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 Waveland State 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 Lexington, KY 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 is truly a wonderful agency. My brother and I did research”
“Always Best Care has been wonderful to work with during my parents' health issues. ”
“Thank you so much for sending sweet Asani to help my aunt and uncle! ”
“Always Best Care provides excellent home health care services, offering compassionate and reliable support for”
“The best in the business! I had a great experience”
“From our first interaction, everyone has been very professional and caring. They have given”
“Compassionate, caring, patient and professional. Look no further than Always Best Care for the care”
“We have been THRILLED with the care we have received through Always Best Care! ”
“I am a current client of this provider Our caregiver has been a perfect match and”
“I cannot say enough good things about Always Best Care and the service they provide”
“They have a great team and really seem like they care!!”
“Always Best Care Of Lexington is a wonderful place of employment. Within my time along”
“Our family can't say enough about Always Best Care and taking care of our Dad”
“Always Best Care has been a God-send for us. The staff is so kind and”
“ABC has provided in-home care for my mother for the past ten months. We appreciate”
“I was very pleased with the conscientious service provided by Always Best Care and the”
“I am a past client of this provider I was very pleased with the conscientious service”
“We contacted ABC to help my then 94 year-old mother with her activities of daily”
“Thank you for caring for my MIL! She has always been very capable & independent.”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care has done an excellent job”
“Your caregivers were polite, professional and taught us many techniques to keep our father comfortable.”
“When I needed extra support and companionship for my mother, Always Best Care was there.”
“The people at Always Best Care are caring and they are always there for their”
“Bruce was awesome! When I was looking for care he let me know very”
“I have been in the healthcare industry for about 5 years now, working for Always”
“I have been in the healthcare industry for almost 6 years now, and I have”
“Always Best Care goes above and beyond for their clients and families needs to satisfy”
“When you think of the words compassionate and dependable, I think of Sarah and Phil”
“I have been in healthcare for over 15 years. I’ve owned business in Home Care”
“I have been in healthcare for over 15 years. I’ve owned business in Home Care”
“I am a current client of this provider My mother is a client of Always Best”
“I love working here! They work with your schedule and they always give you extra”
“I am a past client of this provider I needed help with everything and they helped”
“I would definitely recommend Always Best Care. They are all about meeting everyone’s need, from”
“I am a current client of this provider They have been able to provide for the”
“Sarah and Phil are amazing people to work for. They care about their clients and”
“I love working here! They work with your schedule and they always give you extra”
“I love working here! They work with your schedule and they always give you extra”
“The owners and employees at best care are very knowledgeable and passionate. They will help”
“I can only say exceptional things about this company. They gave me good means of”
“As an employee in a Lexington senior housing community, I greatly appreciate the work Always”
“We also receive wonderful reviews via cards and emails. Call us if we can”
“I would definitely recommend Always Best Care. They are all about meeting everyone’s need, from”
“Always Best Care of Lexington really cares about their clients and their caregivers. They always”
“Always Best Care has provided me with assistance in achieving my ADls. Thus allowing me”
“Great place to care for your loved ones.”
“I am a past client of this provider ABC is a well managed, very reliable company.”
“I am using Always Best Care of Lexington for my parents. The caregiver has done”
“I can not say enough about you and your staff, they were extremely professional, loving,”
“I have used this service for several weeks and have been very pleased. Sarah and Philip”
“Phil and Sarah are hyper-knowledgeable in their field. They strive to hire and keep the”
“Always Best Care is a very caring, compassionate, exceptional personal care business. Day after day,”
“I come across a lot of home care owners. Working with Phil and his partner”
“I have used this service for several weeks and have been very pleased. Sarah and”
“Always Best Care is the best caregiving company I have ever known or been associated”
“Selecting just the right people to care for those you love when you can't be”
“I'm so happy to be a part of such an Amazing team!Everyone is too sweet!!Wonderful”
“Great team!I'm so happy to be a part of it!!Everyone is so amazing!”
“Finding the right person to care for your loved one is a big decision. Always”
“I’ve been running a home care agency for 7 years now, so I’ve seen all”
“Amazing place to work and great staff who strive to better the lives of their”
“I am a current client of this provider I am using Always Best Care of Lexington”
“These folks are very professional and as their name says they really do always put”
“Phil and staff are so wonderful at helping to navigate where and how the next”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care for your in-home care for your loved ones. They”
“Phil and Sarah are a professional team, each of whom have outstanding skills to care”
“Absolutely love working for Always Best Care! When I stared with them I had mentioned”
“I am a current client of this provider Very positive experience with ABC. Live out of”
“I love the girls that come out to take of .y husband, they are so”
“Always Best Care has continually provided exemplary services to our residents and given much peace”
“Amazing place to work and great staff who strive to better the lives of their”
“Amazing place to work and great staff who strive to better the lives of their”
“Amazing place to work and great staff who strive to better the lives of their”
“I would absolutely recommend Always Best Senior Care. I’ve known Sarah and Phil for a”
“Other I highly recommend Always Best Care of Greater Lexington for your non-medical home care or”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care of Greater Lexington for your non-medical home care or”
“I have been friends with Sarah (the owner) for over 20 years and worked with”
“”
“Always Best Care lives up to their name. My first call to them inquiring about”
“I highly, highly recommend this company if you're considering in home care in Lexington KY”
“Always Best Care is truly a wonderful agency. My brother and I did research on an in-home caregiver and ABC was one of three that we chose to interview. Always Best Care surpassed by far any of the other agencies. They maintain consistent contact with me (her daughter), post after each visit so that I can see what was done, either answer or return calls promptly. Caregiver Amanda is an angel. She goes far beyond simple care. As my mother says, "She babies me," which is exactly what my mother needs. I cannot say enough good things about this agency and Amanda. Everything has exceeded my expectations and I am grateful that we chose them.”
“Always Best Care has been wonderful to work with during my parents' health issues. Their senior management works very hard to match their care givers with their clients and spends time to make sure things get off to a great start. The first impressions are outstanding and the care my parents have received is First Class.”
