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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

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Home Care In Wakarusa, IN

Home Care Wakarusa, 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 Wakarusa Historical Museum 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 Wakarusa, IN is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Wakarusa, 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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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 Wakarusa, 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 Wakarusa, IN

Types of Elderly Care in Wakarusa, 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 Wakarusa, 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 Wakarusa, 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 Wakarusa Memorial 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 Wakarusa, 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 Bianas Diner or visit Wakarusa Memorial Park, 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 Wakarusa, IN

Benefits of Home Care in Wakarusa, 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 Wakarusa, 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 Wakarusa, 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 Wakarusa, 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 Wakarusa, 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 Wakarusa, 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 Wakarusa, 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:

  • The Waters of Wakarusa Assisted Living
  • Miller's Senior Living Community
  • Miller's Merry Manor
Home Care Wakarusa, 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 Wakarusa, 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 Wakarusa, 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 Wakarusa, IN

Latest News in Wakarusa, IN

Football legend Gale Sayers had ties to Wakarusa

WAKARUSA, Ind. (WNDU) - Football legend Gale Sayers passed away last night at his home away from home in Wakarusa.Sayers was first introduced to the Wakarusa way of life in 1966 when he was invited by town physician Robert Abel to speak at the final sports banquet at Wakarusa High School before it merged with Nappanee.A friendship formed and Sayers returned to the area again and again.In 1977, Sayers served as the Grand Marshall in the Elkhart County 4-H Fair Parade.In the mid 1980s Sayers and his wife, Ardie, bou...

WAKARUSA, Ind. (WNDU) - Football legend Gale Sayers passed away last night at his home away from home in Wakarusa.

Sayers was first introduced to the Wakarusa way of life in 1966 when he was invited by town physician Robert Abel to speak at the final sports banquet at Wakarusa High School before it merged with Nappanee.

A friendship formed and Sayers returned to the area again and again.

In 1977, Sayers served as the Grand Marshall in the Elkhart County 4-H Fair Parade.

In the mid 1980s Sayers and his wife, Ardie, bought property in Wakarusa.

“This was our summer home. It was a place that we could just get away and enjoy ourselves and just mix with the people in the community and I must say they are wonderful. Everyone from the church, people in town, we live here like family,” Gale’s wife Ardie Sayers told 16 News Now in an interview over the telephone.

While Sayers didn’t come to Wakarusa to run for mayor, he didn’t go there to hide, either.

“You know he’d just drop in for a cheese burger, two in the afternoon, everybody knew him. It was like he was part of the community,” remembered Stanley Cook with Cook’s Pizza.

Sayers went to church in Wakarusa and made the rounds.

“He loved the kind of small, one-on-one kind of stuff, not so much big atmosphere like it’s all about him. He was a very humble man. I never heard him brag about anything, his accomplishments or anything. He’d talk to you about it but it’s like he wanted to talk about something else,” Cook insisted.

Most recently Sayers was suffering from dementia, although he participated in local golf outings as late as 2017.

“He was a good friend and you know, it was tough to watch him slide, but he’s in a better place,” said Stanley Cook.

“We are blessed that Dr. Abel invited us here to be a part of this community, so yes he passed away here last night and he was at peace,” said Ardie Sayers.

Copyright 2020 WNDU. All rights reserved.

Motorhome Manufacturer Increases Indiana Facility Footprint by 500K-SF

Thor Motor Coach is expanding operations in Elkhart, Wakarusa, and Bristol, IN. The growth in northern Indiana involves more than a 500,000 square feet of additional workspace, which will increase the motorhome manufacturer’s five Elkhart County campuses to 2.3 million square feet, spread across 300 acres.Thor Motor Coach’s Jeff Kime says, “We are expanding our manufacturing footprint to meet the strong consumer demand for our products. These significant expansion projects will allow us to serve our dealer network wi...

