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 The Kizer House 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 South Bend, 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.
“Always Best Care gives great encouragement and support to their caregivers during any situation or”
“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”
“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”
“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”
“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”
“Always Best Care has been exceptional the four years i’ve worked there. The staff and”
“I give always best care of 5 stars. They are caring and have a sincere”
“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 the company I think they really do care about the employee the residents”
“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”
“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”
“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”
“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”
“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”
“Always Best Care has been exceptional the four years i’ve worked there. The staff and”
“I give always best care of 5 stars. They are caring and have a sincere”
“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 the company I think they really do care about the employee the residents”
“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”
“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.”
“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.”
“I give always best care of 5 stars. They are caring and have a sincere heart I love working with this agency..”
“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 the company I think they really do care about the employee the residents”
“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!”
“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”
“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.”
“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 Woodlawn 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 The Carriage House Dining Room or visit The Birdsell Mansion, 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 South Bend, 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 South Bend, 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 South Bend, 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.
SOUTH BEND — Devonta Smith and Will Pauling, two of Notre Dame football’s ...
SOUTH BEND — Devonta Smith and Will Pauling, two of Notre Dame football’s key transfer additions, have some history.
Last September, as Smith and Alabama rolled to a 42-10 road win over Pauling and Wisconsin, the defensive back and the equally loquacious wide receiver got to chatting at Camp Randall Stadium.
“You have to ask him what he said to me on the field,” Pauling said after a recent spring practice session. “I asked him, ‘Bro, do you remember what you said to me on the field?’ “
Smith, who was in coverage against Pauling for part of that afternoon, pleaded ignorance.
“He’ll define himself as a little bit of a ‘crash-out,’ “ Pauling said. “That’s a term. He said he doesn’t even remember what he said, but he said something pretty crazy.”
Smith, the favorite to succeed Jordan Clark as the starting Irish nickelback, won’t meet the local media until this weekend. But Smith and Pauling already have their running joke, even as they match up from time to time on the field this spring.
“Mostly it gets him going,” said Pauling, an inch shorter than Smith and listed at the same 192 pounds. “He’s a competitive guy, going at it. He’s a great player. I can’t wait to get all the way back in so we can get after it some more.”
Pauling, coming off January surgery to repair a stress fracture in his right foot, is ahead of schedule as he jumps into individual drills and shows off the short-area quickness that enabled him to thrive the past two seasons at Wisconsin (116 catches, 1,244 yards, nine touchdowns).
As for their prior matchup, Pauling had the upper hand individually on a nine-catch, 83-yard day, both season highs. He added a 3-yard scoring grab for the Badgers’ only touchdown of the afternoon.
“I wouldn’t say (Smith) was under my skin, I wouldn’t say I was under his skin,” Pauling said. “But I know I finished that day with nine catches and a touchdown. Not all against him obviously, but we were going at it.”
Pauling, who also spent two seasons at Cincinnati, has been reunited for a third stint with Notre Dame receivers coach Mike Brown. They worked together with the Bearcats and the Badgers, including the 2023 season that ranks as Pauling’s best so far (74 catches, 837 yards, six touchdowns).
Pauling cited Brown as a “big factor” in choosing the Irish out of the transfer portal in December.
“He’s a super-genuine person,” Pauling said. “I think of him more as family than a coach sometimes. Coach Brown is someone I would invite to my wedding. I’m going to invite Coach Brown to my wedding because he’s developed me so much as a receiver but as a man as well. That’s something you don’t see every day in college football anymore.”
Just to clarify, Pauling isn’t headed for the altar anytime soon.
“Oh, no,” he said with a laugh. “God willing, but no, no, no. Not yet. Not yet.”
Mike Berardino covers Notre Dame football for the South Bend Tribune and NDInsider.com. Follow him on social media @MikeBerardino.
March 25, 2025 - Midwest League (MWL)SOUTH BEND, IN - Downtown South Bend has seen a number of new construction projects break ground especially near Four Winds Field. As additional development around the ballpark grows, parking options have been limited. However in 2025, the South Bend Cubs are adding two new parking lots along with additional shuttles to help get fans to and from the stadium.The E Lot, located at the nor...
March 25, 2025 - Midwest League (MWL)
SOUTH BEND, IN - Downtown South Bend has seen a number of new construction projects break ground especially near Four Winds Field. As additional development around the ballpark grows, parking options have been limited. However in 2025, the South Bend Cubs are adding two new parking lots along with additional shuttles to help get fans to and from the stadium.
The E Lot, located at the northwest corner of Lafayette Boulevard and Western Avenue, will be open for all South Bend Cubs game and most special events. The lot sits directly across from the Gate D entrance in centerfield, between the Ivy at Berlin Place. Entrance to this lot is off Western Avenue only. Fans are encouraged to come from S. Main Street and head westbound on Western Avenue to avoid traffic backups going east.
