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 Barns at Nappanee in Nappanee, IN 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 Nappanee, 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.
“Very positive experience with Always Best Care. Had a great group of ladies taking care”
“Frankly, I never wanted to be in a position wherein I was asked to review”
“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”
“I give always best care of 5 stars. They are caring and have a sincere”
“Always Best Care has been exceptional the four years i’ve worked there. The staff and”
“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 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”
“I love the company I think they really do care about the employee the residents”
“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”
“Always best care has always been there when I needed them! They make it convenient for”
“I have used quite a few different providers and ABC is by far the best”
“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”
“Very positive experience with Always Best Care. Had a great group of ladies taking care of my Mother- in law. Always being respectful of her needs. Communication between the office and client was top notch! Special thanks to Stephanie!”
“Frankly, I never wanted to be in a position wherein I was asked to review care for my parents. That said, Always Best is aptly named. Stephanie Stevens and Kelly Robinson are kind and human and not without humor, and having endured everything that we did, I can honestly say that part of me loves them deeply. I hope I never forget the gift they gave my family.”
“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.”
“I give always best care of 5 stars. They are caring and have a sincere heart I love working with this agency..”
“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.”
“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 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!”
“I love the company I think they really do care about the employee the residents”
“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”
“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!”
“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.”
“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”
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 West Park Pavilion in Nappanee, IN 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 Ruhe 152 or visit Nappanee Power from the Past, 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 Nappanee, 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 Nappanee, 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 Nappanee, 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.
By OBED LAMY and JOHN RABYNAPPANEE, Ind. (AP) — Hoosier cabinets — the original all-in-one kitchen — were once a mainstay in early 20th-century American homes. Though they have long since fallen out of fashion, a giant, climbable replica has been unveiled outdoors in a northern Indiana town to celebrate the cabinet’s place in kitchen history.The 30-foot model of a Dutch Kitchenette opened to the public last month as part of the 150th anniversary celebration of Coppes Napanee, one of two ...
By OBED LAMY and JOHN RABY
NAPPANEE, Ind. (AP) — Hoosier cabinets — the original all-in-one kitchen — were once a mainstay in early 20th-century American homes. Though they have long since fallen out of fashion, a giant, climbable replica has been unveiled outdoors in a northern Indiana town to celebrate the cabinet’s place in kitchen history.
The 30-foot model of a Dutch Kitchenette opened to the public last month as part of the 150th anniversary celebration of Coppes Napanee, one of two companies still in existence that manufactured the popular Hoosier cabinets more than a century ago. The cabinet name was coined after its largest producer, the Hoosier Manufacturing Co.
Dubbed the world’s largest Hoosier cabinet, the replica built against a brick background is equipped with stairs leading to a loft that visitors to the town of Nappanee can look out from. It overlooks Coppes Commons, the site of the original Coppes Napanee factory that has been converted to an indoor marketplace, artisan hub and museum. The company still produces custom cabinets next door.
Wesley Mast, owner and president of Coppes Napanee, said he typically hears two types of responses when visitors first see the giant cabinet.
“There’s the one extreme where people are like, ‘Why? Why such a big cabinet?’” Mast said. “And my response is always like, ‘Why not?’
“The other response we get is like, ‘That’s so cool. Where did you get this idea? I love it.’”
Mast said the cabinet “brings us another level of attention and branding and makes this place more of a destination than just a pass-through.”
The Hoosier cabinet is a freestanding kitchen workstation and storage area that centralized and sped up food preparation. The cabinets were popular from the 1890s through the 1930s but waned after World War II as built-in, wall-to-wall cabinetry became the norm in new home construction.
A century ago, “this was the kitchen,” Mast said. “This was kind of the first piece of furniture that went into the house as a kitchen and was considered all-in-one, the kitchen itself in just one piece.”
There were 5,000 dealers of Hoosier cabinets across the country, said Mary Figueroa, curator of History at the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, which has four Hoosier cabinets in its collection.
Prior to the Hoosier cabinet, a kitchen area would have some shelves, a separate work table and a corner cupboard. “But this was a piece of furniture that kind of consolidated all of that, allowed women to save their steps and have everything that they could possibly need to make a meal right at their fingertips,” Figueroa said.
