It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Peter and Louisiana Chandler Raulerson Log Cabin Historic Site 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 Okeechobee, FL is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“We have been using Always Best Care for my mom for two years now and”
“Steve is such a great guy! Highly knowledgeable and compassionate. Thanks to him my grandfather”
“I am a current client of this provider lways Best Care helped our family secure free”
“I am a past client of this provider Steve and his team at Always Best Health”
“The senior living advice given by “ Always Best” has helped me navigate around the”
“I love that Always Best Care supports our veterans with the VA Community. With me”
“I had a great experience with Steve! He was incredibly clear and thorough in explaining”
“The best senior care service.”
“The best senior care service!”
“The very best in home health care! Caring professional group eager to keep their patients”
“Always Best Care Services is actually what is sounds like. The best care possible for”
“Steve and his staff have the best interest of the client in mind. They get to”
“This Always Best Care exceeded our expectations and increased my peace of mind knowing my”
“There are so many nursing homes to choose from, with their guidance I was able”
“ABC has provided the essential care and support my dad needed after hospitalization and chemo”
“Steve and Claudia at Always Best Care Senior Services were just awesome in how they”
“If you want quality care for yourself or your loved ones, Steve and his time”
“I have been utilizing Always Best Care Senior Services for 2 years to care 24/7”
“Steve and his team were amazing. As my father’s Parkinson’s progress, we were in need”
“Always best care is a top notch senior services company. They go above and beyond”
“Highly recommended! All the staff is very professional and courteous”
“Steven and his team are superior in caring for aging friends and family. The most”
“Steve and his team will take superior care of your loved ones.”
“Steve Snell and Staff of Always Best Care Senior Services have been amazingly responsive, helpful”
“Fabulous experience with Always Best Care. Treated my 90 year old Father in Law with”
“I am very glad to have chosen ABC Senior Services to get us through a”
“I have worked with, and explored working with, various agencies and registries in the Palm”
“Always Best Care's caregivers and office staff are the best I have dealt with.”
“I can't say enough about how much ABC has helped both our parents and our”
“Always Best Care has been wonderful in many ways. Steve Snell, Owner and Area Representative,”
“The owner and nurse of Always Best Care Senior Services of South Florida met with”
“STEVE THE OWNER WILL ALWAYS TALK TO YOU AND FOR FULL YOU NEEDS I HAD”
“Leslie who set up the care for us was professional honest and came though with”
“I will never forget how helpful the owners, Steven & Beverly, were at Always Best”
“Always Best Care Senior Services has taken great care of my mother the past few”
“Excellent, I give the absolute highest rating. They have been very attentive to my dad.”
“I have Always Best Care Senior Services help with my mother for the past 7”
“If I can give Always Best Care Senior Services a rating higher than 5 stars”
“Always Best Care Senior Services makes my father feel so comfortable and hes so happy”
“Always Best Care Senior Services are great and they take care of my mother.”
“At Always Best Care Senior Services they were always able to accommodate my family and”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services if you have a loved one that”
“Dori, is such a wonderful person and makes such an impact on everyone she is”
“Many thanks to all for the amazing care and attention they've given my dad. He”
“My family has been working with Always Best Care Senior Services for over a year”
“Always Best Care Senior Services was able to provide my family and I with peace”
“Steve, I want to let you all know at Always Best Care Senior Services how”
“The staff and care givers at Always Best Care Senior Services are amazing. Our dad's”
“The staff at Always Best Care Senior Services were so great, they walked us through”
“I really appreciated how the staff at Always Best Care Senior Services kept me informed”
“We had a very positive experience with Always Best Care Senior Services. We were always”
“Always Best Care Senior Services has done so much for my family and I. At”
“At Always Best Care Senior Services they have been very prompt, caring, and sensitive to”
“Always Best Care has been great to my father, especially during his time of need.”
