AA Learn more about in-home care options for your loved ones

Given the choice, most of us want to stay in our homes. Sometimes, people need help to remain at home. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Personal Care Consultation

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TESTIMONIALS

“There are so many nursing homes to choose from, with their guidance I was able to find the right facility for my mother, right away. I would highly recommend them to any family or friends in need of their services.”

Candace K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Steve and Claudia at Always Best Care Senior Services were just awesome in how they provided at home care for my mother Carmen. Starting with the initial consultation by Steve to learn about mom's personal care needs to the follow-up visit of a registered nurse to the eventual placement of a compassionate caregiver; every step of their service was well thought out and they truly delivered on providing a level of care for mom that exceeded our families (and mom's) expectations. It can be very nerve racking to find and leave your loved one with a caregiver but this company gets that and they were just fantastic. Thank you Always Best Care!”

Mark B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“ABC has provided the essential care and support my dad needed after hospitalization and chemo treatments. I have peace of mind knowing they are supporting him.”

Michelle B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have been utilizing Always Best Care Senior Services for 2 years to care 24/7 for my elderly parents. I am very pleased with their services. The Owners and Office Staff bend over backwards to make sure that there is always coverage, to alert my parents Caregiver Team of any requests that I make, to advise me when there is an issue with my parents or their dog. The Caregiver Team working with my parents are all compassionate and caring, knowledgeable and skilled. Sadly, my Father passed away in the fall of 2020. Each of their Caregivers, the Owners and the Office Staff expressed to me that they would like to attend his memorial service when we are able to have it. During the weeks he was slipping away, the Caregiver team not only took care of my parents, they looked after me, gently reminding me to eat, rest or take a break. They truly care not only for my parents, but for all our family. I can’t begin to express what a comfort it has been to have them caring for my parents, especially during the pandemic when visits are prohibited. They are my eyes and ears. Working intimately with my parents, the Caregivers are very tuned in to even subtle changes. If you are in the market and looking for a senior services/home health care company, I strongly urge you to reach out to Always Best Care Senior Services. You’ll be happy you did.”

Heidi R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“If you want quality care for yourself or your loved ones, Steve and his time are the best, don’t waste your time looking elsewhere. As an estate planning attorney, I have recommended clients to Steve who have been very happy with his team. Steve and his team went above and beyond for one specific client of mine that had a very complex situation, and I am eternally grateful to them. I only hope I can continue to work together with him - Steve and his team are dedicated to making sure you are comfortable, happy and safe. My favorite part about Always Best Care is that all of their staff are TRAINED EMPLOYEES WITH CONTINUING EDUCATION - NOT INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS!”

Aldo C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always best care is a top notch senior services company. They go above and beyond with their clients and treat them as if they are family. If you are looking for a great family oriented team to help take care of your love one look no further. Give Always best care a call you will not be disappointed!!”

Forrest H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Highly recommended! All the staff is very professional and courteous”

Ryan N.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Steve and his team were amazing. As my father’s Parkinson’s progress, we were in need of home health care desperately. Steve and his nurse came to our home, assess the situation, and set up a schedule to accommodate our needs. I would highly recommend them to any family or friends in need of their services.”

Claudine P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Steven and his team are superior in caring for aging friends and family. The most important thing is having people who you can trust with your family.”

Allison T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Steve and his team will take superior care of your loved ones.”

John D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Steve Snell and Staff of Always Best Care Senior Services have been amazingly responsive, helpful and worked diligently to make sure my clients needs were met! Can't praise them enough. The case was staffed immediately and overseen at all levels. Thank you for Always providing the Best Care!”

