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Home Care In Union Mills, IN

Home Care Union Mills, IN

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic John Work House and Mill Site 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 Union Mills, IN is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Union Mills, IN

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“I have worked alongside Always Best Care and they have been amazing. Very quick to help out patients in need and staff is very polite and professional.”

Jill W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“ABC is a great place to be! Thank you Patti, Stephanie, and Michele for all you do! You all are Awesome & thank you for the honors of being part of the team also acknowledging myself for Employee of the Month of March! You all are appreciated”

Sowana H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Best Company I’ve ever encountered. I love how flexible and efficient they are. I love the open door policy. Michelle is my favorite schedule she does an amazing job with communication.”

Angelnique T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I give always best care of 5 stars. They are caring and have a sincere heart I love working with this agency..”

Deniva J.
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“Always Best Care has been exceptional the four years i’ve worked there. The staff and schedulers, especially Michele, are helpful in finding compatibility for your clients, they’re also flexible in scheduling hours. Great company, great staff.”

Alexis E.
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TESTIMONIALS

“it is my pleasure to leave a review for the Coffee need that support the most I would like Stephanie Kramer for supporting me and helping me get through my work schedules and feel comfortable at my place of employment. I am sad to see that she left Scheduling , but she still tries her best to help everyone even with her new position. Her dedication means everything I would like to Tasha as well for communicating with me so much I also cannot forget Patricia and Michelle as well. You ladies help me so much with my client. I greatly appreciate you ladies. I appreciate all of the hard work and dedication that you ladies have with meeting me halfway when it comes to our job it definitely makes everything much easier. Keep up the great work as well as the rest of the staff thank you ladies for everything that you do and congratulations Monique on your new position.”

Doninique W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have worked with more home health agencies than I care to remember, both in GA and MI, when I worked in healthcare; and I have to say that Always Best Care is one of the best home health care agencies that I have found since the early 90's !!! I have been a client with Always Best Care since February 2022 and I have been extremely pleased with the help I have received both from my caregivers and the office staff. All the staff work hard and the quality of care is exceptional!!! The few occasions that I didn't like a caregiver because of either poor work ethic or personality, Always Best Care always took care of finding another caregiver to better meet my needs ASAP!! When I first started with Always Best Care I did get a few caregivers that weren't a good fit. But, within a very short period of time my scheduler learned my specific needs and personality and she found caregivers for me that were a wonderful match!! As in every area of healthcare, the high turnover of employees is to be expected!!! But, Always Best Care has always made sure that I have a new caregiver that matches my needs and expectations!! I have and would, highly recommend Always Best Care for your home health daily care!!”

Candace
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TESTIMONIALS

“We used ABC several years ago for my dad, after he had a stroke. I called a few months ago to set up a care plan for my elderly mom. She had a hip replaced, and lives alone. I knew we would feel better having someone there to help her and visit with her until she could get up and around on her own. ABC works through our scheduling nightmares (mom tends to send people home early, and tell them not to come back)….and they have been SO patient with our ever changing and increasing needs for mom. Their response time and communication are impeccable!!”

Amy L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“We used ABC several years ago for my dad, after he had a stroke. I called a few months ago to set up a care plan for my elderly mom. She had a hip replaced, and lives alone. I knew we would feel better having someone there to help her and visit with her until she could get up and around on her own. ABC works through our scheduling nightmares (mom tends to send people home early, and tell them not to come back)….and they have been SO patient with our ever changing and increasing needs for mom. Their response time and communication are impeccable!!”

Amy L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I love working for Always Best Care The staff is very helpful, encouraging wonderful, loving family. Thank you for the opportunity of serving for your company thank you to Michelle, who is always looking out for me and making sure that I have the hours that I need.”

Jazzmine .
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“Always Best Care gives great encouragement and support to their caregivers during any situation or time of need. The care and dedication to their staff is incredible and I throughly enjoy my time working along side them!”

Kaitlyn S.
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“I love the company I think they really do care about the employee the residents”

Falon S.
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“Stephanie Stevens is a great CSD! Thanks for all you do!”

Stephanie S.
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“Always Best care is amazing!”

Patti V.
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“Always Best Care is a great company. Not only do they provide the best care for their clients, but they go above and beyond for their staff as well.”

