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 Manhattan Project National Historical Park Information Desk in Oak Ridge, TN 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 Oak Ridge, TN 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.
“Always Best Care has provided skilled, professional, compassionate caregivers for over a year and a”
“Always Best Care has taken excellent care of me. Specifically Tracy Klinkhammer and Barb”
“This has been so helpful for my family. Tracy Klinkhammer has always given excellent care”
“Always Best Care has taken excellent care of my dad. Tracy Klinkhammer and Barb”
“I had an excellent experience with Always Best Care during my recovery from a broken”
“Always Best Care provided much needed help in a time of difficulty! Every single interaction”
“Amazing company! If you need care for your loved one, please don't hesitate to”
“ABC , Knoxville ,,, came onboard prior to my mom being placed on Hospice”
“ABC came on board as part of our team to provide excellent care for aging”
“Quality care, Well trained caregivers! Would recommend to family and friends”
“Quality care, Well trained caregivers! Would recommend to family and friends”
“I am a current client of this provider The agency provides home care for my elderly”
“I cannot say enough good about the service we received from Always Best Care. My”
“Always Best Care provided amazing and professional care for my Mom in a very difficult”
“Always Best Care provides exceptional senior care. They provided care for my dad who”
“Thank you for providing us with compassionate and reliable sitters. They were amazing.”
“Thank you for providing us with compassionate and reliable sitters. They were amazing.”
“SO GLAD we found Always Best Care!! Lynn Pique was easy to work with &”
“Always Best Care first assisted us with my Mom while she was living in our”
“My Dad has had great care & the staff has been so great to help”
“The girls at Always Best Care are loving and caring. They do a great job”
“I would recommend Always Best Care and have. Their caregivers are very attentive and go”
“always Best Care has provided consistency and highly professional. I appreciate that my caregivers are”
“I appreciate that I can call the owner anytime and get what I need. My”
“Always Best Care has been very reliable and does what they say they will do.”
“The office staff was very nice, they called and followed up and if I had”
“Our caregiver is reliable, empathetic, always there for us and does what she needs to”
“I like that they are prompt and provide good people”
“the caregivers were very kind and considerate and very nice people. They made my dad”
“They are reliable and the person they sent us is responsible and know what he”
“Our caregiver is punctual and professional and is committed to my wife’s well-being. She is”
“The quality of Care is excellent. They are professional and the do the job well.”
“the office staff is very friendly, helpful and make sure we are cared for. I”
“they have been very accommodating with my schedule. I have gotten some very good helpers.”
“I want to thank you and Audra. If I hear of anyone looking for in-home”
“I like their management staff. They are good to work with.”
“I like their flexibility of their services.”
“They are Great”
“I don’t have to worry because my mother is being well taken Care of.”
“I was with two other agencies and then I found Always Best Care. My wife”
“One thing she does well is puts my wife as priority one. And it works”
“I could always count on them to show up and provide good care.”
“The caregivers are very proactive in anticipating the things I need help with”
“They went over and beyond”
“Always Best Care has sent good caregivers that have helped me get better”
“I appreciate that my care giver is willing to help and take care of things.”
“Them being available has been very helpful to me.”
“They were very accommodating, quick to respond and easy to work with.”
“The Caregivers are very neat, well-spoken and good people.”
“Always Best Care was compassionate, personable, caring and paid attention to detail.”
“So comforting to have the personal resource and knowledge that Always Best Care has caring”
“Your service to my deceased wife and I has been outstanding for the past few”
“Andrew, Clay, Lynn and the entire team at Always Best Care take a compassionate and”
“My children have peace of mind knowing Always Best Care is caring for me”
“We love our team of care providers. We couldn’t do it without them.”
“My children have peace of mind knowing Always Best Care is caring for me”
“Just want to express my thanks for everything Always Best Care has done to help”
“Thank you again for your help! Great employees and great company!”
“After moving from Florida to TN mom had been missing her friends, Melissa comes and”
“I love the fact that whenever I call Always Best Care will have my mother”
“We thank you for your services and the good care provided by your employee Belisa.”
“Wonderful caring staff”
“Your care providers were more than excellent. 10 plus! Compliments to Always Best Care, I”
“I am a current client of this provider My husband has been a client of this”
“Lynn was a Godsend and took great care of my mom. Deb was a huge”
“I must express my appreciation to you for your help along with all of the”
“Thank You! It was comforting and reassuring knowing mom was cared for well, and safely”
“I am a current client of this provider We are working with Always Best Care for”
“You all have been such a huge blessing to our dad and his situation. Many”
“We have completed our first week back home, and we never could have made it”
“We have completed our first week back home, and we never could have made it”
“Our services with ABC are going really great! I am so pleased, I am appreciative”
“After wonderful care of my Aunt and my Mom, I am happy to recommend ABC”
“Tracey and Lydia have been working out real well. They both go above board in”
“ABC has provided care for both my father-in-law and my sister. When my mother-in-law died”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care of Knoxville if you or an elderly loved one”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care of Knoxville if you or an elderly loved one”
“Andrew Scruggs takes each Senior's care to heart and goes beyond the call to ensure”
“It’s the best”
“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ As an employee of Always Best Care for 2+ years, I am thankful for”
“Love working with the company and I LOVE BEING A CAREGIVER! Great experience.”
