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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

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

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Home Care In Mill Creek, IN

Home Care Mill Creek, IN

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.

 In-Home Care Mill Creek, IN

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Eric M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Jill W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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”

Sowana H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Angelnique T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I give always best care of 5 stars. They are caring and have a sincere heart I love working with this agency..”

Deniva J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Alexis E.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Doninique W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!!”

Candace
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!!”

Amy L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!!”

Amy L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Jazzmine .
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Kaitlyn S.
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“I love the company I think they really do care about the employee the residents”

Falon S.
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“Stephanie Stevens is a great CSD! Thanks for all you do!”

Stephanie S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best care is amazing!”

Patti V.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Monique B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Michelle P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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”

Linda M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Stacy F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Wendy O.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Great place to work at very professional and appreciative for their staff”

JerelCDBErep C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Natalie C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“They really help people when they need it”

Caroline
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Gary M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Melissa E.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Mill Creek, IN?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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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.

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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.

 Senior Care Mill Creek, IN

Types of Elderly Care in Mill Creek, IN

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal 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:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Mill Creek, IN
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

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:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Mill Creek, IN
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

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:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Mill Creek, IN
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

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.

 In-Home Care Mill Creek, IN

Benefits of Home Care in Mill Creek, IN

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:

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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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - 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.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

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.

 Elderly Care Mill Creek, IN

Affordable 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:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your IN's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Mill Creek, IN

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in 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.

Assisted Living Referral Services

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.


Respite Care Mill Creek, IN

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:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Mill Creek, IN

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:

  • Cogir of Mill Creek
  • Bluebird Millcreek AFH
  • Cottages at Mill Creek
  • A Happy Home Adult Family Home
  • Mill Creek Adult Family Home
  • Brookdale Arbor Place
Home Care Mill Creek, IN

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.

 In-Home Care Mill Creek, IN

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced 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

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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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.

 Elderly Care Mill Creek, IN

Latest News in Mill Creek, IN

Restaurant News: Located in nearby Mill Creek, Rare Society steakhouse rivals those in New York City

For almost a year, several My Neighborhood News readers have suggested that I review a restaurant called Rare Society. I was reluctant to write a review because Rare Society is in Mill Creek and it is out of “range” for the areas that this publication covers. In addition, I was hesitant because Rare Society is pricey and I like to offer readers affordable options (in a world where eating out is becoming increasingly expensive).But when Rare So...

For almost a year, several My Neighborhood News readers have suggested that I review a restaurant called Rare Society. I was reluctant to write a review because Rare Society is in Mill Creek and it is out of “range” for the areas that this publication covers. In addition, I was hesitant because Rare Society is pricey and I like to offer readers affordable options (in a world where eating out is becoming increasingly expensive).

But when Rare Society reached out to invite me to dinner, I could not pass up the opportunity. I only wish that I had visited this place sooner because Rare Society has been open in Mill Creek for almost two years. The chef/owner Brad Wise is based in California and has five locations — four in California and one in Washington — plus another restaurant opening in Las Vegas this spring. We are so lucky to have this place in our backyard — even if it is a bit of a drive from Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace and Lynnwood.

Chef Wise’s Rare Society is a homage to the infamous Vegas retro steakhouses, and he has created a neighborhood steakhouse that is elegant and comfortable with delicious food and great service. Located in a strip mall surrounded by a huge apartment complex, you cannot imagine what welcomes you when you walk through the door. It feels like a speakeasy meets a piano lounge where you expect to hear Frank Sinatra playing. The décor is New York meets LA meets Las Vegas — but you can show up in jeans like anywhere in the Pacific Northwest and feel welcomed. The only thing that was a bit off is the music selection — it was too loud and the music choices didn’t match the mood/theme of the place. I hope that they will consider lowering the volume to allow easier conversation.