Karen G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have worked with, and explored working with, various agencies and registries in the Palm Beach County area. I am picky. Always Best Care is qualitatively a notch above every other organization I've encountered. Responsive. Amiable. Professional. The aide, Islande, who has worked with my mom is top-notch for our needs. And . . . I have no doubt Steve (the agency's owner) and his staff would strive to find someone else, if it hadn't been a fit. If you are looking for Nursing Care, I strongly recommend giving Always Best Care a chance. BTW: It is important to understand that working with an Nursing Agency (like Always Best Care), means the staff are employees, not independent contractors (as they are when working through a Nursing Registry). An Agency is vested in having good employees, and a good agency wants you to be happy. But even all Agencies are not created equal. I worked with one (Alternative Health Care) where aides did not always show up! That was painful and incredibly stressful, and the manager and other higher-up staff didn't give a hoot.”

Liz S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I wish there were more that five stars. I can not say enough about the experience we have had in working with Always Best Care Senior Services. Not only were they extremely receptive to our needs, available immediately to every call, text or email, compassionate and kind...every single employee was better than the next. My Dad's recent death and my mothers recent surgery (with complications) requiring extra care was a traumatic time for our family. The care she received was beyond skilled and professional. We knew she was in trusting, caring hands. She was happy. I have recommended ABC to others and they have had the same experience. Do not hesitate to reach out to them if you are in need. I highly recommend them. I know I will be reaching out to Steven and Claudia the next time I am in need. My family and I are extremely grateful.”

Donna H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Fabulous experience with Always Best Care. Treated my 90 year old Father in Law with dignity and respect. We actually had fun with his aides and they were helpful and kind.”

Alicia B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am very glad to have chosen ABC Senior Services to get us through a very difficult time when my parents finally reached the end of their independent lifestyles at age 96 and 97. Scheduling was difficult and sometimes changes were made last minute, but ABC came through as well as could be expected. Despite losing his wife of 37 years, my father is currently doing very well back north in an assisted living facility. Thank you ABC for the compassion you expressed throughout the 4 months you were there for us.”

Rob C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care is a great company who goes above and beyond for their clients. My mother fell at my brothers home in Connecticut and I called Steve Snell for some guidance. Even though Steve is in Florida he was able to get my family connected with a representative in Connecticut immediately. Thank you Steve!”

Mike B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“ABC goes to great lengths to get to know their clients in order to provide the best possible match with ABC’s in home care providers. The aides blend into the home environment with professionalism, compassion and helpfulness. They are unobtrusive but available at all times. As a primary caregiver I wish I started with them years ago.”

cam2019
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TESTIMONIALS

“Extremely friendly and professional. I was very comfortable leaving my loved one in their care.”

happy C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Great, helpful, supportive service! I tried others, but ANC is the beat!”

tas1111
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TESTIMONIALS

“Experiencing using ABC is the best you will find anywhere. The owners and employees are there for one reason and that is to make their clients happy with their caregivers. I have never seen such compassion from an agency. I am the client, so I know what to look for and the caregivers they recommend. Would be happy to talk to anyone with questions. Thanks”

Mimi B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care's caregivers and office staff are the best I have dealt with.”

Bruce M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I can't say enough about how much ABC has helped both our parents and our family. Their name -- Always Best Care -- is clearly their guiding principle! From the highest level administration (Stephen and Beverly) to the amazing caregivers and schedulers -- the entire staff have been responsive and attentive from day one. They have been unfailingly respectful, caring, professional and competent. They were flexible and kind when my mother became terminally ill. And readily available and again responsive when we reinitiated services for my father. Their attentiveness and professionalism is reflected in the amazingly kind, competent and resourceful caregiving staff. Their exceptional caregivers have allowed us peace of mind, knowing that our Dad is getting great support from reliable providers who readily alert us of any matters that need attention. I highly recommend ABC!”

Carla R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care has been wonderful in many ways. Steve Snell, Owner and Area Representative, and Beverly Casper, RN were patient, kind and respectful while my Dad came to terms with the idea that he really did need help. They were flexible and open and that made all the difference. My Dad's aide Fabienne is responsible and caring and now more of a companion than aide. Steve and his scheduling team has been proactive about any changes that needed to occur and very good about communicating with me both by phone and email. Having them on board has lessened the worry I feel on a daily basis. My mother had a prolonged illness and through the years we dealt with many health care agencies. The attention and care we have received from Always Best Care is, by far, the best we ever have experienced and we are very grateful to have found them.”