“Always Best Care has been my lifeline from the past few years. My mother moved”
“Andrew's company is a breath of fresh air when looking for accountable senior in-home care”
“Always Best Care has been my lifeline from the past few years. My mother moved”
“I am a past client of this provider Personalized service and care. In-home care was excellent;”
“I am a past client of this provider We have been very pleased with the assistance”
“We have been very pleased with the assistance from all of you, during some very”
“I am so grateful for the excellent care provided to my dad by three different”
“I am a current client of this provider I am so grateful for the excellent care”
“I have worked with ABC for 5+ years and love this company. I also have”
“Personalized service and care. In-home care was excellent; professional and personal. Assisted living placement was”
“Care with dignity and compassion. Able to staff within hours. Knowledgeable and CNA trained.”
“Care with dignity and compassion. Able to staff within hours. Knowledgeable and CNA trained.”
“Always Best Care has provided skilled, professional, compassionate caregivers for over a year and a half now. Anthony and Wade take really good care of my husband and fit easily into our household routine. I don't know how we got along without them!”
“Always Best Care has taken excellent care of me. Specifically Tracy Klinkhammer and Barb Koss are a wonderful asset to the company. I love Tracy, she always listens and does a great job. Thank you.”
“This has been so helpful for my family. Tracy Klinkhammer has always given excellent care for my grandpa. ❤️”
“Always Best Care has taken excellent care of my dad. Tracy Klinkhammer and Barb Koss have always kept me informed and kept the lines of communication open between us all. Tracy is a perfect caretaker for my dad. Thank you.”
“I had an excellent experience with Always Best Care during my recovery from a broken femur. From the very beginning, their team was professional, responsive, and incredibly easy to work with during what was a stressful and uncertain time. I wasn’t sure how long I would need assistance, but they were flexible and supportive every step of the way. Tammy, in particular, stood out for her compassion and genuine kindness. She was friendly, attentive, and truly eager to help, which made a difficult situation much more manageable. As I began to recover sooner than expected, the company was very accommodating in adjusting my care plan and shortening the duration of services without any hassle. I’m grateful for their support and would highly recommend Always Best Care to anyone in need of reliable and compassionate assistance.”
“Always Best Care provided much needed help in a time of difficulty! Every single interaction with staff met or exceeded my expectations. Meghan, Barb, Kim, Lacey, Calia, Jennifer were kind, compassionate, available for questions, and offered suggestions to best care for our loved one. They helped us with scheduling needs. I was with each of these women and saw how they gave of themselves to our loved one. There is nothing like a stranger treating your loved one with respect, dignity, and genuine concern. AND to top that off, they also cared for me in the midst of stressful situations. Always Best Care, THANK YOU!! and I thank God for His help that came through each one of beautiful yous!!”
“Amazing company! If you need care for your loved one, please don't hesitate to call Always Best Care Knoxville! They are the best.”
“ABC , Knoxville ,,, came onboard prior to my mom being placed on Hospice , - they cared for with great care and compassion til she passed away . The caregivers , although some needing more training ,, were precious, and did above and beyond. I would suggest, though - that if your family member cannot manage their medications, ABC is not for you. But otherwise the level of care and compassion was paramount .”
“ABC came on board as part of our team to provide excellent care for aging family members. The staff were professional, friendly and very accommodating. I think the only suggestion I would make is care providers need to be in an ongoing program of training to improve skills. Having worked in the medical care field as a young man in the military I know from experience that consistent, ongoing training is good for everyone involved. I think this is needed industry-wide. That being said I think ABC is one of the best, and I would recommend them without hesitation.”
“Quality care, Well trained caregivers! Would recommend to family and friends”
“Quality care, Well trained caregivers! Would recommend to family and friends”
“I am a current client of this provider The agency provides home care for my elderly parents. The agency is responsive and professional. The caregiver we use is kind, dependable, trustworthy and has good communication skills. We are thankful for ABC and have no complaints.”
“I cannot say enough good about the service we received from Always Best Care. My mother so enjoyed the caregivers who came and they were very kind and patient with her. It was a great experience for all of us.”
“Always Best Care provided amazing and professional care for my Mom in a very difficult time for our family. They arranged care around the clock with very little notice. Every care taker that sat with my Mom was kind, respectful and went over the top to make sure she was safe and comfortable. I would highly recommend their services for any level of care.”
“Always Best Care provides exceptional senior care. They provided care for my dad who was in hospice. The individuals that provide the care are very caring and strive to keep the patient as comfortable as possible. I was extremely pleased. In my case we needed 24 hour care, but they provide both care during the day or evening and can help with some chores around the house which was very helpful. Also, I was pleased with those who took care of my dad. The care givers are all extremely kind and empathetic not just for the needs of the patient, but to the family. I would give them an A+ - I am quite guarded about endorsements, but for how they supported our situation for our family, I felt it was important to share my experience with those that need this support.”
“Thank you for providing us with compassionate and reliable sitters. They were amazing.”
“Thank you for providing us with compassionate and reliable sitters. They were amazing.”
