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Home Care In Notre Dame, IN

Home Care Notre Dame, 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 Notre Dame- Mary Atop the Golden Dome 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 Notre Dame, IN is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Notre Dame, 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

“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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“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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“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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“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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“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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“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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“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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“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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“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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“Always Best care is amazing!”

Patti V.
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“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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“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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“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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“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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“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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“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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“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.
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“They were my mother's caretakers up until we moved away to seek life saving treatment. It was hard for them at times, because sometimes the homecare aides sometimes called off last minute. One time something came up missing, and the owner personally delivered a replacement. They're not perfect but they try their best.”

LaVon T.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Notre Dame, 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 Notre Dame, IN

Types of Elderly Care in Notre Dame, 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 Notre Dame, 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 Notre Dame, 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 Governor Joseph Kernan 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 Notre Dame, 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 Traditions or visit The Word of Life Mural, 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 Notre Dame, IN

Benefits of Home Care in Notre Dame, 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 Notre Dame, 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 Notre Dame, 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 Notre Dame, 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 Notre Dame, 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 Notre Dame, 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 Notre Dame, 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:

  • Holy Cross Village-Notre Dame
  • Dujarie House
  • Holy Cross House
  • 328 Notre Dame Ave LLC
  • Riverside Place
Home Care Notre Dame, 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 Notre Dame, 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 Notre Dame, 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 Notre Dame, IN

Latest News in Notre Dame, IN

Notre Dame staff fill out cast, crew of ‘magical’ South Bend Civic Theatre performance

South Bend Civic Theatre.As Sarai finished her audition, the director turned to her mother, Redgina Hill, vice president for inclusion and equity at Saint Mary’s College, and asked if she would pick up a script and read a few lines. Caught off guard, Hill reluctantly agreed, despite lacking any prior acting experience. The next morning, she was approached with an offer she hadn’t anticipated — the lead role of Berniece in August Wilson’s Pulitzer P...

South Bend Civic Theatre.

As Sarai finished her audition, the director turned to her mother, Redgina Hill, vice president for inclusion and equity at Saint Mary’s College, and asked if she would pick up a script and read a few lines. Caught off guard, Hill reluctantly agreed, despite lacking any prior acting experience. The next morning, she was approached with an offer she hadn’t anticipated — the lead role of Berniece in August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play “The Piano Lesson.”

“Everything in me said no, but there was a small voice that told me to walk through that door,” Hill said.

Hill joins a select group of nine cast members hand-picked for the performance, scheduled to run March 15-24 at the South Bend Civic Theatre. Berniece, Hill’s character, engages in a heated dispute with her brother, Boy Willie, over the family heirloom — an intricately carved piano bearing a painful history of the Charles family’s legacy of slavery, struggle and sacrifice.

“This powerful narrative, delivered by an all-Black cast, delves into authentic family dynamics, and everyone in the audience will identify with the characters,” Hill said.

“There is a part of me that identifies with Berniece — she is my mother, my grandmother, my aunt. We have all been shaped by a Berniece, so this character and her focus on family legacy really resonates with me.”

Drawing more parallels to her personal life, Hill portrays a single mother to Maretha, an 11-year-old girl played by her own daughter, Sarai.

“The Piano Lesson” is just one chapter in the South Bend Civic Theatre’s ambitious odyssey through August Wilson’s plays. In 2019, the theater committed to staging all 10 of Wilson’s timeless plays, each set in a different decade of the 20th century. The century cycle began with “Gem of the Ocean,” set in the 1900s, where the audience was transported to the times of post-slavery America. “The Piano Lesson” is the fourth installment, set in Pittsburgh in the 1930s during the Great Depression.

With each production, the South Bend Civic Theatre hopes to become a beacon of diversity and inclusivity, attracting a wide range of audiences across the community.

“The audience gains a deeper understanding of the African American experience and its impact on American history,” said Aaron Nichols, executive director of the South Bend Civic Theatre. “We are building momentum each year through storytelling, and that commitment is part of our mission to enrich the community.”