“Thank you so much for sending sweet Asani to help my aunt and uncle! Growing older has it's challenges, but ABC and your wonderful staff have eased the stresses surrounding our situation. As my aunt says, she is her "Angel", which means she is an angel to the entire family! Bless you!”
“Always Best Care provides excellent home health care services, offering compassionate and reliable support for seniors and individuals who require assistance at home. Their team is professional, attentive, and well-trained, ensuring personalized care plans tailored to the needs of my father. One of the standout features of Always Best Care is their commitment to quality and communication. They make sure to regularly update family members and adjust care plans as needed. We really appreciate the agency’s flexibility, offering both part-time and full-time care, along with respite services. The company goes above and beyond to ensure that their caregivers are a great match for each individual, fostering trust and comfort. Overall, Always Best Care delivers reliable and compassionate home health care, making them a trusted choice for families seeking in-home support.”
“The best in the business! I had a great experience”
“From our first interaction, everyone has been very professional and caring. They have given me peace of mind by taking excellent care of my Dad after he returned home from the hospital. I highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services and will turn to them again if we ever need home care services in the future.”
“Compassionate, caring, patient and professional. Look no further than Always Best Care for the care of your loved ones. Trustworthy and consistent in the way they run their business, there is no one else I would even consider. Thank you Sarah!”
“We have been THRILLED with the care we have received through Always Best Care! My husband and I were treated with dignity and respect and felt that the administrative team listened to our needs and met them. Our worker, Rose, is a gem! She is responsive and willing to do anything to help us, but also willing to sit quietly if we don’t need her at the moment. We can’t imagine receiving better care and we thank you!”
“I am a current client of this provider Our caregiver has been a perfect match and an angel. The support and service has been reliable and provides peace of mind for us.”
“I cannot say enough good things about Always Best Care and the service they provide to my disabled father. They have worked hand-in-glove with the VA for my father’s care. Everyone - and I do mean everyone - from ownership down to the daily aides who provide direct care to my father, have shown him the kindness and dignity you would hope to receive from a family member. Any issues we have ever had have been addressed promptly, even during weekends. Sarah and her team are hands on - I doubt many owners of similar companies make house visits like Sarah has. Any new aide who has been provided for my father has had personal introduction by a member of management, and we have had management team members step up to the plate when there have been scheduling issues to ensure my father received the daily assistance he needs. I recommend ABC highly and can’t thank them enough for all that they do. 5 Stars across the board!”
“They have a great team and really seem like they care!!”
“Always Best Care Of Lexington is a wonderful place of employment. Within my time along side the company, the office staff and management has treated me like family. I go to work everyday with a smile on my face and I’m content about what I am doing and know that our clients will be receiving 100%, the best possible care. If I had a family member who needed a personal care giver (or in search for a job) I would definitely recommend “ABC” to them. 10/10.”
“Our family can't say enough about Always Best Care and taking care of our Dad these past months. The caregivers are angels and so thoughtful and attentive to our Dad. He could be grouchy at times, and they were so patient with him. As his health degraded, the caregiver staff was rotated to accommodate his changing needs and we seemed to have just the right person for the right stage. He really bonded with several and looked forward to seeing them each day. Thank you so much for all your support we could not have done this without you.”
“Always Best Care has been a God-send for us. The staff is so kind and our in home caregiver, Annie, is amazing and such a tremendous help! I’m not sure that she isn’t part angel!”
“ABC has provided in-home care for my mother for the past ten months. We appreciate how the team at ABC worked to find the right personality and skill fit for our needs and schedule. The team is both caring and responsive. In addition, the management team has consistently followed up to ensure that ABC is meeting or exceeding expectations. ABC is a quality organization with quality and personable staff.”
“I was very pleased with the conscientious service provided by Always Best Care and the excellent care provided to my father by its caregivers. The company was flexible and responsive to our rapidly changing needs. The caregivers showed genuine compassion and concern for my father in addition to providing excellent care. We have had to move my father to skilled nursing now due to his condition, but Always Best Care was essential in helping us through the transition. I highly recommend Always Best Care.”
“I am a past client of this provider I was very pleased with the conscientious service provided by Always Best Care and the excellent care provided to my father by its caregivers. The company was flexible and responsive to our rapidly changing needs. The caregivers showed genuine compassion and concern for my father in additionto providing excellent care. We have had to move my father to skillednursing now due to his condition, but Always Best Care was essential in helping us through thetransition. I highly recommend Always Best Care.”
“We contacted ABC to help my then 94 year-old mother with her activities of daily living and meals. We have been very pleased with the quality of the services delivered by the ABC staff. As a result, I have had the opportunity to refer some of my primary care patients to ABC for their care needs and have received nothing but positive feedback. I plan on using ABC going forward both for my mother and for my patients with similar needs." Dr. Barry Schumer”
“Thank you for caring for my MIL! She has always been very capable & independent. What could have been a tough transition to accepting ‘help’ in her home was actually very smooth. We are greatly comforted by her updates about how well she gets along with her caregiver. It’s true companionship in addition to the care she needs. We are grateful for the consistency of a caregiver that truly cares.”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care has done an excellent job providing care for our family. The caregivers are well trained and do a wonderful job. This company makes sure the shifts are covered and that we are comfortable with the caregivers. They are responsive to requests and have gone above and beyond when needed!”
“Your caregivers were polite, professional and taught us many techniques to keep our father comfortable. We are forever grateful for your services. In times of need, when you need support, we are reminded there are angels on earth. Always Best Care was exactly that! Thank you!”
“When I needed extra support and companionship for my mother, Always Best Care was there. Their team was able to quickly provide caregivers that were engaging and truly care about my Mom. This has provided great peace of mind. Their App is a wonderful mechanism to help keep me informed on the details of each visit.”
“The people at Always Best Care are caring and they are always there for their clients the owners Phil and Sarah are wonderful people to work for I would suggest their care for your loved ones and family God Bless”
“Bruce was awesome! When I was looking for care he let me know very quickly that they could accommodate what we needed! When we got back from the hospital the caregivers and supervisors were there to make sure we were comfortable and that needs were met.”