“SO GLAD we found Always Best Care!! Lynn Pique was easy to work with & ready with great referrals for things she doesn't cover. We got a call that my mom's assisted living facility was shutting down & I found myself with only a WEEK to find her a new place AND get her moved in! Some said it couldn't be done -- and if I hadn't had Lynn and the movers she referred me to, I probably wouldn't have made my deadline. I had done a great deal of exploration before I tracked down Lynn. I was VERY RELUCTANT to use a "service" to find another assisted living facility for my mom, as we'd had a HORRIBLE experience the last time with "A Place for Mom" -- they were SO BAD -- However, a friend recommended Lynn, so I called her. She, too, had had a bad experience with that Place, so she understood my hesitation. She gave me a few places and I called. I felt like she definitely knew the properties better than I did AND she NEVER pressured me about anything. She was useful, kind and patient through the entire maddening process -- SO MANY things to consider! This is not an easy business to be in & there is a LOT of competition for few rooms available -- especially when a whole facility is shutting down & everyone is looking for new apartments.”
“Always Best Care first assisted us with my Mom while she was living in our home and they provided wonderfully caring adults who sat with my Mom when I was at work or out-of-town. Then, when she needed more consistent care, Andrew and his team helped me in the selection of Raintree Terrace which was a wonderful and successful nine years for my Mom. I recently found her diary after she passed away and she even noted about visits from Andrew, and how wonderful her friends and caregivers were and how much she loved her "home". After she needed even more help we moved her to a Nursing Facility and I hired Andrew's Team to sit with her as companions. Throughout my Mom's later years, Always Best Care has been prompt to provided wonderful caregivers and they have listened well to my needs for the care of my Mom. I can't say enought of how much that lifted so many worries and concerns from our family. Thank you Always Best Care!!!!!!!”
“My Dad has had great care & the staff has been so great to help me with his home care needs! I highly recommend this company! They really work hard to meet expectations for the needs & safety of your parent in their home!”
“The girls at Always Best Care are loving and caring. They do a great job with my mom.”
“I would recommend Always Best Care and have. Their caregivers are very attentive and go above and beyond what is asked.”
“always Best Care has provided consistency and highly professional. I appreciate that my caregivers are timely.”
“I appreciate that I can call the owner anytime and get what I need. My caregivers are very helpful, sweet and decent.”
“Always Best Care has been very reliable and does what they say they will do.”
“The office staff was very nice, they called and followed up and if I had a question I got in touch with them immediately. They exceeded my expectations.”
“Our caregiver is reliable, empathetic, always there for us and does what she needs to do.”
“I like that they are prompt and provide good people”
“the caregivers were very kind and considerate and very nice people. They made my dad feel comfortable.”
“They are reliable and the person they sent us is responsible and know what he is doing. He’s always on time.”
“Our caregiver is punctual and professional and is committed to my wife’s well-being. She is a phenomenal person.”
“The quality of Care is excellent. They are professional and the do the job well.”
“the office staff is very friendly, helpful and make sure we are cared for. I appreciate their attentiveness to my husband.”
“they have been very accommodating with my schedule. I have gotten some very good helpers.”
“I want to thank you and Audra. If I hear of anyone looking for in-home care and assisted living referral service, I will not hesitate to recommend Always Best Care.”
“I like their management staff. They are good to work with.”
“I like their flexibility of their services.”
“They are Great”
“I don’t have to worry because my mother is being well taken Care of.”
“I was with two other agencies and then I found Always Best Care. My wife has been able to bond with her care provider and I can still work. I’m totally comfortable leaving the house with her.”
“One thing she does well is puts my wife as priority one. And it works out well.”
“I could always count on them to show up and provide good care.”
“The caregivers are very proactive in anticipating the things I need help with”
“They went over and beyond”
“Always Best Care has sent good caregivers that have helped me get better”
“I appreciate that my care giver is willing to help and take care of things.”
“Them being available has been very helpful to me.”
“They were very accommodating, quick to respond and easy to work with.”
“The Caregivers are very neat, well-spoken and good people.”
“Always Best Care was compassionate, personable, caring and paid attention to detail.”
“So comforting to have the personal resource and knowledge that Always Best Care has caring people.”
“Your service to my deceased wife and I has been outstanding for the past few years and I have nothing but praise for their work. I’m particularly want to draw attention Ms. Erin who served our needs the longest period since August of 2019. Nothing but praise for her performance.”
“Andrew, Clay, Lynn and the entire team at Always Best Care take a compassionate and personal approach to caring for their clients. They are invested in the success of Knoxville’s senior health industry and consistently support area programs and businesses who serve our golden generation. I am grateful for everything they do.”
“My children have peace of mind knowing Always Best Care is caring for me”
“We love our team of care providers. We couldn’t do it without them.”
“My children have peace of mind knowing Always Best Care is caring for me”
“Just want to express my thanks for everything Always Best Care has done to help with my handicapped son, Grant. Clay and the team at Always Best have been nothing but phenomenal since day one.”
“Thank you again for your help! Great employees and great company!”
“After moving from Florida to TN mom had been missing her friends, Melissa comes and makes a difference in her day. She truly feels a connection with her care provider. Thank you so much!”
“I love the fact that whenever I call Always Best Care will have my mother in law on the schedule the next day. We have a unique case and they are very accommodating.”
“We thank you for your services and the good care provided by your employee Belisa. We enjoyed getting to know her and having her in our home. We wish she and Always Best Care the very best for 2020.”
“Wonderful caring staff”
“Your care providers were more than excellent. 10 plus! Compliments to Always Best Care, I loved each and every person I met, I will use you again. Thank you for everything!”
