It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic 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.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Our mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer and immediately needed meds administered multiple times a”
“I have worked alongside Always Best Care and they have been amazing. Very quick”
“ABC is a great place to be! Thank you Patti, Stephanie, and Michele for all”
“Best Company I’ve ever encountered. I love how flexible and efficient they are. I love”
“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”
“Hi my name is Linda and I've been working with always best care for 2”
“I have used quite a few different providers and ABC is by far the best”
“Always best care has always been there when I needed them! They make it convenient for”
“Great place to work at very professional and appreciative for their staff”
“Overall a great company to work for! They do a wonderful job recognizing caregivers; from”
“They really help people when they need it”
“I've had caregivers for about 5 years now. Only having been disappointed and frustrated. Since”
“They were my mother's caretakers up until we moved away to seek life saving treatment.”
“I would recommend Always Best Care. They were so helpful. The people that”
“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.”
“Hi my name is Linda and I've been working with always best care for 2 years now and it's a great atmosphere I like coming in to work meeting new people. It's a place that's kind friendly and it makes you feel at home it makes you feel that you're working with people that understand you know you're different needs your different hours and if something come up they are there to help you with anything that you need help with it's a great company I'm so glad I signed up with the company I signed up a little bit after the pandemic and I just needed somewhere that I could really consider myself at home or I find a home and I have I'm amazed at how the people are so nice when you talk to them on the phone how nice they are friendly you can tell this saying it with a smile I enjoy working there I tell people ask me where I work at always best care they like what yeah always best care yes it's a nice company sign up with it you won't regret it I'm glad I do it I'm really glad I did”
“I have used quite a few different providers and ABC is by far the best company. From the office staff to the caregivers, they are doing what they love and it shows.”
“Always best care has always been there when I needed them! They make it convenient for me to take care of my father. I most definitely recommend them!”
“Great place to work at very professional and appreciative for their staff”
“Overall a great company to work for! They do a wonderful job recognizing caregivers; from big recognition like a monthly caregiver award and random drawings, to small recognition such as any time you visit the office you are free to grab snacks, beverages, gear and more often than not there is some type of food they have ordered that is available. They really don’t hold back in this area! There has been quite a bit of changes made in office positions within the last year. Response time, outside of the scheduling department, can be improved upon.”
“They really help people when they need it”
“I've had caregivers for about 5 years now. Only having been disappointed and frustrated. Since Always Best Care came into my life, my worries have ended. I never knew if previous caregivers were going to show up, or do what I needed. Everytime they would complete a task, they would sit down and be on their phone. Kari and Jamisha finish a task and right to the next. No problems. My mind has been put at ease. They are very professional yet so so friendly. They ask, what else they can do for me. I also have my ABC emergency call button. Now I have peace of mind if an emergency should arise. My case coordinator Stephanie Stevens. Stays right on top of my case. Thank you so much for making my life easier. I have recommended your company to others that may need assistance in the future.”
“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.”
“I would recommend Always Best Care. They were so helpful. The people that cared for my dad were kind and attentive. They were quick to respond and help get the paperwork completed. They were great all the way around.”
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 Governor Joseph Kernan Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
In the first game of the Cayman Islands Classic, the 17th-ranked TCU Horned Frogs knocked off No. 3 Notre Dame 76-68. Under Mark Campbell, TCU is 22-0 in non-conference games.The big three of Hailey Van Lith, Sedona Prince, and Madison Conner were dominant. Prince put up an eye-popping stat line with 20 points, 20 rebounds, and eight blocks. Van Lith led the team in scoring with 21 to go along with seven assists while Conner had 18 points and six rebo...
In the first game of the Cayman Islands Classic, the 17th-ranked TCU Horned Frogs knocked off No. 3 Notre Dame 76-68. Under Mark Campbell, TCU is 22-0 in non-conference games.
The big three of Hailey Van Lith, Sedona Prince, and Madison Conner were dominant. Prince put up an eye-popping stat line with 20 points, 20 rebounds, and eight blocks. Van Lith led the team in scoring with 21 to go along with seven assists while Conner had 18 points and six rebounds.