Linda S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services if you have a loved one that needs personal care.”

Melanie T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Dori, is such a wonderful person and makes such an impact on everyone she is involved with.”

Jamie W.
 In-Home Care Lake Worth, FL

How does In-home Senior Care in Lake Worth, FL work?

Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it's 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 ages, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

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 Senior Care Lake Worth, FL

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.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a unfamiliar assisted living community, 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:

Comfort
Comfort

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, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old. With the help of elderly care in Lake Worth, 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.

Healthy Living
Healthy Living

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.

Independence
Independence

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 an assisted living community. 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.

Cost and Convenience
Cost and Convenience

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 to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, can be 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 in Lake Worth, FL 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.

Empowers Seniors

Affordable Care Plans

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:

Veteran's Benefits
Veteran's Benefits

Aid and Attendance benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.

Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-Term Care Insurance

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.

Private Insurance
Private Insurance

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.

Life Insurance
Life Insurance

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.


Respite Care Lake Worth, FL

During your Care Plan consultation with Always Best Care, your Care Coordinator will speak with you about in-home care costs and what options there may be to help meet your budget needs.

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 Lake Worth,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.

 Caregivers Lake Worth, FL

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 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:

An assessment of your senior loved one

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An in-depth discussion of the needs of your senior loved one to remain in their own home

02

Reviewing a detailed Care Plan that will meet your senior loved one's needs

03

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.

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.

Latest News in Lake Worth, FL

$31.8 million needed for Lake Worth Beach water infrastructure improvements

LAKE WORTH BEACH, Fla. — The city of Lake Worth Beach is taking its efforts to fix area drainage issues to Tallahassee.With $31.8 million worth of water and infrastructure project needs, the city will be asking the state for $1.8 million, which is what the city can afford for a 50% match in this budget year.The Lake Worth Beach City Council talked about the drainage situation Tuesday.Currently, the city has to look at its budget and decide what can be allocated."How would you describe the water drainage...

LAKE WORTH BEACH, Fla. — The city of Lake Worth Beach is taking its efforts to fix area drainage issues to Tallahassee.

With $31.8 million worth of water and infrastructure project needs, the city will be asking the state for $1.8 million, which is what the city can afford for a 50% match in this budget year.

The Lake Worth Beach City Council talked about the drainage situation Tuesday.

Currently, the city has to look at its budget and decide what can be allocated.

"How would you describe the water drainage situation in Lake Worth Beach?" asked WPTV reporter Joel Lopez.

"It's very frustrating, it's uncomfortable and it's definitely an issue in the city," resident Phillip Allen Warren said.

Warren and his partner, Ava Guthrie, said that they've seen poor drainage throughout the city.

"Yeah, I was walking down the street and I got completely soaked in water," Guthrie said. "Somebody decided to speed up on purpose and go right through the puddle and it completely went right over me — like, it completely splashed me."

Commissioners have identified $1.8 million in water infrastructure projects that they said are a priority.

On the list is a $300,000 cost for the Ninth Avenue South Pump Station's design and permitting, which they'll be asking for $150,000.

Also, the final phase completion of the Parrot Cove Mitigation project with a request of $250,000 from the state of the total $500,000 cost.

"When you have as many needs as Lake Worth Beach as far as flooding and sea level rise, you're going to have to prioritize, which is what they're doing," Richard Pinksy, the city's lobbyist, said.

He'll be advocating for the money in Tallahassee on Monday.

Pinksy said the nearly $32 million is barely scratching the surface.