“I am a current client of this provider My husband has been a client of this agency for almost 4 years. He suffers from dementia and other health problems. We received in home care for him for about 40-36 hours per week. We had one exceptional caregiver for most of that time. She was a most kind and helpful woman who provided companionship,cleaning and cooking. When we at times needed a substitute,they were generally also kind and helpful. If we had one who was not a good match, we reported that to the agency,and never saw that caregiver again. We continue to use this agency even though my husband is in memory care assisted living in a residence. They are able to provide good caregivers,most of them CNA's, on short notice when he requires hospitalization,so that I do not need to stay in the room with him 24/7.”
“Lynn was a Godsend and took great care of my mom. Deb was a huge blessing too. Your assistance has been overwhelmingly appreciated. I would recommend this company to anyone needing care.”
“I must express my appreciation to you for your help along with all of the office staff and our caregivers! We are so very appreciative for the care and concern shown to my dad and his wife. Sandra has been so patient and kind with the numerous texts I have sent her in recent days. You folks have been a blessing to our family!”
“Thank You! It was comforting and reassuring knowing mom was cared for well, and safely while I was out of the country. I will be using ABC on a permanent basis.”
“I am a current client of this provider We are working with Always Best Care for my mother. So far it has been really good. I'm pleased with it. They mostly do domestic things. They help around the house. I would recommend them. We only have to deal with one person and she has been really good.”
“You all have been such a huge blessing to our dad and his situation. Many gave up, but you didn’t. He had the BEST quality care, we were praying for. The office staff were ALWAYS available and Hailey was a God send to our daddy”
“We have completed our first week back home, and we never could have made it without you!! The ladies you sent to care for us are wonderful—excellent in their positions, considerate, and a delight to have in our home. They know how to cook too! We, all of us, are so grateful and cannot thank you enough.”
“We have completed our first week back home, and we never could have made it without you!! The ladies you sent to care for us are wonderful—excellent in their positions, considerate, and a delight to have in our home. They know how to cook too! We, all of us, are so grateful and cannot thank you enough.”
“Our services with ABC are going really great! I am so pleased, I am appreciative of you the ABC team! I have peace of mind knowing ABC is engaging my with mom”
“After wonderful care of my Aunt and my Mom, I am happy to recommend ABC care to anyone!”
“Tracey and Lydia have been working out real well. They both go above board in cleaning and taking care of dad. He likes their company. Deanna is his favorite and I believe most of his healing is due to her encouragement.”
“ABC has provided care for both my father-in-law and my sister. When my mother-in-law died we needed someone to stay with my father-in-law during the day and help him get to meals and provide companionship. ABC was always very accommodating to his schedule. Since the care we needed for him was for three months, they were able to schedule consistent caregivers who became familiar with him and his schedule. I highly recommend ABC”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care of Knoxville if you or an elderly loved one is in need of professional in-home care. The office staff and especially the caregivers go beyond what is expected of them and provide peace of mind knowing that your loved one is in the best hands when it comes to being cared for.”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care of Knoxville if you or an elderly loved one is in need of professional in-home care. The office staff and especially the caregivers go beyond what is expected of them and provide peace of mind knowing that your loved one is in the best hands when it comes to being cared for.”
“Andrew Scruggs takes each Senior's care to heart and goes beyond the call to ensure quality and compassionate care is provided.”
“It’s the best”
“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ As an employee of Always Best Care for 2+ years, I am thankful for the care that they do not forget to show to me - as well as creating a team centered workplace! The difference we make in our clients' lives is clearly evident and I am proud to be part of a company that truly gives our BEST CARE- ALWAYS!”
“Love working with the company and I LOVE BEING A CAREGIVER! Great experience.”
“Always Best Care has been my lifeline from the past few years. My mother moved with us after we lost my father around four years ago in a car accident. But as my husband and I both work, we weren’t able to manage my mom’s declining health. This is when we decided to hire Always Best Care. Their caregivers are knowledgeable, honest, compassionate, and always ready to go the extra mile to meet your needs. They have been a great help to us in all these years. I would highly recommend them.”
“Andrew's company is a breath of fresh air when looking for accountable senior in-home care options. No contractors here. Only supervised employees which bring a great peace of mind. Highly recommended.”
“Always Best Care has been my lifeline from the past few years. My mother moved with us after we lost my father around four years ago in a car accident. But as my husband and I both work, we weren’t able to manage my mom’s declining health. This is when we decided to hire Always Best Care. Their caregivers are knowledgeable, honest, compassionate, and always ready to go the extra mile to meet your needs. They have been a great help to us in all these years. I would highly recommend them.”
“I am a past client of this provider Personalized service and care. In-home care was excellent; professional and personal. Assisted living placement was also excellent. The owner, Andrew, had compassion while coaching us and giving us confidence in the difficult process of moving our mother out of her home and into an assisted living. We could not be more pleased with their services. - Marshall L Wilkins”
“I am a past client of this provider We have been very pleased with the assistance from all of you, during some very difficult times. Thanks to all of you! - Lester & Anne S.”
“We have been very pleased with the assistance from all of you, during some very difficult times. Thanks to all of you! - Lester & Anne S.”
“I am so grateful for the excellent care provided to my dad by three different caregivers! They each stepped into a different challenging and fluid situation and they each beautifully managed things with grace and skill. I always knew my dad was in good hands and that he would get everything he needed.. Furthermore, I appreciated the gracious flexibility and understanding I experienced when coordinating times, days and duties over the phone with the administrative staff. Each time I got off the phone, I felt like ABC had completely taken the stressful load off my shoulders and that my dad was going to be cared for in a loving,, competent fashion. ABC deserves the highest ranking and review I can give. Thanks for being there for me and my dad!!”