We had a 5 p.m. reservation and when we arrived the place was very busy in the bar area with a lively crowd who came to enjoy their excellent happy hour drink and food specials. Happy hour (4-6 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday) is the most affordable way to eat at Rare Society. Cocktails and wine are $10 and beer is $6, and the hot and cold food offerings are innovative as well as generous for the price ($9-$24). You can select from oysters on the half shell, shrimp cocktail, tuna tartare, wedge salad, fried brussel sprouts, wood-grilled artichoke, barbecued dry-aged meatballs, harissa-marinated beef skewers, smash burger, Philly cheesesteak and truffle fries. Happy hour is the perfect way to enjoy Rare Society without incurring a large bill.

We were seated at a comfortable table in the main dining room and our server Maxwell thoroughly explained the dinner menu, which focuses on meat and seafood. However, there are lots of options for vegetarians who could easily create a robust meal from the starters and side dishes. (It would be challenging for vegans to enjoy Rare Society’s menu though.) We ordered a Cadillac Margarita ($28) and a Whiskey Sour ($22) to accompany our appetizers. We ordered the chilled half lobster ($31), snow crab claws ($34) and the Caesar salad ($16). Drinks were delicious although expensive, in my opinion (but I warned you right?). The Caesar Salad was the highlight of our starters. The dressing was spot on unctuous, and the fried breaded anchovies added a novel touch. I could have eaten the whole thing myself; but part of the eating experience at Rare Society is about sharing.

We ordered an 8-ounce filet mignon ($57) and a 20-ounce, 40-day dry-aged, bone-in New York strip ($68). Both came to the table perfectly grilled and tender to the bone. Our sides included wood-fired broccolini ($15) with za’atar, lemon, sumac yogurt and a very rich potato au gratin with truffle mornay sauce and black truffles. Both were lovely accompaniments for our steaks.

The Rare Society is known for its “boards,” called the Associate ($128), which serves two to three, and the Executive ($198) which serves three to four. It’s the chef’s choice of cuts of meat accompanied by sauces (Béarnaise, veggie butter, Santa Maria style salsa, creamy horseradish and steak sauce). While we did not order a board, the neighboring table of four ordered one which I photographed so that you could see its abundance. We enjoyed our entrees with a glass of wine ($15-$18). The entree portions were large, and the staff boxed up our leftovers (which gave us two more meals at home).

To be honest, I was very full. But in the interest of research, I felt obligated to try dessert. Everything is made in-house. Their signature Butter Cake with sour cream ice cream ($15) was over-the-top decadent. As a trained pastry chef, I think it would have benefitted from a seasonal fruit compote to complement the richness of the cake. We also tried the daily scoop of Rocky Road ice cream ($6), which paired well with the cake. If it’s your birthday they will gift you a scoop of the housemade ice cream too!

The whole evening was a rare experience for us because we do not often order drinks, starters, entrees, sides and dessert. This is a special-occasion restaurant for most of us. It’s a great place to go for a business dinner too. We were well taken care of by the staff and left feeling very satiated by good food and drinks as well as impeccable service. It was a memorable evening, and I recognize that it is a privilege to have the opportunity to eat at Rare Society. Like many restaurants, Rare Society has a 4% service charge that is added to the check to help cover “competitive industry compensation, including health benefits for full-time employees.” They will remove this charge if requested.

This was one of the best meals that I have had anywhere in the Pacific Northwest. Chef Brad Wise and his staff have created a steakhouse that is as good as any in New York City. We should be grateful to have such a special place within a 30–45-minute drive from our community. If you are looking for a place to hold a business party, wedding or any other special event, Rare Society will do full buy outs and large party events with pre-set menus available. I recommend making reservations because as the word gets out, Rare Society is going to be tough to get into.

Address: 13223 39th Ave. S.E., Mill Creek, WA. 98012 Get directions

Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 5 p.m.- close. Happy hour 4-6 p.m.

Contact: 425-777-4590

Deborah Binder lives in Edmonds with her family. She loves to cook from scratch using produce from the gardens she created with her husband. She attended culinary school and worked for restaurants, caterers and culinary schools. Her current interest in food is learning to eat for health and wellness, while at the same time enjoying the pleasures of the table. Deborah loves experimenting and developing new recipes. As Julia Child once said, “Everything in moderation including moderation.” Deborah can be contacted at [email protected].

