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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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 Rockford, TN

How does In-home Senior Care in Rockford, 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 Rockford, 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 Rockford, 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 Rockford, 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 Rockford, 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 Rockford,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 Rockford, 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

01

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

02

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

03

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

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

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

Latest News in Rockford, TN

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recommends removing two dams on the Little River

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recommended removing the Rockford Dam and Peery's Mill Dam, both in Blount County.Credit: WBIRBLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn. — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said they are moving forward with a "tentatively selected plan" to remove two dams on the Little River: the Rockford Dam and the Peery's Mills Dam.Both dams are in Blount County, and one has been the site of several drownings. In 2019, a ...

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recommended removing the Rockford Dam and Peery's Mill Dam, both in Blount County.

Credit: WBIR

BLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn. — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said they are moving forward with a "tentatively selected plan" to remove two dams on the Little River: the Rockford Dam and the Peery's Mills Dam.

Both dams are in Blount County, and one has been the site of several drownings. In 2019, a 13-year-old girl drowned at Peery's Mill Dam. Another 33-year-old man drowned there around a year before, in 2018. Peery's Mill Dam is a low-head dam, which can create deceptive currents that can trap swimmers.

The dam was a mill site and the location of Peery Brothers Mill after 1905. It was a tourist attraction until the late 1980s when it burned down and only the dam remained.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville District sent a letter on Aug. 1 saying after considering comments from the public, agencies and stakeholders they decided to go forward with a tentative plan to remove Rockford Dam and Peery's Mill Dam. Originally, they also considered removing Townsend Dam.

Their Draft Detailed Project Report with Integrated Environmental Assessment showed the tentatively selected plan would not cause significant effects on the quality of the surrounding human environment, so an Environment Impact Statement would not be required.

The plan includes removing around 187 ft. of the Rockford Dam and 237 ft. of Peery's Mill Dam, with bank stabilization occurring at both sites. They recommend placing around 1,800 ft. of half-bank rip sap above the Rockford Dam and using two stream barbs and 500 ft. of native species seeding along the banks near Peery's Mill Dam.

Credit: US Army Corps of Engineers

They also recommended mitigating an emergency water intake maintained by Alcoa within the pool of the Rockford Dam.

A public meeting about the plan is scheduled for Aug. 17 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Blount County Public Library, located at 508 N. Cusick St. in Maryville. Question-and-answer officers are also scheduled for 2 p.m. through 4 p.m.

Comments can also be sent by email to "[email protected]" no later than Aug. 31 to make sure they are considered in the final documents.

Tennessee manufacturer to power operations with 526 kW rooftop solar array

Image: Solar Alliance Solar Alliance, a residential and commercial solar provider, announced it has completed design, engineering, and installation of a 526 kW rooftop solar array. The project was developed on the roof of a manufacturing site for advanced seal manufacturer AESSEAL.Once activated, the Rockford, Tennessee rooftop solar installation is expected to provide on-site renewable energy that AESSESAL said will meet the power demand of a large portion of the assembly, quality control, engineering, and customer ser...

Image: Solar Alliance

Solar Alliance, a residential and commercial solar provider, announced it has completed design, engineering, and installation of a 526 kW rooftop solar array. The project was developed on the roof of a manufacturing site for advanced seal manufacturer AESSEAL.

Once activated, the Rockford, Tennessee rooftop solar installation is expected to provide on-site renewable energy that AESSESAL said will meet the power demand of a large portion of the assembly, quality control, engineering, and customer service divisions. The project is a step along the way toward the company’s goal of achieving net-zero emission.

Commercial rooftop arrays can call for a variety of engineering solutions to best fit the mounting surface. In this design, Solar Alliance used a combination of ballasted and flush mounts to secure the solar modules to the roof. The array is among the largest rooftop installations in the region.

AESSEAL also designs water management systems, that along with seals, help conserve billions of gallons of water and millions of dollars for their customers.

“Water management is another way to meet sustainability goals,” said Chris Staackmann, operations manager, AESSEAL. “We’re committed to our customers; we’re committed to the environment.

Solar Alliance provided the engineering and electrical support for the project, as well as coordination with its East Tennessee based construction crew to install the system, which covers most of the 50,000 square foot facility.

Since it was founded in 2003, Solar Alliance has developed $1 billion of renewable energy projects that provide enough electricity to power 150,000 homes. It has served a wide array of customer sites, including homes, farms, manufacturing sites, professional buildings, data centers, retail centers and utility installations. The company operates primarily in Tennessee and Kentucky, along with North and South Carolina and Illinois.

REAP the benefits

Solar Alliance has developed several projects that qualify for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Energy for America (REAP) Grants. The REAP grant provides grants and low-interest loans for small business owners in rural areas.

The REAP program awards grants between $2,500 and $500,000 for solar projects, energy efficiency grants of $1,500 to $250,000, and a loan and grant combination with an amount exceeding $1,500 for the grant portion. The maximum incentive one can receive within this range is 25% of the total project cost and is anticipated to increase in the near future to 50% of allowable project costs per updated federal programs.

