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 Fern Hunsberger Park 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 Osceola, 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”
“We have used Always Best Care two different times for our Mother. Both times the”
“Hi my name is Linda and I've been working with always best care for 2”
“Always best care has always been there when I needed them! They make it convenient for”
“I have used quite a few different providers and ABC is by far the best”
“Great place to work at very professional and appreciative for their staff”
“Overall a great company to work for! They do a wonderful job recognizing caregivers; from”
“They really help people when they need it”
“I've had caregivers for about 5 years now. Only having been disappointed and frustrated. Since”
“Carole is an excellent caring professional. She has been extremely helpful in advising us and”
“Our mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer and immediately needed meds administered multiple times a day. After speaking to the independent living center where she resided, our family decided to hire Always Best Care for the meds (and then later for 24-hour aids). We cannot say enough about Darlene and Candy, as well as the numerous aids. Even at the end when our mom no longer needed the meds, they would often stop by to see her anyway. We generally do not give reviews of companies, but their caring approach was exceptional and we decided it was appropriate for others who need these services to know about our experience.”
“I have worked alongside Always Best Care and they have been amazing. Very quick to help out patients in need and staff is very polite and professional.”
“ABC is a great place to be! Thank you Patti, Stephanie, and Michele for all you do! You all are Awesome & thank you for the honors of being part of the team also acknowledging myself for Employee of the Month of March! You all are appreciated”
“Best Company I’ve ever encountered. I love how flexible and efficient they are. I love the open door policy. Michelle is my favorite schedule she does an amazing job with communication.”
“I give always best care of 5 stars. They are caring and have a sincere heart I love working with this agency..”
“Always Best Care has been exceptional the four years i’ve worked there. The staff and schedulers, especially Michele, are helpful in finding compatibility for your clients, they’re also flexible in scheduling hours. Great company, great staff.”
“it is my pleasure to leave a review for the Coffee need that support the most I would like Stephanie Kramer for supporting me and helping me get through my work schedules and feel comfortable at my place of employment. I am sad to see that she left Scheduling , but she still tries her best to help everyone even with her new position. Her dedication means everything I would like to Tasha as well for communicating with me so much I also cannot forget Patricia and Michelle as well. You ladies help me so much with my client. I greatly appreciate you ladies. I appreciate all of the hard work and dedication that you ladies have with meeting me halfway when it comes to our job it definitely makes everything much easier. Keep up the great work as well as the rest of the staff thank you ladies for everything that you do and congratulations Monique on your new position.”
“I have worked with more home health agencies than I care to remember, both in GA and MI, when I worked in healthcare; and I have to say that Always Best Care is one of the best home health care agencies that I have found since the early 90's !!! I have been a client with Always Best Care since February 2022 and I have been extremely pleased with the help I have received both from my caregivers and the office staff. All the staff work hard and the quality of care is exceptional!!! The few occasions that I didn't like a caregiver because of either poor work ethic or personality, Always Best Care always took care of finding another caregiver to better meet my needs ASAP!! When I first started with Always Best Care I did get a few caregivers that weren't a good fit. But, within a very short period of time my scheduler learned my specific needs and personality and she found caregivers for me that were a wonderful match!! As in every area of healthcare, the high turnover of employees is to be expected!!! But, Always Best Care has always made sure that I have a new caregiver that matches my needs and expectations!! I have and would, highly recommend Always Best Care for your home health daily care!!”
“We used ABC several years ago for my dad, after he had a stroke. I called a few months ago to set up a care plan for my elderly mom. She had a hip replaced, and lives alone. I knew we would feel better having someone there to help her and visit with her until she could get up and around on her own. ABC works through our scheduling nightmares (mom tends to send people home early, and tell them not to come back)….and they have been SO patient with our ever changing and increasing needs for mom. Their response time and communication are impeccable!!”
“We used ABC several years ago for my dad, after he had a stroke. I called a few months ago to set up a care plan for my elderly mom. She had a hip replaced, and lives alone. I knew we would feel better having someone there to help her and visit with her until she could get up and around on her own. ABC works through our scheduling nightmares (mom tends to send people home early, and tell them not to come back)….and they have been SO patient with our ever changing and increasing needs for mom. Their response time and communication are impeccable!!”
“I love working for Always Best Care The staff is very helpful, encouraging wonderful, loving family. Thank you for the opportunity of serving for your company thank you to Michelle, who is always looking out for me and making sure that I have the hours that I need.”
“Always Best Care gives great encouragement and support to their caregivers during any situation or time of need. The care and dedication to their staff is incredible and I throughly enjoy my time working along side them!”
