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 Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum 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 Mill Creek, IN 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.
“Our mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer and immediately needed meds administered multiple times a”
“I have worked alongside Always Best Care and they have been amazing. Very quick”
“ABC is a great place to be! Thank you Patti, Stephanie, and Michele for all”
“Best Company I’ve ever encountered. I love how flexible and efficient they are. I love”
“Always Best Care has been exceptional the four years i’ve worked there. The staff and”
“I give always best care of 5 stars. They are caring and have a sincere”
“it is my pleasure to leave a review for the Coffee need that support the”
“I have worked with more home health agencies than I care to remember, both in”
“We used ABC several years ago for my dad, after he had a stroke. I”
“We used ABC several years ago for my dad, after he had a stroke. I”
“I love the company I think they really do care about the employee the residents”
“I love working for Always Best Care The staff is very helpful, encouraging wonderful, loving”
“Always Best Care gives great encouragement and support to their caregivers during any situation or”
“Stephanie Stevens is a great CSD! Thanks for all you do!”
“Always Best care is amazing!”
“Always Best Care is a great company. Not only do they provide the best care”
“We have used Always Best Care two different times for our Mother. Both times the”
“Hi my name is Linda and I've been working with always best care for 2”
“I have used quite a few different providers and ABC is by far the best”
“Always best care has always been there when I needed them! They make it convenient for”
“Great place to work at very professional and appreciative for their staff”
“Overall a great company to work for! They do a wonderful job recognizing caregivers; from”
“They really help people when they need it”
“I've had caregivers for about 5 years now. Only having been disappointed and frustrated. Since”
“Carole is an excellent caring professional. She has been extremely helpful in advising us and”
“Our mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer and immediately needed meds administered multiple times a day. After speaking to the independent living center where she resided, our family decided to hire Always Best Care for the meds (and then later for 24-hour aids). We cannot say enough about Darlene and Candy, as well as the numerous aids. Even at the end when our mom no longer needed the meds, they would often stop by to see her anyway. We generally do not give reviews of companies, but their caring approach was exceptional and we decided it was appropriate for others who need these services to know about our experience.”
“I have worked alongside Always Best Care and they have been amazing. Very quick to help out patients in need and staff is very polite and professional.”
“ABC is a great place to be! Thank you Patti, Stephanie, and Michele for all you do! You all are Awesome & thank you for the honors of being part of the team also acknowledging myself for Employee of the Month of March! You all are appreciated”
“Best Company I’ve ever encountered. I love how flexible and efficient they are. I love the open door policy. Michelle is my favorite schedule she does an amazing job with communication.”
“Always Best Care has been exceptional the four years i’ve worked there. The staff and schedulers, especially Michele, are helpful in finding compatibility for your clients, they’re also flexible in scheduling hours. Great company, great staff.”
“I give always best care of 5 stars. They are caring and have a sincere heart I love working with this agency..”
“it is my pleasure to leave a review for the Coffee need that support the most I would like Stephanie Kramer for supporting me and helping me get through my work schedules and feel comfortable at my place of employment. I am sad to see that she left Scheduling , but she still tries her best to help everyone even with her new position. Her dedication means everything I would like to Tasha as well for communicating with me so much I also cannot forget Patricia and Michelle as well. You ladies help me so much with my client. I greatly appreciate you ladies. I appreciate all of the hard work and dedication that you ladies have with meeting me halfway when it comes to our job it definitely makes everything much easier. Keep up the great work as well as the rest of the staff thank you ladies for everything that you do and congratulations Monique on your new position.”
“I have worked with more home health agencies than I care to remember, both in GA and MI, when I worked in healthcare; and I have to say that Always Best Care is one of the best home health care agencies that I have found since the early 90's !!! I have been a client with Always Best Care since February 2022 and I have been extremely pleased with the help I have received both from my caregivers and the office staff. All the staff work hard and the quality of care is exceptional!!! The few occasions that I didn't like a caregiver because of either poor work ethic or personality, Always Best Care always took care of finding another caregiver to better meet my needs ASAP!! When I first started with Always Best Care I did get a few caregivers that weren't a good fit. But, within a very short period of time my scheduler learned my specific needs and personality and she found caregivers for me that were a wonderful match!! As in every area of healthcare, the high turnover of employees is to be expected!!! But, Always Best Care has always made sure that I have a new caregiver that matches my needs and expectations!! I have and would, highly recommend Always Best Care for your home health daily care!!”