Thor Motor Coach is expanding operations in Elkhart, Wakarusa, and Bristol, IN. The growth in northern Indiana involves more than a 500,000 square feet of additional workspace, which will increase the motorhome manufacturer’s five Elkhart County campuses to 2.3 million square feet, spread across 300 acres.

Thor Motor Coach’s Jeff Kime says, “We are expanding our manufacturing footprint to meet the strong consumer demand for our products. These significant expansion projects will allow us to serve our dealer network with improved delivery times.”

Thor Motor Coach is acquiring an existing building in Wakarusa for Class C production and a new lamination operation. The company is adding to a Class C campus in Bristol to support its popular Quantum motorhome line. It is also expanding a plant in Elkhart to accommodate a future second production line for its highest volume, in-demand gas Class A motorhome models.

For comments, questions or concerns, please contact

Read more at ThorConnect With Thor Motor Coach’s Kime

About Dennis Kaiser

Dennis Kaiser is Vice President of Content and Public Relations for Connect Commercial Real Estate. Dennis is a communications leader with more than 30 years of experience including as a journalist and in corporate and agency marketing communications roles. He is responsible for Connect’s client content operations and is involved in a range of initiatives ranging from content strategy, message development, copywriting, media relations, social media and content marketing services. In his most recent corporate communications roles, he led a regional public relations effort across Southern California for CBRE, played a key marketing role on JLL’s national retail team, and was responsible for directing the global public relations effort at ValleyCrest, the nation’s largest commercial landscape services company. In addition to his vast commercial real estate experience, Dennis has worked on communications and launch strategies for a number of residential projects such as Disney’s Celebration in Florida, Ritter Ranch in Palmdale California (7,200 homes, 22,000 acres), WaterColor in Florida and PremierGarage in Phoenix. Dennis’s agency background included firms such as Idea Hall and Macy + Associates. He has earned an outstanding reputation with organization leaders as a trusted advisor, strategic program implementer, consensus builder and exceptional collaborator. Dennis has developed and managed national communications programs for Fortune 500 companies to start-ups, both public and private. He’s successfully worked with journalists across the globe representing clients involved in major-breaking news stories, product launches, media tours, and company news announcements. Dennis has been involved in a host of charitable and community organizations including the American Cancer Society, Easter Seals, BoyScouts, Chrysalis Foundation, Freedom For Life, HOLA, L.A.’s BEST, Reach Out and Read, Super Bowl Host Committee, and Thunderbirds Charities.

Duo promoting trail linking Wakarusa, Kaw

They call it the “River to River Trail.”Two Lawrence men are leading the push for an east-side trail that would connect the Wakarusa and Kansas rivers for hikers and bicyclists.“The footprints are already there,” said Jim McCrary, a poet who has long been active with the East Lawrence Neighborhood Assn. “We think it’s something the taxpayers should be educated about.”McCrary and Clark Coan, who has been involved in the Kanza Rail-Trails Conservancy, say the proposed five-mile rec...

They call it the “River to River Trail.”

Two Lawrence men are leading the push for an east-side trail that would connect the Wakarusa and Kansas rivers for hikers and bicyclists.

“The footprints are already there,” said Jim McCrary, a poet who has long been active with the East Lawrence Neighborhood Assn. “We think it’s something the taxpayers should be educated about.”

McCrary and Clark Coan, who has been involved in the Kanza Rail-Trails Conservancy, say the proposed five-mile recreational path through East Lawrence would offer varied scenery, glimpses of history, and an economic boost.

The River to River Trail would start at the Wakarusa River south of Lawrence, go through the Baker Wetlands, connect with the existing Haskell Rail-Trail, follow the path of the former Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad line to 11th Street, then through industrial land to the Kansas River.

Coan said a recreational bridge connecting to the Levee Trail on the river’s north bank is a possibility.

“This is a visionary concept,” he said. “The exact details need to be worked out.”

