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

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

Personal Care Consultation

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TESTIMONIALS

“Thank you for providing us with compassionate and reliable sitters. They were amazing.”

Nancy S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Thank you for providing us with compassionate and reliable sitters. They were amazing.”

Ghulam N.
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“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.”

Misty H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!!!!!!!”

Mary B.
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“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!”

Teresa B.
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“The girls at Always Best Care are loving and caring. They do a great job with my mom.”

Dave B.
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“I would recommend Always Best Care and have. Their caregivers are very attentive and go above and beyond what is asked.”

ashley R.
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“always Best Care has provided consistency and highly professional. I appreciate that my caregivers are timely.”

Doug C.
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“I appreciate that I can call the owner anytime and get what I need. My caregivers are very helpful, sweet and decent.”

Daisy F.
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“Always Best Care has been very reliable and does what they say they will do.”

Shirley K.
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“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.”

Jason L.
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“Our caregiver is reliable, empathetic, always there for us and does what she needs to do.”

Crystal R.
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“the caregivers were very kind and considerate and very nice people. They made my dad feel comfortable.”

Darcy S.
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“I like that they are prompt and provide good people”

Franklin H.
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“They are reliable and the person they sent us is responsible and know what he is doing. He’s always on time.”

Michelle P.
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“The quality of Care is excellent. They are professional and the do the job well.”

Jane K.
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“Our caregiver is punctual and professional and is committed to my wife’s well-being. She is a phenomenal person.”

Bob H.
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“they have been very accommodating with my schedule. I have gotten some very good helpers.”

Elizabeth T.
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“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.”

Christopher G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“the office staff is very friendly, helpful and make sure we are cared for. I appreciate their attentiveness to my husband.”

Candace D.
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“I like their management staff. They are good to work with.”

Gaspar D.
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“I like their flexibility of their services.”

Dave L.
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“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.”

Andrew M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Patrick L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Claire J.
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“They are Great”

Gus K.
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“I don’t have to worry because my mother is being well taken Care of.”

S.S
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“One thing she does well is puts my wife as priority one. And it works out well.”

Jean M.
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“I could always count on them to show up and provide good care.”

D.B.
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“The caregivers are very proactive in anticipating the things I need help with”

Kathleen C.
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“They went over and beyond”

H.W
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“Always Best Care has sent good caregivers that have helped me get better”

Jean M.
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“I appreciate that my care giver is willing to help and take care of things.”

J.F
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“Them being available has been very helpful to me.”

D.S
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“They were very accommodating, quick to respond and easy to work with.”

R.B
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“The Caregivers are very neat, well-spoken and good people.”

T.B
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“Always Best Care was compassionate, personable, caring and paid attention to detail.”

A.K
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“So comforting to have the personal resource and knowledge that Always Best Care has caring people.”

P.M
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

G.H
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“My children have peace of mind knowing Always Best Care is caring for me”

A G.
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“We love our team of care providers. We couldn’t do it without them.”

Betty F.
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“My children have peace of mind knowing Always Best Care is caring for me”

Sis M.
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“Wonderful caring staff”

sandra M.
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“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.”

Tom A.
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“Thank you again for your help! Great employees and great company!”

Marcus R.
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“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!”

Doug C.
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“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.”

Becky W.
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“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.”

florence T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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”

Saul F.
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“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”

Jessie B.
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“After wonderful care of my Aunt and my Mom, I am happy to recommend ABC care to anyone!”

Connie D.
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“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.”

Jason A.
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“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.”

Carrie W.
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“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!”

Ana R.
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“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.”

Paul H.
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“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!”

Cindy P.
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“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.”

Mary W.
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“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”

Rick L.
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“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.”

Sue I.
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“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.”

JF
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“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.”

Craig
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“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.”

Steven S.
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“Andrew Scruggs takes each Senior's care to heart and goes beyond the call to ensure quality and compassionate care is provided.”

M L.
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“It’s the best”

Michelle C.
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“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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!”

Danielle M.
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“Love working with the company and I LOVE BEING A CAREGIVER! Great experience.”

Gregory E.
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“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.”

Caroline S.
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“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.”

Brittany M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!!”

Michael H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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”

Marshall L.
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“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.”

Lester &.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!!”

usrobotics
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Marlena W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.
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“Care with dignity and compassion. Able to staff within hours. Knowledgeable and CNA trained.”

Mary A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Care with dignity and compassion. Able to staff within hours. Knowledgeable and CNA trained.”

Allison W.
 In-Home Care Clinton, TN

How does In-home Senior Care in Clinton, TN work?

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

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

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

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 Senior Care Clinton, TN

Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

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

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

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

Comfort
Comfort

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them? A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old. With the help of elderly care in Clinton, 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.