The win did not come easy. The Frogs trailed for most of this game and it required a furious comeback in the fourth quarter to pull this one off. Hannah Hildago had the hot hand for the Irish as she scored eight points in the first quarter to give Notre Dame a 10-point lead.
It was a similar theme in the second quarter. The TCU offense started to heat up but the Irish had a response every time. TCU found themselves trailing at the half 35-29. As the lead grew to 11 at the end of the third quarter, things were looking bleak.
What makes this TCU team so dangerous is the experience they possess. They've seen everything college basketball has to offer so nothing phases them. Conner gave TCU some much needed life as she knocked down back-to-back triples to open the fourth quarter.
Halfway through the fourth, Agnes Emma-Nnopu converted a key layup to make it 61-59, and Van Lith tied it up. The job wasn't finished yet as Emma-Nnopu drilled a three to give TCU the lead with 3:49 to go. The Frogs went on a 12-5 run from that point to close it out. They outscored the Irish 31-12 in the fourth quarter.
This game marks one of the biggest wins in program history. It's the first win over a top-5 opponent since 2008. There isn't enough that can be said about the job Coach Campbell has done to turn TCU women's basketball into a winning culture. For many schools, a win against a top-3 opponent may be the peak of a season. For TCU, this is just the beginning. They have all the ingredients to make some noise.
One thing has been made clear: The Frogs are here and ready to make a deep run in March. If you somehow haven't heard about this team yet, listen to the words of Hailey Van Lith, "They know about us."
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After more than five years of frenetic, but sometimes interrupted, reconstruction work, Notre Dame Cathedral showed itself anew to the world today, with rebuilt soaring ceilings and creamy good-as-new stonework erasing somber memories of its devastating fire in 2019.Images broadcast live of a site visit by French President Emmanuel Macron showed the inside of the iconic cathedral as worshippers might have experienced it in previous centuries, its wide, open spaces filled with bright light on a crisp and sunny winter’s day that l...
After more than five years of frenetic, but sometimes interrupted, reconstruction work, Notre Dame Cathedral showed itself anew to the world today, with rebuilt soaring ceilings and creamy good-as-new stonework erasing somber memories of its devastating fire in 2019.
Images broadcast live of a site visit by French President Emmanuel Macron showed the inside of the iconic cathedral as worshippers might have experienced it in previous centuries, its wide, open spaces filled with bright light on a crisp and sunny winter’s day that lit up the vibrant colours of the stained glass windows.
Outside, the monument is still a construction site, with scaffolding and cranes. But the renovated interior — shown in its full glory today for the first time before the public is allowed back in on December 8 — proved to be breathtaking.
Gone are the gaping holes that the blaze tore into the vaulted ceilings, leaving charred piles of debris. New stonework has been carefully pieced together to repair and fill the wounds that had left the cathedral's insides exposed to the elements. Delicate golden angels look on from the centerpiece of one of the rebuilt ceilings, seeming to fly again above the transept.
The cathedral's bright, cream-colored limestone walls look brand new, cleaned not only of dust from the fire but also of grime that had accumulated for centuries.
The cathedral attracted millions of worshippers and visitors annually before the April 15, 2019, fire forced its closure and turned the monument in the heart of Paris into a no-go zone except to artisans, architects and others mobilized for the reconstruction.
Macron entered via the cathedral’s giant and intricately carved front doors and stared up at the ceilings in wonder. He was accompanied by his wife, Brigitte, the archbishop of Paris and others.
Powerful vacuum cleaners were used to first remove toxic dust released when the fire melted the cathedral's lead roofs.
Fine layers of latex were then sprayed onto the surfaces and removed a few days later, taking dirt away with them from the stones' pores, nooks and crevices. In all, 42,000 square meters of stonework were cleaned and decontaminated — an area equivalent to roughly six soccer pitches.
“It feels like it was built yesterday, like it’s just been born, even though Notre Dame is very old," said stonemason Adrien Willeme, who worked on the reconstruction. "Because it’s been so carefully restored and cleaned, it looks really extraordinary.”
