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 Stillwater Lift Bridge, Historic Site gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Stillwater, MN 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.
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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 Pioneer 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 Domaćin Restaurant & Wine Bar or visit St. Croix Boom Site State Wayside, 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 Stillwater, MN, 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 Stillwater, MN 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 Stillwater, MN 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.
One of Minnesota’s oldest prisons, the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Stillwater, is set to close. That news came as part of a state budget deal reached Thursday. Lawmakers say the prison has become unsafe and would be too costly to maintain.The phased closure will take place over four years and the more than 1,200 people incarcerated at Stillwater...
One of Minnesota’s oldest prisons, the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Stillwater, is set to close. That news came as part of a state budget deal reached Thursday. Lawmakers say the prison has become unsafe and would be too costly to maintain.
The phased closure will take place over four years and the more than 1,200 people incarcerated at Stillwater will be moved to other facilities across the state.
The Office of the Ombuds for Corrections, the state’s independent investigator of complaints about correctional facilities, released a report last year detailing its concerns about the deteriorating conditions. It listed the Stillwater prison as one of “highest needs,” with maintenance required for everything from plumbing to falling concrete and a lack of air conditioning.
“We know these issues go back decades,” said Margaret Zadra, ombudsperson for corrections. “And there’s been a lot of attempts over the decades to make the facility work and the issues just remain too significant.”
The office plans to continue monitoring the situation as the phased shut down gets implemented. With this closure comes an opportunity to re-evaluate, Zadra said.
“We know that better substance use treatment, better mental health care investments on the community side lead to a reduction on the correction side,” she said. “So, as a state we have an opportunity to decide how we want to invest our money."
For the full conversation with Zadra, use the audio player above.
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Saint Paul, MN. – The Minnesota Legislature this morning announced the Department of Corrections (DOC) will start the work to close the Stillwater prison in two phases over the next four years, with full closure expected by June 30, 2029.“I was informed of the closure this morning and have been in touch with local leaders and leadership at the DOC. This is a difficult development to process in the final hours of session. While there is no question that the facility was in unacceptable condition that endanger...
Saint Paul, MN. – The Minnesota Legislature this morning announced the Department of Corrections (DOC) will start the work to close the Stillwater prison in two phases over the next four years, with full closure expected by June 30, 2029.
“I was informed of the closure this morning and have been in touch with local leaders and leadership at the DOC. This is a difficult development to process in the final hours of session. While there is no question that the facility was in unacceptable condition that endangered both correctional staff and incarcerated persons, there is also no question that it is an integral piece to the fabric and history of our community,” said Rep. Josiah Hill (DFL - Stillwater). “In the coming days, I will focus on working with the employees as they prepare to transition, to ensure that they and their families are fully supported and cared for. I will also work closely with the DOC to guarantee the safety and well-being of each and every incarcerated person in the Stillwater facility; their dignity and humanity must be a top priority and should not suffer due to the decades-long underinvestment in the facility and the resulting need to shutter it.”
The facility is the oldest of its kind in Minnesota and was facing increasingly massive maintenance needs that became insurmountable.
“I will work diligently towards a plan that creates a brighter future for our district. We will absolutely not allow this to turn into a blight on our wonderful communities,” Rep. Hill continued. “Handled correctly, this could be an opportunity for a brighter future for our region and I will work tirelessly to make a positive vision a reality.”
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Updated: May 16, 2025 - 3:47 AMDOC to fully close Stillwater prison by 2029The Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) says its Stillwater prison will be undergoing a phased closure as part of the state’s economic plan, as well as decrease the amount of current health and safety issues.According to the DOC, Gov. Tim Walz and other legislative leaders agreed to the phased closure to not only consolidate prison facilities across the state, but to also “enhance the DOC’s economic efficiency”, to ...
Updated: May 16, 2025 - 3:47 AM
The Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) says its Stillwater prison will be undergoing a phased closure as part of the state’s economic plan, as well as decrease the amount of current health and safety issues.
According to the DOC, Gov. Tim Walz and other legislative leaders agreed to the phased closure to not only consolidate prison facilities across the state, but to also “enhance the DOC’s economic efficiency”, to stop investments into the facility’s “crumbling infrastructure” and also minimize current health and safety concerns for both staff and those who are behind bars.
Ahead of the conference, Paul Schnell, provided the following statement ahead of the conference:
“This is a moment of real change for our agency. We fully recognize the impact this decision will have on both the lives and careers of the Stillwater staff and on the incarcerated people for who Stillwater has been home for years or even decades. We will be open and honest with staff and the incarcerated population throughout the implementation.”
Schnell also adds that the closure, which is expected to be complete by June of 2029, will not compromise public safety.
