It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Castle On The Hill Historical Marker 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 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 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 A K Bissell Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Fire & Salt 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.
Several Petro's Chili & Chips locations are closing, but chili lovers can still get their fix of the World's Fair delicacy at other stores around town.With financial issues left behind by a previous franchisee, Petro's COO Alex Widmer told Knox News, the owner of several Petro's Chili & Chips locations elected to close branches in Clinton, Oak Ridge and Seymour. The Petro's on Emory Road in Powell will close temporarily but is slated to reopen.The Oak Ridge, Seymour and Clinton locations closed July 29 and the Powell lo...
Several Petro's Chili & Chips locations are closing, but chili lovers can still get their fix of the World's Fair delicacy at other stores around town.
With financial issues left behind by a previous franchisee, Petro's COO Alex Widmer told Knox News, the owner of several Petro's Chili & Chips locations elected to close branches in Clinton, Oak Ridge and Seymour. The Petro's on Emory Road in Powell will close temporarily but is slated to reopen.
The Oak Ridge, Seymour and Clinton locations closed July 29 and the Powell location is set to close July 31. It will open again in October after some upgrades.
The Knoxville area still has Petro's stores in Cedar Bluff, Farragut, Lenoir City, Market Square, Maryville, West Hills and West Town Mall. Petro's also can be found in the Tri-Cities area and on the University of Tennessee at Knoxville campus as a snack at sports games.
"We aren't going anywhere," Widmer assured Knox News.
"Serving people as best as we can in the operations that are currently going on is a priority, and that's the message to our team," he said. "Just do the little things really well."
Petro's origins date back to the 1982 World's Fair, themed "Energy Turns the World." The chili was sold as the “Petroleum Belly," and was made up of corn chips piled high with chili, cheese, tomatoes, onions and sour cream, sold in premium, super premium and unleaded versions.
Petroleum was soon shortened to Petro, and the first brick and mortar Petro’s Chili & Chips opened in 1985 inside West Town Mall. The restaurant continues to offer "The Petro," along with hot dogs, baked potatoes, nachos, salads and its signature "hint of orange" iced tea.
Hayden Dunbar is the storyteller reporter. Email [email protected].
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News Release Subscribe | What is RSS News Release Date: July 30, 2025Contact: Daniel Banks, (423) 569-9778Oak Ridge, TN: Manhattan Project National Historical Park in Oak Ridge, Tennessee is inviting the public to ring the International Friendship Bell at A.K. Bissell Park 80 times at dawn (6:47 am EDT) Wednesday, August 6th to commemorate the number of years since the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. An hour before dawn...
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News Release Date: July 30, 2025
Contact: Daniel Banks, (423) 569-9778
Oak Ridge, TN: Manhattan Project National Historical Park in Oak Ridge, Tennessee is inviting the public to ring the International Friendship Bell at A.K. Bissell Park 80 times at dawn (6:47 am EDT) Wednesday, August 6th to commemorate the number of years since the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. An hour before dawn park rangers will light luminarias that have been decorated with messages of peace by community members. The luminarias will remain lit throughout the commemoration event. An Oak Ridge Civic Music Association quartet will be on site throughout the event to provide accompanying music.
At this silent event, members of the public are invited to take turns ringing the bell. Each person can ring the bell for whatever reason that speaks to them. After each bell ringer has rung the bell, they are invited to record the reason why they rang the bell. Small pieces of paper and pens will be provided. Bell ringers will then place the paper in a receptacle, and park staff will later catalog the papers for historical purposes.
The park understands that not everyone who wants to ring the bell will be able to come to the August 6 event. Therefore, a virtual bell ringing option will be available at https://www.nps.gov/mapr/learn/oak-ridge-friendship-bell-ringing.htm from 12:01 am EDT on August 6 through midnight PDT on August 9.
The International Friendship Bell is a symbol of unity and will carry the message of peace and international friendship into the future. At nearly seven feet tall and five feet wide, this 8,300-pound bronze bell hangs at A. K. Bissell Park in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where the uranium for the world’s first atomic weapons was manufactured. Designed in Oak Ridge and cast in Kyoto, Japan, the relief panels on the bell show peaceful imagery inspired by Tennessee, Japan, and the tragedies of war between the two nations.