“We used ABC several years ago for my dad, after he had a stroke. I called a few months ago to set up a care plan for my elderly mom. She had a hip replaced, and lives alone. I knew we would feel better having someone there to help her and visit with her until she could get up and around on her own. ABC works through our scheduling nightmares (mom tends to send people home early, and tell them not to come back)….and they have been SO patient with our ever changing and increasing needs for mom. Their response time and communication are impeccable!!”
“We used ABC several years ago for my dad, after he had a stroke. I called a few months ago to set up a care plan for my elderly mom. She had a hip replaced, and lives alone. I knew we would feel better having someone there to help her and visit with her until she could get up and around on her own. ABC works through our scheduling nightmares (mom tends to send people home early, and tell them not to come back)….and they have been SO patient with our ever changing and increasing needs for mom. Their response time and communication are impeccable!!”
“I love the company I think they really do care about the employee the residents”
“I love working for Always Best Care The staff is very helpful, encouraging wonderful, loving family. Thank you for the opportunity of serving for your company thank you to Michelle, who is always looking out for me and making sure that I have the hours that I need.”
“Always Best Care gives great encouragement and support to their caregivers during any situation or time of need. The care and dedication to their staff is incredible and I throughly enjoy my time working along side them!”
“Stephanie Stevens is a great CSD! Thanks for all you do!”
“Always Best care is amazing!”
“Always Best Care is a great company. Not only do they provide the best care for their clients, but they go above and beyond for their staff as well.”
“We have used Always Best Care two different times for our Mother. Both times the care was excellent. I have referred Always Best Care to several people.”
“Hi my name is Linda and I've been working with always best care for 2 years now and it's a great atmosphere I like coming in to work meeting new people. It's a place that's kind friendly and it makes you feel at home it makes you feel that you're working with people that understand you know you're different needs your different hours and if something come up they are there to help you with anything that you need help with it's a great company I'm so glad I signed up with the company I signed up a little bit after the pandemic and I just needed somewhere that I could really consider myself at home or I find a home and I have I'm amazed at how the people are so nice when you talk to them on the phone how nice they are friendly you can tell this saying it with a smile I enjoy working there I tell people ask me where I work at always best care they like what yeah always best care yes it's a nice company sign up with it you won't regret it I'm glad I do it I'm really glad I did”
“I have used quite a few different providers and ABC is by far the best company. From the office staff to the caregivers, they are doing what they love and it shows.”
“Always best care has always been there when I needed them! They make it convenient for me to take care of my father. I most definitely recommend them!”
“Great place to work at very professional and appreciative for their staff”
“Overall a great company to work for! They do a wonderful job recognizing caregivers; from big recognition like a monthly caregiver award and random drawings, to small recognition such as any time you visit the office you are free to grab snacks, beverages, gear and more often than not there is some type of food they have ordered that is available. They really don’t hold back in this area! There has been quite a bit of changes made in office positions within the last year. Response time, outside of the scheduling department, can be improved upon.”
“They really help people when they need it”
“I've had caregivers for about 5 years now. Only having been disappointed and frustrated. Since Always Best Care came into my life, my worries have ended. I never knew if previous caregivers were going to show up, or do what I needed. Everytime they would complete a task, they would sit down and be on their phone. Kari and Jamisha finish a task and right to the next. No problems. My mind has been put at ease. They are very professional yet so so friendly. They ask, what else they can do for me. I also have my ABC emergency call button. Now I have peace of mind if an emergency should arise. My case coordinator Stephanie Stevens. Stays right on top of my case. Thank you so much for making my life easier. I have recommended your company to others that may need assistance in the future.”
“Carole is an excellent caring professional. She has been extremely helpful in advising us and in scheduling care. With respect to the caregivers, we have no complaints. We want to give a special thank you to Rhona for her time and effort in creating a special bond with our mother.”
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 Highlands 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 Rare Society or visit Mukilteo Lighthouse, 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 Mill Creek, IN, 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 Mill Creek, IN 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 Mill Creek, IN 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.