In line with this mission, Nichols recruits directors capable of authentically bringing these stories to life. For “The Piano Lesson,” he wanted a Black director who could dive into the historical context of the story and spark meaningful conversations. In the past, he would bring in directors from Chicago. But this time, he reached out to Natalie Davis Miller, managing editor in Internal Communications, who had experience as an assistant director and actor.

“I was instantly drawn to this story and what it means for Black theater,” Miller said. “Once the lights go up, you will be invited into the home and see what Black family life was like in 1936.”

Miller emphasized the depth of the characters and the powerful dialogues they lead around the themes of history, family and the search for identity. Miller hosted auditions, but she prioritized community members willing to embrace roles regardless of acting experience, such as Redgina Hill. She recruited individuals from several local organizations, including the University of Notre Dame. University staff members involved with the play include Jonathan Bailey and Max Gaston from the Law School, Jessica Sieff from the Office of Public Affairs and Communications, and Tiana Mudzimurema from the Robinson Community Learning Center.

“There’s something special about this cast and how they all embody their characters so perfectly,” Miller said. “They sharpen each other every day, getting more comfortable on stage. It’s truly magical to see this all come together.”

In order to make these stories more accessible to community members, the South Bend Civic Theatre opened its doors for a “pay what you can” night on Thursday, March 14. These preview nights are now available for all South Bend Civic Theatre performances.

“We want to eliminate any financial hurdles for community members interested in experiencing these important stories,” Nichols said. “For our cast, this preview night provides extra encouragement as they are greeted with friendly faces during their final run-through.”

A special pre-show lecture will be hosted on Sunday, March 24, with local leaders sharing their knowledge on African American history. This event is free to ticket holders, but seating is limited.

In addition, the cast will take the show on the road. A special performance for students at Riley High School is scheduled for Tuesday, March 26. Prior to the performance, teachers will incorporate special lesson plans into their curriculum, teaching students about Wilson’s legacy and diving deeper into the decades reflected in the performances.

“The Piano Lesson” runs through March 24 at the South Bend Civic Theatre. Tickets are available for purchase online.

Originally published by Colleen Wilcox at publicaffairs.nd.edu on March 18, 2024.

Jerome Bettis Jr. commits to Notre Dame

247Sports Embed ResourceAtlanta Woodward Academy three-star receiver Jerome Bettis Jr. is following in his father’s footsteps. The 6-foot-2, 175-pounder from the class of 2025 has announced his commitment to Notre Dame, which is surely going to have his father of the same name, NFL Hall of Fame runnin...

247Sports Embed Resource

Atlanta Woodward Academy three-star receiver Jerome Bettis Jr. is following in his father’s footsteps. The 6-foot-2, 175-pounder from the class of 2025 has announced his commitment to Notre Dame, which is surely going to have his father of the same name, NFL Hall of Fame running back and former Irish standout Jerome Bettis, smiling big and bright.

"I’ll be continuing my academic and athletic career at the University of Notre Dame," Jerome Bettis Jr. told 247Sports. "What made the school so special for me is the feeling I get when I’m there and the comfortability and sense of home that makes the place super special."

Bettis chose the Fighting Irish over offers from Arkansas, Boston College, Duke, Marshall, UMass, Missouri, NC State, Texas A&M and UCF, among others. Notre Dame receivers coach Mike Brown is credited as the primary recruiter here, and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock is the secondary recruiter.

However, from everything that we’ve gathered, this was someone that was personally recruited from Day 1 by head coach Marcus Freeman. That carried a lot of weight with Bettis, who always spoke highly of the leader of the Irish and the program in general.

"My relationship with coach Freeman is great," said Bettis. "He’s so personable and genuine, and that’s rare these days in college football. He’s the type of guy that you’d run through a wall for if he asked you to. He just has that type of impact on his players and I can’t wait to play under him.

"Coach Brown is a great coach," added Bettis. "Although I haven’t known him that long, we have a good relationship that I can’t wait to build on. I know he’s able to help me get where I want to go, so I can’t wait to get to work with him."

Notre Dame did a really good job of treating Bettis like a “typical” recruit. There wasn’t some lackadaisical effort in his pursuit, the Irish didn’t treat him like some slam dunk or easy win on the trail at any point.