“I am a current client of this provider I am so grateful for the excellent care provided by three different caregivers! They each stepped into a different challenging and fluid situation and they each beautifully managed things with grace and skill. I always knew my dad was in good hands and that he would get everything he needed.. Furthermore, I appreciated the gracious flexibility and understanding I experienced when coordinating times, days and duties over the phone with the administrative staff. Each time I got off the phone, I felt like ABC had completely taken the stressful load off my shoulders and that my dad was going to be cared for in a loving,, competent fashion. ABC deserves the highest ranking and review I can give. Thanks for being there for me and my dad!!”
“I have worked with ABC for 5+ years and love this company. I also have had the privilege of my family providing work for others through this company. The owners and staff are great to be around and I wouldn't trade them for the world.”
“Personalized service and care. In-home care was excellent; professional and personal. Assisted living placement was also excellent. The owner, Andrew, had compassion while coaching us and giving us confidence in the difficult process of moving our mother out of her home and into an assisted living. We could not be more pleased with their services.”
“Care with dignity and compassion. Able to staff within hours. Knowledgeable and CNA trained.”
“Care with dignity and compassion. Able to staff within hours. Knowledgeable and CNA trained.”
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 University of Tennessee Arboretum, Oak Ridge in Oak Ridge, TN 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 Connors Steak Seafood or visit Secret City Commemorative Walk, 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 Oak Ridge, TN, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
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 Oak Ridge, TN understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
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 Oak Ridge, TN 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
OAK RIDGE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Deputy Gov. and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Kyoto Fusioneering (KF) officials announced today the company will move its U.S. headquarters to Oak Ridge, Tennessee.KF will create 51 new jobs and invest $46.9 million in Anderson County as part of the project, which will include buildout of critical fusion testing infrastructure designed to drive down fusion technology risk. This investment centers on developing UNI...
OAK RIDGE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Deputy Gov. and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Kyoto Fusioneering (KF) officials announced today the company will move its U.S. headquarters to Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
KF will create 51 new jobs and invest $46.9 million in Anderson County as part of the project, which will include buildout of critical fusion testing infrastructure designed to drive down fusion technology risk. This investment centers on developing UNITY-3, a first-of-its-kind fusion nuclear test facility to be built at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) through a public-private partnership announced earlier this year.
Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy and named a national priority in its finalized Fusion Science & Technology (FS&T) Roadmap, UNITY-3 will use a deuterium-tritium (D-T) fusion neutron source to validate tritium breeding and performance under realistic fusion-nuclear conditions. Delivering data that no other facility in the world can currently provide, UNITY-3 will help the entire industry design commercial fusion power plants.
KF is the premier global developer of fusion infrastructure, technology and integrated systems. Originating in Japan in 2019, today, the company anchors the fusion supply chain for top-tier private and public fusion development programs around the world, and operates across Asia, Europe and North America.
Japan is Tennessee’s top partner for foreign direct investment (FDI) with more than 200 Japanese companies across the state that account for more than 48,000 jobs and close to $21 billion in capital investment.
“Today’s announcement from KF further cements Tennessee’s leadership in delivering the next generation of safe, reliable energy. By partnering with ORNL and locating in Oak Ridge, the company is poised to accelerate its growth and innovation while strengthening our state’s nuclear energy ecosystem. This collaboration will create new opportunities for Tennesseans to step into cutting-edge roles and help shape the future of advanced energy.” – Gov. Bill Lee
“This project brings together two of our top priorities: nuclear innovation and foreign direct investment. By combining Tennessee’s leadership in advanced energy with Japan’s longstanding support, we’re creating new opportunity and momentum for growth, and we are proud to welcome KF as the next chapter in this collaboration. Additionally, I would like to thank our partners from ORNL, Anderson County and the City of Oak Ridge, as without their continued support, projects like we are announcing today would not be possible.” – Deputy Gov. and TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter
“Relocating our U.S. headquarters to Oak Ridge was a strategic decision driven by our partnership with ORNL and the region’s rich nuclear innovation ecosystem. By anchoring our operations here, we are doing more than expanding KF—we are building the critical, commercial-scale testing infrastructure and robust supply chains that the entire fusion industry needs to scale. We are incredibly grateful for the welcoming business climate fostered by TNECD and the State of Tennessee, whose support makes this landmark investment possible.” – Bibake Uppal, president, Kyoto Fusioneering America
“TVA is honored to support a project that will create high?quality jobs and drive groundbreaking research across the Tennessee Valley. KF’s transformational investment in Oak Ridge further supports the Valley’s leadership in scientific and energy innovation and reflects the strength of partnerships as we work together to unleash American energy.” – Heidi Smith, vice president of economic development, TVA
“Anderson County has long been at the forefront of energy innovation, and KF’s decision to invest here continues that legacy. This $46.9 million investment and the creation of 51 high-quality jobs will strengthen our local economy and reinforce East Tennessee’s leadership in advanced energy technologies. I’m proud to welcome KF to our community and look forward to the opportunities this project will bring to Anderson County and the region.” – Sen. Ken Yager (R-Kingston)
Kyoto Fusioneering is the world’s premier fusion technology and integrated systems developer. It delivers essential plasma heating, breeding blanket, power generation and tritium fuel cycle systems to advanced fusion programs worldwide. KF operates globally across Japan, U.S., U.K., Europe and a joint venture in Canada. Visit us at kyotofusioneering.com. Join the conversation on X, LinkedIn and YouTube.