Healthy Living
Healthy Living

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors. Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

Independence
Independence

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

Cost and Convenience
Cost and Convenience

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, can be less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

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

Empowers Seniors

Affordable Care Plans

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

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

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

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

Veteran's Benefits
Veteran's Benefits

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

Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-Term Care Insurance

Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.

Private Insurance
Private Insurance

Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.

Life Insurance
Life Insurance

Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.


Respite Care Clinton, TN

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

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers

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

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

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Clinton,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.

 Caregivers Clinton, TN

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

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

An assessment of your senior loved one

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

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

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

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

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

Latest News in Clinton, TN

An unexpected history lesson in Clinton, TN

Last week, my wife and I took our two kids down to the Sevierville/Pigeon Forge area for a few days. It was our last little family getaway before back-to-school season really goes into full gear, and I am happy to say that, overall, everyone enjoyed the trip.One of the main reasons we decided to go to Pigeon Forge was to take the kids to Dollywood. Neither one had been before, so we figured now would be a good time since they are both big enough to go on rides and enjoy most of the offerings there. We all did a rollercoaster together,...

Last week, my wife and I took our two kids down to the Sevierville/Pigeon Forge area for a few days. It was our last little family getaway before back-to-school season really goes into full gear, and I am happy to say that, overall, everyone enjoyed the trip.

One of the main reasons we decided to go to Pigeon Forge was to take the kids to Dollywood. Neither one had been before, so we figured now would be a good time since they are both big enough to go on rides and enjoy most of the offerings there. We all did a rollercoaster together, and while I think it was the smallest “real” coaster in the park, I still screamed in absolute terror the entire time that the ride was in progress. Needless to say, I don’t do rides too well.

Other highlights of our visit to the land of Dolly included a pleasant tour around the premises on an authentic steam engine, and just generally taking in the sights and sounds on a day that was mostly perfect weather-wise.

The highlight of the entire trip, for me, was probably when we decided to stop and check out the Museum of Appalachia in Clinton, Tennessee while on our way back home. Despite seeing and hearing about it for years, I had never visited, and while I was pretty certain that my wife and I would find it interesting, I wasn’t too sure about the kids, who are ages five and ten.

As it turns out, we all thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the museum. It was well worth the price of admission, featuring a ton of interesting artifacts and several structures to walk through. There were old cabins, furnished with items that would have been commonly used during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, as well as an old log church, a one-room school house, and barns, among many other exhibits.

While making our way through the museum’s Appalachian Hall of Fame section, one exhibit in particular caught my eye. It was dedicated to a Dr. O.E. Ballou, who lived between 1907-1973, and, as you might have already guessed by the last name, had ties to our local area here in Whitley County.

A summary of Dr. Ballou’s life accompanied the exhibit, which also included photos and a Holy Bible that once belonged to him. The summary, written by Dr. Ballou’s daughter, Nancy, said, “Despite his inauspicious birth on June 11, 1907, in an obscure and impoverished mining camp in eastern Kentucky, O.E. Ballou later became a prominent and revered physician and community leader.”

According to the re-telling, Ballou and his family eventually moved from Bell County to Williamsburg, where he and his brothers worked their way through college. After attending Cumberland College, the future doctor would earn his B.S. degree from Lincoln Memorial University in 1928, and then his Masters from the University of Tennessee in Memphis in 1932.

Ballou began a private practice in Clinton, where he lived and worked for fourteen years. His daughter recounted house calls all over the area where her father would commonly accept payment for services rendered in the form of chickens, corn, potatoes or firearms.

“During World War II, with the influx of people coming to build Oak Ridge and men needing physical exams for the draft, he was declared essential to the war effort,” Nancy wrote of her father, saying he was given citations by the president, and was able to remain a civilian.

Eventually, Ballou left his general practice due to some issues relating to his physical health, opting to move to Memphis to do a residency in eye, ear, nose and throat medicine.

I read that Dr. Ballou was an “avid golfer and sportsman,” and that he was also a supporter of the University of Tennessee, holding memberships in the U.T. Century and Faculty Clubs.

Dr. O.E. Ballou suffered a fatal heart attack while dove hunting in early September, 1973. If any of our readers have additional information about Ballou that you’d like to share, I’d love to hear it. Please, feel free to contact me via e-mail at [email protected].

For more information on what all the Museum of Appalachia has to offer, visit them online at www.museumofappalachia.org. If able, you should definitely take the time to visit. You won’t be disappointed!

The Vanished | Chadwick Carr and the one flip-flop left behind

The disappearance of Chadwick Carr has family members puzzled two years later.Credit: WBIR Author: Katelyn Keenehan Updated: 1:07 PM EDT March 29, 2023 CLINTON, Tenn. — Family members reported 32-year-old Chadwick (Chad) Carr missing almost two years ago. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance are troubling to Chad's loved ones. Authorit...