The event will be held at Peace Pavilion in A.K. Bissell Park 1401 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, Tennessee. For directions and information call (865) 482-1942. Visitors are encouraged to visit our website for more information about the park at www.nps.gov/mapr. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ManhattanProjectNPS, on X (formerly Twitter) at @MnhtnProjectNPS, or Instagram @manhattanprojectnps.
OAK RIDGE, Tenn. (WATE) — For students in Oak Ridge, the school year is just around the corner, and for some schools, the year begins on Monday. To help families prepare, several organizations in Anderson County teamed up on Saturday to host a back-to-school resource fair, giving away free school supplies.The NAACP, United Cleanup Oak Ridge (UCOR), the city of Oak Ridge, Oak Ridge Schools and other organizations came together at the Scarboro Community Center Gymnasium, all united by one mission: to give East Tennessee students a...
OAK RIDGE, Tenn. (WATE) — For students in Oak Ridge, the school year is just around the corner, and for some schools, the year begins on Monday. To help families prepare, several organizations in Anderson County teamed up on Saturday to host a back-to-school resource fair, giving away free school supplies.
The NAACP, United Cleanup Oak Ridge (UCOR), the city of Oak Ridge, Oak Ridge Schools and other organizations came together at the Scarboro Community Center Gymnasium, all united by one mission: to give East Tennessee students a strong start to the school year.
“We were able to get our basic school supplies — glue sticks, pencils, pens, notebooks, backpacks, which are essential for all to carry everything. So, it’s been an awesome experience. The people are so helpful, and it’s a blessing that they were able to come out and be able to supply the needs for the children in the neighborhood,” explained Clevetta Smith, grandmother of a student.
Students of all ages filled their bags with all the tools they’ll need to succeed in the classroom. For some families, these events are more than just a back-to-school giveaway; they’re a lifeline. Veronica Corp, a single mother juggling college classes and two children, feels the impact of these events firsthand.
“It’s very important for families because, as a mother like me, it’s hard… money is hard to come by. I work and money never lasts, and it’s hard to come by school supplies, and these events are awesome… they’re really good,” said Corp.
The cost of school supplies can be a financial strain, so getting them at no cost makes all the difference.
“We have together eight kids and a granddaughter. Four of these kids still need school supplies. So, we’ve been trying to go to all of the back-to-school events, because everything helps when you have that many people. It’s amazing. It’s really special that people donate, whether it’s things or money, to have this for people like us and for others,” added Tisha Moore a parent of eight students.
Just across the street from the fair at the Oak Ridge Preschool, families were able to take advantage of free physicals offered by the free medical clinic, easing the financial strain for another important step in getting students ready for the school year.
“A lot of families, especially if they’re new to a community, they have a difficult time setting up an appointment to see a pediatrician to get these necessary physicals, and so we’re able to provide that resource. We also have people that just are very low income. Might not have insurance for whatever reason. And so that’s who we serve. Just anyone that has this need,” explained Kate Hull, Director of Clinical Services for the Free Medical Clinic.
Oak Ridge benefits from a robust health care ecosystem with Methodist Medical Center at its core. As a member of Covenant Health, a not-for-profit system serving East Tennessee, Methodist Medical Center provides comprehensive health care in Oak Ridge, TN, in a 283-bed facility. Its array of medical services encompasses cardiology, orthopedics, oncology, surgical services and outpatient diagnostics.Notably, The Joint Commission has certified it as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center, and the medical center holds multiple accreditations i...
Oak Ridge benefits from a robust health care ecosystem with Methodist Medical Center at its core. As a member of Covenant Health, a not-for-profit system serving East Tennessee, Methodist Medical Center provides comprehensive health care in Oak Ridge, TN, in a 283-bed facility. Its array of medical services encompasses cardiology, orthopedics, oncology, surgical services and outpatient diagnostics.
Notably, The Joint Commission has certified it as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center, and the medical center holds multiple accreditations in cardiology and spine surgery, along with multiple recognitions for its breast center.
Building on Oak Ridge’s legacy of innovation, the Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge initiated its Family Medicine Residency Program in 2024, demonstrating a commitment to training future physicians. This three-year community-based program, accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, welcomes eight new residents annually.
The residency’s vision is to cultivate physician leaders who integrate scientific advancements and emerging technologies with compassion, collaboration and advocacy, ultimately guiding patients, families and the broader region toward improved health and well-being.
Recognizing the crucial role of family medicine in promoting health across diverse communities, the program was specifically established to address the need for more community-based family physicians practicing locally.