"There's nothing easy in Tallahassee. That is certainly within reason for the amount of needs that the city has, so they're not asking for anything extraordinary," Pinsky said. "Because they are a coastal community, extra concern and consideration is given to the coastal communities because of the flooding and sea level rise."

Pinsky said that the session ends in the middle of March, and Gov. Ron DeSantis has until June to sign the budget.

Lake Worth Beach commissioners approved a $1,000,097 project to replace a water pump that is placed at the end of 18th Avenue with a new and updated pump to help with street flooding.

July 1 is when the new fiscal year begins, which is when the city could begin to see the funding if it's approved.

"What's your message to the city on their efforts to address this issue?" Lopez asked.

"Allocate the funds where they need to be allocated and fix what needs to be fixed," Warren responded.

Copyright 2023 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

10 Fun Things to Do with Kids Near Lake Worth Beach

Any time of year, The Palm Beaches make a fabulous destination for families looking for that perfect mix of outdoor activities, beautiful beaches, and kid-friendly attractions.Sandwiched between West Palm Beach to the north and Boynton Beach to the south, Lake Worth Beach has much to offer children (and their parents too!). Here are 10 fun things to do with kids in and around Lake Worth Beach.A trip to this guarded white-sand beach is a must for families. Between ocean swims, little ones can use the colorful playground or walk ...

Any time of year, The Palm Beaches make a fabulous destination for families looking for that perfect mix of outdoor activities, beautiful beaches, and kid-friendly attractions.

Sandwiched between West Palm Beach to the north and Boynton Beach to the south, Lake Worth Beach has much to offer children (and their parents too!). Here are 10 fun things to do with kids in and around Lake Worth Beach.

A trip to this guarded white-sand beach is a must for families. Between ocean swims, little ones can use the colorful playground or walk the William O. Lockhart Municipal Pier for a birds-eye view over the waves. Restrooms are readily available, and lunch couldn’t be easier: Several restaurants line the coast here, including Benny’s on the Beach, which has something for everyone (including a kids menu and incredible water views), and Mamma Mia’s, great for pizza lovers. Phipps Ocean Park, just to the north of Lake Worth Beach Park, is another lovely beach-day option around here that’s a bit quieter.

Kayaking around the beautiful, mangrove-lined Snook Islands in Lake Worth Lagoon is an ideal way for families to intimately experience the natural beauty of The Palm Beaches. Get up close and personal to the wading birds, crabs, oyster reefs, and various fish species of the lagoon while perched on a comfortable single or double kayak. Or, if your kids are small, you can rent a family kayak, which fits two adults and two small children. At Kayak Lake Worth rentals are available for two hours or a half-day. To delve deeper into the saltwater estuary’s rich ecology, consider booking a guided tour—the monthly full moon tours are especially popular.

This large, grassy park in the middle of Lake Worth Beach has a ton to offer families. The lakefront playground area has play structures for kids age 2 to 12 (including a Boundless playground), with a good amount of shade as well as a splash pad for cooling off. There’s also an exercise course that older kids like, and over by the campground there’s the Custard Apple network of short, interconnected nature trails to explore. And there are plenty of designated picnic areas, including some with grills.

Choose from an 18- or 36-hole mini golf course at this well-maintained family-run spot, which keeps things interesting for all ages with some challenging holes and lots of attractive water features (don’t worry, the golf balls float). Most important for those sunny days, there’s plenty of shade, as well as a great snack bar with ice cream, chips, and beverages for kids and adults alike. The little ones always get a treat at the end! It’s a perfect afternoon activity for families.

A popular spot in Lake Worth Beach for birthday parties, this arcade is exactly what’s needed for a few hours of indoor fun on those super hot or rainy days. Older kids love the laser tag facility and go-kart course, while younger kids can try their hand at skee-ball or any of the arcade video games. The on-site café conveniently offers pizza, hot dogs, and ice cream, or you can head to nearby El Rinconcito Colombiano 3 for kid-friendly arepas, empanadas, and Colombian-style hamburgers.