The disappearance of Chadwick Carr has family members puzzled two years later.

Credit: WBIR

CLINTON, Tenn. — Family members reported 32-year-old Chadwick (Chad) Carr missing almost two years ago. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance are troubling to Chad's loved ones. Authorities have generated a few leads in his missing person case. They also said need the public's help to move forward.

Chadwick is just one of 690 people who are unaccounted for in the state of Tennessee. His family joins almost 700 others who have no idea whether their loved one is alive or dead.

In two years, Chad's mom, Christa Carr, has grown accustomed to waiting.

"I do not wish this pain on any parent. Especially somebody's mom," Christa said.

She has photos of Chad spread throughout her home. Most are in frames, some in scrapbooks, and others hung on the wall.

"He was just the most loving, outgoing person you'd ever want to meet. He always greeted me with hugs and a kiss," Christa said. "This was the type of mom-and-son relationship where we were really close. I always knew what was going on with him good or bad. And I was always willing to help."

Chad lived with her for a while during his adult life. The 32-year-old didn't always have it easy, Christa said.

"Drugs, in a nutshell. Had it not been for that, you know? I think he'd still be here," she said.

Chad's sister Whitney Blue echoed that.

"He kept it away from us for so many years. We got a big gist of it maybe a year and a half before he went missing," Whitney said.

However, things were turning around for Chad. He was introduced to a sober-living community in Clinton called the Foundation Recovery House. The home is off rural Dutch Valley Road. The program is three months long and Alan Roberts runs it.

"I wanted to kind of have my own way to help people. It's so important to break that cycle of addiction, and to have a place to do that in a recovery community," Alan said.

Alan said through the recovery house, Chadwick got connected to employment. He even saved up enough money to buy a van.

"Everybody really liked him a lot. He's really outgoing, hard work. And he was serious about his recovery," Alan said. "He had money saved up, he had bought a vehicle. He was really progressing and working towards moving out."

Christa said her son was doing well.

"The transportation was surprising to me," Christa said. "He was really working toward a lot of stuff and doing really well."

On May 1, 2021, everything changed. A phone call between Chad and his sister Whitney would become the last known communication with him.

Whitney said she was just calling to check in on him.

"It wasn't a long conversation. He walked outside and was talking to somebody outside … I'm not sure who it was," Whitney said. "But, I heard him talking to somebody. I kept calling his name, but he wouldn't reply."

Whitney said Chad remained on the line but seemed to have put down the phone. His voice was faint on the other end. She said he was clearly talking to somebody else, so she hung up the phone.

"So I hung up and called back. He didn't answer," she said.

That phone call was around 8 p.m. at night, Whitney said.

She also said, the next day around 3 p.m., one of Chadwick's friends at the recovery house called her to say Chad hadn't shown up for a group meeting in the morning. He also didn't show up for work that afternoon.

Alan said Chad left his phone, wallet, van keys, van, and one flip-flop in the grass at the front of the house. But, Chad was nowhere to be seen.

"I did get kind of scared. I got really scared," Christa said.

Allen said the Anderson County Sheriff's Office, alongside other agencies, came out to the recovery house property to search. He said they questioned everyone at their multiple times, including him.

"There were probably 15+ police cars there. Over a three-day span, they had cadaver dogs. They had Morgan County, Campbell County, and Anderson County deputies who had all come together. They had drones, divers and people searching everywhere," Alan said. "No trace."

That the family knows of, Chad's last call was placed to his sister. Nobody else.

"I think somebody did something to Chad. I can't get past that. He's somewhere. You don't just vanish. Whether it's him, or just the remains, he is somewhere," Christa said.

She's spent two years waiting to figure out where he is.

"He's still not here. I'm still going through that. I wake up in the morning and he's still not here. That memory is still fresh," she said.

Whitney agreed. It's been hard without her brother.

"It's the hardest thing I've ever encountered in life. Period. It's numb. I'm to the point where I'm I've numbed myself to it," Whitney said.

All they want is closure.

"I can't explain to you how I feel, there's an empty space that needs to be filled," Christa said, "And, I can't fill it."

Rescue and rehab center dedicated to protecting Tennessee’s wildlife

The Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue in Anderson County have made it its mission to rescue and protect East Tennessee’s wildlife.The Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue in Anderson County have made it its mission to rescue and protect East Tennessee’s wildlife.CLINTON, Tenn. (WVLT) - In Clinton, the Little Ponderosa Zoo is dedicated to taking care of Tennessee’s wildlife.They are not just rehabilitating animals, but they’re educating everyone on the wildlife East Tennessee has to offer.The own...

The Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue in Anderson County have made it its mission to rescue and protect East Tennessee’s wildlife.

The Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue in Anderson County have made it its mission to rescue and protect East Tennessee’s wildlife.