“I have been in the healthcare industry for about 5 years now, working for Always Best Care as a Lead Caregiver has truly been a great experience. The staff and patients are amazing to work with. Being a Lead Caregiver for Always Best Care has truly been amazing.Thank You”
“I have been in the healthcare industry for almost 6 years now, and I have never came across a company like Always Best Care. They truly care about their clients and their staff. Everyone in the office is kind, respectful, and dependable. This company gave me a chance to explore my future into healthcare giving me a higher position as a Lead Caregiver, and I am very grateful for it! I would definitely give this company 5 stars in every aspect.”
“Always Best Care goes above and beyond for their clients and families needs to satisfy their needs of home care..They are exceptional people to work with and work for..everybody is wonderful.”
“When you think of the words compassionate and dependable, I think of Sarah and Phil at Always Best Care Senior Services. Their services are the best!”
“I have been in healthcare for over 15 years. I’ve owned business in Home Care specifically and cared for many families. I understand what it’s like to run a business in this industry. I have to say Sarah Diener the owner of this agency is a strong example of what true leadership looks like! I have witnessed her during this snow front and bitter cold temps continue to pick her staff up and bring them to work over and over again so that they don’t miss the opportunity to earn money and so that our seniors in her community do not go without care! This is what dedication looks like!! Thank you to Always Best Care Greater Lexington for leading by example and showing others what strong leadership truly is! Your clients and staff are so lucky to have you!”
“I have been in healthcare for over 15 years. I’ve owned business in Home Care specifically and cared for many families. I understand what it’s like to run a business in this industry. I have to say Sarah Diener the owner of this agency is a strong example of what true leadership looks like! I have witnessed her during this snow front and bitter cold temps continue to pick her staff up and bring them to work over and over again so that they don’t miss the opportunity to earn money and so that our seniors in her community do not go without care! This is what dedication looks like!! Thank you to Always Best Care Greater Lexington for leading by example and showing others what strong leadership truly is! Your clients and staff are so lucky to have you!”
“I am a current client of this provider My mother is a client of Always Best Care. I cannot say enough about the outstanding care she is receiving. It has been a game changer. Her caregiver provides exactly the type of help, support and companionship my mom needs. Her quality of life has improved dramatically. The entire team is responsive, compassionate and total professionals. So grateful!”
“I love working here! They work with your schedule and they always give you extra reward possibilities! Always Best Care is over all a great place!”
“I am a past client of this provider I needed help with everything and they helped me. They helped me get out of bed. Some of the caregivers were really young.”
“I would definitely recommend Always Best Care. They are all about meeting everyone’s need, from the clients and their families to the caregivers.”
“I am a current client of this provider They have been able to provide for the exact shifts and got the consistent care that we require. I thought the original interview process was thorough and professional.”
“Sarah and Phil are amazing people to work for. They care about their clients and caregivers and go above and beyond to do whatever they can for anyone. They are a true blessing to the senior community.”
“I love working here! They work with your schedule and they always give you extra reward possibilities! Always Best Care is over all a great place!”
“I love working here! They work with your schedule and they always give you extra reward possibilities! Always Best Care is over all a great place!”
“The owners and employees at best care are very knowledgeable and passionate. They will help you find the best solution for caring for your family!”
“I can only say exceptional things about this company. They gave me good means of employment when I needed it. Sara was fair in all things. Maintaining good atmosphere for the clients and patients. It was a joy to work for this company!”
“As an employee in a Lexington senior housing community, I greatly appreciate the work Always Best Care is doing for seniors in the Lexington! Although I have not personally used their services, I value how hardworking and professional their staff are. Keep up the good work!”
“We also receive wonderful reviews via cards and emails. Call us if we can help.”
“I would definitely recommend Always Best Care. They are all about meeting everyone’s need, from the clients and their families to the caregivers.”
“Always Best Care of Lexington really cares about their clients and their caregivers. They always take the client's needs into consideration and work very hard to make sure they have the best care possible. Sarah and Phil believe in their mission to help seniors stay in their home as long as possible and are always willing to go the extra mile to get the job done.”
“Always Best Care has provided me with assistance in achieving my ADls. Thus allowing me to stay in my own home. They are very dependable, hard workers and make sure the patient needs are met and are safe. I would recommend Always Best Care to anyone. They also a great company for care for anyone needing non medical services. My husband and I have enjoyed and appreciated all of their help.”
“Great place to care for your loved ones.”
“I am a past client of this provider ABC is a well managed, very reliable company. The agency responded quickly to our requests and changes. The caregivers were always on time and were helpful and cheerful. If a caregiver couldn't make it, the company always found a replacement.”
“I am using Always Best Care of Lexington for my parents. The caregiver has done very well. She was experienced with the situation that my parents are in, in that they're elderly and sick but want to stay at home. Her personality just matched with my parents, which made them feel less apprehensive about bringing someone in that they didn't know and caused them to adjust pretty quickly. We were surprised. She comes twice a week. She cooks some, she does all the tasks listed as far as cleaning their bathrooms, doing the dishes and laundry, preparing the meals, and taking out the trash. She also provides companionship. She will listen to my mother and have conversations with them. The owners have been absolutely wonderful and personable, and they can relate because of their personal situations.”
“I can not say enough about you and your staff, they were extremely professional, loving, and caring”
“I have used this service for several weeks and have been very pleased. Sarah and Philip are wonderful caring people and I felt very comfortable with all the staff that came and stayed with my mother. It was a very upsetting time for our family when my mother became unable to care for herself. Sarah and Philip assured me everything would be fine and it was. I felt confident in their team, and it made me feel at ease while I was at work knowing that their well trained staff were taking care of her. I really don’t know how we would’ve gotten through that time without Always best care. Thank you!”
“Phil and Sarah are hyper-knowledgeable in their field. They strive to hire and keep the best care givers in order to give the best possible service to their customers.”
