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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

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 Jones, LA

Home Care Jones, LA

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 Casey Jones Historic Marker 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 Jones, LA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Jones, LA

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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

“These are skilled professions that give wonderful care. Thank you! Special thank you to Patricia and McKinsey for you attention to detail on multiple occasions!❤️”

Pamela C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best has been amazing in helping me with my father who has Alzheimer's and he had a stroke so he has limited mobility. They even go the extra mile and I'd like to mention Cynthia and Tracy for their outstanding service! It truly takes a hero to do what you guys do, as this is a very difficult job that requires amazing patience.”

Tater R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“My family and I love Always Best Care!”

Cynthia W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The workers are nice and knowledgeable of their job. I would recommend the company to others”

Dornesia H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I love their caring services and would recommend them to anyone wanting to age in place. Thank you Always Best Care!”

Linda L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The company is TOP TIER, very flexible with my son’s school hours, always very nice. I love them! A HUGE help for me!”

Rictoria M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The company is an amazing company! The staff is wonderful, and the pay is great! I would highly recommend this company.”

Mooka W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always best care caregivers are very dependable and very hard workers goes above and beyond for their clients”

Roshonda J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I've been working with Always Best Care for over a year now, and I can honestly say it's been an incredible experience. The support from the office staff is top-notch - they're always available to answer questions, provide guidance, and help with any issues that arise. The clients I've worked with have been wonderful, and I appreciate the care and attention the company puts into matching caregivers with clients who are a good fit. I highly recommend Always Best Care to any caregiver looking for a supportive, flexible, and rewarding work environment. Keep up the great work & thanks so much!”

April J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always best senior care is a great company to work with. I've been working with Always best for a little over a year now and I absolutely love it. My clients are so sweet The company is very family oriented They don't just care about the clients they also care about the workers. My daddy was in the hospital and ended up passing away the company allowed me to take off so I could be at the hospital with my daddy, and after he passed away they allowed me to be off rest of the week.”

Chasity W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care is a commendable agency specializing in placing reliable caregivers in the homes of elderly patients. Recently, I engaged their services to find a caregiver for my grandmother, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the outcome. Cyndi Williams from Always Best Care was instrumental throughout the process. Her dependability and understanding made the entire experience smooth and reassuring. From our initial consultation to the caregiver placement, Cyndi and the staff at Always best Care ensured that my grandmother's needs were prioritized, which greatly eased what could have been a challenging transition. Thanks to Always Best Care, my grandmother is not only well cared for but also genuinely happy with her caregiver. This has brought immense relief and peace of mind to our family, knowing that she is in capable hands. Overall, I highly recommend Always Best Care for their professionalism, compassion, and commitment to providing excellent elderly care services. They have truly made a positive difference in our lives during a time of significant adjustment. Claire Breslow”

Claire B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“We have been very pleased with services from Always Best Care. They are awesome! They are very thorough, punctual, caring and helpful group. Shout out to Cynthia for going the extra mile to facilitate VA help for my step father. If your loved one is in need for in home care I highly recommend this company.”

judy J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Angela Powell is the best! She wears her scrubs, comes right in my mother’s home and gets busy doing whatever my mother needs her to do. She just takes it upon herself to do things that she sees that needs to be done. Angela has a great disposition. I can tell she loves what she does. Our family absolutely loves and appreciates Angela. Thank you to Always Best Care!!!!!”

Lynn S.
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“This agency is very caring and professional. If an issue arises they make sure it gets solved.”

Jan M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Other Always Best Care has allowed my dad and step-mother to stay in their home. These ladies quickly learned the routine that they like and take very good care of them. The office staff are so helpful and quick to find a replacement sitter if someone calls in sick. I highly recommended this agency for your loved ones”

Tammy S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care started helping me in July, 2022. My husband needs daily care and we have been more than pleased with the caregivers that they have provided. The Staff is so professional and efficient, yet like family at the same time. Their focus is on their patients and the families. They have made my life so much easier. Highly recommend!!”

Tusi
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TESTIMONIALS

“By far the best personality for this job. Plenty of patience and a bubbly attitude. I will definitely be using her again when I’m ready to sell. I highly recommend her.”

Joseph P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Summer Riggs made new homeownership a reality for our family. I highly recommend Summer Riggs!”

Kimberly M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Current employer I love the staff everyone is very understanding and the clients are nice and you will never find a better place to work and they are very respectful, understanding and caring bosses. They pair you up with clients that matches your personality. I really love working for this company and how they treat their employees.”