The S Lot is located just south of the stadium on the south side of the Studebaker Building. This lot will only be open for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday South Bend Cubs games. Vehicles will enter the lot from Lafayette Boulevard by the guardhouse. This lot will also have a dedicated parking shuttle running before, during, and after the game.
"It's great to see more development happening around Four Winds Field to help grow the downtown area," said South Bend Cubs Team President Joe Hart. "We understand that on our busiest nights, parking can be a challenge, which is why we are grateful to Mark Neal, owner of the Hibbert building and Kevin Smith, owner of the Studebaker building, who are working with us to provide additional parking options for our fans."
In total, eight lots will be open for every game and twelve lots available on weekends and sold-out games. The S Lot will be open on the weekends and the Saint Patrick and Saint Hedwig Parish lots on Western Avenue will be open when the closer lots around the ballpark fill up. Lot C will not be open during games with fireworks as that lot is used for the pyrotechnic spectacular. Lot A is reserved for suite holders only.
Premium Reserved Parking returns for the 2025 season and is located in Lot B. Fans can purchase a spot in this lot in advance for just $15. Spots are limited in number and are reserved up to 30 minutes after the scheduled first pitch of the game.
Handicapped parking is available in all paid South Bend Cubs lots. Additionally, handicapped spaces are available along the stadium side of South Street and a designated pickup / drop off area is located directly in front of the Box Office on South Street. Standard parking, purchased on gameday is $10 and all parking lots are cashless.
Shuttle service, presented by Zolman's & Monteith's Best One Tire & Auto Care, will once again be available for fans to get from each lot to the gate. You can ask a parking attendant, and they can radio the shuttle for you if you require or want assistance getting to the park.
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SOUTH BEND —Owen Strebig, a towering freshman tackle for Notre Dame foo...
SOUTH BEND —Owen Strebig, a towering freshman tackle for Notre Dame football, gets his size from his mother’s side of the family.
Kate Strebig is 6-foot-2, while Jason’s dad stands just 5-11.
“This is the funny part,” Owen Strebig said Saturday after practice.
Older sister Abigail is 6-2 and played Division I volleyball at Fairleigh Dickinson. Their twin brothers are in the 6-5 range.
Owen, who turns 19 in June, is already 6-8 and 304 pounds. That ties the Brookfield, Wis., product with sophomore offensive lineman Sullivan Absher for the distinction of tallest active Irish player.
Like former Notre Dame tackle Joe Alt, now starring in the NFL, could Strebig keep growing during his college career?
“Hopefully not,” Strebig said with a laugh.
He’s already packed on more than 100 pounds since giving up baseball upon entering Waukesha’s Catholic Memorial High School. From second grade through eighth grade, Strebig pitched and played first base, even dabbling in travel ball.
“I love it; I miss it,” he said of baseball. “I still like to go out and hit the field and hit a few balls because it’s the only thing I was really good at.”
Former Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Corey Hart, a 6-6 slugger who was a two-time All-Star, remains Strebig’s “favorite player of all time.” Strebig has never met former Brewers manager Craig Counsell (a Notre Dame product) or current Brewers skipper Pat Murphy (a former Notre Dame baseball coach), but there’s still time.
“I actually hope to meet Craig Counsell when I’m on campus,” Strebig said of the current Chicago Cubs manager. “That would be a cool run-in.”
Strebig, who also played basketball through middle school, has the footwork and mobility of a much smaller man. Like so many of his new teammates, he believes he benefited greatly from that range of experience.
“If you can play a multitude of sports growing up, you develop different skills,” Strebig said. “If you’re one sport year-round, you’re going to kind of flatten out. I got to meet a bunch of different people. I think it was for the best.”
Strebig has known Notre Dame offensive line coach Joe Rudolph since his freshman year of high school. A pair of sophomore linemen were being recruited, and Rudolph, then at Wisconsin, connected with Strebig through Catholic Memorial coach Bill Young on a campus visit.
“(Rudolph) was actually the first coach I ever met,” Strebig said. “And then everything just came full circle when he got the job here and we reconnected. He’s a really good friend of my high school head coach. I think just having that relationship really helped.”
Notre Dame was able to hold off 25 other FBS suitors for Strebig, including fellow finalists Miami, Florida State, Wisconsin and USC.
“Everybody knows what coach Rudolph did for the Badgers,” Strebig said. “I think he’s one of the best offensive line coaches. Above all that he’s just a great person and someone you want to play for. This isn’t just a business for him. He truly cares. He wants to see the best out of us.”
At 6-8, Strebig is hard to miss.
Mike Berardino covers Notre Dame football for the South Bend Tribune and NDInsider.com. Follow him on social media @MikeBerardino.