They made a point to essentially treat him as if he wasn’t the son of a Notre Dame legend. That effort paid off.

That was important, and the Fighting Irish coaching staff did a terrific job of recruiting him hard every step of the way and making sure to show as much love as they do for any other prospects.

General manager Chad Bowden played a significant role in Bettis' decision. That relationship helped a great deal.

"Chad has been the driving force in Notre Dame's recruiting efforts," said Bettis. "Him and the rest of the recruiting staff have done an amazing job of making Notre Dame feel like home and they made my decision a lot easier."

On tape, you’ll see a smooth, polished route runner. Bettis works hard to fine tune his game, and it shows. He does a good job of separating from the defender and using his frame, which has become much more impressive over the past 12 months. Physically, he’s trending in the right direction and he utilizes that on the field. You’ll see a toughness and a willingness as it pertains to blocking, which surely has Brown thrilled.

Bettis is a player with a lot of upside. He has explosive movement and quickness. There’s a lot to like with him, but he’s full of potential and not close to maxed out.

Now Bettis can focus on helping to continue building Notre Dame's 2025 recruiting class. He already has a top target in mind.

"I’m definitely going to be trying to improve our already-loaded class," said Bettis. "I’ve said this before but one of my first targets will be someone else for our receiver room, Derek Meadows."

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How do the Fighting Irish Stack Up Against Opponents? Notre Dame Women's Basketball Schedule, Live Stream & TV Info - March 18

Bookmark this page to stay up to date on Notre Dame hoops during the 2023-24 season. Below, you can find the team's schedule with each of the upcoming games listed, including results of games from earlier in the campaign.Catch tons of live college basketball, plus original programming, with ESPN+ or the Disney Bundle.Read More About Notre Dame Women's Basketball...

Bookmark this page to stay up to date on Notre Dame hoops during the 2023-24 season. Below, you can find the team's schedule with each of the upcoming games listed, including results of games from earlier in the campaign.

Catch tons of live college basketball, plus original programming, with ESPN+ or the Disney Bundle.

Read More About Notre Dame Women's Basketball

Notre Dame's Upcoming Games

Catch college basketball action all season long on Fubo!

Notre Dame's 2023-24 Schedule

Date Opponent Score TV
November 6 vs. #1 South Carolina L 100-71 --
November 12 @ NJIT W 104-57 --
November 15 vs. Northwestern W 110-52 --
November 18 vs. Illinois W 79-68 --
November 21 vs. Chicago State W 113-35 --
November 24 @ Ball State W 90-59 --
November 29 @ Tennessee W 74-69 --
December 6 vs. Lafayette W 96-42 --
December 17 vs. Purdue W 76-39 --
December 21 vs. Western Michigan W 84-47 --
December 31 @ #22 Syracuse L 86-81 --
January 4 @ Pittsburgh W 71-66 --
January 7 vs. North Carolina L 61-57 --
January 11 vs. Boston College W 98-48 --
January 14 vs. Miami (FL) W 70-59 --
January 18 @ Virginia W 86-76 --
January 21 @ Wake Forest W 75-56 --
January 25 vs. #22 Syracuse L 79-65 --
January 27 @ #10 UConn W 82-67 --
February 1 @ Georgia Tech W 85-48 --
February 4 vs. Pittsburgh W 78-53 --
February 8 @ #23 Louisville L 73-66 --
February 11 @ Florida State W 98-94 --
February 15 vs. #11 NC State L 59-43 --
February 19 @ Duke W 70-62 --
February 22 vs. Clemson W 74-47 --
February 25 @ Boston College W 79-55 --
February 29 vs. #13 Virginia Tech W 71-58 --
March 3 vs. #23 Louisville W 74-58 --
March 8 vs. #23 Louisville W 77-68 --
March 9 vs. #13 Virginia Tech W 82-53 --
March 10 vs. #11 NC State W 55-51 --
March 23, 2:15 PM ET vs. Kent State -- ESPN (Watch this game on Fubo)

Get tickets for any college basketball game this season at Ticketmaster!

© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved.

Notre Dame women earn No. 2 seed in 2024 NCAA Tournament

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) - The Notre Dame women’s basketball team came into Selection Sunday with high expectations, but ended up exceeding them.The Irish were revealed as a No. 2 seed in this year’s NCAA Tournament on Sunday night. Most projections had them getting a 3-seed, so it was a little bit of a surprise to see their name called as one of the top eight teams in this year’s field of 68.Having a 2-seed means Notre Dame will host the first two rounds of the tournament at Purcell Pavilion. The Irish will pl...

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) - The Notre Dame women’s basketball team came into Selection Sunday with high expectations, but ended up exceeding them.

The Irish were revealed as a No. 2 seed in this year’s NCAA Tournament on Sunday night. Most projections had them getting a 3-seed, so it was a little bit of a surprise to see their name called as one of the top eight teams in this year’s field of 68.

Having a 2-seed means Notre Dame will host the first two rounds of the tournament at Purcell Pavilion. The Irish will play No. 15 seed Kent State in the first round on Saturday, March 23, at 2:15 p.m. EDT, while No. 7 seed Ole Miss and No. 10 seed Marquette will meet on the same court immediately afterward at 4:45 p.m. EDT.

The winners of those first-round games will square off in the second round on Monday, March 25, at a time yet to be determined.

Notre Dame (26-6) has won eight straight heading into the NCAA Tournament and won the ACC Tournament championship last Sunday. The No. 2 seed is Notre Dame’s highest seeding in the Big Dance since 2019 when the Irish were a No. 1 seed.

“Obviously, it’s all new to me. I don’t know anything about seeding or any of that, but I think it’s big to have a 2-seed,” said Notre Dame freshman point guard Hannah Hidalgo. “Just hearing the reaction of everybody — especially hearing everybody talk about we might get a lower seed. Just showing how much we’ve gelled throughout these past games and how much better we’ve gotten as a team, it really shows. And obviously with the seeding, it shows a lot.”

The moment when Notre Dame (@ndwbb) learned they’re a #2 seed in this years tournament.They’ll be hosting #15 seed Kent State in the first round.@16NewsNow pic.twitter.com/gWZVDuoGYC

— Jackson Neill (@jacksonneilltv) March 18, 2024

This marks the second year in a row that Notre Dame will be hosting NCAA Tournament games. The Irish were a 3-seed in 2023 and played on the road as a 5-seed in 2022. They missed the 2021 tournament entirely after going 10-10 in Niele Ivey’s first season at the helm of the program.

“It’s a dream to be able to play in the NCAA Tournament after my first year not being able to dance. I don’t take any of this for granted,” Ivey said. “Being a 2-seed, being back at home to feed off the energy of the crowd. Like, the last game was a sold-out arena, and I know that Notre Dame and South Bend is going to come out to support, and I love the trajectory of our program.”

Kent State (21-10) earned its spot in March Madness by winning the MAC Tournament. According to the Akron Beacon Journal, it’s Kent State’s first NCAA Tournament appearance in 22 years.

Ole Miss and Marquette, who are both 23-8 on the season, received at-large bids into the Big Dance. Ole Miss was a Sweet 16 team just a year ago.

Looking past the first and second round, Notre Dame has a tough road to the Final Four, as the Irish were placed in Albany Regional 1 with South Carolina. The Gamecocks, who are the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament, are looking to become the 10th women’s basketball team to go unbeaten for an entire season. And as you might recall, the Gamecocks crushed Notre Dame in the historic season opener in Paris back in November.

To make matters worse for the Irish, they will be making their March Madness run without Kylee Watson. Ivey confirmed just moments after Notre Dame learned its seeding that Watson will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL. Watson also confirmed the news herself on social media.

Tickets for the first and second round games at Purcell Pavilion can be purchased here. If you’d rather watch the games at home, Notre Dame’s tilt against Kent State will air on ESPN, while the Ole Miss-Marquette matchup will air on ESPNU. It’s unclear at this time what channel the second round game will air on.