“Always Best Care offers such a warm environment full of caring loving people. They treat”
“I would to take a moment to thank the staff and Steve in particular. They”
“STEVE THE OWNER WILL ALWAYS TALK TO YOU AND FOR FULL YOU NEEDS I HAD”
“We have been using Always Best Care for my mom for two years now and I am hear to say that they are the best we have been with. The Caregivers go above and beyond what we expect and treat my with nothing but love. Fran and Steve and Claudia are with us 24/7 everyday. It has been a real rollercoaster with my mom’s issues, but they are definitely our rock of support. Michelle, who is mom’s full time daytime caregiver has been with her since we started and she is like part of the family. She calls and checks on her off hours because she cares and there is no price you can put on that. If you do not try this agency, you are missing out.”
“Steve is such a great guy! Highly knowledgeable and compassionate. Thanks to him my grandfather was able to maintain his independence and stay at home. The Medina family appreciates all you have done, thanks Steve!”
“I am a current client of this provider lways Best Care helped our family secure free in-home care services through Veterans Affairs. VA Community Care benefits were completely unknown to us when we were looking for affordable care for mom and dad. Always Best Care helped us navigate through obtaining the caregiver benefits. Mom received free respite care to help give her a break from caregiver duties while caring for Dad. Their caregivers were kind and reliable, making our experience wonderful. Highly recommended.”
“I am a past client of this provider Steve and his team at Always Best Health Care were a blessing to me! My Father was very ill and had Parkinson's and they were there for me every step of the way. I would highly recommend them for any type of home health care assistance.”
“The senior living advice given by “ Always Best” has helped me navigate around the uncertainty of what to do next if these services are needed for a friend, someone I love or another individual needing guidance. Thank you for the wonderful education!”
“I love that Always Best Care supports our veterans with the VA Community. With me personally having a ton of family within this community, I know where to turn if anyone I know needs at home health care.”
“I had a great experience with Steve! He was incredibly clear and thorough in explaining the entire process.”
“The best senior care service.”
“The best senior care service!”
“The very best in home health care! Caring professional group eager to keep their patients safe and to stay in their homes. They are equipped to handle all the needs of their elderly patients. They are supportive and truly understand how to help and personalize treatment plans based on the needs of their clients!”
“Always Best Care Services is actually what is sounds like. The best care possible for their clients. Steve always returns calls on a timely fashion and truly cares about the well being of his patients. Definitely would recommend them :)”
“Steve and his staff have the best interest of the client in mind. They get to know the and the family and fine tune a process that gets the best care possible for the client. Always checking in to make sure the client is being taken care of with their best interest in mind. I would recommend ABC senior services to anyone looking for the best in home care around for their loved ones. Peace of mind is so important. Thanks Steve”
“This Always Best Care exceeded our expectations and increased my peace of mind knowing my grandmother’s adult care was superior to other services of its kind. Nannie was happy and that made me happy. I would highly recommend this stellar group. Thank you, Steve, Claudia and your team. You are THE BEST!”
“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.”
“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.”
“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!”
“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!”
“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.”
“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.”
“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!!”
“Highly recommended! All the staff is very professional and courteous”
“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.”
“Steve and his team will take superior care of your loved ones.”
“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!”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Always Best Care's caregivers and office staff are the best I have dealt with.”
“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!”
“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.”
“The owner and nurse of Always Best Care Senior Services of South Florida met with us to determine a plan of care and assess our needs. We have had two different caregivers, both of whom are very caring, reliable, polite and kind. It gives me much needed relief to know that my husband is in good hands when I need to be out of our home. Would highly recommend this well managed organization and their quality employees at Always Best Care.”
“STEVE THE OWNER WILL ALWAYS TALK TO YOU AND FOR FULL YOU NEEDS I HAD CNA OVER A YEAR”
“Leslie who set up the care for us was professional honest and came though with everything. I spoke with the owner many times about billing and he was comforting and really knowledgeable.”
“I will never forget how helpful the owners, Steven & Beverly, were at Always Best Care Senior Services of South Florida. I'm so thankful for everything they have done.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services has taken great care of my mother the past few months.”
“Excellent, I give the absolute highest rating. They have been very attentive to my dad. The care provider is always on time and she helps dad in many ways.”
“I have Always Best Care Senior Services help with my mother for the past 7 months and everyone has been wonderful.”