Cleaning gels were also used on some walls that had been painted, removing many years of accumulated dirt and revealing their bright colors once again.
Carpenters worked by hand like their medieval counterparts as they hewed giant oak beams to rebuild the roof and spire that collapsed like a flaming spear into the inferno. The beams show the marks of the carpenters' handiwork, with dents made on the woodwork by their hand axes.
Some 2,000 oak trees were felled to rebuild roof frameworks so dense and intricate that they are nicknamed “the forest.”
Macron's visit kicked off a series of events ushering in the reopening of the 12th-century Gothic masterpiece. At the end of his tour, the president addressed hundreds of workers gathered inside the cathedral and thanked them for their labors on what he called the "building site of the century.”
“The shock of the reopening will, I want to believe, be as powerful as the one of the fire. But it will be a shock of hope,” he said. “The inferno of Notre Dame was a wound for the nation. And you were its remedy."
Macron will return on December 7 to deliver another address and will attend the consecration of the new altar during a solemn Mass the following day.
A nine-game win streak has put Notre Dame in a win-and-in situation on rivalry weekend. Should they overcome USC, the Irish will play a College Football Playoff game in Notre Dame Stadium. The Trojans have sputtered to a disappointing 6-5 record this season, but recently secured bowl eligibility behind a pair of wins against Nebraska and UCLA. Head coach Lincoln Riley is known for his ability to call an elite offense. However, now on its second quarterback after only averaging 29 points per game, USC has not impressed on that side of the bal...
A nine-game win streak has put Notre Dame in a win-and-in situation on rivalry weekend. Should they overcome USC, the Irish will play a College Football Playoff game in Notre Dame Stadium. The Trojans have sputtered to a disappointing 6-5 record this season, but recently secured bowl eligibility behind a pair of wins against Nebraska and UCLA. Head coach Lincoln Riley is known for his ability to call an elite offense. However, now on its second quarterback after only averaging 29 points per game, USC has not impressed on that side of the ball. Considering Notre Dame’s dominant defense, I have little doubt in its ability to handle this unit, particularly in the passing attack, as the Irish boast the top-ranked pass efficiency defense in the country.
Playing at home against your biggest rival usually means throwing the record out the window. With that being said, USC’s recent victories to secure postseason football could come with a sigh of relief that may have its foot off the gas at the end of a mediocre season. With everything to play for, I expect Marcus Freeman to have his guys more than prepared to take care of business on Saturday afternoon. I see the Trojans hanging around in the first half before breaking under the pressure of this Irish defense, allowing Notre Dame to pull away late. The Irish will be in the CFP this season, taking down their rivals en route to getting there.
Notre Dame 28, USC 14
On the heels of nine consecutive wins, a trip to Los Angeles to face off with USC is all that stands between Notre Dame and the College Football Playoff. The Trojans have scuffled their way to a disappointing 6-5 record, and much of that has come down to their struggles in closing out games, as their five defeats have come by a total of just 19 points. In recent years, USC’s elite offense has been able to make up for its defensive issues, but that unit hasn’t been able to shoulder the load in the same way this season, as the Trojans have already made a quarterback change while averaging a relatively pedestrian 29 points per game. That doesn’t bode well against an Irish defense that has locked down opponents all year, being particularly stingy through the air — boasting the nation’s top passing defense — which is where USC has done most of its damage.
I don’t see the Trojans suffering another last-second loss on Saturday because I think Notre Dame is playing at too high of a level on both sides of the ball to let it get to that point. The Irish defense has forced more turnovers than any team in the country and will make several key plays against USC, and Notre Dame’s steady, efficient offense will be ready to capitalize on those mistakes.
Last fall, the Irish had all the answers in this rivalry matchup, dominating from start to finish in a four-touchdown victory over the previously undefeated Trojans. On Saturday afternoon, it will be Notre Dame that has all the momentum and motivation on its side in what is truly a must-win game. USC will battle as it looks to close out the regular season on a high note with a third straight victory, but I see the Irish pulling away before this one reaches the fourth quarter.