For a look at the rest of the NCAA Women’s Tournament bracket, click here.

Copyright 2024 WNDU. All rights reserved.

Why Notre Dame's Football Coach Tells His Team to "Choose Hard" Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman discusses the powerful results that come when you push yourself to strive for greatness in all aspects of life.

This is a special episode of The CEO Series for me because we took a trip to Notre Dame Stadium where I played football as a walk-on alongside my brother during the undefeated season of 2012. We went to my old stomping grounds to sit down with head coach Marcus Freeman to talk about leadership and how, in many ways, he is the CEO of their incredible program.Below are some highlights of that conversation, which have been edited for length and clarity. W...

This is a special episode of The CEO Series for me because we took a trip to Notre Dame Stadium where I played football as a walk-on alongside my brother during the undefeated season of 2012. We went to my old stomping grounds to sit down with head coach Marcus Freeman to talk about leadership and how, in many ways, he is the CEO of their incredible program.

Below are some highlights of that conversation, which have been edited for length and clarity. Watch the full video above.

The coach as CEO

"A CEO is in charge of a big company, and my company happens to be Notre Dame football. At the end of the day, you're responsible for every decision that affects the people in the program and the results that are on the field. So you don't make every decision, but you're responsible for every decision. That's important to make sure you understand. Throughout my coaching career, the greatest satisfaction came from seeing the players you were involved with have success."

Related: This Entrepreneur Started Making Short Videos to Share Her Passion for Cooking. Now Her Food Company Is a Global Powerhouse.

The celebration video that went viral after he was hired as head coach

"It was a blur. But I remember walking out of that door and seeing the team going crazy — all I wanted to do was hug them. It wasn't about a speech. It was a chance to celebrate and be with your guys, right? I tell them all the time: I'm a teammate. I might be the captain, but I'm a teammate. I understand the things you're going through. I'm in this fight with you. And I think they respect that and they understand that. Walking out that door is a moment I'll never forget and one I'll cherish forever."

The meaning of his mantra "Choose Hard"

"It all started a couple of years ago when I was in the Notre Dame weight room and was working out as our players were being pushed hard. And I remember thinking that you can choose to go through the motions or you can choose to go as hard as you can. And that's when I came up with this thought of 'Choose Hard.' We put up a sign you see when you walk into this building that says 'Choose Hard.' Because when you walk into Notre Dame football, you've got to have that mindset. We're going to choose hard today in practice, choose hard today in meetings, choose hard today in the weight room. And for the players, you're going to be challenged in the classroom, right? You're going to be in class with some of the most intelligent people in this world. And it's difficult, but ultimately you've chosen to come here so choose hard, accept it, and know that the rewards from choosing hard every single day can't be found anywhere else."

Related: He Built a Personal Finance App That Manages $8 Billion for Half a Million Customers. Here Is the CEO of M1's Hard-Earned Advice for Future Founders.

Problem-solving philosophy

"When a team isn't winning, a lot of people say, trust the process. My mantra is: fix the process. I spend a lot of time evaluating everything we were doing. Why aren't we playing better? What are we doing schematically? Is there something our players don't understand? Losses happen and it's a part of life. But they hurt. As a leader, you don't want to have too many. Fix it with urgency."

Related: The CEO of Catholic Prayer and Meditation App Hallow Says Founders Need to Be Part of Something Bigger Than Themselves

Retaining players in the age of the transfer portal

"Look, if you're the CEO of a company, you got to pay your employees, right? Now if they can go somewhere else and make a lot more money, no matter what type of company you're running, they're going to probably leave. So we have to make sure that our players can maximize the opportunities of name, image and likeness. That's important, but what else keeps them at Notre Dame? What else attracts them here? And you've got to believe it's your culture. You've got to believe it's the way they're treated. Do they enjoy being part of your program? That's so important. And that's a message for myself and our other coaches. Let's make sure that as hard as we push them, as demanding as we are, we are not demeaning. We want them to enjoy being a part of this team and all of the opportunities that the University of Notre Dame provides."

Check out more profiles of innovative and impactful leaders by visiting The CEO Series archives.

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