“I love the company I think they really do care about the employee the residents”
“Stephanie Stevens is a great CSD! Thanks for all you do!”
“Always Best care is amazing!”
“Always Best Care is a great company. Not only do they provide the best care for their clients, but they go above and beyond for their staff as well.”
“We have used Always Best Care two different times for our Mother. Both times the care was excellent. I have referred Always Best Care to several people.”
“Hi my name is Linda and I've been working with always best care for 2 years now and it's a great atmosphere I like coming in to work meeting new people. It's a place that's kind friendly and it makes you feel at home it makes you feel that you're working with people that understand you know you're different needs your different hours and if something come up they are there to help you with anything that you need help with it's a great company I'm so glad I signed up with the company I signed up a little bit after the pandemic and I just needed somewhere that I could really consider myself at home or I find a home and I have I'm amazed at how the people are so nice when you talk to them on the phone how nice they are friendly you can tell this saying it with a smile I enjoy working there I tell people ask me where I work at always best care they like what yeah always best care yes it's a nice company sign up with it you won't regret it I'm glad I do it I'm really glad I did”
“Always best care has always been there when I needed them! They make it convenient for me to take care of my father. I most definitely recommend them!”
“I have used quite a few different providers and ABC is by far the best company. From the office staff to the caregivers, they are doing what they love and it shows.”
“Great place to work at very professional and appreciative for their staff”
“Overall a great company to work for! They do a wonderful job recognizing caregivers; from big recognition like a monthly caregiver award and random drawings, to small recognition such as any time you visit the office you are free to grab snacks, beverages, gear and more often than not there is some type of food they have ordered that is available. They really don’t hold back in this area! There has been quite a bit of changes made in office positions within the last year. Response time, outside of the scheduling department, can be improved upon.”
“They really help people when they need it”
“I've had caregivers for about 5 years now. Only having been disappointed and frustrated. Since Always Best Care came into my life, my worries have ended. I never knew if previous caregivers were going to show up, or do what I needed. Everytime they would complete a task, they would sit down and be on their phone. Kari and Jamisha finish a task and right to the next. No problems. My mind has been put at ease. They are very professional yet so so friendly. They ask, what else they can do for me. I also have my ABC emergency call button. Now I have peace of mind if an emergency should arise. My case coordinator Stephanie Stevens. Stays right on top of my case. Thank you so much for making my life easier. I have recommended your company to others that may need assistance in the future.”
“Carole is an excellent caring professional. She has been extremely helpful in advising us and in scheduling care. With respect to the caregivers, we have no complaints. We want to give a special thank you to Rhona for her time and effort in creating a special bond with our mother.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Fern Hunsberger 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 Artisan or visit Charters of Freedom, 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 Osceola, 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 Osceola, 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 Osceola, 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.
Vickers, Scarborough, Arrington on a combined 13 termsImageBodyQuietly, a handful of Osceola County workers have celebrated the jobs they’ve been chosen to hold—then gone right back to doing those jobs.Following their 2024 election victories, Osceola’s Supervisor of Elections (Mary Jane Arrington), Property Appraiser (Katrina Scarborough) and Tax Collector (Bruce Vickers) held swearingin ceremonies this past week.Th eywerescheduled around times when their staffs could attend the gatherings...
Vickers, Scarborough, Arrington on a combined 13 terms
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Quietly, a handful of Osceola County workers have celebrated the jobs they’ve been chosen to hold—then gone right back to doing those jobs.
Following their 2024 election victories, Osceola’s Supervisor of Elections (Mary Jane Arrington), Property Appraiser (Katrina Scarborough) and Tax Collector (Bruce Vickers) held swearingin ceremonies this past week.
Th eywerescheduled around times when their staffs could attend the gatherings— Vickers’ on Friday evening after the workday, Scarborough and Arrington’s on Tuesday morning right before an office event. They hold important, yet low-key and largely not understood, administrative jobs that are politically earned. The public has had a favorable view of their jobs based on election results; Scarborough and Arrington embark on their fifth term in their roles, and Vickers begins his third.
Add in Clerk of Court and Comptroller Kelvin Soto and Sheriff Marcos Lopez, who were also re-elected by Osceola County voters in 2024, and that’s 17 terms of office for the county’s five constitutional officers.
In the case of two of them, Scarborough’s office sets an appraisal amount that equates to the property tax that Vickers has to collect from them—and people willingly come to their offices to do that.
Vickers, who began working with the Tax Collectors office 24 years ago under predecessor Patsy Heffner, is just the fifth person to fill the role in the office’s 107 years.