The Hoosier cabinet had space for storing items such as flour, sugar, spices, loaves of bread and other pantry supplies. They were nicknamed “kitchen pianos” because everything that was needed was within close range. They had built-in flour sifters and came with small cookbooks with recipes involving meats, soups, breads or desserts, among other things. Advertising for the cabinets even made the promise to “strengthen your marriage” and “make you more beautiful” because of the time and steps that it saved for women, Figueroa said.
Nappanee is located in Elkhart County, a region known as a top U.S. hub for recreational vehicle manufacturing, wood products production and home to the third-largest Amish settlement in the nation. It is about 150 miles north of Indianapolis.
And now, add Nappanee as a potential tourist attraction for the colossal cabinet.
“It’s bringing awareness,” Figueroa said. “I mean, you can’t miss it.”
Old advertisements for the cabinets claimed they would ‘strengthen your marriage’ and ‘make you more beautiful’Bookmark popoverSupport NowFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out t...
Old advertisements for the cabinets claimed they would ‘strengthen your marriage’ and ‘make you more beautiful’
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
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Your support makes all the difference.Read moreOnce a fixture in early 20th-century American homes, the Hoosier cabinet was the original all-in-one kitchen setup. Though long out of favor, an enormous, climbable replica has now been displayed outdoors in a northern Indiana town to highlight the cabinet’s unique history in home cooking.
The 30-foot (9-meter) replica of a Dutch Kitchenette opened last month as part of the 150th anniversary of Coppes Napanee, one of only two remaining firms that manufactured the popular cabinets over a century ago. The item was named after its primary maker, the Hoosier Manufacturing Co.
Promoted as the world’s largest Hoosier cabinet, the structure is built against a brick wall and features stairs leading up to a loft where visitors to Nappanee can take in the view. It overlooks Coppes Commons, the former Coppes Napanee factory site now operating as an indoor marketplace, artisan space, and museum. Next door, the firm continues to build custom cabinets.
Wesley Mast, owner and president of Coppes Napanee, noted that he generally encounters two distinct reactions when people first see the massive installation.
"There’s the one extreme where people are like, ‘Why? Why such a big cabinet?’" Mast said. "And my response is always like, ‘Why not?’"
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"The other response we get is like, ‘That’s so cool. Where did you get this idea? I love it.’"
Mast explained that the cabinet "brings us another level of attention and branding and makes this place more of a destination than just a pass-through."
A freestanding workstation and storage unit, the Hoosier cabinet consolidated and accelerated meal prep. The designs enjoyed widespread popularity from the 1890s into the 1930s, but their appeal diminished following World War II as built-in, wall-to-wall cabinetry became standard in modern housing.
A hundred years ago, "this was the kitchen," Mast said. "This was kind of the first piece of furniture that went into the house as a kitchen and was considered all-in-one, the kitchen itself in just one piece."
Nationwide, there were 5,000 dealers selling Hoosier cabinets, according to Mary Figueroa, curator of History at the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, which retains four of the units in its collection.
Before the introduction of the Hoosier cabinet, kitchen spaces relied on separate shelving, a solitary table, and a corner cupboard.
"But this was a piece of furniture that kind of consolidated all of that, allowed women to save their steps and have everything that they could possibly need to make a meal right at their fingertips," Figueroa said.
The cabinet offered storage for goods such as flour, sugar, spices, loaves of bread, and additional pantry supplies. They earned the nickname "kitchen pianos" because all required items were kept within easy reach. The units featured built-in flour sifters alongside booklets featuring recipes for meats, soups, breads, and desserts.
Promotional materials even claimed the product would "strengthen your marriage" and "make you more beautiful" by saving steps and time for women, Figueroa noted.
Nappanee sits in Elkhart County, an area recognized as a major U.S. center for recreational vehicle manufacturing, wood production, and the country's third-largest Amish settlement. It is located roughly 150 miles (241 kilometers) north of Indianapolis.
