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 North Palm Beach, FL

How does In-home Senior Care in North Palm Beach, 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 North Palm Beach, 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 North Palm Beach, 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 North Palm Beach, 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 North Palm Beach, 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 North Palm Beach,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 North Palm Beach, 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

01

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 North Palm Beach, FL

Couple cancels wedding in Israel, gets married in North Palm Beach

NORTH PALM BEACH, Fla. —At first glance, the wedding happening outside a North Palm Beach synagogue appeared to be just an ordinary Orthodox Jewish wedding.But this wedding was anything but ordinary.“It’s unbelievably heartwarming how Jews, non-Jews, just people came together to give this couple an unbelievable experience,” said Rabbi Leib Ezagui of Jewish Community Synagogue. ...

NORTH PALM BEACH, Fla. —

At first glance, the wedding happening outside a North Palm Beach synagogue appeared to be just an ordinary Orthodox Jewish wedding.

But this wedding was anything but ordinary.

“It’s unbelievably heartwarming how Jews, non-Jews, just people came together to give this couple an unbelievable experience,” said Rabbi Leib Ezagui of Jewish Community Synagogue.

South Florida rabbi calls for peace, Jewish people to not live in fear amid Israel-Hamas war

The couple is Zalman Raksin and his wife, Daniella.

They live in New York but were scheduled to marry in Israel.

That’s where Daniella grew up, and it’s where most of her family still lives.

All their friends and family planned to go to Israel for the wedding.

But then the war started.

Raksin has family in Palm Beach County, so he and Daniella left Israel and went there.

“We weren’t sure they were actually going to get here,” Ezagui said. "When they finally got here on Thursday, that’s when we said, ‘Hey, let’s give them a wedding.’”

“This is just unbelievable,” Raksin said. "Having to leave Israel and canceling the wedding over there and just making it happen here within a week."

Gaza receives largest aid shipment so far as deaths top 8,000 and Israel widens military offensive

Within in five days, every detail had been taken care of: the flowers, the food, the music.

“We decided this couple has to get married,” Ezagui said. “Because that’s how the Jewish people survive. We move on. We grow. We rise above.”

Some of the invited guests could make it to North Palm Beach.

Most could not.

Many of the people at the wedding were strangers who just wanted to give the happy couple a proper wedding.

“When you see someone going through something so difficult, you want to be there to show support and show love, even if you don’t know the person,” said Talia Rockmacher of West Palm Beach.

“We wanted to make sure that there were people there that could support them and boost them up when they’re in a sad place,” said Samantha Meltzer of Juno Beach.

And what made the wedding even more special was what happened in Israel the night before.

The original wedding date was Tuesday at a venue just outside of Jerusalem.

Stay up-to-date: The latest headlines and weather from WPBF 25

A rocket fell there at the exact time they were supposed to be getting married.

“It was crazy,” Daniella said. “It was like Yashem is with us.”

“It broke my heart,” said Mindy Lew, a friend of the groom. “In a place we could have been, but God decided we weren’t supposed to be there.”

“Thank God we weren’t there,” Raksin said. “And we weren’t supposed to be there.”

Instead, they were in North Palm Beach, celebrating and looking forward to a lifetime of happiness.

'Anything can help': Boca Raton boy helps deliver essential items to Israeli soldiers

“This is the best way for us to stay strong, to stay in control during these times,” said David Steinhauser, a friend of the groom.

“The good and the mitzvah we are doing, which is getting married, is the biggest and best mitzvah you can possibly do as a Jewish person,” Raksin said.

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Bride and groom escape Israel, get married in North Palm Beach

NORTH PALM BEACH, Fla. — Newlyweds Zalam and Daniella Raksin say they had planned a wedding in Israel, but when the war against Hamas broke out, they were forced to cancel their plans and had to evacuate."This is just unbelievable, from everything we've been through, having to leave Israel, canceling the wedding there," Zalem, the groom, said.They came to Florida as Zalem's sister, along with his brother-in-law, run the Jewish Community Synagogue in North Palm Beach."What takes people years to plan w...

NORTH PALM BEACH, Fla. — Newlyweds Zalam and Daniella Raksin say they had planned a wedding in Israel, but when the war against Hamas broke out, they were forced to cancel their plans and had to evacuate.

"This is just unbelievable, from everything we've been through, having to leave Israel, canceling the wedding there," Zalem, the groom, said.

They came to Florida as Zalem's sister, along with his brother-in-law, run the Jewish Community Synagogue in North Palm Beach.

"What takes people years to plan we pulled off in five days. The community really came through, everyone really chipped in," said Leib Ezagui, Zalem's brother-in-law and rabbi of the Orthodox synagogue.

The Raksins said the venue where they were supposed to get married in Israel was hit by a rocket a day before their original wedding date.

Daniella, who was born in Israel, said she has lost six friends and a niece since the war began.