St. Johns County Welcomes New Era of Recreation with Mill Creek Park Opening Ceremony

St. Johns County and the Villages Baseball Association ushered in a new era of recreation with the grand opening of Mill Creek Park last Saturday, as reported by St. Johns County's Office of Public Affairs. In a gathering that saw the community unite for the ceremonial ribbon-cutting, Krista Joseph, chair of the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners, stood before the crowd to celebrate the park's role in local development and athletics.Funded with a $12 million investment, the park underscores the county's deep-seated commitm...

St. Johns County and the Villages Baseball Association ushered in a new era of recreation with the grand opening of Mill Creek Park last Saturday, as reported by St. Johns County's Office of Public Affairs. In a gathering that saw the community unite for the ceremonial ribbon-cutting, Krista Joseph, chair of the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners, stood before the crowd to celebrate the park's role in local development and athletics.

Funded with a $12 million investment, the park underscores the county's deep-seated commitment to leisure and sports, with Chair Joseph highlighting how "recreation is paramount to St. Johns County," according to a statement obtained by the Office of Public Affairs. Alongside this facility, Joseph also underscored the broader vision encompassed in the $123 million Regional Park Plan, which seeks to enrich community spaces across the county, as detailed by the St. Johns County.

At the grand opening, amid the excitement of imminently thrown ceremonial first pitches, District 2 Commissioner Sarah Arnold offered remarks stressing the park's significance. "This project is about more than new fields," Arnold said. "It’s about investing in our families, in our athletes, and the future of our community," she told those in attendance, according to the St. Johns County.

Ryan Kane, the Parks and Recreation Director, conveyed a powerful message of hope and transformation tethered to the new park. Sprinkled with personal anecdotes, he professed how these grounds were fertile for the growth of young talent, where failures like a strikeout were but stepping stones to greater successes. “Out here, on these fields, coaches are going to connect with young boys and girls and make them amazing men and women,” Kane said, as per the St. Johns County. “They’re going to understand that if you strike out, you’re getting back up at bat, and you’re going again.”

With the inaugural speeches wrapped and the ribbon dutifully severed, all five members of the Board of County Commissioners claimed their spots on the baseball diamond. They symbolically launched the park into operational status with a series of pitches, each one marking the hopeful trajectory of the county's newest investment in public recreation.

For more details on the opening ceremony and future plans for Mill Creek Park, visit the St. Johns County Office of Public Affairs.

Mill Creek Announces Start of Preleasing at Modera McKinney Ridge

Nature-Centric Community Adds 381 Apartment Homes Near 212-Acre Erwin ParkMCKINNEY, Texas, March 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mill Creek Residential, a leading developer, owner-operator and investment manager specializing in premier rental housing across the U.S., today announced the start of...

Nature-Centric Community Adds 381 Apartment Homes Near 212-Acre Erwin Park

MCKINNEY, Texas, March 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mill Creek Residential, a leading developer, owner-operator and investment manager specializing in premier rental housing across the U.S., today announced the start of preleasing at Modera McKinney Ridge, a contemporary garden-style community adjacent to 212-acre Erwin Park.

Modera McKinney Ridge, which features 381 apartment homes, is situated in the new Ridgeline development of McKinney, a 400-acre, outdoor-focused, master-planned development at Bloomdale Road and Hardin Boulevard that will feature lakes, trees and trails that connect to Erwin Park. The community is built to, and is pursuing, an NGBS Silver Certification, with first move-ins anticipated for April.

"The McKinney area continues to be a highly desirable living destination, and we look forward to welcoming our first residents," said Neil Eastwood, vice president of development in North Texas for Mill Creek Residential. "With its park-like setting and design that reflects the area's commercial and agricultural history, we believe Modera McKinney Ridge is a genuinely unique offering in the market. Residents will be surrounded by an abundance of recreational outlets, excellent schools and convenient access to McKinney's historic downtown, and we are eager to provide a top-tier living experience."