CLINTON, Tenn. (WVLT) - In Clinton, the Little Ponderosa Zoo is dedicated to taking care of Tennessee’s wildlife.

They are not just rehabilitating animals, but they’re educating everyone on the wildlife East Tennessee has to offer.

The owner Corbin Cox said this is the zoo’s busiest time of the year for native wildlife rehabilitation.

So far just in 2023, they have brought in 194 birds, 249 cottontail rabbits, 280 opossums, 88 raccoons, 12 various reptiles, 37 skunks, 40 squirrels, 10 groundhogs, 6 fox pups and a bobcat. These numbers go up daily.

In 2019 the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency made them a certified wildlife rehab facility. Now, they rescue and rehabilitate most of the native wildlife in Tennessee.

“Since receiving our certification for native wildlife rehabilitation a few years ago, we have helped thousands of East Tennessee native animals,” Cox said.

“Anything you see running wild, we’ve had it at one time or another,” said Cox.

The zoo has rescued animals from all across the United States and found their forever homes. Cox said the animals are either surrendered by the owners who couldn’t take care of them anymore or they’re rescued because of an injury.

In some cases, the zoo becomes the animal’s forever home.

“We have two raccoons, one of them is albino, that came here when my dad was still here and he saw that if we turn him back out he’s going to be a target. He stands out, and so he took it upon himself to jump through the hoops and finally TWRA said, ‘Okay, it’s educational. You might as well keep him because you’re right, if we turn him out, it’s over with,’” said Cox.

Cox said helping the animals is one part of it but the overall goal is to teach people how to take care of the wildlife and nature.

“I want people to know that there’s still good in the world and that we’re a big part of that, and as far as nature goes and preserving that, that’s preserving wildlife and educating children and educating adults. Anybody that wants to know about it, we’re here for that,” said Cox.

The zoo is a non-profit so they rely solely on donations and admission costs to pay for the animals’ health care, food and upkeep. All summer long, the zoo will be open for anyone to go and visit and play with the animals or maybe even adopt one.

For more information about the zoo, visit their website.

Copyright 2023 WVLT. All rights reserved.

First Baptist Church unveils historical marker honoring Rev. Paul Turner

The Clinton community gathered to honor Rev. Paul Turner during an event unveiling a historical marker created in his memory.CLINTON, Tenn. — Reverend Paul Turner was an influential leader during the Civil Rights movement. His impact on the community was evident at the First Baptist Church in Clinton when people from the community gathered in his honor.The church unveiled a historical marker that commemorates his life and his role in integration. He preached for unity and touched many lives.One of those lives is La...

The Clinton community gathered to honor Rev. Paul Turner during an event unveiling a historical marker created in his memory.

CLINTON, Tenn. — Reverend Paul Turner was an influential leader during the Civil Rights movement. His impact on the community was evident at the First Baptist Church in Clinton when people from the community gathered in his honor.

The church unveiled a historical marker that commemorates his life and his role in integration. He preached for unity and touched many lives.

One of those lives is Larry Gann, deacon of First Baptist Church. He was there when the Reverend announced it would be his last night before leaving for Nashville.

"He was the shepherd of this church and this flock," Gann, said. "And I made my professional faith and got baptized the same night."

Over the last couple of years, the church has been trying to create historical markers to keep his memory alive. This was a process that had its challenges.

"Every sentence had to be a standalone fact and then separating church," Jeannie Garrett, chair of Turner Memorial Committee said. "Because this is a state historical marker."

Everything started with a ceremony inside the church with speeches and music. Sounds from Turner's speeches from the past echoed through a white and black television screen reminding everyone how important integration is.

Gann in his speech said that the Reverend was "a believer that took his beliefs into action."

Some members of Turner's family also attended the event. John Lockhart, a former pastor of First Baptist Church in Richmond, Texas, was in attendance. He said many others wanted to attend but they were unable to due to other obligations.

Lockhart had followed in his uncle's footsteps into becoming a pastor. He said he was influenced by Turner who was a "really special guy." Lockhart remembers Turner always playing with them when they were children and giving them attention.

"We enjoyed knowing him and then admiring," Lockhart said. "Some of us were too young when the Clinton experience happened to be able to comprehend it."

The Clinton 12 was when Turner walked 12 Black students to school. He was later beaten up for it and had to carry those scars for the rest of his life.

Now there are two historical markers around the First Baptist Church. One on Charles G. Seivers Boulevard and one on Main Street.

The chair of the Turner committee said they have a different marker inside the church to commemorate the religious impact he had on the community.

Gann said the hope with these markers is to b ea reminder for people to follow what's right regardless of the cost.

"So many times we don't put our faith into action and Paul Turner to his own detriment put his faith into action," Gann said. "There's no doubt in my mind that if if we did more of that if we did what we knew was right regardless of the consequences. We'd all be a lot better off."

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