"It's crazy and we're just lucky that we have everybody surrounding us," Daniella said.

She said her mother was able to fly to Florida for the wedding but said her mother's side of the family is still trapped in Israel.

"If they're watching this what message do you have for them?" WPTV reporter Joel Lopez asked.

"I love you all and you're with me in my heart and hopefully we're going to have quiet days," Daniella said.

The original wedding was set to have about 400 guests, but the new site was filled with friends of the family as well as strangers in the community who wanted to show their support.

"We'll be there for them like everyone is always here for us," Anna Ostrovsky ,who doesn't know the couple but attended the wedding, said. "The weather was terrific, we had a great time, even now I have tears in my eyes."

The ceremony was followed by dinner and dancing.

The couple said they hope to celebrate with loved ones in Israel someday.

"As much as it is sad and it is tough, it's super important in this time for us to be joyful and excited to be happy. Zalem said. "The good deed and the mitzvah that we are doing which is getting married is the biggest and the best mitzvah you can possibly do as a Jewish person because how else will the Jewish nation continue?"

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

Clean up continues in Palm Beach Gardens after EF2 tornado tore through with 130 mph winds

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. —Clean up continues in Palm Beach Gardens Monday after an EF2 tornado touched down on Saturday.After further assessment, the National Weather Service Miami confirmed its intensity Sunday. Officials say winds from the tornado peaked at 130 mph. NWS estimates the tornado was on the ground from 5:10 pm to 5:21 pm.This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site....

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. —

Clean up continues in Palm Beach Gardens Monday after an EF2 tornado touched down on Saturday.

After further assessment, the National Weather Service Miami confirmed its intensity Sunday. Officials say winds from the tornado peaked at 130 mph. NWS estimates the tornado was on the ground from 5:10 pm to 5:21 pm.

This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

NWS Miami can confirm an EF-2 tornado occurred yesterday April 29, 2023 in Palm Beach Gardens. Multiple reports of damage to trees, homes, buildings, power poles and cars. For more information visit the latest Public information Statement: https://t.co/Y5tBQ8SZWz pic.twitter.com/i94is2rnFL

— NWS Miami (@NWSMiami) April 30, 2023

Officials say the tornado was about a quarter of a mile wide, and the path of destruction spanned more than 2 miles.

Hearst Owned

Gallery: Tornado damage in Palm Beach Gardens

The tornado caused damage at the Point at Palm Beach Gardens apartments next to U.S. 1 and PGA Boulevard. Cars were also damaged in that parking lot, and nearby trees were destroyed.

"I watched it for about 20 seconds to see which way it was going to move, and then obviously, when I saw it kind of closing in toward us, I immediately shut the slider, went back in, huddled in the bathroom, the building started to shake, there was a lot of noise for 20 to 25 seconds,” said Andrew Laybourne, who lives in the Point at Palm Beach Gardens apartments.

WATCH: Residents recall the moment the tornado touched down in their neighborhood

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Laybourne says he's lucky his apartment only had a little damage. But other people's apartments had more significant damage, and several cars were thrown around during the tornado.

"I got chill bumps on my arm," said Jason Rash, who lives in the Point at Palm Beach Gardens apartments. "I’m lucky to be alive. I had my back against the concrete wall. I’m in an open-air parking deck, and I’m like, ‘I’m going to get blown away. If I stand here, I’m going to get slammed against the wall.'"

Rash was on the phone with his son, who was across the parking lot at a gym. They’re both doing OK.

"The whole time when you’re thinking about your child trapped in a building over here, and he can’t get out and you can’t get to him and I was like, ‘Oh my God, my life is in danger’ and that’s when I ran to get to the stairwell,” Rash said.

"(My son) started crying, and he was like, ‘Dad, what can I do?’ and I was like, ‘Get down! Get down! Get down!’" Rash said.

The latest: Weather coverage from WPBF 25 News

Power lines in the area exploded after the storm passed. Many trees along U.S. 1 in Palm Beach Gardens fell down due to the storm. At least one boat that was docked capsized. Firefighters say two cars driving southbound on U.S. 1 rolled over due to the storm. First responders say one of those drivers had minor injuries.

In Juno Beach, several power lines are now slanted due to the storm.

"It's got to be a tornado because I've never seen anything like this in all the hurricanes I've seen. This was powerful,” said Norman Hirsch, who lives in Juno Beach.

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue crews say they’re still assessing the damage.

Girl, 11, home alone when EF2 tornado ripped through North Palm Beach

NORTH PALM BEACH, Fla. — Communities in northern Palm Beach County that were hit hard by Saturday's tornado are still cleaning up. During this process, more stories are emerging on what residents experienced.A young girl who was home alone while her mother went to buy groceries explained the terrifying moments.Kayo Walsh, 11, was at the Sanctuar...