DOC officials say the closure – which will be done in two phases – will save the state $40 million each year.
The Stillwater prison, which was built in 1914 and is the second-oldest facility in the state, currently holds roughly 1,200 inmates. While maintenance has been done, the DOC says the prison is “past its useful life”, and maintenance needs are currently estimated at $180 million. They add fully modernizing the prison, or replacing the current facility, is estimated to cost about $1.3 billion.
The Department of Corrections shared photos showcasing some of the infrastructure problems they are dealing with:
Phase one will include the removal and transfer of about half of the inmates currently at the Stillwater prison to one of the state’s other nine facilities for men. In addition, staffing will be reduced, with the DOC saying they are exploring ways to move staff to other positions. However, the agency says a reduction in staffing is expected.
In addition, the DOC says both a management and a decommissioning study will be done during Phase 1. The management study will reportedly guide operations, staff logistics and community considerations, while the decommissioning study will plan the long-term future of the prison site.
Work on the first phase won’t start until Walz signs the public safety bill.
The second phase of the closure will start in July 2027, when the agency says all remaining inmates and staff will be moved. CLICK HERE for the daily inmate report for the Stillwater prison.
At this time, Schnell says there are no current plans to build a new facility to replace the Stillwater prison, and said multiple Department of Corrections across the country are focusing on downsizing by consolidating sites and building as needed capacity at other locations. This, he says, is the most cost-effective way to meet needed capacity and would likely be what they would do should they need to expand prison facilities.
A decommissioning study will be conducted on the prison following its closure to see if it can be used in future development of other projects, such as housing or other developments.
The closure was also discussed during a news conference with Walz and other state leaders on Thursday morning. You can watch that full news conference by CLICKING HERE.
State senator Karin Housley (R-Stillwater), issued a statement about the closure:
“While this news is certainly unexpected for many, my top priority is the safety and well-being of the corrections officers who have served our community with dedication and professionalism. As this transition moves forward, I will work to ensure that every employee is treated fairly and given an opportunity for a position that fits their skills-without being forced to uproot their lives.”
After more than 100 years of operations, MCF-Stillwater will be decommissionedROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – Lawmakers in St. Paul, along with Governor Tim Walz, have agreed to a phased closure of Minnesota Correctional Facility (MCF) Stillwater as the latest agreements on the state budget plan to save some money within the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC).The closur...
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – Lawmakers in St. Paul, along with Governor Tim Walz, have agreed to a phased closure of Minnesota Correctional Facility (MCF) Stillwater as the latest agreements on the state budget plan to save some money within the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC).
The closure of MCF-Stillwater is expected to occur over the next four years, with full decommissioning anticipated by 2029. The DOC has a two-phase plan to completely close the facility, which is detailed at the bottom of the article.
RELATED: Info about inmates at MCF-Stillwater as state announces plan to close facility
MCF-Stillwater was built in 1914, according to the DOC, and is the second oldest facility in Minnesota.
After more than a century of operation, the deferred maintenance needs at the facility are estimated to reach $180 million. Fully modernizing or replacing the facility could cost upwards of $1.3 billion.
Lawmakers felt the decommissioning of the outdated facility would support the state’s goal of maintaining modern, safe and cost-effective correctional infrastructure, as well as save $40 million in annual costs.
“This is a moment of real change for our agency,” said Paul Schnell, Commissioner of the Department of Corrections. “We fully recognize the impact this decision will have on both the lives and careers of the Stillwater staff and on the incarcerated people for whom Stillwater has been home for years or even decades. We will be open and honest with staff and the incarcerated population throughout the implementation,” he added.
The phased closure of MCF-Stillwater is slated to affect the lives of many people and representatives are recognizing that fact.
To manage the closure of MCF-Stillwater, the DOC is planning a two-phase approach to first reduce operations then step-down to full closure.
This phased plan can only be enacted once legislative approval is secured and the governor signs the public safety omnibus bill.
Over the course of several months, approximately half of the incarcerated population will be transferred to one of the DOC’s other nine male facilities, with several living units remaining at Stillwater during the period.
Staffing will also be proportionally reduced with the DOC exploring various means of transferring staff to other positions.
Regardless, the DOC says a reduction in staffing is still expected. It says it will be working closely with labor unions to ensure the staff impact is “as minimal as possible.”
During Phase One, the DOC will also be launching two studies: (1) A management study to provide insight into operations, staff logistics, and community considerations; and (2) a decommissioning study to plan for the long-term future of the Stillwater site.
Beginning July 2027, the DOC will begin the final transition to fully vacate MCF-Stillwater and transfer the remaining incarcerate individuals and staff.
A complete closure is expected by June 30, 2029.
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