“If I can give Always Best Care Senior Services a rating higher than 5 stars I would. They have taken care of my dad and if hes happy then I am happy.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services makes my father feel so comfortable and hes so happy with the people that work with him. Our family is so happy he is in good hands.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services are great and they take care of my mother.”
“At Always Best Care Senior Services they were always able to accommodate my family and I. They took care of all of our needs and I highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services.”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services if you have a loved one that needs personal care.”
“Dori, is such a wonderful person and makes such an impact on everyone she is involved with.”
“Many thanks to all for the amazing care and attention they've given my dad. He loved Dori and loves Jessica and is so appreciative of everything everyone has done to make his life easier. They are fabulous for keeping me in the loop with his statements and for dealing with Genworth.”
“My family has been working with Always Best Care Senior Services for over a year now and everyone that we work with are great. They are always so friendly and nice. They always makes us feel comfortable.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services was able to provide my family and I with peace of mind, they provided excellent care for our father. We knew we could count on them to to provide comfort for him in his time of need when his family was so far away. I highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services.”
“Steve, I want to let you all know at Always Best Care Senior Services how pleased I have been with all the services and care that ABC and the entire staff provided Martha over the past few years. I always felt confident that she was receiving the best care possible, especially with Veronica. Martha and Veronica really bonded during the time they spent together. It was very assuring to me to know that Martha was receiving excellent care while being so far away from her. Everyone kept me well apprised of any changes in Martha's condition, especially these past few week. I am so grateful of the new home she has settled into. Thank you again everyone and I very much do appreciate it.”
“The staff and care givers at Always Best Care Senior Services are amazing. Our dad's caregiver was always on time and was very attentive to him. She was great company and listened to my dad's stories. I highly recommend the staff and services available at Always Best Care Senior Services.”
“The staff at Always Best Care Senior Services were so great, they walked us through every step of the process, it was great having them. I highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services.”
“I really appreciated how the staff at Always Best Care Senior Services kept me informed and updated about everything going on with him. I highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services and their staff.”
“We had a very positive experience with Always Best Care Senior Services. We were always updated on our loved one's condition and status, our caregiver was very good at communicating with us and addressing my questions and concerns. I recommend Always Best Care Senior Services.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services has done so much for my family and I. At every level of this company there are loving and caring people who truly care about your loved one. I highly recommend the staff and services provided at Always Best Care Senior Services.”
“At Always Best Care Senior Services they have been very prompt, caring, and sensitive to our needs. They fit our schedule and didn't require services we did not need. This firm adapted to our needing of services. I would highly recommend them to anyone in the area in need of these services.”
“Always Best Care has been great to my father, especially during his time of need. It gave me ease of mind knowing that he was in safe and caring hands and when living far away it meant everything to have that feeling. I would recommend them to any family in need of their services.”
“Always Best Care offers such a warm environment full of caring loving people. They treat everyone there like family. I have never felt better about bringing my mother here I know she is in good hands. I highly recommend them, thank you for everything.”
“I would to take a moment to thank the staff and Steve in particular. They all did there very best to make to make him comfortable and make his last few months bearable. We highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services.”
“STEVE THE OWNER WILL ALWAYS TALK TO YOU AND FOR FULL YOU NEEDS I HAD CNA OVER A YEAR”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Flagler Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Mable’s Place Southern Cooking or visit Historic Mural, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Okeechobee, FL, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Okeechobee, FL understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Okeechobee, FL 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Office of the Secretary Quick links Image Current Weekly UpdateMay 2-May 8 – There were 43 reported site visits in the past seven days with 42 samples collected. Algal bloom conditions were observed by samplers at eight of the sites....
May 2-May 8 – There were 43 reported site visits in the past seven days with 42 samples collected. Algal bloom conditions were observed by samplers at eight of the sites.
Satellite imagery for Lake Okeechobee from 5/8 is partially obscured by cloud cover and shows moderate to high bloom potential along the northwest shore from Fisheating Creek north to the S-191 structure on the northeast side of the lake. Scattered low to moderate bloom potential is visible on approximately 40% of the lake.
The most recent usable satellite imagery for the Caloosahatchee Estuary from 5/5 is partially obscured by cloud cover and shows scattered no bloom potential on visible portions of the estuary.