In nearby Boynton Beach, families love the sweet Schoolhouse Children’s Museum, which provides kids with an interactive, hands-on glimpse of life for early Florida settlers. In the absence of electronics or fancy tech, a sensory learning experience awaits here, as children are invited to explore replicas of early train depots, general stores, farms, and more. They can even milk and feed a life-size cow replica, and play with an oversize, interactive Operation Challenge in the “doctor’s office.”

About 10 minutes north of Lake Worth Beach in West Palm Beach, this science museum is beloved for its 100-plus educational exhibits, full-dome planetarium, 10,000-gallon aquarium, and quarter-mile-long outdoor science trail, which boasts 15 more exhibits. There’s even mini-golf! Families can easily enjoy a full day here. Kids under 6 love the water table, outdoor play area, and wall-size Lite Brite of the Discovery Center and Early Childhood Playground. Older kids shouldn’t miss visiting the Observatory on select Friday evenings to view the sky during Nights at the Museum.

Just south of Lake Worth Beach in Delray Beach, Wakodahatchee Wetlands is a favorite spot among nature lovers in the know. Created in 1996 on 50 acres of previous wastewater utility land, the peaceful wetlands feature a pretty three-quarter-mile boardwalk that winds above the ponds and shrubby islands of the preserve, providing up-close viewing of countless bird species, turtles, alligators, fish, frogs, and even rabbits and raccoons. It’s thrilling for kids to spot so much wildlife in a natural habitat, and it’s also a great lesson in smart public land use: Each day, two million gallons of treated wastewater gets pumped into the wetlands, which act as a percolation pond and return billions of gallons of fresh water back into the water table.

A short half-hour drive west of Lake Worth Beach in Loxahatchee, Lion Country Safari is a must for animal-loving kids. After driving the four-mile safari past zebras, rhinos, impala, ostriches, lions, and more, the wonderful walk-through park awaits, complete with a petting zoo, a water park (bring the bathing suits!), amusement rides, and more wildlife exhibits. The highlight is the giraffe encounter, where families can stand on a platform eye-to-eye with these magnificent animals and feed them romaine lettuce. Don’t miss it!

This picturesque manmade 80-acre tropical island park on the Intracoastal Waterway is a terrific place to introduce little ones to snorkeling, as the turquoise water is shallow, clear, and warm. Rock breakwaters on the eastern side protect swimmers from currents and act as an artificial reef, attracting plenty of interesting undersea life. Sometimes manatees are even spotted around here! You’ll want to bring along a picnic lunch—there are no restaurants on the island—and definitely plan to stay a while. As a bonus, the kids get to take a shuttle boat to get there. Hop on one from nearby Sailfish Marina or Riviera Beach Marina to reach the island.

Header image courtesy of the Cox Science Center and Aquarium

Lake Worth Beach takes steps to resurrect municipal pool

LAKE WORTH BEACH, Fla. — The city of Lake Worth Beach is taking steps to resurrect the Lake Worth Municipal Swimming Pool.City commissioners Tuesday voted 4-1 in favor of estimating what the project will cost."It's probably the best real estate probably in Palm Beach County, so we are fully intent on bringing it back and making it really special," Commissioner Reinaldo Diaz said.Diaz said the pool wasn't doing well financially and wasn't well managed, causing it to close in 2016."It was a big ...

LAKE WORTH BEACH, Fla. — The city of Lake Worth Beach is taking steps to resurrect the Lake Worth Municipal Swimming Pool.

City commissioners Tuesday voted 4-1 in favor of estimating what the project will cost.

"It's probably the best real estate probably in Palm Beach County, so we are fully intent on bringing it back and making it really special," Commissioner Reinaldo Diaz said.

Diaz said the pool wasn't doing well financially and wasn't well managed, causing it to close in 2016.

"It was a big thing for our community. For years that pool existed and was a community hub," Diaz said. "But now being closed and being a hole in the ground is not doing anyone any favors."

