Giles-Including the cities of New Johnsonville, Goodlettsville,Centerville, Murfreesboro, McMinnville, Nashville, Dickson, SouthCarthage, Lewisburg, Coalmont, Smithville, Waynesboro,Lawrenceburg, Ashland City, Lobelville, Celina, Smyrna, KingstonSprings, Waverly, Allardt, Byrdstown, Linden, McEwen, La Vergne,Lafayette, Tullahoma, Dover, Shelbyville, Gainesboro, Columbia,Hohenwald, Erin, Gordonsville, Woodbury, Altamont, Spencer,Manchester, Franklin, Hartsville, Hendersonville, Crossville,Cookeville, Springfield, Sparta, Mount Juliet, Jamestown,Lebanon, Carthage, Clarksville, Brentwood, Pulaski, Livingston,Tennessee Ridge, Clifton, and Gallatin109 AM CST Fri Feb 14 2025...FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH SUNDAYMORNING...* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be  possible.* WHERE...All of Middle Tennessee, including the following counties,  Bedford, Cannon, Cheatham, Clay, Coffee, Cumberland, Davidson, De  Kalb, Dickson, Fentress, Giles, Grundy, Hickman, Houston,  Humphreys, Jackson, Lawrence, Lewis, Macon, Marshall, Maury,  Montgomery, Overton, Perry, Pickett, Putnam, Robertson,  Rutherford, Smith, Stewart, Sumner, Trousdale, Van Buren, Warren,  Wayne, White, Williamson and Wilson.* WHEN...From late tonight through Sunday morning.* IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers,  creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.  Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks.* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...  - A significant rainfall event is expected to bring an    additional 2 to 4 inches of rain to Middle Tennessee this    weekend. Locally higher amounts of 3 to 5 inches are possible    across northwest Middle Tennessee.  - http://www.weather.gov/safety/floodPRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible FloodWarnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be preparedto take action should flooding develop.

Settlement intended to protect Duck River from increased water withdrawals

The Southern Environmental Law Center, representing the Tennessee Wildlife Federation, recently reached a settlement with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation that strengthens water withdrawal permits issued to Bedford County Utility District and Duck River Utility Commission, two local water utilities in the Duck River watershed. The agreements come shortly after ...

The Southern Environmental Law Center, representing the Tennessee Wildlife Federation, recently reached a settlement with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation that strengthens water withdrawal permits issued to Bedford County Utility District and Duck River Utility Commission, two local water utilities in the Duck River watershed. The agreements come shortly after a similar settlement that added protective measures to a permit for Columbia Power and Water Systems.

The agreements are a step toward ensuring the Duck River, which is the one of the most biodiverse rivers in the world and the backbone of Middle Tennessee’s outdoor recreation economy, is better protected from the region’s rapid development. The settlements limit the amount of water the utilities can leak into the ground unused and require the utilities to follow an updated drought management plan. Additionally, state officials are committing to working with federal leaders to study the Duck River’s flow and the impact of the added withdrawals.

“Throughout this process, we’ve heard from farmers, anglers, and local business owners who cherish the Duck River and recognize that the river deserves our stewardship and protection,” SELC Tennessee Office Director George Nolan said. “This settlement gets us closer to ensuring that this one-of-a-kind natural treasure can be used and enjoyed for generations to come, and we will continue to work with stakeholders and state leaders to protect this iconic river.”

The settlements come after eight local water utilities applied to increase the amount of water they pull from the Duck River. In all, the proposals sought to increase daily water consumption by 22 million gallons, allowing for a total of 73 million gallons of water to be pumped from the river each day. The massive increase in water withdrawals threatens the health of the Duck River and led to the waterway being named one of America’s ‘most endangered’ rivers. SELC represented TWF in appealing the three state-issued water withdrawal permits. Those appeals pushed for stronger permit terms around water conservation, drought management, and water loss prevention.

“With help from SELC, and by working with TDEC, the revised permits for the Duck are an improvement over the original. We greatly appreciate Governor Lee’s leadership through Executive Order 108 and believe now is the time to act on its directives,” Mike Butler, CEO of Tennessee Wildlife Federation, said. “Over the coming years, we have a critical opportunity to implement planning and protections that will secure the Duck’s health and future. We must act now to avoid a larger crisis when these permits are up for renewal. Collaboration among all stakeholders is key to conserving this national treasure.”

In November, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed an executive order that aims to protect the Duck River by, among other things, establishing the Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership. That newly formed body will develop water management recommendations, identify drought management opportunities, and engage with local communities and stakeholders.

Local leaders oppose state bill that would gut Duck River protections

Leaders on the Maury County Commission and Columbia City Council spoke out last week against Tennessee House Bill 895 (Senate Bill 725), which proposes to delete the parts of the Scenic River Protections Act that currently ban a landfill Trinity Business Group wanted to dig next to the Duck River.The bill would add a clause to the end of ...

Leaders on the Maury County Commission and Columbia City Council spoke out last week against Tennessee House Bill 895 (Senate Bill 725), which proposes to delete the parts of the Scenic River Protections Act that currently ban a landfill Trinity Business Group wanted to dig next to the Duck River.

The bill would add a clause to the end of Tennessee Code § 11-13-101 that would prevent the Scenic designation (passed after Trinity bought the land intending to dig the landfill) from nullifying pre-existing property rights, and delete the portions of § 11-13-111, § 68-211-118, § 68-212-120, and § 68-211-223 that outlaw landfills and permits within two miles of Scenic rivers.

“[It] would, in my opinion, gut the substantive protections of the Scenic River Act.,” Mayor Chaz Molder of Columbia said in a Facebook statement. “This legislation is also contrary to the Governor’s recent Executive Order which included specific protections for the Duck River. It is my hope the Governor will… oppose this legislation as well.”

“This bill was written to undermine the hard work and protections that we… have put in place to continue to protect one of our greatest natural resources,” said Commissioner Gabe Howard, “not only here in Maury County but in North America. The Duck River matters to us and we must stand for it and protect it!”

“I have contacted our two state representatives and Sen. Hensley and am certain they will adamantly oppose this Legislation, which is in direct conflict with Gov. Lee’s recent Executive Order 108,” stated County Mayor Sheila Butt. “I will also be asking the Maury County Commission and each of our municipalities to pass resolutions against the legislation.”

The bill was introduced in the state House as HB0895 by Chris Todd (R-Madison County), chair of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, and in the Senate as SB0725 by J. Adam Lowe (R-Calhoun), second vice chair of the Senate Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.

Based on her contacts inside the state legislature, Butt said she believes people generally recognize that the proposal is a bad idea. At its next session the Maury County Commission will vote on resolution 02.25, which would state the Commission’s opposition to the state bill, and Butt encourages other local governing bodies to pass similar public statements.

“[N]o Scenic Class II river should have a landfill within two miles,” she told Main Street Maury. “There are many other locations in Tennessee for landfills. Legislators and investors should be seeking those out instead of spending millions of dollars and energy trying to change our laws.”

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