The satellite imagery for the St. Lucie Estuary from 5/8 is partially obscured by cloud cover and shows no bloom potential on visible portions of the estuary.
The most recent usable satellite imagery for the St. Johns River from 5/4 is partially obscured by cloud cover and shows moderate to high bloom potential throughout Lake George and scattered low to high bloom potential on the mainstem of the St. Johns River downstream to the Arlington River. All of Doctors Lake is showing moderate to high bloom potential. Saint Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) performed an algal bloom treatment on Doctors Lake on 5/6.
Please keep in mind that bloom potential is subject to change due to rapidly changing environmental conditions or satellite inconsistencies (i.e., wind, rain, temperature or stage).
On 5/5-5/8, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) staff collected 11 Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) response samples. Dominant algal taxa and cyanotoxin results follow each waterbody name.
Lorraine Lake — West Shore: Microcystis sp.; trace level [0.48 parts per billion (ppb)] of cylindrospermopsin detected.
Lake Crago — by Boat Ramp: Microcystis sp. and Botryococcus braunii; an estimated 1.2 ppb of microcystins and 3.2 ppb of saxitoxins were detected.
Parker Crago Canal: Microcystis sp.; trace level (0.93 ppb) of microcystins were detected.
Lake Sampson — Rowell and Sampson Canal: Microcystis aeruginosa and Chlamydomonas sp.; no cyanotoxins detected.
Tiger Lake — Northeast Shore: Microcystis aeruginosa and Planktolyngbya contorta; a trace level (0.12 ppb) of cylindrospermopsin detected.
Lake Butler — West Shore: No dominant algal taxon; no cyanotoxins detected.
Martin Lake — Center: Microcystis sp. and Raphidiopsis raciborskii; no cyanotoxins detected.
Lake Sue — South Shore: No dominant algal taxon; no cyanotoxins detected.
Georges Lake — Boat Ramp: Dolichospermum sp.; no cyanotoxins detected.
Georges Lake — Center: Microcystis aeruginosa and Dolichospermum sp.; no cyanotoxins detected.
Dunn’s Creek — Highway 17 Bridge: Results pending.
On 5/6-5/7, South Florida Water Management District staff visited 30 routine HAB monitoring stations on Lake Okeechobee and collected 29 samples.
KISSR0.0: No dominant algal taxon; no cyanotoxins detected.
FEBOUT: Planktolyngbya limnetica; no cyanotoxins detected.
FEBIN: Sample not collected due to dry conditions.
LZ2: Dolichospermum circinale and Planktolyngbya limnetica co-dominant; no cyanotoxins detected.
NES191: Dolichospermum circinale; no cyanotoxins detected.
L001: No dominant algal taxon; no cyanotoxins detected.
NES135: No dominant algal taxon; no cyanotoxins detected.
NCENTER: No dominant algal taxon; no cyanotoxins detected.
EASTSHORE: Dolichospermum circinale; no cyanotoxins detected.
L004: No dominant algal taxon; no cyanotoxins detected.
L008: No dominant algal taxon; no cyanotoxins detected.
L005: Microcystis aeruginosa; no cyanotoxins detected.
POLESOUT3: Microcystis aeruginosa; no cyanotoxins detected.
POLESOUT2: Microcystis aeruginosa; no cyanotoxins detected.
POLESOUT1: No dominant algal taxon; no cyanotoxins detected.
POLESOUT: Dolichospermum sp. and Planktolyngbya limnetica; no cyanotoxins detected.
KBARSE: Dolichospermum sp.; no cyanotoxins detected.
CLV10A: No dominant algal taxon; no cyanotoxins detected.
LZ40: No dominant algal taxon; no cyanotoxins detected.
L006: No dominant algal taxon; no cyanotoxins detected.
PALMOUT3: No dominant algal taxon; no cyanotoxins detected.
PALMOUT2: No dominant algal taxon; no cyanotoxins detected.
PALMOUT1: Dolichospermum sp. and Planktolyngbya limnetica; no cyanotoxins detected.
PALMOUT: No dominant algal taxon; no cyanotoxins detected.