Aldi will build a supermarket on West Ridge Road in Millcreek, near Walmart.Millcreek Township supervisors on May 27 approved a land development plan for construction of the Aldi Millcreek Town Center.The new store will be among 800 that Aldi plans to open through 2028, according to the company's five-year growth plan. The chain will open 225 new stores this year alone, "the most stores Aldi will open in one year in its nearly 50-year U.S. history," according to a February ...
Aldi will build a supermarket on West Ridge Road in Millcreek, near Walmart.
Millcreek Township supervisors on May 27 approved a land development plan for construction of the Aldi Millcreek Town Center.
The new store will be among 800 that Aldi plans to open through 2028, according to the company's five-year growth plan. The chain will open 225 new stores this year alone, "the most stores Aldi will open in one year in its nearly 50-year U.S. history," according to a February announcement.
Approximately 220 of the new stores will be former Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket locations in the southeastern United States. Those stores will be converted to the Aldi format through 2027.
New Aldi locations planned in the Northeast, Midwest and West will include the Aldi Millcreek Town Center to be built on leased land on the north side of West Ridge Road, east of Millfair Road.
The new store will measure 21,831 square feet and will have 87 parking spaces.
No timetable has been given for construction.
Aldi is the third largest grocery chain in the United States.
The no-frills, discount grocery chain was founded in Germany in 1961. The first American Aldi supermarket opened in Iowa in 1976.
Also known for its 25-cent cart rental for shopping, the chain today has more than 2,400 stores in 38 states, including 120 stores opened last year.
Aldi currently operates three Erie area stores, on West 12th Street in Millcreek, on Downs Drive in Summit Township and on Buffalo Road in Harborcreek.
Zem Zem is sectioning off a small part of its Shrine Club property in Millcreek.Millcreek Township supervisors on Tuesday approved its plan to subdivide its land at West 38th Street and Zuck Road to create a separate 3.1-acre parcel at the northeastern corner of the property, near Our Lady of Peace Church. Zem Zem plans to build a new, smaller Shrine Club there.The existing club and remaining 42.6 acres are for sale. Millcreek Township supervisors signed a letter of intent to buy the property for $3.6 million in December. The p...
Zem Zem is sectioning off a small part of its Shrine Club property in Millcreek.
Millcreek Township supervisors on Tuesday approved its plan to subdivide its land at West 38th Street and Zuck Road to create a separate 3.1-acre parcel at the northeastern corner of the property, near Our Lady of Peace Church. Zem Zem plans to build a new, smaller Shrine Club there.
The existing club and remaining 42.6 acres are for sale. Millcreek Township supervisors signed a letter of intent to buy the property for $3.6 million in December. The proposed purchase is contingent on final approval after a five-month due diligence period that allows the township to explore the condition of the building and the feasibility of using it as a community center.
Study findings will be presented to the public next week.
The club is too large for today's membership and needs, Zem Zem trustee and past president Jim Richardson told supervisors Tuesday.
'We are asking for this subdivision so that we can market a piece of property that is measurably larger than what we can use any longer," Richardson said. "We're anticipating marketing the building as well as the over 42 acres of land. And we plan on retaining, with subdivision approval, the parcel that is 3.16 acres with the expectation that we'll be building a new building at that location at some later date.
"We're essentially right-sizing for our building," Richardson said.
The existing Shrine Club measures approximately 40,000 square feet. The property includes a parking lot, lawn and woods.
The current club was built after a previous club at 124 E. Eighth St. in Erie burned in 1980.
The Millcreek location opened in 1984.
The founder of Cruise the Creek in Youngstown reopened the electric bike rentals in May which are allowed on the Mill Creek trails.Before hitting the trails, here are some reminders for residents to safely experience e-bikes this spring.Operator Patrick Simms founded Cruise the Creek, which is officially into its second year of partnership with Mill Creek MetroParks in Youngstown.“Following the success of ...
The founder of Cruise the Creek in Youngstown reopened the electric bike rentals in May which are allowed on the Mill Creek trails.
Before hitting the trails, here are some reminders for residents to safely experience e-bikes this spring.
Operator Patrick Simms founded Cruise the Creek, which is officially into its second year of partnership with Mill Creek MetroParks in Youngstown.