“Always Best Care is a very caring, compassionate, exceptional personal care business. Day after day, we help our clients by being there for them anytime day or night. We strive to give our clients unconditional love and exceptional care for them. I believe we do an excellent job each and every day! ❤❤❤”
“I come across a lot of home care owners. Working with Phil and his partner Sarah was amazing. These are 2 human beings that are totally committed to serving their clients at a very high level. Look at how many positive reviews are on their page..there is a reason for that. These 2 are top notch in what they do. If you are considering home care for you or a loved one, call this team at Always Best Care and you will not be disappointed. They will bend over backwards to make sure that your needs are met...and then some!”
“I have used this service for several weeks and have been very pleased. Sarah and Philip are wonderful caring people and I felt very comfortable with all the staff that came and stayed with my mother. It was a very upsetting time for our family when my mother became unable to care for herself. Sarah and Philip assured me everything would be fine and it was. I felt confident in their team, and it made me feel at ease while I was at work knowing that their well trained staff were taking care of her. I really don’t know how we would’ve gotten through that time without Always best care. Thank you!”
“Always Best Care is the best caregiving company I have ever known or been associated with during all my years. They are always there for their Clients, Employees and Caregivers. It is a company that goes over and beyond to carry out any needs for the Clients and/or Caregivers. They hire well trained, compassionate, caring, loving caregivers. If you are looking for this kind of care for a family member, yourself or even a friend, Always Best Care of Lexington is the right choice. Believe me, you will be glad you chose them!”
“Selecting just the right people to care for those you love when you can't be there can be tricky, but Always Best Care does a great job and is committed to providing you and your family compassionate care. The owners and staff have a passion for seniors and their kindness and commitment to quality demonstrates their high standards for care.”
“I'm so happy to be a part of such an Amazing team!Everyone is too sweet!!Wonderful place to work.”
“Great team!I'm so happy to be a part of it!!Everyone is so amazing!”
“Finding the right person to care for your loved one is a big decision. Always Best Care is the right choice. Phil and Sarah are dedicated to caring for your loved one and they have an amazing staff.”
“I’ve been running a home care agency for 7 years now, so I’ve seen all kinds of agency operators over the years. Sarah and Phil impress me because they are driven to deliver excellent service above all. They have invested time and effort to learn the best practices. It is nice to see their efforts paying off, as they are growing quickly and serving more clients. I am confident in their ability deliver the care the their clients deserve. Highly recommended.”
“Amazing place to work and great staff who strive to better the lives of their clients!”
“I am a current client of this provider I am using Always Best Care of Lexington for my parents. The caregiver has done very well. She was experienced with the situation that my parents are in, in that they're elderly and sick but want to stay at home. Her personality just matched with my parents, which made them feel less apprehensive about bringing someone in that they didn't know and caused them to adjust pretty quickly. We were surprised. She comes twice a week. She cooks some, she does all the tasks listed as far as cleaning their bathrooms, doing the dishes and laundry, preparing the meals, and taking out the trash. She also provides companionship. She will listen to my mother and have conversations with them. The owners have been absolutely wonderful and personable, and they can relate because of their personal situations.”
“These folks are very professional and as their name says they really do always put your best care first. They will help you find the right solution to meet your needs.”
“Phil and staff are so wonderful at helping to navigate where and how the next steps should be taken . Highly Recommend Cheryl Baker”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care for your in-home care for your loved ones. They have a very dedicated staff of care givers who will provide excellent care for your loved ones.”
“Phil and Sarah are a professional team, each of whom have outstanding skills to care for the client. But those skills are coupled with huge hearts for their client's needs. Talk to them!”
“Absolutely love working for Always Best Care! When I stared with them I had mentioned to Sarah about one day owning my own business. She remembered that and after working with them for 4 short months she and Phil gave me a great opportunity to come join them in their office. Sarah is by far the best boss I have ever worked for. Sarah and Phil are both very friendly, kind, and have a real passion for Senior Services. Love them and love my job. Thanks you all.”
“I am a current client of this provider Very positive experience with ABC. Live out of town and they took a call at 9:30 p.m. to help pick up my mother from an unexpected trip to the hospital. Great response to confirmation of future appointments and very friendly staff. Highly recommend.”
“I love the girls that come out to take of .y husband, they are so caring and they even make me feel better! Love Miss Sarah, she is so in tune to our needs, cant say enough good about this company, have told all Jeff's doctors that if they know a vet who needs a caregiver to be sure and use this agency!”
“Always Best Care has continually provided exemplary services to our residents and given much peace of mind to their families as well. They have always made themselves available to accommodate the needs of our residents at any time we have requested their services. Their team of caregivers are wonderful and the management is always so easy to work with us as a team. I highly recommend Always Best Care for you and/or your loved ones!”
“Amazing place to work and great staff who strive to better the lives of their clients!”
“Amazing place to work and great staff who strive to better the lives of their clients!”
“Amazing place to work and great staff who strive to better the lives of their clients!”
“I would absolutely recommend Always Best Senior Care. I’ve known Sarah and Phil for a long time, and their business and care operates at an exceptional level!”
“Other I highly recommend Always Best Care of Greater Lexington for your non-medical home care or assisted living placement needs. The owners, Phil and Sarah, are fabulous people and they have built a team around them that provides top-quality care. They take a very personal approach with their clients and caregivers, creating a true synergy for their clients, clients’ families and caregiving team.”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care of Greater Lexington for your non-medical home care or assisted living placement needs. The owners, Phil and Sarah, are fabulous people and they have built a team around them that provides top-quality care. They take a very personal approach with their clients and caregivers, creating a true synergy for their clients, clients’ families and caregiving team.”
“I have been friends with Sarah (the owner) for over 20 years and worked with her professionally for over 7 years. She is committed to excellence and integrity in all she does. She has a genuine caring for people and it will be apparent in the service her company provides.”
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“Always Best Care lives up to their name. My first call to them inquiring about their company had them in my home within two hours to answer questions and set up a care program for showering and other activities of daily living. The home aides they have provided have been observant and caring. Providing care when needed but also encouraging me to do for myself when possible. The agency has been helpful in providing paperwork and invoices for me to send to our insurance company.”