TNECD is the state’s primary agency committed to fostering economic growth through job creation and community development. By attracting new corporate investment and facilitating the growth of existing businesses, the department works to strengthen Tennessee’s competitive landscape. Additionally, TNECD strives to increase the economic prosperity for all Tennesseans by providing grants to communities statewide, helping them to become vibrant, business-friendly environments where companies can flourish. For more information, visit us at tnecd.com. Join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.
Kyoto FusioneeringMegumi YogoHead of Public [email protected]
TNECD Chris O’BrienPublic Information Officer(615) [email protected]
Recently, Matt Rasmussen, TVA's chief of nuclear operations, asked the Chattanooga Rotary Club an important question: How do we better identify and brand the extraordinary concentration of nuclear assets and activity in East Tennessee?It is a question worth asking. Tennessee is experiencing an unprecedented nuclear renaissance, with much of that activity concentrated in East Tennessee.The answer may be a name that has been around for more than 40 years: the Oak Ridge Corridor.Then-Gov. Lamar Alexander first used the term...
Recently, Matt Rasmussen, TVA's chief of nuclear operations, asked the Chattanooga Rotary Club an important question: How do we better identify and brand the extraordinary concentration of nuclear assets and activity in East Tennessee?
It is a question worth asking. Tennessee is experiencing an unprecedented nuclear renaissance, with much of that activity concentrated in East Tennessee.
The answer may be a name that has been around for more than 40 years: the Oak Ridge Corridor.
Then-Gov. Lamar Alexander first used the term in the early 1980s to describe the powerful connections among Oak Ridge, the Tennessee Valley Authority and the University of Tennessee. Those connections have only grown stronger.
UT is now a partner in managing Oak Ridge National Laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy, while TVA, UT and the Energy Department's Oak Ridge missions are joined by an expanding network of public and private partners throughout the region.
Today, Oak Ridge is home to Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Y-12 National Security Complex, the Department of Energy's environmental cleanup mission and Oak Ridge Associated Universities. The University of Tennessee in Knoxville is a major research and workforce partner. TVA is pursuing the next generation of nuclear power. And a rapidly growing group of private nuclear companies is investing billions of dollars throughout the region.
More than $8 billion in private nuclear investments have been announced in recent months, including major commitments by Orano, Oklo, Centrus and LIS Technologies, along with other companies pursuing advanced reactors, nuclear fuel, enrichment and related technologies.
The state of Tennessee has recognized the significance of this opportunity and has become an active partner in building the workforce, infrastructure and business climate necessary to support it.
Taken together, these assets represent an extraordinary concentration of physical and intellectual infrastructure focused on nuclear science, energy and national security. Few places in America — perhaps none — can match it.
That brings us back to the name.
Why the Oak Ridge Corridor?
Because Oak Ridge gives this regional enterprise something enormously valuable: a name already recognized nationally and internationally for nuclear science, technology and national security. And the word "corridor" makes clear that the idea extends far beyond Oak Ridge's boundaries.
The Oak Ridge Corridor isn't a line on a map. It describes the connections among Oak Ridge, Knoxville, Chattanooga and communities throughout East Tennessee — connecting the Energy Department's Oak Ridge missions with UT's research and workforce capabilities; TVA's nuclear energy leadership; private-sector investment; suppliers; and a highly skilled regional workforce.
These are not separate stories. Increasingly, they are one interconnected story. That is why leaders in Knoxville and Chattanooga should see the Oak Ridge Corridor not simply as an Oak Ridge initiative, but as a regional opportunity.
Knoxville does not become less Knoxville, nor Chattanooga less Chattanooga, by being part of it. Each brings distinctive strengths that make the corridor more consequential. And each gains something as well: a connection to a nationally recognized center of nuclear science, energy and national security and a stronger platform from which to tell East Tennessee's story to companies, investors, policymakers and talent across the country and around the world.
The name also complements the Tennessee Valley rather than competing with it. The Tennessee Valley encompasses a vast multi-state region shaped by TVA. The Oak Ridge Corridor describes something more specific within that region: this remarkable concentration of nuclear capabilities and investment centered in East Tennessee.
Most importantly, the Oak Ridge Corridor is not something we have to create. It already exists.
Scientists and engineers already move among its institutions. Universities and national laboratories already collaborate. TVA, the Energy Department and private companies already share workforce and supply-chain needs. New nuclear companies are locating here because of the capabilities already concentrated here. Communities throughout the region already benefit from the jobs, investment and economic activity those assets generate.
What we need to do now is recognize what we have and tell the story more intentionally. That does not require another government organization or another layer of bureaucracy. The Oak Ridge Corridor can be a coalition of the willing — communities, institutions, companies and individuals that recognize the value of telling this story together.
And the story extends beyond laboratories, nuclear facilities and manufacturing plants. The quality of life surrounding these assets is one of our greatest competitive advantages: Knoxville's educational, business and cultural assets; Chattanooga's technology and energy strengths; TVA's lakes and rivers; the Great Smoky Mountains; and the communities throughout East Tennessee that provide the workforce for this expanding nuclear enterprise.