The pair say the trail could boost tourism and business growth. Coan said businesses have popped up along the 225-mile Katy Trail in Missouri and adjoining property values went up 6 percent in Seattle after an old railroad line was converted into a recreational trail.

“It would also improve the quality of life,” he said. “For a lot of people, it would be the perfect bike ride. It’s level and has a different environment with historic sights.”

McCrary pointed to Baker Wetlands, Haskell Indian Nations University and Hobbs Park as historical stops along the proposed path.

The city has been planning to turn the abandoned railroad line from 23rd Street to 11th Street into a recreational path for some time, but development has been held up by legal issues, city officials said.

David Corliss, assistant city manager, said Lawrence was awaiting documentation from Burlington Northern Santa Fe before plans could move forward.

“It’s not a quick process,” he said. “The railroad has been helpful, but they have to analyze all the property interest. We called them to ask if there was any way we could help, and they indicated there wasn’t. It’s just a very complicated legal issue.”

Two years ago, Corliss said, the city approached the national Rails to Trails Conservancy in Washington, D.C., to find out if the process could be expedited.

“They told us we were doing everything we could,” he said.

The trail through the city could be more costly than the Haskell Rail Trail opened in 1991, said Fred DeVictor, the city’s Parks and Recreation director. That 1-mile trail cost between $5,000 and $10,000 to develop, he said.

No cost estimates for a River to River Trail have been made by the city or the trail’s promoters, but “there are chances it will cost more,” DeVictor said.

The only property owner on the western side of the Haskell Rail Trail was Haskell Indian Nations University, whereas the proposed trail would have several adjoining property owners. The Haskell path already had fences, and signs at street intersections were not a problem, according to a city Web site devoted to bicycle trails in Lawrence.

Extending a trail from 11th Street on to the Kansas River also could be problematic. Existing city plans call for the recreational trail to end between Haskell Avenue and Oregon Street, near the end of the existing railbed.

Groups warn law may mean trails’ end (2-15-04) Volunteers engineer Kansas rail-to-trail efforts (1-13-04)

Bill Ahrens, transportation planner in the Lawrence-Douglas County Planning Department, said the city plan connects all the city bike routes using the existing Kansas River Bridges to the levee in North Lawrence.

“I think it would be a lot more attractive and appealing if it connected to the rest of the city’s bike paths, not just ended at the river,” he said.

Ahrens said Coan and McCrary’s idea of building a new bridge across the Kansas River to connect to trails on the north bank would be “phenomenally expensive.”

The Bicycle Advisory Committee, in conjunction with the Lawrence-Douglas County Planning Department, works to develop bike routes throughout Lawrence. The next meeting of the committee is at 5:15 p.m. Aug. 17 at Fire Station No. 1, 746 Ky.

And he pointed out that the land from 11th Street north to the river is industrial and may not be where people would want to stroll or ride their bikes.

McCrary and Coan said part of their purpose is to return attention to the idea of trail development in Lawrence.

“It’s been on the back burner for a while. We’re trying to move it onto the front burner,” McCrary said. “It’s not a priority and we think it should be.”

City Government

Lawrence leaders to hear updates on homeless camp closure, Pallet Village and more

Crews dismantle city-supported campsite for homeless in North Lawrence

City of Lawrence seeking economic development proposals as part of 2025 budget process

City of Lawrence hires acting Topeka financial officer as new director of finance

Topeka homeless task force will provide cues for clearing local homeless camps, Lawrence leader says

New Parks and Recreation director will join City of Lawrence this May

Wakarusa 2008 pics, sticks, Flaming Lips, more nude women

The Flaming Lips are hitting at least 17 music festivals this summer. Of that 17, four have already happened. There was Summer Camp, Jam on the River and Sasquatch. And then there was la...