“I highly, highly recommend this company if you're considering in home care in Lexington KY for a parent or loved one. The caregivers, the office staff, you name it - they are all exceptional. If you or an elderly relative, friend, neighbor, etc. are in need of assistance at home, do not hesitate to contact Always Best Care Senior Services. Your mind will be at ease knowing that the person you care for is in excellent hands and receiving top notch care!!”
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 Jacobson 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 Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse - Lexington or visit The Loudoun House, 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 Lexington, KY, 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 Lexington, KY 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 Lexington, KY 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.
Lexington, KY – Trotting colt Jimdougie Armitage, a son of Captain Corey-Quick Bet, became the highest-priced horse ever sold during a second session of the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale when he was purchased for $750,000 by Ake Svanstedt Inc. on Tuesday at the Fasig-Tipton Pavilion.The previous high price on the sale’s second day came last year when pacing filly Naughty Beauty sold for $550,000.Jimdougie Armitage is the first foal out of Quick Bet, who is a full sister to 2024 Dan Patch Award-wi...
Lexington, KY – Trotting colt Jimdougie Armitage, a son of Captain Corey-Quick Bet, became the highest-priced horse ever sold during a second session of the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale when he was purchased for $750,000 by Ake Svanstedt Inc. on Tuesday at the Fasig-Tipton Pavilion.
The previous high price on the sale’s second day came last year when pacing filly Naughty Beauty sold for $550,000.
Jimdougie Armitage is the first foal out of Quick Bet, who is a full sister to 2024 Dan Patch Award-winner Winner’s Bet. The family also includes Hall of Famer Marion Marauder. Armitage Farm, which purchased Quick Bet in foal to Captain Corey in 2023, raised and consigned Jimdougie Armitage. The Pennsylvania-eligible colt was bred by S R F Stable, which was among the owners of Captain Corey during his racing days.
Captain Corey’s first crop is racing this year, and the stallion is the leading money-winning sire of 2-year-olds, with his 79 starters banking $2.86 million so far.
Jimdougie Armitage will be owned by a group comprised primarily of Captain Corey’s original owners, Ake Svanstedt said. The winner of the 2021 Hambletonian, Captain Corey was trained and driven by Svanstedt.
“We hoped, of course, that (Jimdougie Armitage) would be cheaper,” Svanstedt said with a laugh. “But he was a good-looking horse and a good family on the mother’s side. And the Captain Coreys have raced good this year, also.”
Svanstedt said Jimdougie Armitage reminded him of Captain Corey.
“This one looks like him, but many of (his offspring) do,” Svanstedt said. “They have the big front and big neck. He stamped them.”
Second on Tuesday’s list of top sellers was trotting colt Kountry Win, a son of first-crop sire King Of The North out of Winndevie. He sold for $425,000 to Brad Grant. He is a half-brother to filly Winnpanzee, a multiple winner this year in the Kentucky Sire Stakes Championship Series. The colt was bred by Ola Yoder and consigned by his Kountry Lane Standardbreds. He is Ontario and Kentucky eligible.
Trotting filly City Of Light, a daughter of Chapter Seven-Altar, was the third-highest seller, going for $300,000 to Nancy Takter, as agent. Her family includes Chorine Hanover, the dam of millionaire Possess The Magic and grandam of past Takter star Manchego. She was bred by Diamond Creek Farm and consigned by Alliance Bloodstock. She is New York and Kentucky eligible.
The top-selling pacer on Tuesday was colt Samuel Station, a son of Bulldog Hanover-Sloopy. He was purchased for $260,000 by Tony Alagna, as agent. The Ontario and Kentucky eligible was bred and consigned by Spring Station Bloodstock.
Tuesday’s group of 222 yearlings sold for a total of $19.1 million, an average of $86,333. Last year, 227 horses sold during the second session for $22.1 million and a day-two record average of $97,678.
Overall, 342 horses have sold this year for just shy of $41 million, averaging $119,787. Last year through two sessions, 344 horses sold for $44.4 million, an average of $129,265.
Andrew Harris, as agent for Bill Pollock, and Ake Svanstedt Inc. lead all buyers at the sale, with $2.285 million in purchases each.
The leading trotting sire through the two sessions was Walner, with 69 yearlings selling for a total of $10.078 million. Alrajah One IT led in average at $305,000 for two horses, followed by King Of The North ($211,250 for four), Father Patrick ($154,250 for four) and Captain Corey ($152,462 for 13).
On the pacing side, Captaintreacherous led in gross with 26 yearlings selling for $2.897 million. Bulldog Hanover was next, with 20 horses totaling $2.51 million. Downbytheseaside led in average at $189,875 for eight horses.
Prior to the start of Tuesday’s session, seven breedings were auctioned off to benefit this year’s Breeders Crown Charity Challenge.
The stallions, and winning bidders, were: Walner, Albert Crawford, $50,000; Captain Corey, Clear Creek Farm, $30,000; Sweet Lou, Greg Luther, $23,000; Tactical Landing, Clear Creek Farm, $20,000; Downbytheseaside, Greg Luther, $19,000; Bulldog Hanover, Adam Bowden, $12,000; Green Manalishi S, Stephen Palermo, $10,000.
The five-day sale will continue Wednesday and Thursday with 1 p.m. start times. Friday’s final session will begin at 7 p.m.
Find the sale’s catalog here. For the livestream, visit the sale’s company website here, and for complete results, click here.
It’s been two seasons since Kentucky high school soccer has had what felt like a legitimate math-based rankings system for its boys and girls teams.This season, the Rundell Rankings, a collaboration between West Jessamine boys assistant soccer coach Michael Rundell and friend and computer programmer Joseph Thacker, aimed to fill that void.The results, so far, have been impressive.“Being a coach in the state for a few years now, I remember how other coaches respected the Maher Rankings as the most accurate ref...
It’s been two seasons since Kentucky high school soccer has had what felt like a legitimate math-based rankings system for its boys and girls teams.
This season, the Rundell Rankings, a collaboration between West Jessamine boys assistant soccer coach Michael Rundell and friend and computer programmer Joseph Thacker, aimed to fill that void.
The results, so far, have been impressive.