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South Bend Tribune
SOUTH BEND – What would it all look like in March for a Notre Dame women’s basketball team that lost three of five to close the 2024-25 regular season?
What version of the Irish would we get? That one or the one that rolled to 19 consecutive victories during the regular season and beat the likes of Connecticut and Texas and USC?
We didn’t know what we’d see from Notre Dame, but we likely didn’t expect to see two home wins by an average of 36.5 points to open NCAA Women’s Tournament play. Two wins where Notre Dame (28-5) led for 74:26 out of a total of 80 minutes and trailed for all of 3:05. At one point in the opener, Notre Dame led Stephen F. Austin by 55.
Now, here comes the Kryptonite for Notre Dame.
For the fourth straight season, Notre Dame has advanced to the Sweet 16. For the previous three years, this has been the stopping point for the Irish. Notre Dame won its second national championship in 2018, played for a third but lost to Baylor in 2019, did not take part in the 2020 (there was none) and 2021 tournaments and then was sent home in the Sweet 16 in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Time for these Irish to get over that hump.
How did TCU (33-3), a program that was 8-23 two short seasons ago, get so good so fast? Two words – transfer portal.
Of the 14 players on the TCU roster, 11 are transfers, including six who have made multiple transfer stops. TCU got good because it got old with the right mix of college basketball players who have known success in their careers. The starting lineup features three graduate students (Hailey Van Lith, Agnes Emma-Nnopu, Sedonna Prince), a senior (Madison Conner) and a sophomore (Donovyn Hunter). That’s a ton of experience.
Leading the way is Van Lith, the Big 12 player and newcomer of the year who leads the Horned Frogs in just about everything while averaging 17.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 5.5 assists in 35.1 minutes. The first time these teams met in late November, Van Lith went for 21 points, seven rebounds and three assists. She’s the key, but she also has a lot of company. Expect the veteran Prince to be a problem in the post.
TCU enters its first Sweet 16 in school history winners of 13 straight since last losing February 5 at Kansas. The Horned Frogs won’t be intimidated by Notre Dame or by its Atlantic Coast Conference affiliation. TCU is 3-0 against the ACC this season and 8-2 against ranked teams.
The Horned Frogs have lost three games — to South Carolina, to Oklahoma State and to Kansas. Three games, the same number that Notre Dame lost over its final five.
These teams know one another well having played in November in the Cayman Islands. There’s history there and there should be some lingering sting as well. Notre Dame led for 33:39 and by as many as 14 points before a fourth-quarter collapse that saw TCU go on a 31-12 run over the final 10 minutes and a 76-68 win.
Notre Dame wants a second chance at a win; TCU wants a chance to prove that game was no fluke. We might be set up for a classic Sweet 16 showdown. March is overdue for one that leaves everyone dizzy. This game may deliver it with two teams who each believe that this is their time.
Prediction: Notre Dame 86, TCU 85 (double overtime).
Follow South Bend Tribune and NDInsider columnist Tom Noie on X (formerly Twitter): @tnoieNDI. Contact Noie at [email protected]
This story has been updated to correct game day from Friday to SaturdayNo. 3-seed Notre Dame women's basketball advanced to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 for the fourth straight year Sunday afternoon with a 76-55 victory over No. 6-seed Michigan at Purcell Pavilion.The Irish (28-5) will now advance to the Birmingham Regional 3 to play no. 2-seed TCU (33-3), an 85-70 victor over 7-seed Louisville on Sunday. The game will be played Saturday at a time still to determined.The Irish and the Horned Frogs already have s...
This story has been updated to correct game day from Friday to Saturday
No. 3-seed Notre Dame women's basketball advanced to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 for the fourth straight year Sunday afternoon with a 76-55 victory over No. 6-seed Michigan at Purcell Pavilion.
The Irish (28-5) will now advance to the Birmingham Regional 3 to play no. 2-seed TCU (33-3), an 85-70 victor over 7-seed Louisville on Sunday. The game will be played Saturday at a time still to determined.
The Irish and the Horned Frogs already have some history this season. TCU handed Notre Dame its first loss of the season, a 76-68 decision back on Nov. 29 in the Cayman Islands Classic just after Thanksgiving.
Louisville transfer Hailey Van Lith led TCU that day with 21 points while Sedona Prince scored 20 and Madison Conner 18.
The Irish were led by Hannah Hidalgo with 27 points, Oliva Miles 16 and Sonia Citron 14. Notre Dame was still playing without grad/forward and starter Maddy Westbeld, who sat out the beginning of the season while recovering from foot surgery.
All-session tickets on StubHub start at $97 apiece. Single session tickets on StubHub start at $12.
Shop Notre Dame women's basketball tickets in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16
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