“Following the success of our original Bears Den Road location, launched in 2022, Mill Creek MetroParks approached us to manage the Kirk Road location due to a vendor change,” Simms said.
Simms manages the two Cruise the Creek e-bike pickup and drop-off locations: at the Kirk Road trailhead in Canfield and at Bears Den Road at the Scholl Recreational Pavilion in Youngstown.
“The Kirk Road trailhead offers a calm experience where guests can travel north towards the Niles Greenway or south towards the MetroParks farms in Canfield,” Simms said. “The terrain is generally straight and flat, making it ideal for first-time e-bike riders.”
He said more confident riders can test their experience out at Bears Den Road pickup and drop-off depot.
“This location provides an exciting experience where guests can explore Mill Creek’s popular attractions like Lanterman’s Mill, the Suspension Bridge, Lily Pond and the Rose Garden. The area features many hills, twists, and turns, showcasing our e-bikes’ capabilities,” he said.
To get an e-bike at both Cruise the Creek locations, make a reservation online. Once you receive an email confirming your rental, you’ll be able to pick up your bikes.
Riders have to follow the MetroParks Bikeway regulations, including following a maximum speed of 15 miles per hour.
Simms said he has a great working relationship with Mill Creek administration.
“We promptly notify them of any necessary upgrades at the Kirk Road facility, and they address them quickly. We also maintain direct communication regarding operating hours, reports and any concerns,” Simms said.
As e-bikes gain popularity in the Mahoning Valley, Simms said he closely monitors ways to improve safety on the roads for electric bikes.
“I aim to be a voice for e-bikers, highlighting that it’s a convenient and inexpensive way to travel,” Simms said. “Currently, bikes aren’t commonly seen on the road as a means of transportation, not due to a lack of desire, but because it’s often unsafe.”
Simms was recruited by Ronnell Elkins, owner of YoGo Bikeshare, to be part of a new advocacy organization.
“The YO Motion committee brings together various biking organizations around the area,” he said.
With the increase in distracted driving and the absence of dedicated markings or infrastructure on roadways for bicyclists, he said many drivers aren’t looking out for cyclists or pedestrians.
“We aim to educate others on crucial e-bike-related issues, including: Adult supervision, traffic laws and road behavior, speeding, rider inexperience and lack of proper training,” Simms said. “Now that we also sell electric bikes, we emphasize these points with every purchase.”
On June 29, YO Motion is hosting a free, family-friendly community bike ride that’s free on the Midlothian Corridor bike lane in Youngstown.
MILLCREEK — Construction will begin soon on the upper section of Mill Creek Canyon Road, which will also impact some access in the popular canyon over the next two summers.The Upper Mill Creek Canyon project will finally get underway on May 1 after a few years of planning between the U.S. Forest Service, Salt Lake County and Millcreek. Crews are slated to repair the road beyond th...
MILLCREEK — Construction will begin soon on the upper section of Mill Creek Canyon Road, which will also impact some access in the popular canyon over the next two summers.
The Upper Mill Creek Canyon project will finally get underway on May 1 after a few years of planning between the U.S. Forest Service, Salt Lake County and Millcreek. Crews are slated to repair the road beyond the canyon’s winter gate, which extends a little more than 4½ miles toward the Little Water Trailhead.
No vehicle, bicycle or pedestrian will be allowed beyond the winter gate toward the end of the road, said Adam Shaw, a district ranger for the U.S. Forest Service, as he stood by the canyon gate Thursday. A few trails, including the Little Water and Old Red Pine trails, will be closed, as well as any access to the Little Water Trail from Dog Lake.
However, Shaw said all other trails will remain open. The Pipeline and Upper Pipeline trails will “serve as the main routes between the upper and lower sections of the canyon,” allowing for access to “most of your favorite spots,” county officials noted.
Once underway, crews will work to repair the “distressed and eroding” roadway during the closure, according to a project description. It ultimately received $19.6 million in federal funds, most of which came from the Federal Highway Administration’s Federal Lands Access Program in 2021. Local entities chipped in over $9 million in matching funds, said Helen Peters, director of regional planning and transportation for Salt Lake County.