“Being a coach in the state for a few years now, I remember how other coaches respected the Maher Rankings as the most accurate reflection of a team’s standing,” Rundell told the Herald-Leader earlier this month. “When Maher was no longer able to continue offering his site, I thought I might have the skills and connections to start something similar, as a coach, fan and science teacher.”
The Maher Rankings, which for many years ranked every boys and girls high school team in Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio, went dormant without explanation on its Facebook page at the end of the 2023 season.
While Kentucky girls soccer could turn to its coaches association’s polls in the interim, the boys game only had the sometimes-inexplicable MaxPreps rankings or worse, the Kentucky High School Athletic Association’s woeful RPI Standings, which has a formula that punishes any team who plays out-of-state competition. That out-of-state factor is less of a problem for football, where the RPI Standings are actually used to seed the latter half of the postseason. For all other sports, the RPI is not used for competitive purposes.
While rankings are in the eye of the beholder, the Rundell Rankings’ positioning of defending state champion Henry Clay at No. 1 as of Tuesday does not seem out of place given the Blue Devils’ wins over No. 8 Lafayette, No. 11 Woodford County and No. 18 Bryan Station along with a tie against No. 6 Paul Laurence Dunbar.
In contrast, MaxPreps ranks the Blue Devils at No. 6, while the KHSAA RPI has them at No. 11. That’s due to the KHSAA RPI formula giving a generic RPI rating of 0.53 (meaning that the opponent averages nearly as many losses as wins) to any out-of-state opponent.
Henry Clay’s two losses are to New Albany, Ohio, and Evansville (Indiana) Memorial, each among the best teams in its respective state.
The Rundell Rankings don’t factor out-of-state opponents into its rating system but reflect them in the team records. “This ensures that the rankings accurately reflect performance within Kentucky high school soccer while still maintaining a complete record of all games played,” according to the rankings’ website.
MaxPreps ranks St. Xavier as its No. 1 team. The Tigers are No. 8 in the RPI standings (with seven out-of-state opponents factored in). Bowling Green ranked No. 1 as of Tuesday in the RPI. It’s No. 5 in the Rundell and No. 3 on MaxPreps. Bowling Green hasn’t played any out-of-state opponents.
Rundell and Thacker based their rankings on the Elo rating system originated for chess and assigned every team an equal Elo value of 1300 before factoring results from each of the past two seasons. They then adjusted the rankings in preseason based on the number of returning varsity players each team had.
As this season’s results pile into the Rundell system, each team’s Elo rating changes in accordance to a number of factors, including how highly rated the teams playing each other are, whether the game was an upset based on its rankings and how close the game was. Postseason games will weigh more.
“I’ve been thrilled with it so far and look forward to seeing how the season plays out and how the ranking equation responds to the upcoming postseason,” Rundell said.
When girls No. 18 Paul Laurence Dunbar beat No. 2 Lexington Catholic on Sept. 17, the Bulldogs jumped nine spots on the Rundell chart.
There are only a few variations between the Rundell girls rankings and the latest Kentucky High School Girls Soccer Coaches Association Poll. The biggest difference to note is Rundell No. 6 Bowling Green being unranked by the KHSGSCA.
Lafayette coach Chris Grimm said he looked over Rundell earlier this season and said, at a glance, it looked OK by him. His Generals are in the top 10.
“It’s something for people to talk about,” Grimm said. “For us, when it goes in your favor, you try to temper the expectations a little bit and be like, ‘Oh, we’re not as good as what the ranking said.’ But when it’s against you, you say ‘Hey, look how much disrespect we’re getting!’ You can use it as a coach on both sides.”
The postseasons will determine the real No. 1s over the next few weeks. And Tuesday’s scheduled boys game featuring No. 1 Henry Clay at No. 2 St. Xavier might settle at least one argument until then.
In our Inside Look stories, Herald-Leader journalists take you inside places around Lexington and Kentucky that you maybe haven't seen before. Story idea? [email protected] longtime Lexington restaurant location inside a historic building is returning with an updated look that includes a new dining room addition.The new restaurant, Millstone, hopes to open with a casual, upscale Kentucky-influenced menu at the end of October or early November in Dudley Square at 380 South Mill Street.Executi...
In our Inside Look stories, Herald-Leader journalists take you inside places around Lexington and Kentucky that you maybe haven't seen before. Story idea? [email protected].
A longtime Lexington restaurant location inside a historic building is returning with an updated look that includes a new dining room addition.
The new restaurant, Millstone, hopes to open with a casual, upscale Kentucky-influenced menu at the end of October or early November in Dudley Square at 380 South Mill Street.
Executive chef and owner Tyler Murray has been renovating the space that was famously known as Dudley’s for 28 years before the fine dining restaurant moved to Short Street in 2010. In April 2012, Sabio’s, which featured an international menu, opened in the space but lasted only four years.
The renovation in the historic South Hill neighborhood, near the University of Kentucky campus and downtown, includes a new outdoor patio and a 1,130-square-foot addition that will be the main dining room.
“I think it’s going to be something really special here in Lexington,” said Murray, who has 15 years experience leading restaurants, most recently coming back to his home state as executive chef for UK dining.
Murray said it was a challenge to renovate and add onto the building while also keeping its historic touches. The building was constructed in 1881 and served as a school until 1932.
“That was absolutely a significant thought on everything,” said Murray. “We wanted to be able to keep the integrity and the look of the building with adding an addition that had some updates to it, but we didn’t want to go crazy.”
For example, original exposed brick and archways are woven into new addition touches, like a mural in the bar area. Accordion-style windows in the new addition have made the dining room open, light and airy.
“We’re inside, still, but it feels outside,” said Murray. “I think we’re elevated and away from the road enough where it feels like you’re not up on it.”
Right outside the new windows is the new patio, shaded by two huge tulip poplar trees, one of which the deck was built around. Murray said they paid extra attention to preserving the two trees during the additions.
“It makes this space really, really cool,” said Murray.
The seasonal patio will not be covered, instead using the shade from the trees, and will seat about 30 for dining, Murray said. There will also be lounge-style seating with sofas.