Located at 2400 N Hardin Boulevard, Modera McKinney Ridge is in the high-performing McKinney Independent School District and provides near-immediate access to Erwin Park's sought-after recreational activities. The community is located less than one mile from U.S. 75 and close to U.S. 380 and the 121 Tollway, offering direct connectivity to the Dallas metropolitan area, including the suburbs of Allen, Plano, Frisco and Richardson. Downtown Dallas and its vast array of entertainment and employment options sits 35 miles south of the community.

Modera McKinney Ridge offers one-, two- and three-bedroom homes with an average size of 1,025 square feet. Community amenities include a bi-level swimming pool, a multilevel courtyard, beer garden with outdoor fire pit, screened porch with harvest dining table, resident clubhouse with catering kitchen, hotel-inspired lobby with fireplace and self-serve coffee, remote and coworking spaces, event room and a club-quality fitness center with cardio equipment, yoga/Pilates studio and group fitness area. The community also features multiple outdoor gathering and grill spaces, a preserved century-old elm tree, two dog parks, private EV charging stations, controlled-access garage parking, digital package lockers, bike repair station and dedicated bike storage.

Home interiors include nine-to-12-foot ceilings, stainless steel appliances, honed granite countertops, designer tile backsplashes, soft-close cabinets, pull-down faucets, built-in desks and shelving, walk-in closets and in-home washers and dryers. Smart features include keyless entry, controlled-access guest technology, smart thermostats and leak detection. Select homes include mudrooms, breakfast bars, double vanities, linen closets and premium views of the surrounding woodlands.

About Mill Creek ResidentialMill Creek Residential Trust LLC is a national rental housing company focused on developing, acquiring, and operating rental communities in targeted markets nationwide. The national company, headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, proactively develops, acquires, constructs, and operates communities through its seasoned team of real estate professionals in offices across the United States. Mill Creek is building its portfolio in many of the nation's most desirable markets in Seattle, Portland, the San Francisco Bay area, Sacramento, Southern California, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Denver, Dallas, Austin, Houston, Florida, Atlanta, Nashville, Charlotte, Raleigh, Washington, D.C., New Jersey, New York, and Boston. As of September 30, 2024, the company's portfolio comprises 144 communities representing over 41,000 rental homes operating and/or under construction. For more information, please visit MillCreekPlaces.com.

Media ContactStephen UrseryLinnellTaylor Marketing[email protected]303.682.3945

SOURCE Mill Creek Residential

Behind the scenes of the efforts to save Mill Creek: A Q&A with reporter Connor Giffin

This week, environmental reporter Connor Giffin delved into the latest restoration efforts for Mill Creek in southwest Louisville.Connor joined the Courier Journal nearly four years ago through a grant-funded position focused on covering environmental issues in the Louisville metro area and the state. Over the years, he has gained invaluable expertise, enabling him to offer readers a unique perspective on our environment, climate, and related topics....

This week, environmental reporter Connor Giffin delved into the latest restoration efforts for Mill Creek in southwest Louisville.

Connor joined the Courier Journal nearly four years ago through a grant-funded position focused on covering environmental issues in the Louisville metro area and the state. Over the years, he has gained invaluable expertise, enabling him to offer readers a unique perspective on our environment, climate, and related topics.

This Sunday's cover story explored the southwest Louisville waterway, which has historically been engineered into submission but is now the focus of significant restoration efforts. Local residents who commend the work on the creek are eager to see the next step — transforming the waterway into a recreational destination, similar to Floyds Fork in the eastern part of the county. While the city has a plan to achieve this vision, securing funding remains a challenge.

For more on the story, we posed several questions to Connor. Here are his responses:

Where did this reporting start?

I had heard previously about efforts to improve Mill Creek, including in The Courier Journal's past reporting, but this particular story started with one of the newspaper's mobile newsroom events, in which reporters work from libraries and other community centers in neighborhoods around the Louisville area to hear from residents.

Maureen Welch, a reader and South End advocate, stopped by and spoke with me about the proposal for the Mill Creek Greenway and invited me to meet with her and other community members to learn more about the project and its headwinds.