For years, we have talked about how East Tennessee can capitalize on its remarkable collection of assets. Now those assets are converging at precisely the moment the nation is again focused on nuclear energy, energy security and national security.
Matt Rasmussen is right that America's nuclear renaissance needs a recognizable home and a recognizable name.
We already have both.
The Oak Ridge Corridor — America's Nuclear Address.
Gerald Boyd is founding chair of the Oak Ridge Corridor Development Corporation and a former site manager of the U.S. Department of Energy's Oak Ridge Office.
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Amentum, a Fortune 500 company with business lines ranging from spacecraft to environmental cleanup to immigrant detention, cut the ribbon Oct. 8 on a new global nuclear headquarters in Oak Ridge.The Virginia-based company employs 2,200 workers in East Tennessee as of 2026 and partners with Jacobs and Honeywell to operate the area's leading environmental cleanup contractor for the Department of Energy, United Cleanup Oak Ridge.Amentum's nuclear projects include supporting a plan to keep a South African reactor operating in the ...
Amentum, a Fortune 500 company with business lines ranging from spacecraft to environmental cleanup to immigrant detention, cut the ribbon Oct. 8 on a new global nuclear headquarters in Oak Ridge.
The Virginia-based company employs 2,200 workers in East Tennessee as of 2026 and partners with Jacobs and Honeywell to operate the area's leading environmental cleanup contractor for the Department of Energy, United Cleanup Oak Ridge.
Amentum's nuclear projects include supporting a plan to keep a South African reactor operating in the years ahead and decommissioning the Fukushima Daiichi power plant in Japan, where three reactors melted down in 2011.
Oak Ridge's support for nuclear energy and technology, along with the rise of private nuclear ventures in the area, helped Amentum decide where to put its new nuclear center, said Mark Whitney, president of the company's energy and environment business.
Amentum employs about 50,000 people across the world and is excited about the possibilities Oak Ridge can provide, CEO John Heller told Knox News.
"We have business lines that are going to be growing or contracting based on different economic trends," he said, referencing Amentum layoffs in Florida. "The nuclear industry right now − because of AI, the increasing demand for electricity − this is an area where we're very confident to invest and support the growth through significant investment and hiring, prior to necessarily having the work."
Heller said Amentum's leadership saw a unique opportunity in Oak Ridge because of the federal government's willingness to open nearby land to private industry, the company's longstanding reputation in the region and the potential to build a nuclear workforce.
To foster that workforce, the company also announced Oct. 8 the Amentum Nuclear Scholars Program, a new scholarship pipeline linking Roane State Community College and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.
"We felt we had a great opportunity to build a workforce here, in a place people want to live," Heller said.
Mariah Franklin reports on technology and energy for Knox News. Email: . Signal: mariahfranklin.01
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Kyoto Fusioneering will create 51 new jobs and invest nearly $47 million in Anderson County as part of the project.What This Story Is AboutWhy It MattersFor ContextOAK RIDGE, Tenn. (WVLT) - A premier fusion technology and integrated systems developer announced on Tuesday it is relocating its U.S. headquarters to East Tennessee, bringing with it a major investment and dozens of jobs.Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee was on hand Tuesday morning with officials from Kyoto Fusioneering (KF) when the...
What This Story Is About
Why It Matters
For Context
OAK RIDGE, Tenn. (WVLT) - A premier fusion technology and integrated systems developer announced on Tuesday it is relocating its U.S. headquarters to East Tennessee, bringing with it a major investment and dozens of jobs.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee was on hand Tuesday morning with officials from Kyoto Fusioneering (KF) when they announced plans for the company to move its U.S. headquarters to Oak Ridge.
“Today’s announcement from KF further cements Tennessee’s leadership in delivering the next generation of safe, reliable energy,” Lee said. “By partnering with ORNL and locating in Oak Ridge, the company is poised to accelerate its growth and innovation while strengthening our state’s nuclear energy ecosystem. This collaboration will create new opportunities for Tennesseans to step into cutting-edge roles and help shape the future of advanced energy.”
By moving to Oak Ridge, KF will create 51 new jobs and invest $46.9 million in Anderson County as part of the project, which officials said will include the buildout of critical fusion testing infrastructure designed to drive down fusion technology risk.
Specifically, the investment centers on developing UNITY-3, which is a first-of-its-kind fusion nuclear test facility to be built at Oak Ridge National Laboratory through a public-private ownership.
“Relocating our U.S. headquarters to Oak Ridge was a strategic decision driven by our partnership with ORNL and the region’s rich nuclear innovation ecosystem,” said Bibake Uppal, the president of Kyoto Fusioneering America. “By anchoring our operations here, we are doing more than expanding KF—we are building the critical, commercial-scale testing infrastructure and robust supply chains that the entire fusion industry needs to scale. We are incredibly grateful for the welcoming business climate fostered by TNECD and the State of Tennessee, whose support makes this landmark investment possible.”
KF was founded in Japan in 2019 and anchors the fusion supply chain for top-tier private and public fusion development programs around the world. It operates across Asia, Europe and North America.
The display case at the Y-12 History Center is packed with treasures. There’s a box that once contained rocks and soil samples from the surface of the moon. One shelf exhibits the contents of Cold War Era “nuclear attack survival kit”, consisting of first aid supplies, canned water, and a tin of something which purports to be “multi-purpose food.”But Ray Smith’s favorite item is hard to miss. It’s the centerpiece of the museum and greets you as you walk in the door.“This is a repl...