The added main dining room will seat 68, and what Murray is calling the Library (Dudley’s former bar area), will have seating for 30-40 and will also be used for private events. A newly created bar with 12-13 barstools, plus additional seating, is where Dudley’s main dining room was.
Murray said everything on Millstone’s menu will be made in-house, leaning into a Kentucky and regional influence.
“We’re going to be simple and approachable with really high quality, to where the consistency is flawless every time you come in,” said Murray, who wasn’t ready to give a price point on the menu just yet.
“The idea is casual, upscale, and referring to the Lexington market, we’re looking at that kind of mid-tier. We’re not going to be your high-end, high-price menu, but we are going to be a step up from a casual chain.”
Murray said his time overseeing UK dining has proven invaluable getting local beef and poultry.
“My five years over on campus was incredible in building relationships with Kentucky farmers and Kentucky producers,” said Murray.
Where: 380 South Mill Street, inside Dudley Square
Opening: end of October or early November
Parking: More than 60 spots in two lots plus street parking
Online: instagram.com/millstone.lex
One year and one week ago, Hurricane Helene became the deadliest storm of its kind to hit the United States since Katrina. Ripping into the East Coast, its effects stretched far inland. Even here in Lexington, the storm caused widespread damage and power outages. Kentucky born country renegade Sturgill Simpson went ahead with a Rupp Arena concert scheduled that weekend, telling his audience he was determined not to let “a (expletive) hurricane” derail his show.The performance was one of the few signs of normalcy across a v...
One year and one week ago, Hurricane Helene became the deadliest storm of its kind to hit the United States since Katrina. Ripping into the East Coast, its effects stretched far inland. Even here in Lexington, the storm caused widespread damage and power outages. Kentucky born country renegade Sturgill Simpson went ahead with a Rupp Arena concert scheduled that weekend, telling his audience he was determined not to let “a (expletive) hurricane” derail his show.
The performance was one of the few signs of normalcy across a vast portion of the Eastern United States. The further East you went, the worse it got. One the hardest hit areas was Western North Carolina. Helene’s flooding decimated the Black Mountains region, shut down Asheville and wiped out a large section of I-40.
The winds and rains of Helene also devastated Granite Falls, a city of roughly 5,000 located in Caldwell County. It’s the hometown of Eric Church. One of the most visible, outspoken and prolific songsmiths to come out of a new generation of country music artists, Church had been off the road since his Outsiders Revival Tour had concluded a year earlier. It was one of the few extended breaks Church awarded himself since becoming an arena headliner in the early 2010s.
Wheels were already in motion for a career return in September 2024 with considerable recording already complete for what would become his eighth studio album, “Evangeline Vs. the Machine.” Helene, however, accelerated dramatically Church’s full return to active duty.
Within a month of the storm’s landfall, Church and fellow country celebrity Luke Combs — a native of Huntersville, situated just one hour to the Southeast of Granite Falls — jointly organized and presented the Concert for Carolina, a massive benefit at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte (a city also damaged by Helene). Along with the two megastar headliners, the bill included Billy Strings, James Taylor, Sheryl Crow, Keith Urban, The Avett Brothers and others.
Concert for Carolina drew a crowd in excess of 82,000 with a streaming audience estimated at 7.1 million that reached viewers in all 50 states and 30 countries. It raised over $24 million for hurricane relief efforts that went to organizations selected by Church and Combs.
And that was just the onstage response to Helene. Church had something else to share. Among the songs already completed for “Evangeline Vs. the Machine” when the storm hit was “Darkest Hour.” Boasting a warm, vintage soul feel and a light, high tenor vocal performance that made it almost unrecognizable as a Church recording, the tune reflected a feeling of comfort and hope.
Although there were no plans to issue it until the entire “Evangeline” album was released in May 2025, “Darkest Hour” was deemed a song that could further assist in hurricane recovery. It was offered as a single to country radio on October 4, a week after Helen’s landfall. It wasn’t one of Church’s biggest hits. It didn’t top the country charts the way “Drink in My Hand” or “Springsteen” did a decade earlier. But because of the time and need, it stands as one his most important recordings.
Listening to “Darkest Hour” now, one can’t help but view the song as a premonition of sorts, that its service of solace in the aftermath of some unforeseen calamity was going to be required.
“All I really know is I never know what’s coming around the bend,” Church sings, again with a light, early ‘70s pop-soul air. “But you should know you’re not alone. Hang on and hold my hand.”
Church performed “Darkest Hour” as the final song of his Concert for Carolina set and again at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville for November’s Country Music Association (CMA) Awards. He also donated publishing rights from the song to Helene relief efforts.
So we are, one year later with the Carolinas and surrounding regions still healing from Helene and Church back in full touring mode. “Evangeline Vs. the Machine” has been out for five months with the subsequent Free the Machine Tour having gotten underway in mid-September. It’s fitting that Lexington falls as only the 10th city on a tour slated (for now) to last through April 2026. He has been playing here regularly since opening for Sara Evans at a July 4th Red, White and Boom show (when the event was staged in the parking out outside Rupp) in 2006.
Those early performances proved a training ground for Church songs that often fell outside the country mainstream. From my review of a 2011 Rupp concert where he opened for Jason Aldean:
“Church’s faith in high octane guitar crunch and Steve Earle-style narratives was initially intriguing but ultimately derivative of the source inspirations it so purposely mirrored. “These Boots” became a hoot, though, when Church held one of his boots in the air as a trophy, causing many audience patrons to do the same.
“’I don’t care,’ said a female fan at my right to her male companion in what became the audience quote of the night. ‘I’m not taking off my shoes for this guy.’”
Church reveled in an outsider persona, though, when he attained headliner status, even to the point of naming his 2014 album “The Outsiders.” He deviated from the Nashville norm in how he presented his shows (sometimes solo acoustic, sometimes mammoth three- hour full band affairs), in the types of opening acts he enlisted (including South Carolina blues-rock guitar sensation Marcus King, who will open for Church this weekend at Rupp) and, of course, in the subject matter of his songs.
Topping the list of the latter is a 2021 slice of the times saga that flew in the face of corporate country’s sense of social pride.