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Now, Nappanee can also feature the massive cabinet as a drawing card for travelers.
"It’s bringing awareness," Figueroa said. "I mean, you can’t miss it."
AddWorld/USA/Indiana/NappaneeAir quality in NappaneeData attributionData provided by a satellite-derived model18*US AQI?GoodMain pollutant:PM2.53.3 µg/m³13°4 km/h66 %Hourly forecastNappanee air quality index (AQI?) forecastNow1813°4km/h 66%23:001712°4km/h 68%Fri00:0016...
Add
World/USA/Indiana/Nappanee
Data attribution
Data provided by a satellite-derived model
18*
US AQI?
Good
Main pollutant:
PM2.5
3.3 µg/m³
13°
4 km/h
66 %
Nappanee air quality index (AQI?) forecast
Now 18 13° 4 km/h 66% | 23:00 17 12° 4 km/h 68% Fri | 00:00 16 12° 5 km/h 70% | 01:00 15 11° 8 km/h 72% | 02:00 15 10° 7 km/h 74% | 03:00 15 10° 7 km/h 74% | 04:00 14 10° 8 km/h 75% | 05:00 16 9° 8 km/h 79% | 06:00 16 8° 8 km/h 81% | 07:00 15 8° 7 km/h 82% | 08:00 18 9° 8 km/h 80% | 09:00 18 10° 7 km/h 79% | 10:00 18 13° 8 km/h 77% | 11:00 19 16° 8 km/h 67% | 12:00 19 16° 8 km/h 73% | 13:00 19 17° 8 km/h 68% | 14:00 8 18° 8 km/h 65% | 15:00 8 18° 7 km/h 65% | 16:00 8 18° 7 km/h 65% | 17:00 21 18° 6 km/h 67% | 18:00 21 17° 7 km/h 75% | 19:00 21 16° 3 km/h 76% | 20:00 52 15° 7 km/h 81% | 21:00 52 15° 13 km/h 83% | 22:00 52 15° 11 km/h 85% | 23:00 59 15° 14 km/h 86% Sat | 00:00 59 14° 14 km/h 82% | 01:00 59 13° 12 km/h 90% | 02:00 62 13° 13 km/h 92% | 03:00 62 12° 13 km/h 92% | 04:00 62 13° 15 km/h 87% | 05:00 60 11° 13 km/h 92% | 06:00 60 11° 12 km/h 92% | 07:00 60 10° 12 km/h 92% | 08:00 62 10° 11 km/h 92% | 09:00 62 12° 13 km/h 84% | 10:00 62 15° 15 km/h 72% | 11:00 67 18° 15 km/h 64% | 12:00 67 20° 16 km/h 60% | 13:00 67 21° 16 km/h 56% | 14:00 55 23° 15 km/h 52% | 15:00 55 24° 16 km/h 53% | 16:00 55 24° 16 km/h 50% | 17:00 58 24° 17 km/h 51% | 18:00 58 22° 13 km/h 62% | 19:00 58 19° 13 km/h 68% | 20:00 26 16° 14 km/h 77% | 21:00 26 17° 15 km/h 64% | 22:00 26 17° 16 km/h 60% | 23:00 34 16° 16 km/h 61% Sun | 00:00 34 16° 18 km/h 62% | 01:00 34 16° 20 km/h 63% | 02:00 12 15° 17 km/h 66% | 03:00 12 15° 20 km/h 67% | 04:00 12 15° 20 km/h 73% | 05:00 18 15° 17 km/h 83% | 06:00 18 15° 13 km/h 88% | 07:00 18 14° 11 km/h 90% | 08:00 21 14° 14 km/h 92% | 09:00 21 15° 14 km/h 91% | 10:00 21 15° 14 km/h 90% | 11:00 25 15° 13 km/h 87% | 12:00 25 16° 8 km/h 83% | 13:00 25 19° 11 km/h 73% | 14:00 43 20° 7 km/h 68% | 15:00 43 21° 6 km/h 67% | 16:00 43 21° 6 km/h 68% | 17:00 33 21° 7 km/h 69% | 18:00 33 20° 7 km/h 71% | 19:00 33 19° 7 km/h 76% | 20:00 21 18° 6 km/h 76% | 21:00 21 18° 3 km/h 77% |
Nappanee air quality index (AQI?) forecast
| Today | 16 | 18° 8° | 13 km/h | 75% | |
| Fri | 60 | 24° 10° | 17 km/h | 68% | |
| Sat | 27 | 21° 14° | 14 km/h | 79% |
What is the current air quality in Nappanee?
| PM2.5Fine particles (≤ 2.5 µm)3.3 *µg/m³ |
PM2.5 concentration currently meets the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline.