Betty W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“My husband and I will be gone on a 50th anniversary vacation trip for 14 days. During that time our wonderful caregiver has agreed to be “on-call”. We are so grateful for her and there is no way we could take this trip without the peace of mind that her presence gives me! Thank you ABC for the service that your company provides and for the personal touch that you and your sister provide. Marilyn Get Outlook for iOS”

Marilyn H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Summer has always been excited about new homes and it shows in her work. She loves her job because she gets to find the perfect home for her clients. I highly recommend Summer to anyone looking to buy or sell a home.”

Tiffany S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care was a GOD send for me. I did not worry about my Mother . I could go to work and know she was in excellent hands Very professional. Came on time. Treated us like family”

Corey W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider We've been extremely pleased with Always Best Care of Monroe. They've been very helpful and the caregiver that we have working for us is fantastic. I would give them a very high recommendation. They started in July and have done exactly what we wanted them to do for our needs, and met those needs.”

Marilyn

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Jones, LA?

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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 Jones, LA

Types of Elderly Care in Jones, LA

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 Jones, LA
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 Jones, LA
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 Field of Dreams 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 Jones, LA
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 Mahogany Prime Steakhouse, 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 Jones, LA

Benefits of Home Care in Jones, LA

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 Jones, LA, 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 Jones, LA

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 LA'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 Jones, LA

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 Jones, LA 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 Jones, LA

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 Jones, LA

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:

  • Jones County Rest Home
  • Garden View Assisted Living Memory Care
  • The Jones Family Home
  • ASW Senior Living Facility
  • Garden View Assisted Living
  • Garden View
Home Care Jones, LA

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 Jones, LA

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 Jones, LA 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 Jones, LA

Latest News in Jones, LA

CARMEN JONES at The Million Dollar Theatre

Evening ScreeningSaturday, June 21, 2025Get ready for a night of fiery passion and drama with Dorothy Dandridge and Harry Belafonte in CARMEN JONES, featuring an all-Black cast in stunning Technicolor! This iconic film brings love, twists, and unforgettable chemistry to the silver screen. Get Tickets CARMEN JONES (1954)Join us for our closing screening of CARMEN JONES, featuring Dorothy Dand...

Evening Screening

Saturday, June 21, 2025

Get ready for a night of fiery passion and drama with Dorothy Dandridge and Harry Belafonte in CARMEN JONES, featuring an all-Black cast in stunning Technicolor! This iconic film brings love, twists, and unforgettable chemistry to the silver screen.

Get Tickets

CARMEN JONES (1954)

Join us for our closing screening of CARMEN JONES, featuring Dorothy Dandridge and Harry Belafonte!

A bold reimagining of Bizet’s opera, CARMEN JONES (1954) broke new ground by bringing Black voices to the forefront of Hollywood cinema. Directed by Otto Preminger with a screenplay by Oscar Hammerstein II, the film follows the passionate and beautiful Carmen—played by Dorothy Dandridge in a historic, Oscar-nominated performance—as she entangles a soldier, played by Harry Belafonte, in a tragic romance. Featuring Pearl Bailey and a vibrant all-Black cast, the film’s Technicolor brilliance and cultural impact continue to resonate as a landmark achievement in American film history.

Before the film, you’re in for a special treat as Betty Boop opens the show as MINNIE THE MOOCHER in this fun 1932 Talkartoon film. Cab Calloway appears in live-action performing Prohibition Blues, Calloway’s earliest known film appearance

***CLOSING NIGHT***

CARMEN JONES (1954) Saturday, June 21st, 8 p.m. The Million Dollar NR (Not rated) Color/Digital 1 hr. 45 mins.

HOSTS: Gina Belafonte, Co-Founder and Co-Director of Sankofa.org, Actor, Producer Shari Belafonte, Actor, Writer, Producer

$20 Members | $25 General Public | $10 Youth (17 and under)

Discounts are available for groups of 12 or more. Contact us at [email protected].

Stay in your seat after the screening for a FREE Q&A about the historic Million Dollar Theatre.

The films in this series are presented as originally created during a different time period and may contain negative attitudes, language, and depictions of people and/or cultures. The Los Angeles Conservancy does not condone these representations.

'Show that we deserve to be out here': La Quinta's Makenna Jones playing at Indian Wells for first time

The 27-year-old is the daughter of former pros Kelly and Tami Jones, who run the tennis program at Rancho La Quinta.Palm Springs Desert SunA couple weeks after Makenna Jones tore the ACL and meniscus in her right knee during a 2023 doubles match, her parents moved to La Quinta to run the tennis program at Rancho La Quinta Country Club.As a player, her dad, Kelly Jones, reached a career-high ranking of No. 1 in 1992. He played at Indian Wells a dozen times. Her mom, Tami (Whitlinger) Jones, was a two-time All-American a...