“People think the tax collector is the person who sets your taxes, raises or lowers them. But my job is to be the bank of Osceola, and do it efficiently and effectively.” he said. “Every dime and dollar must make it to the correct place so citizens receive the services they rely on.”
Vickers, known as much for his charismatic leadership and presence in the community as his work “behind the counter,” said he relishes his role in ensuring he serves both residents and governments while his office has also been asked to process driver’s licenses and registrations, toll clearances and birth certificates.
“We’re here to make your lives easier,” he said to Friday’s gathering. “It’s a testament to the tremendous growth and vibrance of our community. All of Osceola County has stood up for me, and together we will continue to improve and innovate the way we serve.”
Arrington served two terms on the County Commission before being elected elections supervisor in 2008, said she really means it when talking about the “honor and privilege” of serving the community for over 25 years.”
“Every day coming to work I know I’m coming to a job that really matters,” she said. “The work we do in our office really matters. Democracy starts with our office, and we’ve surrounded ourselves with an outstanding staff that knows what to do and how to get it done, and they love elections. No little girl says when she’s 10 years old, ‘When I grow up, I want to work in elections. We all just sort of land there.’” Arrington, clad in purple for her fifth swearing-in, said that color—it’s prevalent in the office’s logo—has significance.
“We all know there are voters who are red (conservatives) and blue (liberals), and in our office we come together,” she said. “When you mix red and blue you get purple.”
Scarborough began working in the appraiser’s office when she was 16, so her job is truly life’s work.
“It makes me feel very honored that people have confidence in how I do a job I love to do every day,” she said. “And I couldn’t do that job without the staff (of 67) that we have.”
The air hums with energy as the crowd at Doak Campbell Stadium roars to life. The renowned Florida State Marching Chiefs play the War Chant. All eyes move to the tunnel as Chief Osceola and Renegade lead the football team onto the green. With an 8-foot spear blazing with fire, the pair charges to the 50-yard line. Renegade rears as Chief Osceola plants the spear into the turf. Seminole fans swell with pride. Rivals have been warned that FSU is ready to fight.This tradition was born when Bill Durham, a class of 1965 alum...
The air hums with energy as the crowd at Doak Campbell Stadium roars to life. The renowned Florida State Marching Chiefs play the War Chant. All eyes move to the tunnel as Chief Osceola and Renegade lead the football team onto the green. With an 8-foot spear blazing with fire, the pair charges to the 50-yard line. Renegade rears as Chief Osceola plants the spear into the turf. Seminole fans swell with pride. Rivals have been warned that FSU is ready to fight.
This tradition was born when Bill Durham, a class of 1965 alumnus and homecoming committee member, came up with the concept of Osceola and Renegade. His idea gained little support and he eventually put it to rest.
However, in 1976, Bobby Bowden was hired. Durham did professional work for Bowden and the two became friends. At a late-night football business meeting, Bowden expressed his interest in coming up with a flashy opening for the ’Noles. This was the moment Durham had hoped for, and he pitched his previous idea to the head coach.
Bowden loved the idea and greenlit Durham to bring it to life. Bowden’s wife, Ann Bowden, was crucial in helping the idea bloom.
To ensure this tradition was aligned with the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Durham reached out to the tribe chairman at the time, Howard Tommie, and presented the idea to him to gain his permission. The Seminole Tribe worked closely with Durham to come up with the ritual and the regalia. All of the regalia worn by Chief Osceola is approved by the Seminole Tribe.
In a May 2024 interview with The Post-Searchlight in Bainbridge, Georgia, Durham said that he made Tommie three promises when pitching the idea.
“That promise was: It will always be a young male that represents the spirit of Osceola, he would be a good student - from the get-go, they have to maintain a 3.0 grade point average, or they’re gone - and he would be of good character,” Durham said.
The process for a student to apply and become Chief Osceola is thorough. First, the student must fill out an application. They then undergo an interview process with Durham and Booster members. The team also evaluates the student’s horseback riding skills. This whole process can take up to six months.
Once the student is chosen, they must undergo a two-year apprenticeship. The first two years are everything but riding the horse in the games, and this can be up to 15-30 hours a week. The student, however, must ride once a week to maintain their horseback riding skills. As a junior and senior, the student can ride in games.
The Durham Family has been pivotal in keeping the tradition of Osceola and Renegade alive. The family provides all of the Appaloosa horses and helps maintain the relationship with the Seminole Tribe to preserve the authenticity of the tradition. Bill Durham oversaw the ritual until 2002 when he passed the torch to his son, Allen Durham, who was the eighth Chief Osceola from 1992-1994.