NORTH PALM BEACH, Fla. — Communities in northern Palm Beach County that were hit hard by Saturday's tornado are still cleaning up. During this process, more stories are emerging on what residents experienced.

A young girl who was home alone while her mother went to buy groceries explained the terrifying moments.

Kayo Walsh, 11, was at the Sanctuary Cove apartments in North Palm Beach when the storm hit.

"I thought it was just a heavy rain because I heard the thunder, and I was tired," Kayo said. "But then I heard a loud bang."

The girl could not believe what was happening. The rain outside sounded stronger than usual.

"Then I heard a loud bang, which was the door frame for the locks and stuff," Kayo said. "It flew off the door, and it fell into the living room, and I was confused hearing the door knocking against the wall. I saw in the living room that the door was open, and I was confused thinking my parents had not locked it."

She went to close the door, but it wouldn't close.

"Then when I went near it, the door flung open and hit me in the head here and hit me against the wall," Kayo said.

The girl said all of this was frightening.

"I cried running to my room," Kayo said.

She then waited until it got quiet outside.

"I went out through the front door and saw that a tree was blocking the door," Kayo said.

The young girl was able to get out of her home and run to a family friend's apartment about a quarter of a mile away.

"She was crying," the neighbor said. "She was terrified."

The friend called Kayo's mother to let her know the girl was OK.

"I miss like my little closet because it's a hideout for me with my LED lights," Kayo said. "My mom brought all of the stuffed animals back to me before they forced us to stay out of our house. I think they let her in for a moment to grab everything."

The family said they are temporarily staying at an Airbnb.

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

Almost one week later, EF-2 tornado damage cleanup looking up in North Palm Beach

NORTH PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — It's been almost one week since an EF-2 tornado rocked parts of Palm Beach County, and people are continuing to pick up the pieces.The path of the tornado on Saturday extended over two and a half miles, starting as an EF-0 tornado near I-95 and then ex...

NORTH PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — It's been almost one week since an EF-2 tornado rocked parts of Palm Beach County, and people are continuing to pick up the pieces.

The path of the tornado on Saturday extended over two and a half miles, starting as an EF-0 tornado near I-95 and then extending to an EF-2 a short time later. The tornado had wind speeds of up to 130 mph, according to a report from the National Weather Service Miami (NWS Miami).

CBS12’s Dani Travis went back to three of the worst hit places; the Sanctuary Cover Apartments, Sandalwood Estates, and the North Palm Beach Community Center.

It's been almost one week since an EF-2 tornado rocked parts of Palm Beach County, and people are continuing to pick up the pieces. (WPEC)

Sealed up apartment windows, smashed in cars, ripped up roofs, and uprooted ground, are all signs of damage that still remain from the EF-2 tornado that hit the North Palm Beach area six days ago.

"It looked pretty bad when you first stepped on scene, like woah what just happened. Literally like an earthquake or a bomb went off,” Zak Sherman, North Palm Beach Parks & Rec Director of Leisure Services, said.

"It was not like a hurricane; it was fast and furious,” Susanne Girouard, Sandalwood Estates resident, said.

The American Red Cross Palm Beach County chapter jumped into immediate action.

“We really focus on families that have major damage or their homes are completely destroyed. We’re very lucky in this situation that there weren’t that many homes that met that requirement,” Eric Roby, American Red Cross Palm Beach Executive Director, said.

At this time, the Red Cross is assisting about a half dozen families whose homes met those requirements.

"There’s a lot of cosmetic damage, a lot of trees down, broken windows, but a lot of the homes that were damaged are still livable,” said Roby.

Cosmetic damage has forced the North Palm Beach Community Center to remain closed since the storm.

“The thing that stands out the most is all the trees, but the most costly damage is obviously going to be to the field, the field lights,” said Sherman.

A costly price guessed to be more than $200,000 in damages, but manageable with the help of insurance. Minutes away, Sandalwood Estates Resident Susanne Girouard says the cleanup process over the past week has been better than expected.

“FPL was great. I don’t know how many tree people we have here. Unfortunately, we had to remove a lot, but it’s been excellent,” said Girouard. “Everyone’s come and done everything great. I mean, it’s amazing.”

And clean-up workers at many of these hard-hit locations agree.

“Things are looking great right now. When you first drive in, it looks like the trees got a nice haircut,” said Sherman. “Everyone’s pitched in, everyone’s helped.”

A community left picking up the pieces 6 days later, just thankful it wasn't worse.

“This tornado is the perfect example as to why the Red Cross recommends that you are prepared for a disaster 365 days out of the year. It’s not just storm season that we’re accustomed to here in South Florida,” said Roby.

Red Cross says you can be disaster prepared by having a plan, practicing that plan, make sure you know who to communicate with and where to meet up, and make sure you have at least three days’ worth of emergency supplies foe your entire family.

The North Palm Beach Community Center is set to re-open to the public Saturday.

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