Health recommendations
Enjoy outdoor activities |
Open your windows to bring clean, fresh air indoors Get a monitor |
What is the pollen count in Nappanee today?
Index
Low
Tree None | 0% |
Grass None | 0% |
Weed Low | 25% |
Source:
wetter.com
Pollen forecast in Nappanee
Worldwide AQI? ranking
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Morgan Soria started working for the city of Nappanee in January 2025, serving as an administrative assistant for the planning departmentShe grew up in Atwood and graduated from Warsaw High School in 2011. She married her husband, Ashton, in August 2020. Because it was during COVID they had a small wedding in her mother’s backyard, but Soria said she wanted a small wedding anyway.She and her husband live in Hoffman Lake, but Ashton also works in Nappanee at DH Machine as a powder coat supervisor.Soria heard about t...
Morgan Soria started working for the city of Nappanee in January 2025, serving as an administrative assistant for the planning department
She grew up in Atwood and graduated from Warsaw High School in 2011. She married her husband, Ashton, in August 2020. Because it was during COVID they had a small wedding in her mother’s backyard, but Soria said she wanted a small wedding anyway.
She and her husband live in Hoffman Lake, but Ashton also works in Nappanee at DH Machine as a powder coat supervisor.
Soria heard about the job in the planning department from her friend, Crystal Reinhard. The two have been friends since 2020 because their husbands were good friends. She applied and was offered the job.
The majority of her day is dealing with permits — building permits, garage sale permits, excavation on public property permits and others.
“Any type of permits will come through me,” she said. “A lot of my day is dealing with permits, daily permits for contractors working in the area and making sure they’re where they’re supposed to be working.”
A lot of the time, residents don’t realize they need a permit and when informed that they do, they can easily go online and apply.
“All of our permits are online and especially with our residential permits we try to keep the cost on the low side so if people are doing projects themselves, they don’t have to pay an outrageous amount,” she said.
She also answers the phone and directs calls to the appropriate department head, or answers the questions herself if she can and handles lots of emails.
It can get awkward at times having to inform someone they need a permit when they weren’t aware of it, so she wishes people were more informed about those things.
“Most of people’s questions can be answered online or by calling us or coming to a meeting,” she said.
“This job is definitely different than anything I’ve done before,” she said. “I’ve done a lot of office work, but mostly in factories. This position has something new every day, it’s not predictable and I like that and the people I work with are amazing.”
She said Nappanee is unique as it’s smaller and “everybody knows everyone.” She’s loved seeing Cartoon Alley and now Shoe Alley become a reality.
“Mark (Collins, director of development) has an amazing vision for the whole alley program. I’m looking forward to forward to seeing it all come to life,” she said.
Soria has three children, so when not at work, she and her husband are busy running kids to sporting events. Their 14-year-old son is in baseball and soccer and their 12-year-old plays football. They also have a 10-year-old daughter.
Other than that, she said she spends a lot of time with her mother and with Reinhard, hanging out and play cards.
Working for the city is a huge benefit and Soria appreciates the flexibility it can offer. For example, when she first accepted the position, she already had a planned two-week trip to Italy and Greece with her mother and sister to commemorate the 10th anniversary of her dad’s passing. She was told it was fine and the job would be there when she got back.
“I have a great boss in Todd Nunemaker,” she said. “I look forward to what’s ahead.”
Denise Fedorow is a correspondent and columnist for The Nappanee Pace. You can reach her by email at [email protected] or on social media (Facebook, Instagram & Threads) @DeniseFedorow.
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