City staff has gotten feedback from residents on what they would like for the pool to provide.

Ocean Boulevard "used to be dirt roads, and the pool was here," Melody Jewell, who used to go to the pool as a teenager, said. "There were a lot more people, a lot more children, a lot more activity. There was a lot more going on when the pool was open."

Jewell said she would like to see diving boards, slip-proof flooring and a full staff of lifeguards.

"The pier is still here, Benny’s on the Beach got to stay, Lake Worth Beach has absolutely grown and the pool needs to come back," Jewell said.

The pool now sits drained but full of potential as city staff looks into what it will cost to reopen, maintain and operate it.

"The budget, you know, to construct is certainly one thing," Diaz said. "We expect that to be really significant. You know, we've heard numbers of $15-16 million, but then there's the significant added cost of, well, we want this pool to be open for decades."

The proposed pool design is smaller than the current pool but provides more room for decking and programs.

Among them are water aerobics, water sports and activities such as water basketball, water volleyball, swimming and diving lessons, lap lanes, splash pad activities, food and drink, and event space.

A place for families to cool off from the record-breaking heat is also top of mind.

"Not everyone can afford a pool in their backyard, so that's, you know, quite literally the main purpose of a community pool," Diaz said.

That all sounds perfect to Melissa Alvarez, who was visiting from Connecticut with her family.

"A lot of the kids like the pool and they love to go in the ocean, but after an hour or two they're ready to jump in the pool," Alvarez said.

She said a beachside amenity like a pool would bring in more tourism.

"Looking at the building, it's a great building and I think it would be wonderful to open it," Alvarez said.

Commissioners are looking into reworking certain details such as the placement of the splash pad and food service portions of the project.

There's no timeline one when the pool could reopen.

Copyright 2023 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Affordable 55+ housing project could be in the works for Lake Worth Beach

LAKE WORTH BEACH — Developers are proposing an affordable housing project for people 55 and older in Lake Worth Beach. Though it still has a long way to go, the project cleared its first hurdle at a recent City Commission meeting.Madison Terrace would include two six-story buildings and a total of 176 units — all of them income-restricted. The housing project would replace an old car l...

LAKE WORTH BEACH — Developers are proposing an affordable housing project for people 55 and older in Lake Worth Beach. Though it still has a long way to go, the project cleared its first hurdle at a recent City Commission meeting.

Madison Terrace would include two six-story buildings and a total of 176 units — all of them income-restricted. The housing project would replace an old car lot at 821 S. Dixie Highway, between a Walgreens pharmacy to the north and a Bravo Supermarket to the south.

The $32 million project would offer residents in-unit laundry machines, full-time property management, key cards and security cameras, and community rooms for exercising, socializing and playing games.

The co-developers, American Residential Communities and New South Residential, have about a dozen senior communities throughout Florida, and their latest project, Madison Square in Cape Coral, offers insight about their residential demographics.

At that community, the average age of residents is about 69 years old at the time of move-in, and the vast majority — 93% of residents — are from the county where the housing was built. The remaining residents came from other Florida counties and, in only a handful of cases, from outside the state.

The developers presented their concept for Lake Worth Beach at a meeting Aug. 15, when commissioners held a first reading of the proposal before voting unanimously to move the project forward. Project leaders also met with about a dozen nearby residents during a community meeting in June, and the proposal cleared a review by the city’s Planning and Zoning Board in early August.

If commissioners once again vote in favor of the project at an upcoming meeting, during a second reading of the proposal, the next obstacle will be funding.

A majority of the funding — about $28 million — would come directly from the federal government via tax credits, which are administered by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, civil engineer Mike Oliver told the commission.

But the process of obtaining tax credits can be uncertain, he said, because applications are assigned a lottery number. Because the project is divided into two phases, obtaining funding for each building could take several years of submitting applications and hoping for the best lottery numbers.