The Flaming Lips are hitting at least 17 music festivals this summer. Of that 17, four have already happened. There was Summer Camp, Jam on the River and Sasquatch. And then there was last weekend at Wakarusa in Lawrence, Kansas (home of Williams S Burroughs from 1981-1997). Like Jam on the River, Wakarusa was heavy on the jam bands. STS9, Lotus, Galactic, Tea Leaf Green, and Keller Williams were all on the bill. So were Mates of State, Dr. Dog, Cake, Tilly and the Wall, Bettye Lavette, Old 97’s, Del Tha Funkee Homosapien, Arrested Development, Built to Spill and many more. And like a lot of summer festivals, Wakarusa was forced to deal with rain delays and related artist cancellations. And there was camping….

People of all ages find elaborate ways to set up their campsites, entertain themselves, sleep comfortably, at least as well as you can in 85 degrees, and grill up some grub. Since it’s equal parts music and camping at Wakarusa, having the right supplies improves the experience. T.J. Baker, 23, Lawrence, said sleeping comfortably is key. Hammocks are the best, he said.

“I’m envious I don’t have one with me, especially for napping,” he said, looking at a yellow hammock his friend was sound alseep in. Eric Blakie, 22, and Jake Via, 23, both from Buffalo, N.Y., made the 16-hour road trip for the festival, so there was no going back for that forgotten toothbrush or towel… [Lawrence Journal]

No, there was no going back.

As you know by now, Flaming Lips have integrated nudity into their already-over-the-top stage show. That stayed true at Wakarusa and one of the girls even seemed to be sending NYC a message. We read you loud and clear…

Del…

Built to Spill…

Arrested Development…

Galactic…

Oakhurst…

Ozomatli…

Sound Tribe Sector 9…

Flaming Lips…

More of Ailecia’s Wakarusa pics can be found HERE.

In related news, “An Oregon man has been sentenced to 33 months in federal prison, after he pleaded guilty trying to peddle LSD, mushrooms and other drugs from a van at the 2005 Wakarusa Music and Camping Festival.”

Flaming Lips @ Sasquatch HERE.

Flaming Lips @ Jam on the River HERE.

Flaming Lips are not playing Bonnaroo this weekend, but you can catch them on June 15th at City Stages in Alabama.

“We’re not the biggest but we do hope to be the best:” A look at Wakarusa’s beginnings

From humble beginnings in Lawrence, Kan., Wakarusa has grown into a pillar music and camping festival in the Midwest.Now held at what’s known as Mulberry Mountain outside Ozark, Ark., Wakarusa hosts nearly 20,000 festivalgoers each June who come together to enjoy a diverse variety of live music surrounded by a beautiful Ozarks landscape nestled within the ancient Boston Mountains.Whether one has attended just once...

From humble beginnings in Lawrence, Kan., Wakarusa has grown into a pillar music and camping festival in the Midwest.

Now held at what’s known as Mulberry Mountain outside Ozark, Ark., Wakarusa hosts nearly 20,000 festivalgoers each June who come together to enjoy a diverse variety of live music surrounded by a beautiful Ozarks landscape nestled within the ancient Boston Mountains.

Whether one has attended just once or since its start in 2004, Wakarusians can attest to the magical feelings and experiences this festival can cultivate.

This year’s Wakarusa, set for June 5-8, features a musical lineup headlined by String Cheese Incident, Bassnectar, STS9, The Flaming Lips, Umphrey’s McGee, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, and many more.

The EDM lineup is as strong as ever, with names like Infected Mushroom, Adventure Club, Rusko, EOTO, Claude VonStroke, 3LAU, DJ Snake, Alvin Risk, Herobust, and Cherub all set to perform over the four-day festival.

The following is part one of a series of articles resulting from an Electronic Midwest interview with Wakarusa founder Brett Mosiman. In today’s piece, Mosiman explains Wakarusa’s beginnings, its move to Arkansas, and his description of what sets Waka apart from the exploding number of competing festivals.

“It was a bunch of guys wanting to do a camping festival. We had previously done single day festivals outside of Lawrence, Kan. so we were familiar with Clinton State Park and the people who ran it. It came together really, really quick. This was probably mid-Winter and by March we were already on sale.