Monique B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“We have used Always Best Care two different times for our Mother. Both times the care was excellent. I have referred Always Best Care to several people.”

Michelle P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Hi my name is Linda and I've been working with always best care for 2 years now and it's a great atmosphere I like coming in to work meeting new people. It's a place that's kind friendly and it makes you feel at home it makes you feel that you're working with people that understand you know you're different needs your different hours and if something come up they are there to help you with anything that you need help with it's a great company I'm so glad I signed up with the company I signed up a little bit after the pandemic and I just needed somewhere that I could really consider myself at home or I find a home and I have I'm amazed at how the people are so nice when you talk to them on the phone how nice they are friendly you can tell this saying it with a smile I enjoy working there I tell people ask me where I work at always best care they like what yeah always best care yes it's a nice company sign up with it you won't regret it I'm glad I do it I'm really glad I did”

Linda M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always best care has always been there when I needed them! They make it convenient for me to take care of my father. I most definitely recommend them!”

Stacy F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have used quite a few different providers and ABC is by far the best company. From the office staff to the caregivers, they are doing what they love and it shows.”

Wendy O.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Great place to work at very professional and appreciative for their staff”

JerelCDBErep C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Overall a great company to work for! They do a wonderful job recognizing caregivers; from big recognition like a monthly caregiver award and random drawings, to small recognition such as any time you visit the office you are free to grab snacks, beverages, gear and more often than not there is some type of food they have ordered that is available. They really don’t hold back in this area! There has been quite a bit of changes made in office positions within the last year. Response time, outside of the scheduling department, can be improved upon.”

Natalie C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“They really help people when they need it”

Caroline
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TESTIMONIALS

“I've had caregivers for about 5 years now. Only having been disappointed and frustrated. Since Always Best Care came into my life, my worries have ended. I never knew if previous caregivers were going to show up, or do what I needed. Everytime they would complete a task, they would sit down and be on their phone. Kari and Jamisha finish a task and right to the next. No problems. My mind has been put at ease. They are very professional yet so so friendly. They ask, what else they can do for me. I also have my ABC emergency call button. Now I have peace of mind if an emergency should arise. My case coordinator Stephanie Stevens. Stays right on top of my case. Thank you so much for making my life easier. I have recommended your company to others that may need assistance in the future.”

Gary M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Carole is an excellent caring professional. She has been extremely helpful in advising us and in scheduling care. With respect to the caregivers, we have no complaints. We want to give a special thank you to Rhona for her time and effort in creating a special bond with our mother.”

Melissa E.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

LaVon T.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Union Mills, IN?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Union Mills, IN

Types of Elderly Care in Union Mills, IN

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Union Mills, IN
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Union Mills, IN
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Mill Pond Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Union Mills, IN
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Timothy's Restaurant or visit Historic Tunnel Mill, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Union Mills, IN

Benefits of Home Care in Union Mills, IN

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Union Mills, IN, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Union Mills, IN

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your IN's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Union Mills, IN

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Union Mills, IN understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Union Mills, IN

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Union Mills, IN

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Heritage Assisted Living Apartments
  • StoryPoint Union
  • Miller's Senior Living Community
  • Mill Ridge Village Retirement
  • Trustwell Living at Settlers Place
  • Miller's Merry Manor
Home Care Union Mills, IN

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Union Mills, IN

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Union Mills, IN 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Union Mills, IN

Latest News in Union Mills, IN

Union Mills Public House hopes to become a 'cornerstone' of downtown Frederick

Once the Union Mills Public House is officially open, owner Niko Negas hopes it will provide something he says downtown Frederick has desperately needed: a large space to hold a number of events.Negas, who owns the Roasthouse Pub with his fiancée Mary Custer, said their latest project at 340 E. Patrick St. will cater to a number of needs, offering a restaurant, a venue for events, hard apple cider produced in-house and even homemade gelato.Follow Patrick Kernan on Twitter: @PatKernanTags Thank you for re...

Once the Union Mills Public House is officially open, owner Niko Negas hopes it will provide something he says downtown Frederick has desperately needed: a large space to hold a number of events.

Negas, who owns the Roasthouse Pub with his fiancée Mary Custer, said their latest project at 340 E. Patrick St. will cater to a number of needs, offering a restaurant, a venue for events, hard apple cider produced in-house and even homemade gelato.