"We only compete with applications that are in Palm Beach County," Oliver said. "We'll see how many there are, and hopefully we have the best lottery number. If we don't win it this year, we have the property under contract for three years and we'll keep trying."

The first phase would include 83 one-bedroom units with 576 square feet of living space, along with eight studio units with 430 square feet of space. The second phase would include a separate building with another 85 one-bedroom units.

The housing would have to remain affordable for at least 50 years, and 10% of the units would be dedicated to extremely low-income households. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development would set the rental rates each year based on the area's median income.

If the Madison Terrace apartments existed now, it would cost between $562 and $1,023 for a studio unit, depending on income restrictions, and between $603 to $1,096 for a one-bedroom unit, according to the project's website, madisonterraceseniors.com.

Giuseppe Sabella is a reporter covering Boynton Beach and Lake Worth Beach at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at [email protected]. Help support our journalism and subscribe today.

Paddle-out ceremony to honor Jimmy Buffett at Lake Worth Beach

Though an incredible musician and songwriter, Jimmy Buffett's name is practically synonymous with the sea. Whether sailing, paddle boarding, surfing or fishing, he had strong ties to all of it.On Sunday, Sept. 24, friends will get the chance to say goodbye in a manor befitting ...

Though an incredible musician and songwriter, Jimmy Buffett's name is practically synonymous with the sea. Whether sailing, paddle boarding, surfing or fishing, he had strong ties to all of it.

On Sunday, Sept. 24, friends will get the chance to say goodbye in a manor befitting Buffett's love of the ocean during a paddle-out ceremony at Lake Worth Beach.

The event is being hosted by the nonprofit organization Piper's Angels Foundation.

Founded by Travis Suit, the group is named after his daughter Piper, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at the age of 4. Its goal is to provide innovative solutions to the cystic fibrosis community, empowering each individual and family to live their greatest life possible.

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A lifelong fan of his music, Suit was one of those lucky people who also actually got to meet and know Buffett.

Suit said it was 2012 and he was working as bartender at Nick & Johnny's in Palm Beach. It was a slow Sunday afternoon when an older guy rode up on his bicycle, he said. When that guy sat down at the bar and looked up, Suit said he was like, "Holy cow, that's Jimmy Buffett!"

Buffett lived just down the street on Root Trail, and Suit said he would stop by the restaurant several times year and more frequently during the winter season.

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Being a bartender, Suit said that you can sometimes get into pretty deep conversations with patrons, especially regulars.

He said that over the years, when Buffett would stop in they would talk about life, surfing and family.

Suit said that when he told Buffett about "The Crossing," a long-distance paddle challenge from the Bahamas to Florida that supports families affected by cystic fibrosis, Buffett said "anything you and Piper ever need, I'll help."

Having Jimmy Buffett say that had a profound impact on him, "just to know that he was in our corner," Suit said.

True to his word, Buffett stepped up and sponsored the foundation and became an advisor to its board of directors.

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Suit said he'd been a fan of his music his whole life and loved him for his authenticity.

One Sunday evening, Suit recalled Buffett stopped by the bar and told him that it looked like there were going to be good waves the next day. Suit said that he'd been praying for surf because not only was it his day off, but also his birthday.

Jimmy gave him his number and said, "Text me early tomorrow and we'll hit it."

Suit got a birthday surf session with Jimmy Buffett just north of The Breakers off Wells Road in Palm Beach.

The paddle out starts at 8 a.m. and will take place just south of the Lake Worth Pier. Everyone will then circle up on the beach at 8:30 before paddling out.

There will a time for sharing and some music, and flowers will be handed out. There will be a moment of silence, and then blowing of a conch shell.

Jimmy Buffett Paddle-Out Ceremony, Lake Worth Beach

Where: Lake Worth Beach, 10 Ocean Blvd., Lake Worth Beach

When: 8 to 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 24

Information: instagram.com

Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at [email protected]. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.

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