The first year was kind of a whirlwind — we didn’t have time to think about it or talk ourselves out of it and before we knew it, there was the first Wakarusa.

It wasn’t financially successful but being there that first weekend was really inspiring. It was a really stark contrast to society. I made comments all weekend that this community that came to Wakarusa just seemed to relaxed, and so happy, and so giving of each other. You could go into town and find the opposite of that. So, we decided to have another and another and now here we are in our eleventh year.”

“It was a Native American name and very common to Lawrence, Kan. — there are Wakarusa roads and rivers but the state park that we were at was actually on a reservoir of the Wakarusa river so that was the original inspiration.

We did some investigating and found it was a Native American word used to describe creek depth — ‘ass deep’ in essence.

We like it. Bonnaroo was I think a year old at the time and it had that same feeling. When we made the move to Arkansas we saw no reason to get rid of the name.

From day one, it was really about music and Mother Nature so we’ve always had that “where music meets mother nature” vibe. We went from a state park to a mountain top, added in water falls and float streams and fishing ponds and gorgeous scenery so I think it actually worked better after the move.”

“It was a vendor that was aware of our search. We were looking for a new opportunity for Wakarusa and we had looked in Colorado and Southern Kansas and Missouri – really all over – and I got a call or email from a vendor from Chicago saying “you should really check out this Mulberry Mountain.”

I visited shortly after and literally fell in love with it. Within a week we knew it needed to be our home so we signed a long term deal to host Wakarusa there…the first in 2009.

You can look at the aerials and it almost does look like some sort of Aztec clearing. The Northwest Arkansas area is so beautiful and we knew it was perfect for us.

Mulberry Mountain was originally named ‘Spirit Mountain’ by Native Americans. We have always thought of it as kind of magic.

It was eventually turned into a blueberry farm from my understanding so that was the cause of the forest clearing and it was operated as that for quite a while.

The current property owners came to it about 10 years ago and really had a vision of doing festivals and events there and put a lot of money into it for structure. It really was one of those field of dreams stories — ‘if you build it they will come’ — and now a couple years later we came knocking on their door and we feel they were the best things to happen to us.”

“Well we really think we have as good of a festival site as as any place in the country so it really does start with Mulberry Mountain…where music meets Mother Nature.

We’re in the middle of a national forest on top of a mountain. The hiking is amazing. You can see videos of the float streams and the waterfalls and the ponds. You can hike, bike, and frisbee golf.

There’s really nothing like it.

You have a lot of these events anymore in parking lots or in rundown fairgrounds or cornfields but we really think we have a destination site.

Other than that, Wakarusa has always been about the community and the people. We’re quoted often as being ‘the little engine that could’ — we’re the festival by music fans for music fans and we mean it.

We’ve always reached out to the fans to get their feedback and opinions and I think they sense that. We really do approach it from their perspective and we do things like clean the port-a-potties three times a day and we have enough so there’s never a line and we keep prices really affordable.

We’re not about the corporate money grab. We started our own ticketing company so we could drop our service charges in half.

And of course, it’s also about the music. We think of it as a buffet of music that is as good as any you’ll see. You’ll see five to seven stages…nearly 200 sets of music going from early morning to sunrise. I think we kind of pioneered doing multiple sets –you can see almost every band there because a lot of our artists play several sets over the weekend.

We’re independent. We think of ourselves as maybe the W Hotel — we’re not the biggest but we do hope to be the best.”

Stay tuned for part two of this series, focusing on Wakarusa’s growing art community.

Wakarusa tickets and camping passes are still available via Wakarusa.com.

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Kent Otto

Kent is founder and editor-in-chief. He's always had a love and passion for music of all types, but didn't discover the music festival scene and community until moving to Southern California during his early post-college years. He returned to his roots in the Midwest in 2011 and has since been determined to share the magic and beauty of the music scene with as many as possible. Email [email protected].

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