LZ30: No dominant algal taxon; no cyanotoxins detected.
POLE3S: No dominant algal taxon; no cyanotoxins detected.
RITTAE2: No dominant algal taxon; no cyanotoxins detected.
LZ25A: No dominant algal taxon; no cyanotoxins detected.
L007: No dominant algal taxon; no cyanotoxins detected.
PELBAY3: Microcystis sp.; no cyanotoxins detected.
On 5/8, SJRWMD staff collected two routine HAB monitoring at Lake Jesup — Center and Lake Monroe — Center. Sample results are pending.
Results for completed analyses are available at FloridaDEP.gov/AlgalBloom.
This is a high-level summary of the sampling events for the reported week. For all field visit and analytical result details, please refer to the complete algal bloom map with data table by clicking the “Field and Lab Details” Quick Link from the Algal Bloom Dashboard. Different types of blue-green algal bloom species can look different and have different impacts. However, regardless of species, many types of blue-green algae can produce toxins that can make you or your pets sick if swallowed or possibly cause skin and/or eye irritation due to contact. We advise staying out of water where algae is visibly present as specks or mats or where water is discolored pea-green, blue-green or brownish-red. Additionally, pets or livestock should not come into contact with algal bloom-impacted water or with algal bloom material or fish on the shoreline.
Last Modified: Friday, May 09, 2025 - 03:41pm
Lake Okeechobee, Florida’s largest freshwater lake, plays a vital role in the state’s ecosystem and water management. Spanning 730 square miles with an average depth of just 9 feet, it serves as a crucial water source for agriculture and flood control. Connected to the Everglades through canals, it’s also a popular destination for fishing, boating and birdwatching.However, the lake faces increasing harmful cyanobacteria blooms, particularly from the toxin-producing species Microcystis aeruginosa. These microscopic al...
Lake Okeechobee, Florida’s largest freshwater lake, plays a vital role in the state’s ecosystem and water management. Spanning 730 square miles with an average depth of just 9 feet, it serves as a crucial water source for agriculture and flood control. Connected to the Everglades through canals, it’s also a popular destination for fishing, boating and birdwatching.
However, the lake faces increasing harmful cyanobacteria blooms, particularly from the toxin-producing species Microcystis aeruginosa. These microscopic algae thrive in warm, nutrient-rich waters and can form harmful algal blooms. Known for their diel (daily) vertical migration, cyanobacteria move up and down the water column daily to access light and nutrients, making them more resilient in turbid waters like Lake Okeechobee.
While diel vertical migration is well-documented, its impact on bloom development and water quality remains unclear. Understanding this movement is crucial for managing the risks associated with harmful algal blooms.
Using a new physical-biogeochemical model that combines water movement and biological activity, researchers from Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, in collaboration with the University of South Florida College of Marine Science, studied the daily vertical movement of cyanobacteria in Lake Okeechobee during the summer. While previous models of the lake have explored both physical and biological processes, none have specifically addressed this daily vertical migration of cyanobacteria.
For the study, the team focused on how the daily movement of cyanobacteria interacts with lake currents and vertical mixing – processes that cause water to move up and down in lakes and oceans. This mixing is crucial for distributing nutrients and oxygen between the surface and deeper waters, influencing where plants and organisms, like cyanobacteria, can thrive. Factors such as wind and temperature differences drive this mixing.
Results from this new model, published in March in the journal Ecological Modelling, and in April, Ecological Modelling, reveal how cyanobacteria in the center of Lake Okeechobee move toward the surface in the morning to access more sunlight, which boosts their growth and increases their densities. At the same time, winds – mainly from the south or southeast – push these surface-dwelling cells toward the northern and northwestern parts of the lake.
As night falls, cooler temperatures and wind-driven mixing stir the water, redistributing the cells more evenly throughout the water column. While wind influences the movement of blooms around the lake, the daily vertical migration, surface growth, and vertical mixing have a more significant overall impact.
As a result, surface concentrations of cyanobacteria tend to peak late in the morning to midday, then quickly decline in the afternoon. However, wind-driven movement occurs almost daily during late spring and summer, often resulting in visible algae streaks – narrow bands less than 2 kilometers wide – along the northern shores.