The program is available not just to farmers and small agricultural practices, but to small businesses as defined by the Small Business Administration. Solar Alliance said businesses with 500 or fewer employees have qualified for REAP grants. Eligibility starts with location and is focused on rural areas where 50,000 or fewer people live.

“I think the mission of the grant is very straightforward: Lower your operating costs, become more competitive, sell more products at an equal or improved value, create more jobs, create a larger tax base, grow the community” said Harvey Abouelata, vice president, Solar Alliance.

“I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to spread the word about the grant availability. If the money does not get used in your state, it goes back to the federal fund to get redistributed to other states around the country. This is your tax money; keep it at home working for you,” said Abouelata.

Longtime Loudon County family business Wampler’s Farm Sausage has utilized REAP to support its development of several energy efficiency and solar energy projects. Wampler has since become an ambassador for the benefits of REAP and working with a developer like Solar Alliance.

“It’s important when you have a partner that’s going to come in and do a project for you, that they know not just the technical side of how to install but dealing with the tax credits and the accelerated depreciation, and all the things that are involved in helping you justify the project and know what the payback’s going to be,” said Wampler.

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Why Amazon selected Alcoa for a $200M fulfillment center: 'I think we won the Super Bowl today'

After months of not-so-secret preparations, Amazon officially is coming to East Tennessee, officials announced Wednesday.The internet retailer is investing at least $200 million in the area to build a warehouse fulfillment center in Alcoa.The company estimates the investment will lead to 800 jobs in the region. That would m...

After months of not-so-secret preparations, Amazon officially is coming to East Tennessee, officials announced Wednesday.

The internet retailer is investing at least $200 million in the area to build a warehouse fulfillment center in Alcoa.

The company estimates the investment will lead to 800 jobs in the region. That would make Amazon the sixth-largest employer in Blount County.

Gov. Bill Lee and Bob Rolfe, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development commissioner, announced the investment on Wednesday.

"Over the past year, Amazon has announced projects in each of Tennessee's grand divisions, accounting for nearly 3,000 new jobs," Gov. Lee said in a press release. "As we continue to navigate through the pandemic and reboot our economy, we know our recovery is supported by the success of our Tennessee businesses."

This is the third Amazon fulfillment center announced in Tennessee in a little over 12 months, including centers in Memphis and Mt. Juliet.

The Alcoa site will be Amazon's 8th center in the state. Amazon estimates it has invested nearly $9 billion in Tennessee since 2010.

$200M Amazon warehouse in Alcoa

Developer Hillwood Enterprises has already begun work on the 84-acre property slated for Amazon's Alcoa center, located just east of the Alcoa Highway and Pellissippi Parkway interchange.

The building is scheduled to be completed by May 2022 and operational by October 2022.

The fulfillment center will pull, pack and ship small items such as books, electronics and consumer goods.

More:Could e-commerce warehouses planned in Alcoa and Knoxville be for same internet giant?

The warehouse, to be built on a portion of the former Pine Lakes Golf Course, will offer a starting wage of $15 an hour. Full-time employees will receive full medical, vision and dental insurance, along with a 401(k) with a 50 percent match.

The Alcoa fulfillment center will be the third in Tennessee to use Amazon's robotics technology.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation has budgeted for a significant redesign of the corridor to reduce impact on the community and make transportation efficient for Amazon.

Securing the deal was a partnership between many organizations including TNECD, TDOT, Blount County, Blount Partnership, TVA, area political leaders, the City of Alcoa and the City of Maryville.

"I look at it as a team. Even though we're not playing Sunday, I think this announcement today that Amazon's here, I think we won the Super Bowl today," Blount County Mayor Ed Mitchell said in the press conference. "I think the (Vince) Lombardi Trophy is here in Blount County today."

Why Amazon chose Alcoa

Amazon chose Alcoa for its East Tennessee fulfillment center for a few reasons, said Holly Sullivan, Amazon's head of worldwide economic development. She highlighted the area's workforce resources, business friendly atmosphere and the community, mentioning good public schools, livability and opportunities for employees to seek jobs beyond Amazon.

"Alcoa, Maryville, Blount County, the larger Knoxville area, there's some deep resources there and that's proved by some of the existing companies that have pioneered before our announcement today," Sullivan said.

Amazon has fulfillment and sorting centers in Charleston, Chattanooga, Lebanon, Memphis, Murfreesboro and Nashville. It is building a corporate office in downtown Nashville.

The Blount Partnership has made eight major economic development announcements since 2015, totaling more than 3,200 jobs and $1.7 billion in capital investment.

Business reporter Brenna McDermott can be reached at brenn[email protected]. Follow along with her work on Twitter @_BrennaMcD. Support our local news efforts by becoming a Knox News subscriber.

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