Notre Dame 35, USC 14
The latest CFP Ranking has Notre Dame as the No. 7 seed, which Irish fans shouldn’t be excited about. Penn State is still sitting at No. 6 despite barely defeating Minnesota last week. If the Irish can move into that spot, they’ll play an easier matchup in the first round and, if they win, the second round as well.
Notre Dame has to be merciless with how it scores and win by as much as possible. The Irish have allowed only 15 touchdowns this season, tied for fourth least in FBS. USC’s offense is nothing extraordinary, and even with all the key injuries on Notre Dame’s defense, the Irish should be in a good position to keep the Trojans frustrated with their production all afternoon.
Notre Dame 55, USC 10
Some of the greatest rivalry games are being played this week, and USC vs. Notre Dame is right on the list. The No. 5 Irish trek off to SoCal this holiday weekend to hopefully solidify a home game in the College Football Playoff. Win and they are in.
After pounding then-No. 19 Army in a display of physicality, Marcus Freeman's squad is clicking. Its dominance on both sides of the ball is a promising sign as it faces a Trojan team that's underperformed but not to be overlooked.
USC’s season has been disappointing, but the Trojans have shown some resilience in recent weeks under new starting quarterback Jayden Maiava. All of their losses have been by no more than a touchdown, including a 33-30 overtime heartbreaker against Penn State.
While Maiava has sparked back-to-back wins, the Trojans' offense — ranked 88th in rushing but 14th in passing — matches poorly against Notre Dame's secondary. On defense, USC’s struggles are obvious, especially against the pass, where it ranks 93rd nationally.
Notre Dame's key to victory lies in efficiency, and luckily the Irish are playing their best football of the season. With the Jeremiyah Love-Jadarian Price duo thriving in the run game and Riley Leonard spreading the ball effectively, the Irish should be able to control the scene. Special teams execution will also be critical.
Expect a hard-fought battle, but Notre Dame’s superior depth should carry it to victory and cement its playoff bid.
Notre Dame 38, USC 17
It’s a shame Notre Dame and USC haven’t played a game with both teams in College Playoff Contention since 2017. With the field expanded to 12 teams and the Irish ranked with the Trojans inside the top 15 to start the year, it seemed that 2024 would end with a blockbuster in Los Angeles. Notre Dame has held up its end of the bargain at 10-1. USC, at 6-5, not so much.
Still, I see a lot to look forward to with Saturday’s regular-season finale. Of course, this is one of college football’s finest rivalries, and the last two years of Caleb Williams bringing USC back to brief relevance has revamped the animosity around the annual game. In 2022, he sealed the deal on a Heisman Trophy against Notre Dame in the Coliseum. Last season, the Irish put him in a torture chamber and beat the Trojans by 28 in South Bend.
Second, Notre Dame will actually face a somewhat competent passing offense again. That hasn’t happened since Sept. 28 against Louisville, the last time the Irish won a game by less than three scores. Led by Xavier Watts, Notre Dame’s secondary played a starring role in last year’s demolition of USC. I would expect a few more key plays against the Trojan air attack on Saturday.
Finally, USC enters the weekend with some momentum — at least, relative to the suboptimal standards of its 2024 season. Last week, they followed up a win against Nebraska by defeating crosstown rival UCLA, 19-13, to clinch bowl eligibility. Historically speaking, Notre Dame doesn’t win big in Los Angeles — not even the championship contenders of 2012 and 2018. The Irish haven’t won by double-digit points at USC since 2000, but this isn’t just another Notre Dame team. This is the hottest team in college football, and it’s going to buck that trend and roll into the postseason on Saturday.
Notre Dame 35, USC 17
247Sports Embed ResourceThe slump persists as I only hit one of my five for the third consecutive week. Michael Lantz successfully busted his slump with not only two field goals but four. Zachariah Branch saw his six-reception streak come to an end, ...