The display case at the Y-12 History Center is packed with treasures. There’s a box that once contained rocks and soil samples from the surface of the moon. One shelf exhibits the contents of Cold War Era “nuclear attack survival kit”, consisting of first aid supplies, canned water, and a tin of something which purports to be “multi-purpose food.”
But Ray Smith’s favorite item is hard to miss. It’s the centerpiece of the museum and greets you as you walk in the door.
“This is a replica of Little Boy,” Smith explained, resting his hand on the human-sized bomb replica. “It's the actual size of the uranium bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima.”
As the historian for the city of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Smith has come to know a lot about the history of nuclear development.
“You ask anyone now about anywhere you go, mention the words Oak Ridge and they will attach it to the atomic bomb,” he said.
They called it the “Secret City” – a town built as part of the Manhattan project during World War II.
“We have been the birth of the nuclear navy here. We've also started nuclear reactors for power. Nuclear medicine started there. Even the little touch screen on your iPhone was invented in Oak Ridge,” said Smith.
Folks in Oak Ridge are proud of their role in nuclear development – past, present and future.
“They did not want a target store to come into Oak Ridge, so they voted it out. They didn't want a racetrack,” Smith said, citing concerns about the noise.
“But they're happy to have nuclear reactors built there.”
They’re getting their wish. Today, the city is at the center of a nuclear renaissance, with at least a dozen new projects in the region and still more to come.
Scott Hunnewell is leading one of those projects. He's the vice president of new nuclear programs for the Tennessee Valley Authority – the utility company that powers much of the region.
“About 40% of our portfolio is from nuclear power. We operate seven nuclear plants at three different sites,” said Hunnewell.
The TVA is ahead of the curve. Today, nuclear power accounts for about 18% of electricity generation nationwide, but that might be growing.
The Trump Administration has gone all in on nuclear development, investing nearly $70 billion in nuclear projects in 2025. That’s $12 billion more than the previous year according to a report from the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons.
"We as a country have identified that power, the production of electricity is the limiting path to really keeping our dominance in the world,” said Hunnewell.
Increased energy demand from AI data centers and other technologies is driving an increase in demand for new energy sources.
Hunnewell thinks nuclear is part of the solution. “It's a very reliable energy source, and it's one for the long term.”
New reactors are currently in development across the country, in states like Michigan and Texas. Tennessee is at the vanguard of this nuclear renaissance. Since 2023, the state has invested $95 million into a fund to support new nuclear projects, like the nation’s first small modular reactor.
Unlike traditional nuclear reactors, which are massive and can take a decade to build, small modular reactors, or SMRs have a smaller footprint, and they can be built in factories – meaning the time it takes to build one is considerably less.
Standing in the middle of an open field, Hunnewell pointed out the boundaries of the SMR the TVA intends to build.
“This is one of our corners. If you look over to your left, where we were standing earlier, that post is the center line for the reactor building,” he said, gesturing to a signpost about half a football field away.
As it turns out, “small” is a relative term.
“Traditional nuclear power plants are about 1,000 megawatts each. A small modular reactor ranges from 50 MW to about 300 MW” said Hunnewell. He estimates the TVA could build 5 SMRs on the Clinch River site, generating up to 1,500 MW – enough to power roughly one million homes.
But not everyone is excited about the new development. If you ask Don Safer what he thinks about nuclear power, he’ll tell you there’s nothing good about it. He’s been a vocal critic of nuclear development for 40 years.
“You manage to create electricity with it. But in order to do that, you leave a trail of environmental destruction and harm. Not only environmental harm, but harm to the people who come into contact with it,” said Safer.
Research into the health effects of living near nuclear plants has been limited. Bu a 2026 Harvard Study did find a higher rate of cancer-related deaths among people living in close proximity to nuclear facilities.
Proponents of nuclear, however, say they aren’t worried.
“The waste is very well contained, is put in these steel and concrete containers for storage, and they're monitored frequently, and so we're just not concerned about that piece of it,” Hunnewell said.
That waste is another concern for Safer.
"The electricity is with us for just an instant, and the radioactive waste is with us forever,” he said.
At last count, the United States had over 90,000 metric tons of spent nuclear fuel from commercial power plants.
“We still don't know what to do with it. And it's building up,” said Safer.
“I want to stop calling it waste. It's really an asset,” Hunnewell said. “When you look at a spent nuclear fuel rod, there's still about 80% of the energy in that rod. We just have to extract that energy.”
Currently there are no nuclear recycling facilities in the U.S. Though in February, the Department of Energy awarded $19 million dollars to companies researching recycling processes.
“The money that the U.S. Department of Energy and the US government and other governments have been putting into this technology is pretty phenomenal and I have to say that it's at a time when renewable energy, things like solar energy, wind power, storage have been, I've seen them actively suppressed,” said Safer.
He sees it as a missed opportunity.
“I have grandchildren and I hate to see us destroy their world,” he said.
“We're in a time of such enormous potential, and to see it slip out of our grasp because we can't grab a hold of it, that's a frustration.”
To others, like Ray Smith, the future is nuclear.
“Oak Ridge is gonna be the center of the hub for all of the nuclear renaissance, because we understand and welcome nuclear energy into Oak Ridge,” he said.
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