The first time that Osceola and Renegade led the Garnet and Gold through the tunnel and onto the green at Doak Campbell Stadium was on Sept. 16, 1978. Florida State was set to play against the Oklahoma State Cowboys. With the garnered spirit from the presentation of the new mascot, the Seminoles won 38-20.
Jim Kidder was the first student to portray Osceola. FSU is currently on Renegade VI (since 2014) and the 18th student portraying Osceola.
The concept of Chief Osceola and Renegade came from Bill Durham’s fascination with Native American history. Osceola was technically not a chief, but the name “Chief Osceola” was given to the rider of Renegade in 1979.
Osceola was born in 1804 in Mississippi Territory, now Alabama. He was originally part of the Creek people who were displaced after the Creek War of 1813-1814. Before being relocated to Florida, Osceola went by the name Billy Powell. Around 1820, he adopted the name Osceola which means “black drink singer.”
Osceola was a leader and instrumental in the Second Seminole War which began in 1835. Osceola represents an unconquered people, resistance and the Seminole people’s unwavering spirit.
Chief Osceola and Renegade have made appearances at the 1993 Orange Bowl where Florida State claimed their first national championship and the 2014 BCS National Championship Game in Pasadena, California, where the ’Noles claimed their third national title.
Before the 2011 season, ESPN’s SportsNation voted Osceola and Renegade the best NCAA Football Tradition in the country.
The relationship between the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the University is honored and upheld. In 2005, the tribal council passed a resolution officially endorsing Florida State’s use of Seminoles as the name for athletic teams, allowing FSU to earn a waiver and avoid the NCAA ban on naming sports teams named after Native American groups.
This long-standing tradition harnesses student spirit and represents the values of both the tribe and Florida State University.
MIAMI, FLORIDA- If you like defensive football, Friday's Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Class 6A final between Kissimmee Osceola and West Boca Raton was for you.After a near stalemated first half between the two programs, it would be West Boca Raton coming away with the narrow victory for the Class 6A state championship.Behind a strong outing from wide receiver Mark Hanniford, the Bulls was able to pull away with a 26-7 victory over Kissimmee Osceola at Pitbull Stadium. The victory notches the...
MIAMI, FLORIDA- If you like defensive football, Friday's Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Class 6A final between Kissimmee Osceola and West Boca Raton was for you.
After a near stalemated first half between the two programs, it would be West Boca Raton coming away with the narrow victory for the Class 6A state championship.
Behind a strong outing from wide receiver Mark Hanniford, the Bulls was able to pull away with a 26-7 victory over Kissimmee Osceola at Pitbull Stadium. The victory notches the program's first-ever state championship win.
High School On SI was on hand for the game and gives you three takeaways from the Class 6A state championship game:
Unlike the Class 1A or 5A state championship games, the 6A version was more competitive and evenly matched when it came to the two teams through three quarters. If you would've looked at the early series, it might've looked like West Boca Raton could runaway with things, but Kissimmee Osceola hit the not-so-fast button on that. At least for three quarters before West Boca Raton pulled away in the final period. An interception by defensive back Je'Mario Bradford helped turn the tide of the game and momentum swinging in favor of the Kowboys. The big play ended up coming from Mark Hanniford, who had two catches for 140 yards and two touchdowns. Also throw in Kyle Andrews long pass-and-catch from Mallory (6-of-11, 147 yards, two touchdowns), and this Kowboys' offense was explosive via the big play on Friday afternoon.
The UCF signee came onto the scene his sophomore season and showed those around the Sunshine State he would be a problem for opposing defenses. On Friday, it was one last chance for those around Florida to see one of the top running backs in the state and Swint didn't disappoint. The tailback rushed to the tune of 115 yards on 26 carries and scored the Kowboys’ only touchdown for Osceola. Though it was tough sledding at first, with Swint getting visibly upset at times, the senior battled through that to conclude what has been a terrific high school playing career. Pinellas opted to add in some shotgun set looks in order to get Swint in space and it worked to perfection in helping get the future Knight jumpstarted.
Outside of Swint, no other player for Osceola got going offensively, with the passing game finishing with less than 10 yards on the afternoon. Much of that was because of the play of the Bulls' defense that kept everyone else in check and in the end, it was always the calling card for West Boca Raton. Having players like Xavier Reid and Jamar Thompson up on the defensive line certainly was a problem for Osceola's offense live in pass protection as they broke through and were able to cause havoc to the Kowboys' passing game. With Camren West under duress throughout the evening whenever he dropped back to pass, there was no chance for Eric Pinellas' offense to complete passes and thus, dooming their championship chances.
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-- Andy Villamarzo | [email protected] | @highschoolonsi
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