Follow Patrick Kernan on Twitter: @PatKernan

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Land Transfer: Union Mills Locks

A land transfer could jumpstart Union Mills Locks restoration.Scioto County has just one bit of business left to take care of before backers of a plan to restore the Union Mill Locks in West Portsmouth. The remains of Lock 50, which are next to Union Mills Confectionary on Galena Pike, are near the end of the Ohio and Erie Canal.From the 1820s until the advent of railroads in the 1860s, the manmade waterway carried freight ...

A land transfer could jumpstart Union Mills Locks restoration.

Scioto County has just one bit of business left to take care of before backers of a plan to restore the Union Mill Locks in West Portsmouth. The remains of Lock 50, which are next to Union Mills Confectionary on Galena Pike, are near the end of the Ohio and Erie Canal.

From the 1820s until the advent of railroads in the 1860s, the manmade waterway carried freight through Ohio, starting in Cleveland and ending at the Ohio River Terminal.

As Scioto County Commissioner Bryan Davis pointed out, the canal was an “engineering marvel at the time. The first form of commercial transportation in Ohio.”

Davis introduced Bill Tipton from the Scenic Scioto Heritage Trail organization at Thursday’s county’s commissioners meeting. Tipton gave an update on the drive to restore the site. Many former canal sites in Ohio have been turned into parks and historical attractions.

The state has helped the group take care of obtaining some necessary right-of-ways for State-owned lands that will allow them to begin the process of applying for grants.

Davis said commissioners had been notified by ODOT of their willingness to transfer the land to the county and would not need to write a letter confirming their intention to accept it.

Commissioner Mike Crabtree pointed out that the State would still have final say over the land and that any major changes would require state approval.

Tipton said it’s important to have hands-on historical sites for students to visit.

Davis agreed, expressing the hope that a restored lock could be a tourist attraction that would keep an important part of Ohio history alive.

“Hopefully it doesn’t disappear from the textbooks. You know how history is after a while it becomes ancient history. Most people don’t know it’s there and it’s a neat piece of history.”

Images of Lock 50 courtesy of Portsmouthinfo.net

Land Transfer Union Mills Locks

Physical evidence of lost 19th-century tannery discovered during archaeological study conducted by Union Mills Homestead

Dylan Slagle/Carroll County Times1 of 6Joe Clemens, left, and Pat Kim of Elizabeth Anderson Comer Archaeology, Inc. investigate soil from the first test unit of their archaeological exploration of the Union Mills Homestead Friday, Oct. 22, 2021. The Union Mills Homestead Foundation is conducting a search for subsurface remnants of the tanning vats that were part of the Shriver Tannery at the Union Mills Homestead in the nineteenth century.Loading your audio articleAn original wooden tanning vat wall was discovered...

Dylan Slagle/Carroll County Times

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Joe Clemens, left, and Pat Kim of Elizabeth Anderson Comer Archaeology, Inc. investigate soil from the first test unit of their archaeological exploration of the Union Mills Homestead Friday, Oct. 22, 2021. The Union Mills Homestead Foundation is conducting a search for subsurface remnants of the tanning vats that were part of the Shriver Tannery at the Union Mills Homestead in the nineteenth century.

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An original wooden tanning vat wall was discovered at the Union Mills Homestead site on Monday as a result of an archaeological investigation of the 19th-century Shriver Tannery.

Directed by archaeologist Elizabeth Anderson Comer, the project followed a ground-penetrating radar investigation earlier this year at the homestead. The study used high-frequency radar pulses to locate a variety of underground materials believed to be associated with the Shriver Tannery.

The results indicated the presence of subsurface features, like foundations, as well as soil disturbances from other archaeological materials.

After a three-day dig, Comer’s team found what they believe is the edge of a wooden vat, lined with clay and filled in with demolition materials.

Although they didn’t get to the bottom of the vat, field director Rob Wanner said their discovery reveals a lot of information about the site.

The archaeological work was part of an ongoing investigation to assess historical resources at the Union Mills Homestead, with a focus on the Shriver Tannery. The tannery, where animal hides were made into leather, was one of the early industries at the Union Mills industrial complex when it began in 1797. The Shriver family operated a tannery at Union Mills for almost a century, from 1797 through the mid-1890s.