247Sports Embed Resource
The slump persists as I only hit one of my five for the third consecutive week. Michael Lantz successfully busted his slump with not only two field goals but four. Zachariah Branch saw his six-reception streak come to an end, Kamari Ramsey did not force a TD, Jayden Maiava did not score three times, and the Trojans were well under 50 percent on third downs. Overall (21-for-55; .381)
1) A USC tight end scores
It has been an interesting year for the tight ends, getting plenty of burn in the blocking department but minimal impact as pass catchers with zero TDs on the year. The position came so close against the Bruins with not one but two end zone targets. It's coming down to the wire for the tight ends to hit pay dirt this season so let's roll with it for the final game in the Coliseum. Not an easy task as Notre Dame has only allowed six passing TDs this season.
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2) The Trojans break out another trick play
This is a pretty simple one. The Trojans are an underdog in this one with a Top 5 team coming to the Coliseum. They already got the bowl bid with a win over UCLA the week prior so they can play loose and as a team with nothing to lose. I expect Lincoln Riley to dial up some trickery for the home crowd.
3) Both starting QBs rush for a TD
This will be the battle of mobile quarterbacks between Jayden Maiava and Riley Leonard for Notre Dame. Leonard is one of the best designed run quarterbacks in the country with 12 rushing TDs and the team's second leading rusher. In this battle of mobility, I believe both quarterbacks find the end zone with their legs.
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4) Makai Lemon reaches 1,000 all-purpose yards
Lemon has put on a really successful sophomore season with career-high in receiving (37 receptions, 532 yards) and a breakout season as a kick returner, currently leading the Big Ten at 29.25 yards per return. Lemon has a chance to become the second Trojans this season with 1,000 all-purpose yards, currently 117 yards short of the mark. Lemon has surpassed 100 all-purpose yards in three of the last four games.
5) Notre Dame does not finish with 200 rushing yards
I decided to go out on a big limb with this one as Notre Dame's rushing attack is one of the best in the country at 221.8 yards per game, No. 10 in the country. The Fighting Irish have hit the 200-yard mark in four consecutive games going into Saturday and in five of the last six. USC's run defense plays above of its talent talent but has been scrappy enough to get the job done most of the time. Big game means a big effort is coming.
After five years of it being caught in a terrible fire, on December 7, the Notre Dame Cathedral, one of the most representative buildings of Paris is going to reopen its doors to the public. Today, November 29, French Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron, visited the reconstruction that has been carried out since the serious fire in April 2019 of this 850-year-old building, a reconstruction in which Assassin’s Creed Unity, or more specifically Ubisoft, has taken an active part.Assassin’s Creed Unity w...
After five years of it being caught in a terrible fire, on December 7, the Notre Dame Cathedral, one of the most representative buildings of Paris is going to reopen its doors to the public. Today, November 29, French Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron, visited the reconstruction that has been carried out since the serious fire in April 2019 of this 850-year-old building, a reconstruction in which Assassin’s Creed Unity, or more specifically Ubisoft, has taken an active part.
Assassin’s Creed Unity was launched in 2014 under a sea of criticism due to its state, notably unfinished and full of bugs and other technical errors. However, what was also evident was that Ubisoft’s recreation of the French capital on an architectural and visual level was magnificent, also being the first game in the series developed exclusively for the last generation of consoles (PlayStation 4 and Xbox One). Specifically, the Notre Dame Cathedral was one of the highest points of this work, with a completely overwhelming level of detail.
Far from what was said since then, this recreation was not useful for the reconstruction of the Cathedral, although it allowed all players in the world to experience a virtual tour by giving away the game during the week following the fire. “We hope, with this small gesture, to be able to provide everyone with the opportunity to appreciate our virtual tribute to this monumental piece of architecture,” said a spokesperson for the French publisher at the time.
However, the assets that were used to recreate Notre Dame in-game were never used in the reconstruction of the Cathedral, as Ubisoft would later acknowledge. According to them, what they had carried out was nothing more than a virtual recreation designed specifically for exploration thanksthrough the skills of Arlo, the protagonist of the game, not an architectural study. To capture the imposing Cathedral, the studio spent months capturing up to a billion images thanks to a patented laser scanner, with the help of historian Andrew Tallon.
But as we said before, Ubisoft actively collaborated in the process, donating 500,000 euros to do their bit to get to next week, when this work will be finished.
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