“(It will) make sure that the water is being directed in the right way,” she added, pointing to current environmental concerns.
The project also calls for expanded trailhead facilities to be constructed to add more parking, while uphill bike lanes will be added “where possible” to account for the growing traffic up the canyon over the past few years. Improvements that could lead to new transit access in the future will also be included, should that be added someday.
The project is slated to be completed by the end of 2026, with a winter construction hiatus between Dec. 15 of this year and March 15, 2026. Access to winter recreation sites will be available during the pause in construction, but access will be affected again next summer.
County officials will continue to post construction updates online in case there are any major changes over the next two years.
“While it’s going to be frustrating not being able to use this beautiful space for the next couple of years, it’ll be so much better when we get done,” said Millcreek Mayor Jeff Silvestrini. “We want to make this place safer, and one of the things that the road improvements will do is make it more accessible for emergency vehicles if they have to get up here.”
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MILLCREEK CANYON, Utah — Millcreek Canyon Road construction begins on May 1. Crews will begin repairing 4.6 miles of the upper road.According to Salt Lake County, the project will improve safety, access to recreational areas and address water drainage and erosion issues. Uphill bike lanes will also be added, in some areas. The construction zone will stretch from the winter gate to the Upper Big Water Trailhead.A ...
MILLCREEK CANYON, Utah — Millcreek Canyon Road construction begins on May 1. Crews will begin repairing 4.6 miles of the upper road.
According to Salt Lake County, the project will improve safety, access to recreational areas and address water drainage and erosion issues. Uphill bike lanes will also be added, in some areas. The construction zone will stretch from the winter gate to the Upper Big Water Trailhead.
A project document said the speed limit on Millcreek Canyon Road will remain at 30 miles per hour. At some curves, lower speeds would be marked. Additionally, some parking areas will be reformatted.
Currently, the canyon’s road experiences unnecessary congestion and safety issues, according to a Frequently-Asked-Questions document published by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The project is slated to last until 2026. Vehicle and pedestrian access will be unavailable during the project. A pause will be taken from Dec. of this year until March 2026.
In the winter, the road above the winter gate is groomed for cross country skiing. A project document explained that the winter closure period, between Dec. 15 and March 15, would allow for winter recreation.
As the project continues, updates will be shared to Salt Lake County Regional Development’s social media profiles. Additionally, the project website will be updated, and an email list can be joined to stay up to date.
The 2025 construction season is expected to consist of survey staking, earthwork, and constructing retaining walls.
Retaining walls will help widen the road, per the project document.
The Federal Highway Administration Central Federal Lands will lead the project and Salt Lake County, Millcreek City, and the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest service will cooperate. Project funding is being provided through the Federal Lands Access Program.
This project is the first of two Millcreek Canyon Road construction phases. The second will impact the lower portion of the canyon, from the fee booth to the winter gate.
Although vehicle and pedestrian access to the winter road will be halted during the project, the county said trails, such as Pipeline and Upper Pipeline, will remain open.
“These trails will serve as key routes for hikers and bikers navigating the canyon during the project,” Salt Lake County wrote in a press release.
For example, the Pipeline trail can be accessed via the Rattlesnake Gulch and Grandeur Peak trail heads, which have parking lots below the winter gate. Pipeline provides access to Upper Pipeline and other trails that originate in the construction area.
KSL.com reported that some trails will be closed during construction, listing Little Water, Old Red Rine, and access to Dog Lake.
Dog Lake is also accessible via Big Cottonwood Canyon. No pets are allowed in that canyon, despite the name of the shallow, forested body of water.
In Millcreek Canyon, pets are allowed. Dogs must remain on-leash on even numbered days, but can be off-leash on trails on odd-numbered days.
A map of trails off Millcreek Canyon Road. (Salt Lake County)
During the Millcreek Canyon Road construction, visitors are being encouraged to plan ahead for any visits. SLCo recommended examining trail maps ahead of time and carpooling to your destination.
Accessing Millcreek Canyon costs $5 per car, which is paid upon exiting the canyon. Senior citizens get a discounted entry fee of $3. Alternatively, a yearly pass can be purchased for $50.
It should be noted that Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest and interagency passes are not valid in Millcreek Canyon.
Detailed trail information can be found on the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest website.
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