The introductory verse:
“Take me on up to Detroit cityJails are full, the factories empty Momma’s cryin’, young boys dyin’ Under that red, white, and blue still flyin’”
The tune’s sentiment was cemented in its title: “Stick That in Your Country Song.” Released as part of Church’s 2021 triple album opus “Heart & Soul,” the song achieved gold album status in sales, but charted modestly compared to other Church hits after stalling in the Top 20.
Upon the song’s release, Jon Caramanica of The New York Times labelled Church as “the most accessible of country music’s heretics” – and seemed to mean it as a compliment. Kinda. Ultimately, though, “Stick That in Your Country Song” seems to fall right in line for a singer who was famously fired from an opening slot on a 2006 Rascal Flatts tour for playing too long. His replacement was a 16-year old newcomer by the name of Taylor Swift.
Church heads back to Lexington this weekend for his fifth outing as a headliner (four at Rupp and one as a 2016 returnee to Red, White and Boom) with a new single that sidesteps country radio’s requisite themes of beer, trucks and inconsolable heartbreak. Church wrote it after dropping his two sons off to school in the days following the March 2023 shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville that took the lives of three children and three adults. The tragedy stands as the deadliest school shooting in Tennessee history.
Titled “Johnny,” Church performed the song with a full vocal choir last week on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Prior to the performance, he explained how a 1979 hit by The Charlie Daniels Band provided unintended inspiration for the song.
“It didn’t register at the time, but Charlie Daniels’ ‘Devil Went Down to Georgia’ was on the radio,” Church told Fallon. “There’s that line, ‘Johnny, rosin up your bow, play your fiddle hard. Cause hell broke loose in Georgia and the devil deals the cards, and if you win you get this shiny fiddle made of gold, if you lose, the devil gets your soul.’
“I remember thinking, ‘The Devil is not in Georgia, he’s here.’’
With opening act The Marcus King Band
When: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 3
Where: Rupp Arena, 430 W. Vine
Tickets: $54.80-$237.15
College, high school and pro sports events in Lexington, Kentucky, scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 1-Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025 (subject to change):Wednesday, Oct. 1Equestrian: UPHA Chapter 9 KY Fall Classic Horse Show at Kentucky Horse Park, all day.High school soccer (girls): Henry Clay at Lexington Christian, 7:30 p.m.; Lafayette at Frederick Douglass, 8 p.m.Thursday, Oct. 2Equestrian: UPHA Chapter 9 KY Fall Classic Horse Show at Kentucky Horse Park, all day.High school...
College, high school and pro sports events in Lexington, Kentucky, scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 1-Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025 (subject to change):
Equestrian: UPHA Chapter 9 KY Fall Classic Horse Show at Kentucky Horse Park, all day.
High school soccer (girls): Henry Clay at Lexington Christian, 7:30 p.m.; Lafayette at Frederick Douglass, 8 p.m.
Equestrian: UPHA Chapter 9 KY Fall Classic Horse Show at Kentucky Horse Park, all day.
High school soccer (boys): North Laurel at Paul Laurence Dunbar, 6 p.m.; Garrard County at Lexington Christian, 7:30 p.m.; Frederick Douglass at Tates Creek, 7:45 p.m.; West Jessamine at Lafayette, 8 p.m.
College softball: Kentucky vs. Georgetown College (exhibition) at John Cropp Stadium, 6 p.m.
Equestrian: UPHA Chapter 9 KY Fall Classic Horse Show at Kentucky Horse Park, all day.
Horse racing: Thoroughbred racing at Keeneland, 1 p.m.; Harness racing at Red Mile, 1 p.m.
College soccer (men’s): Kentucky vs. James Madison at Bell Soccer Complex, 7 p.m.
Equestrian: UPHA Chapter 9 KY Fall Classic Horse Show at Kentucky Horse Park, all day; Arabian Legacy Horse Show at Kentucky Horse Park, all day.
Horse racing: Thoroughbred racing at Keeneland, 1 p.m.; Harness racing at Red Mile, 1 p.m.
Athletics: Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Kentucky Horse Park, 1:30 p.m.
College soccer (women’s): Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt at Bell Soccer Complex, 1 p.m.
College tennis (men’s): Transylvania vs. Kentucky Wesleyan at Top Seed Tennis Club, 1 p.m.
Equestrian: Arabian Legacy Horse Show at Kentucky Horse Park, all day.
Horse racing: Thoroughbred racing at Keeneland, 1 p.m.; Harness racing at Red Mile, 1 p.m.
College golf (men’s): Kentucky hosts Cullan Brown Collegiate at Lexington Country Club, all day.
High school soccer (boys): 42nd District Tournament at Henry Clay, Sayre vs. Frederick Douglass, 6:15 p.m. … 43rd District Tournament at Lexington Catholic, Tates Creek vs. Lexington Christian, 6:30 p.m.
High school soccer (girls): 43rd District Tournament at Lexington Christian, Lexington Christian vs. Tates Creek, 6 p.m. … 42nd District Tournament at Henry Clay, Sayre vs. Scott County, 8 p.m.
High school volleyball (girls): Frankfort at Lexington Christian, 7:30 p.m.
College golf (men’s): Kentucky hosts Cullan Brown Collegiate at Lexington Country Club, all day.
High school soccer (boys): 42nd District Tournament semifinals at Henry Clay, Henry Clay vs. Sayre-Douglass winner, 6:15 p.m. … 43rd District Tournament semifinals at Lexington Catholic, Lafayette vs. Tates Creek-Lexington Christian winner, 6 p.m.; Paul Laurence Dunbar vs. Lexington Catholic, 8 p.m.
High school soccer (girls): 43rd District Tournament semifinals at Lexington Christian, Paul Laurence Dunbar vs. Lexington Christian-Tates Creek winner, 6 p.m.; Lafayette vs. Lexington Catholic, 7:30 p.m. … 42nd District Tournament semifinals, Frederick Douglass vs. Sayre-Scott County winner, 8 p.m.
High school volleyball (girls): Trinity Christian at Henry Clay, 7 p.m.; Paul Laurence Dunbar at Lexington Catholic, 7:30 p.m.
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