Describe your reporting process. What steps did you take?

One of my first steps was to read up on the greenway proposal, the history of the Mill Creek watershed (with the help of old clippings of The Courier Journal) and some of the issues facing neighborhoods along the creek.

In September, I met with community members who were advocating for the greenway and other improvements in the area, and we walked through Sylvania Park and down to the creek. I also spoke with some longtime residents about their childhood memories of the creek, and what improvements they'd like to see for future generations.

I later visited another stretch of Mill Creek with staff from the Louisville Metropolitan Sewer District to discuss the agency's watershed planning work. I also interviewed officials at the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources to learn more about the state's stream restoration efforts, and how philosophies around engineering waterways have changed to work more with nature, rather than against it, where possible.

What key points do you want readers to take away from this story?

A throughline of my conversations with residents living near Mill Creek was the feeling that the area was often overlooked for funding and revitalization. I picked up on a strong sense of neighborhood pride, but also some disappointment in a lack of recreational opportunities, combined with past environmental injustice and health disparities in this part of the county.

Like many of the commonwealth's waterways, Mill Creek is considered impaired for some recreational uses, based on state water quality assessments. Residents would like to see it restored one day to a clean and accessible state.

This story is about the greenway proposal and efforts to improve Mill Creek — but it's also about a community's desire for more investment, and some of the long-standing equity issues facing the South End.

Mill Creek is also an example of how humans have sought to control nature in the past, and how ensuing generations have been left to reckon with the outcomes of those choices, find solutions and address past environmental degradation.

What impact or outcome do you hope to achieve with this story?

Because of its isolation from nearby communities and history of neglect, Mill Creek is easy to forget, and I hope this story draws attention to one of Jefferson County's major watersheds.

The creek is down, but not out, and local advocates believe continuous investment in both ecological and recreational improvements could make a big difference for the area.

What was the most unexpected finding?

I was pleasantly surprised to find multiple people with fond childhood memories of Mill Creek who are now still living in the area, advocating for its protection and restoration, and willing to share their perspective. It was a joy to speak with Vince Jarboe, Keith Scanlon and several others about their past perceptions and experiences of Mill Creek.

What is your favorite part of being a journalist, especially in your current beat?

This story — bringing me down to the creek and talking to passionate people about how Louisville can establish a healthy coexistence between communities and the natural environment — is a good example of the kind of work I enjoy.

The environment beat is also very broad, including adjacent topics like energy, public health, agriculture and development at times. I learn something new every day, and get to talk to experts around the state and beyond on a wide range of subjects, from hydrology and beavers to "green aluminum" and the politics of electric vehicles.

Connor Giffin is an environmental reporter for The Courier Journal. Reach him directly at [email protected] or on X @byconnorgiffin.

After years of work, Mill Creek Park will open Saturday

The newest park in St. Johns County will open Saturday morning.Mill Creek Park on State Road 16 in St. Augustine cost more than $12 million to build and is the county’s first new park in more than a decade.Jacksonville Today thank...

The newest park in St. Johns County will open Saturday morning.

Mill Creek Park on State Road 16 in St. Augustine cost more than $12 million to build and is the county’s first new park in more than a decade.

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It is going to be used for several different sports, including baseball, softball, flag football, soccer and even lacrosse.

Teddy Meyer is the St. Johns County Parks and Recreation facility manager. He says the multipurpose outdoor recreation space was a prime focus to come to the western corridor of World Golf Village.

“You couple that with right next door, you have retail and a large amount of residential housing coming in,” Meyer said. “We are going to be very much inundated and creating an opportunity as that area grows to grow into the facility. We needed something to kind of balance that growth on the western part of World Golf [Village].”

Meyer said planning and construction were in the works since as early as 2008.

“It has been a long time coming,” he said. “The housing market tanked and a lot of these projects with these developments on that side of World Golf were put on the shelf. Fast forward to now, it is crazy to think that we are talking 2025 and we are just getting it done. That is how long it’s taken for all of the things to come together.”