The 27-year-old is the daughter of former pros Kelly and Tami Jones, who run the tennis program at Rancho La Quinta.

Palm Springs Desert Sun

A couple weeks after Makenna Jones tore the ACL and meniscus in her right knee during a 2023 doubles match, her parents moved to La Quinta to run the tennis program at Rancho La Quinta Country Club.

As a player, her dad, Kelly Jones, reached a career-high ranking of No. 1 in 1992. He played at Indian Wells a dozen times. Her mom, Tami (Whitlinger) Jones, was a two-time All-American at Stanford and played at Indian Wells 10 times during her playing career.

After surgery on her right knee in Tampa early last year, Jones flew to the California desert to visit her parents at their new home. She enjoyed her stay so much that she decided to remain there for the duration of her rehab.

“I was supposed to be here only one week, but I never went back to Florida," said Jones, 27. "I was just so happy here. It was such a cool environment. Moving to La Quinta was the best part of my rehab."

On Tuesday, six months after her return to tennis, Jones was notified that she had received a wild card invite to play doubles with fellow American McCartney Kessler at the BNP Paribas Open.

On Friday, Jones and Kessler won their first match, 6-2, 6-4, over American Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Marie Bouzkova of Czechia inside Stadium 6 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. The pair will play together again on Sunday.

"The mojo felt really good," Jones said. "I thought it was a really good pairing. I'm kind of excited about it."

A crowd of a few dozen friends from Rancho La Quinta sat with Kelly and Tami Jones, cheering on Jones and Kessler. A sign with a red heart on it rose from the crowd whenever the cheering section stood to applaud.

[More:These are the 10 biggest upsets in the history of the BNP Paribas Open]

[More: Novak Djokovic feels 'completely fine ahead of Indian Wells return]

"Literally the whole neighborhood," Jones said with a smile after the match. "It was more people even than I could tell. When I went down to hug everybody, it was literally everyone. It was so cute."

Jones said that the cheering section wasn't too rowdy. She said that it was "the perfect amount of happy fandom," and that it boosted the energy in the small stadium that seats a few hundred. She said that it was "so positive," and made her first experience playing at Indian Wells a memorable one.

Jones played well, too. Her volley game at the net was strong, and she even showed off her serve, forehand and backhand in the match, slicing a number of winners down the sideline.

Not that it was a perfect match. A couple times, on an unforced error, Jones simply smiled and shook it off, seemingly living in this unique moment that she was experiencing.

Down a double break in the second set, Mattek-Sands and Bouzkova won four of the next five games and pushed Jones and Kessler into a critical game to avoid a potential tiebreak. But Jones and Kessler maintained their poise, didn't tighten up too much and successfully put the match to bed.

“It’s awesome to see her with this opportunity," Kelly Jones said. "We're all just really excited for her."

Makenna Jones grew up in Florida and South Carolina and played collegiately at North Carolina. During her final two years of college, she was among the elite doubles players in the nation. She was a 2021 national doubles champion, playing alongside Elizabeth Scotty.

Jones began her pro career later that year, with Scotty as her doubles partner.

After rehabbing her knee for nine months, Jones returned to the courts in September, reaching the final at an ITF event in San Rafael with doubles partner Jamie Loeb.

Jones has since played in 10 ITF events and a WTA tournament in Austin, Texas. She reached the final in four of those events and won three titles.

[More:Coco Gauff leads American women looking to make history at Indian Wells]

[More: Photos of the first few days of the BNP Paribas Open]

She's no stranger to the bigger tournaments. Jones has twice played doubles at the U.S. Open (2021, 2023) and she's played at Wimbledon once (2023).

But Indian Wells is by far the biggest event she's played since returning to the sport following knee surgery. That the tournament site is just down the street from her home at Rancho La Quinta made Friday's match a particularly special one for Jones.

"Some players have been surprised to hear that I live here," Jones said. "Other than maybe in Miami, I don't know if any player lives as close to a tournament as I do to Indian Wells."

Jones said that while it's a local tournament to those in the valley, she's reminded that it's still a Masters 1000 event, which is not easy to get into, even as a wild card.

Coming back from her injury, she wasn't sure if she would get the tournament invite. She had no expectations.

Jones said that she has earned some wild cards previously, but the goal for her is always to do something with the wild card whenever she receives one, to prove that she belongs.

She did that on Friday.

"It feels really good," Jones said. "You don't want to be that wild card where it's like, 'Oh, cute, they got to play.' No, no, no. That's not what I want. I want to go out and show that we deserve to be out here, and I think McCartney helped with that a lot.

"That's the best part, to show that you deserve that wild card."

Andrew John covers the BNP Paribas Open for The Desert Sun and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at [email protected].

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