According to a report earlier this year by Comer, products from the tannery were used by travelers who passed through Union Mills and for leather drive belts for the site’s grist mill. In the 1820s and 1830s the tannery grew into a larger enterprise.

“In a nutshell, this shows us clearly another example of how the Shriver family really pivoted their operations constantly,” Comer said.

Tanneries in the 19th century were some of the most important industries in the area, yet there are few remaining active tanneries in the region. After the Shriver Tannery ceased operations in the 1890s, most of its structures were removed over time.

“All of this is very exciting,” Sam Riley, project coordinator, said. “There was a long-time belief there may be remnants of the tannery and the [ground-penetrating radar] suggested it, but now we have confirmation.”

Riley said the foundation will take “careful consideration” in deciding how to move forward but there are many potential options, including marking the site or providing signage to help tell the story of the industrial enterprise in the 19th century.

“The important thing is they achieved the purpose of the investigation and the vat is there and still in-tact,” he mentioned.

The project was funded under a grant from the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area, a Maryland Heritage Area certified by the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority.

“Both of these agencies came together to do this important work … Otherwise it’d still be a question mark,” Comer said, adding that the site is one of the only archaeologically interpreted tanneries in the state.

Wanner said at the conclusion of their investigation, they covered the features they found in plastic and backfilled their excavation.

“Anyone else who wants to continue the investigation can,” he said. “The tanning area is prime real estate for interpretation and development … and now the Union Mills Homestead Foundation can plan around these resources.”

Union Mills gives unique insight at Civil War Encampment

Loading your audio articleThose looking to get a sense of some critical events that immediately preceded our nation’s bloodiest battle should circle July 21 and July 22 on the calendar, when the Union Mills Homestead will be hosting the Civil War Encampment and Living History.The event, which has run annually for the better part of a decade, highlights one of Carroll County’s major involvements in the Civil War. Over the course of two days, visitors will have a chance to learn and observe what occurred at the Union ...

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Those looking to get a sense of some critical events that immediately preceded our nation’s bloodiest battle should circle July 21 and July 22 on the calendar, when the Union Mills Homestead will be hosting the Civil War Encampment and Living History.

The event, which has run annually for the better part of a decade, highlights one of Carroll County’s major involvements in the Civil War. Over the course of two days, visitors will have a chance to learn and observe what occurred at the Union Mills’ Civil War Encampment, leading up to the Battle of Gettysburg.

Confederate and Union armies both camped there in 1863, led by generals J.E.B. Stuart and James Barnes. Stuart and his Confederate Cavalry camped overnight at Union Mills on June 29, 1863, leaving just hours before Barnes and his Fifth Corps of the Union Army arrived the morning after, according to the Homestead website.

The event offers reenactments, artillery, infantry and cavalry drills, Shriver House and Grist Mill walk-through tours, as well as a popular Civil War religious service, among others.

And although a skirmish never actually occurred at the Homestead, it will be part of the viewership experience.

Sam Riley serves as the current president of the Board of Governors for the Union Mills Homestead and said the site provides little-known insight on Carroll County’s involvement in the Civil War.

“What our site really offers is a focus on the civilian interpretation, which is typically an under-told aspect of the Civil War,” he said.

“What a lot of people don’t know is that Carroll County was ground zero for the Union Army’s defense of Baltimore and Washington after the invasion of the North by [General E. Lee’s] army in northern Virginia,” Riley explained. “Union Mills was ground zero. [It] literally was the center of the defensive line that the Union Army had set up.”

Jane Sewell, the executive director of the Homestead, said that Saturday will likely be the most popular day, with around 500 visitors estimated to attend.

Sewell also noted that the site provides more than just a viewership experience. Visitors are encouraged to interact with volunteer re-enactors, who offer a great chance to learn about authentic Civil War history.

“The re-enactors that are here love to have people walk through their camps and they like to talk about history,” she said. “They are very authentic in everything that they do and the way they talk and they like to demonstrate how it would’ve been.”

The following is a schedule of events, weather permitting.