The new complex also has four batting cages, restrooms, concessions and turf.

Meyer says all of the amenities open the door for members of the Village Athletic Association to play baseball and softball, an adult soccer league called BASL and the county’s internal programming division’s adult flag football group to show off their skills, along with the public.

“The turf is massive,” Meyer said. “If you think about it, the large user is Monday through Thursday for practices, weekday use. The games occur on the weekends. It is lined for American football, American soccer, and lacrosse as well.”

A ribbon-cutting ceremony along with first pitch ceremonies are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday.

A full slate of action on the fields is already lined up as Meyer says games are expected between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.

This story was produced by News4Jax, a Jacksonville Today news partner.

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Duval County teachers will be allowed to communicate with students only through district-approved tools under a revised policy up for a vote. The revision, which comes after a series of teacher misconduct scandals, is among a handful of policy changes the Duval County School Board will vote up or down this coming Tuesday.

Last updated in 2019, the “fraternization with students” policy has historically specified that teachers can’t date students, for example, or “have conversations of a sexual nature.”

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The proposed, much longer policy includes specific guidelines intended to “protect” students, employees and Duval Schools’ reputation. The district has faced intense scrutiny over the last two years because several teachers at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts have been accused of sexual misconduct toward students — many of whom were said to have used social media or messaging apps to communicate with them.

The revised policy prohibits communication between teachers and students through social media and messaging apps and specifies how district employees should present themselves in public online spaces.

Last August, the district received a complaint that Craig Leavitt, a teacher at Douglas Anderson, had sent inappropriate messages through social media to a student at the county’s flagship public arts high school during the 2022-23 school year.

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The former student’s lawyer, Chris Moser, tells Jacksonville Today she plans to file a civil suit over the incident within the next few weeks.

Through its proposed updated policy, the district is instructing teachers and other employees to refrain from using social media or messaging apps to talk with students. The policy says: “Employees should avoid any appearance of impropriety. Private messaging blurs that boundary. Messaging with students will place an employee’s cell phone or personal computer privacy at risk.”

Florida public records laws require agencies like Duval Schools to maintain records of all official communications — regardless of the device used to communicate. The revised policy says “any text or social media messages sent to a student from a personal device” could become part of what the district is expected to maintain, which could in turn cause the district to “demand to review the contents of an employee’s private device.”

The new guidelines also broadly prohibit employees from posting to content on the internet that might be inappropriate:

“The School Board finds that publication of inappropriate or unbecoming material on publicly accessible websites or electronic media by an employee has the potential to disrupt the educational process, damage the reputation of the District, its teachers and staff, damage the District’s reputation and stature, and subject the District, its teachers and employees to ridicule.”

The proposed policy also says while employees are allowed to maintain personal or business websites, the content on them should adhere to the same guidelines if it is public.

Also on Tuesday, the board will vote on changes to the way the district screens parents and other volunteers who access school campuses.

The revisions split volunteers into two categories with two different levels of access to students and that require different approval processes.

Volunteers who don’t work directly with students would be considered Level 1 and would be required to complete the current background check procedure. Volunteers who do work with students — including parents who chaperone field trips — would be Level 2 volunteers and be subject to a more extensive vetting process that includes fingerprinting.

District officials said volunteers would wear color-coded badges to allow for easy identification of their level of approval.

In a workshop about the policy changes this week, board members acknowledged the need for screening volunteers as thoroughly as possible but also wondered if the additional screenings might be cost prohibitive. Level 2 checks can cost up to $100, and parents would be expected to foot the bill.

“Especially if you talk about a school, school culture, and you’re trying to get parents involved — I think we should be removing as many barriers while keeping our students safe,” District 4 representative Darryl Willie said. “So I just wonder how we go about it.”

District 3 representative Cindy Pearson asked if a third party — like a PTA, for example — would be allowed to pay for the screenings. Superintendent Christopher Bernier said yes.

Board members also continue to review other proposed changes to more than a dozen policies, including a separate policy about employee social media use, as well as sex education and the district’s approach to book challenges. Those issues will come up for votes at a later date.

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