The study also found that the seasonal pattern of blooms is largely driven by temperature and wind changes, where higher temperature leads to stronger blooms and stronger winds tend to reduce blooms. This improved understanding of bloom behavior could enhance monitoring, forecasting and management of these harmful events.
“Our study shows that the daily rise and fall of cyanobacteria, driven by vertical mixing and migration, along with their rapid growth near the surface, are the main forces behind bloom formation in Lake Okeechobee’s central basin,” said Mingshun Jiang, Ph.D., senior author and an associate research professor, FAU Harbor Branch. “High temperature and calm winds favor algae growth, but strong winds can mix the cells below surface limiting their access to light. While horizontal movement does play a role over time, it’s the vertical processes that set the stage each day. Understanding this helps us better predict when and where blooms will intensify.”
To validate the cyanobacteria’s vertical movement, researchers gathered data through multiple methods. They collected water samples from both the surface and bottom at various locations, used a sensor to monitor cyanobacteria levels throughout the day in the central part of the lake, and analyzed satellite images taken several hours apart. These combined observations confirmed the daily migration patterns of cyanobacteria.
“Our model results were in good agreement with field data, including cyanobacteria biovolume and radiometer measurements taken in the lake,” said Jiang. “Both the model and satellite imagery revealed two primary bloom zones around midday: a widespread bloom across the central basin and narrow intense bands along the northern and northwestern shores. Temperature and wind were found to be key drivers of when and where blooms form and intensify.”
Although cyanobacteria are one of the most studied groups of phytoplankton, this modeling effort offers new insights into how physical and biological processes interact to shape blooms in Lake Okeechobee.
“Further research is necessary to better understand key biological factors, such as colony formation and senescence of Microcystis, a key cyanobacteria species,” said Jiang. “Additional field data will be essential to confirm vertical migration patterns and to refine details such as migration speed, timing and colony characteristics.”
Lake Okeechobee’s watershed receives inflows from the Kissimmee River and surrounding areas. Water then flows out through various discharge points, including the Everglades to the south. During periods of excess water, particularly during the wet season, the lake also discharges water into the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee Rivers. Therefore, blooms in the lake may significantly affect water quality and phytoplankton blooms in these estuaries. This complex water system makes Lake Okeechobee a key component of the region’s hydrological balance.
Study co-authors are Ashley Brereton, a previous postdoctoral researcher at FAU Harbor Branch; Jennifer Cannizzaro, a scientific researcher and project manager, University of South Florida College of Marine Science; Malcolm McFarland, Ph.D., an assistant professor; Zackary Wistort, Ph.D., a postdoctoral researcher; Brian Lapointe, Ph.D., a research professor; Jordan S. Beckler, Ph.D., a research associate professor; Timothy Moore, Ph.D., a research associate professor; and Rachel Brewton, Ph.D., a research assistant professor, all with FAU Harbor Branch; and Chuanmin Hu, Ph.D., a professor of optical oceanography, University of South Florida.
This research was supported by a Florida Department of Environmental Protection Technology Innovative grant awarded to Beckler, Jiang, Moore and McFarland; and a NASA Water Resources Program grant awarded to Hu, Jiang, Lapointe and McFarland; with partial support from an EPA South Florida Program awarded to Jiang and Beckler.
Photo credit: NASA Earth Observatory image by Wanmei Liang, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey.
The Ortona Lock and Dam, a structure on the Caloosahatchee River in Florida that was built for navigation and flood control; algae on Lake Okeechobee and along the shore; the Northshore Park Watershed; ducks wading and a heron on the shore in North Shore Park in North Fort Myers; eelgrass in murky water in Lake Okeechobee; and hydrilla in murky water in Lake Okeechobee. Eelgrass is one of the most important plants in marine ecosystems and ranges from deep to light green or even brownish red in color. Hydrilla disrupts water flow in reservoirs, hampers drainage in irrigation canals and decreases dissolved oxygen in the water. (Video credit: Brian Lapointe, Ph.D., and Brian Cousin, FAU Harbor Branch)
-FAU-
Tags: science | faculty and staff | research | harbor branch
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