Saturday, July 21

9 a.m. Grounds Open

4 p.m. Grounds Close

7 p.m. Civil War Barn Dance (Included with Park Admission)

9:15 p.m. Twilight Cannonade

Sunday, July 22

9 a.m. Grounds Open

3 p.m. Camp Breakdown begins

Park admission is $10 per car. The Civil War Barn Dance is included with admission but those looking to attend the dance only can purchase separate tickets for $5 each.

Union Mills Homestead is located on 3311 Littlestown Pike in Westminster.

For more info, visitors can email [email protected] or call the Homestead at 410-848-2288.

Union Mills Public House Invites Visitors Looking for a One-of-a-Kind Dining Experience Along Carroll Creek

FREDERICK, Md., August 18, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Union Mills Public House, Frederick's newest, one-of-a-kind dining and event experience, is pleased to announce it is now accepting bookings for events in early 2022.Located in the historic Union Mills Knitting Factory, this full-service restaurant and event venue will have a rustic, elegant, industrial vibe with sweeping views of Carroll Creek. Union Mills Public House will be one of Downtown Frederick's largest indoor venues for weddings and private events, with seating for parti...

FREDERICK, Md., August 18, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Union Mills Public House, Frederick's newest, one-of-a-kind dining and event experience, is pleased to announce it is now accepting bookings for events in early 2022.

Located in the historic Union Mills Knitting Factory, this full-service restaurant and event venue will have a rustic, elegant, industrial vibe with sweeping views of Carroll Creek. Union Mills Public House will be one of Downtown Frederick's largest indoor venues for weddings and private events, with seating for parties of more than 250 guests. Construction on the space has begun, with the goal of being open by January of 2022.

Union Mills Public House is being brought to life by veteran restaurateurs Niko Negas and Mary Custer, who are also the owners and operators of the Roasthouse Pub at 5700 Urbana Pike in Frederick.

Dating back to the 1800's, the building is the former home of the Union Manufacturing Company, where up to 400 men, women and children worked making hosiery and similar products around the clock. During World War I, the plant's production entirely supported the war effort, including a contract from the U.S. government to produce 400,000 pairs of light woolen stockings for the Army. Negas and Custer say that the possibilities of the 19th century former factory were immediately apparent. "It was important to us to maintain the personality of the original factory," Negas explained.

In addition to a wide variety of craft beers and local brews on tap, Union Mills Public House is proud to be the exclusive home of "Cutch Cidery," in partnership with another Frederick businessman, Bob McCutcheon. Eventually, says Negas, Cutch Cidery will be brewed, fermented and racked from fresh, local apples onsite at Union Mills.

"I've known Bob for years," says Negas. "Not long ago, we started talking about the growing interest in hard ciders and how well they pair with food. It wasn't long before the idea for Cutch Cider was born. Mary and I are extremely happy that exclusive flavors of Cutch Cider will be on our menu at Union Mills Public House when we open. We look forward to introducing folks to the various ways they can pair Cutch with some of their favorite menu items."

Resurrecting the old building will take place in stages, but Negas is making great progress. The first phase will be focused on developing the event and wedding venue, with the restaurant, kitchen and other amenities to follow shortly thereafter.

In addition to weddings and events, Union Mills is also available to local businesses and organizations looking for temporary space to host their event or function, including yoga classes, photography and videography services, artist events, and more.

"We are really thrilled to be joining the exciting array of businesses along Carroll Creek and to get even more involved with Downtown Frederick," says Negas. "Pulling all the components together during COVID has been a challenge, but everything is coming together beyond our expectations. We are ready now to talk with anyone who is interested in hosting an event with us, and look forward to welcoming guests before the end of the year."

About Union Mills Public House Union Mills Public House offers an exclusive dining experience with an inviting atmosphere, breathtaking views of historic Downtown Frederick, and an eclectic menu with gluten-free options. Brick-oven pizza and house-made gelato will be on the menu, along with a revolving variety of gastropub-style food made with fresh, local ingredients and served with farm-to-table flair. Union Mills Public House is currently booking events including weddings, fundraisers, corporate meetings, and more. To learn more about Union Mills Public House or to book an event, visit the new website UnionMillsPublicHouse.com.

Media Contact

Joel Layman, Union Mills Public House, 240-285-9844, [email protected]

SOURCE Union Mills Public House

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