This initiative directly aligns with Covenant Health’s overarching mission and goals to enhance the health of the Oak Ridge community and the surrounding region.
The residency is administered by Covenant Health through Methodist Medical Center, which acts as the sponsoring institution and is led by Dr. James Schindler, founding program director.
“We’ve created a top-quality program that intends to produce well-trained family physicians who, upon graduation, can care for patients in our community and throughout the region,” he says.
“Residents have the resources of Methodist Medical Center and Covenant Health, plus the amazing community of Oak Ridge and all the latest technology and training tools at their disposal. We intend to become an integral part of our local health care community, and we’re looking forward to welcoming our next class this summer.”
During their training program, resident physicians spend most of their time at Methodist Medical Center and other Covenant Health outpatient and inpatient facilities. To round out their education, they also spend time at the Free Medical Clinic of Oak Ridge, NHC HealthCare and East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.
Resident physicians will also see patients at the Methodist Family Medicine Clinic, which is adjacent to Methodist Medical Center. Residents will be supervised by faculty family physicians, behavioral health faculty, clinical pharmacology faculty and others to develop a team-based approach to medical care that is crucial in the current health environment.
The program is integrated with the Methodist Family Medicine Clinic, which offers a full complement of family medicine and primary care services. By the completion of their training at Methodist Family Medicine Clinic, residents will be one step closer to becoming the physicians of the future.
Residents are actively seeing patients in the clinic while also completing rotations on their various specialties, Schindler says.
They’re also heavily involved in outreach activities like community health screening events and as featured lecturers with the hospital’s MED Talk series, which is hosted monthly at the Oak Ridge Senior Center.
“My residency experience has been incredibly rewarding,” says Dr. Isabelle Soares Smith, a member of the inaugural class of medical residents in the program.
“The supportive culture, strong mentorship and emphasis on work-life balance have allowed me to grow both professionally and personally. I’ve been grateful for the opportunities to learn, collaborate and develop the skills needed to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to my patients.”
By summer of 2026, 24 medical residents will be taking part in the program.
Ongoing education and training continue throughout a physician’s career, Schindler says, because medical professionals never stop acquiring new knowledge and skills to provide the best possible care to their patients.
Today we announced the first deployment of Kairos Power’s advanced nuclear reactor — the Hermes 2 Plant in Oak Ridge, Tennessee — through a new power purchase agreement (PPA) between Kairos Power and Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Marking the first purchase of electricity from an advanced GEN IV reactor by a U.S. utility, this agreement will enable 50 megawatts (MW) of nuclear energy on TVA’s grid that powers our data centers in Montgomery County, Tennessee and Jackson County, Alabama.Last October, we began ...
Today we announced the first deployment of Kairos Power’s advanced nuclear reactor — the Hermes 2 Plant in Oak Ridge, Tennessee — through a new power purchase agreement (PPA) between Kairos Power and Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Marking the first purchase of electricity from an advanced GEN IV reactor by a U.S. utility, this agreement will enable 50 megawatts (MW) of nuclear energy on TVA’s grid that powers our data centers in Montgomery County, Tennessee and Jackson County, Alabama.
Last October, we began a long-term collaboration with Kairos Power to unlock up to 500 MW of nuclear power for the U.S. electricity system through multiple deployments of their small modular reactor. With this next step, we are creating a three-party solution where energy customers, utilities, and technology developers work together to advance new technologies that can help meet the world’s growing energy needs with reliable, affordable capacity.
Here’s how it works: TVA will purchase electricity from Kairos Power’s Hermes 2 plant, scheduled to begin operations in 2030. In this initial phase of the collaboration, we will procure clean energy attributes from the plant through TVA to help power our data centers in the region with locally sourced clean energy, every hour of every day.
Additionally, this project will continue to expand pathways to economic opportunity in Oak Ridge — the site of the biggest technological breakthroughs and advancements in nuclear history. Kairos Power’s Hermes 2 Demonstration Plant will help re-establish Oak Ridge as a nuclear innovation hub, including through new programs developed in partnership with the University of Tennessee and other local universities to grow local workforce talent for high-paying jobs as plant operators and engineers. Hear more in the voices of the community members and leaders themselves.
Since 2015, we have harnessed our business growth in the Tennessee Valley and close collaboration with TVA to bring the benefits of clean energy technologies to the region. Now, a decade later, we’re excited to work with TVA and Kairos Power to help catalyze the next generation of advanced energy technologies in Tennessee.
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