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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 Saint Joseph, LA

Home Care Saint Joseph, 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 St. Joseph Plantation Felicity Plantation 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 Saint Joseph, LA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Saint Joseph, 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

“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!!”

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TESTIMONIALS

“My Grandmother is a client with Dementia and wanted to stay in her home. Always Best Care has allowed her to do so, and our family is forever grateful. Thank you Always Best Care!”

Cynthia W.
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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

“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

“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

“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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“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

“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
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“They have been taking care of my mother for the past 8 years. Their care providers have been the absolute best in the industry. Our mom has been very happy with all the care providers we have used through Always Best Care.”

Patty A.
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“They provide the best care! The Owners are nurses and have been in the business for over 25 years.”

Ruben T.
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“They have been taking care of my mother for the past 8 years. Their care providers have been the absolute best in the industry. Our mom has been very happy with all the care providers we have used through Always Best Care.”

Rhonda S.
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“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 Cotton Bradford”

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What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Saint Joseph, 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 Saint Joseph, LA

Types of Elderly Care in Saint Joseph, 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 Saint Joseph, 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 Saint Joseph, 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 Lake Bruin State 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 Saint Joseph, 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 Marías Mexican Restaurant or visit The Wyeth Tootle Mansion, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

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

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

 In-Home Care Saint Joseph, LA

Benefits of Home Care in Saint Joseph, 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 Saint Joseph, 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 Saint Joseph, 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 Saint Joseph, 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 Saint Joseph, 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 Saint Joseph, 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 Saint Joseph, 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:

  • St. Joseph's Assisted Living
  • Christus/St Joseph Assisted
  • St Joseph Manor
  • St. Joseph of Harahan
  • Hundred Oaks Center
  • Vintage Gardens
Home Care Saint Joseph, 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 Saint Joseph, 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 Saint Joseph, 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 Saint Joseph, LA

Latest News in Saint Joseph, LA

Saint Joseph's Hawks vs La Salle Explorers Prediction, 2/3/2024 College Basketball Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Free Picks » College Basketball Picks » Saint Joseph's Hawks vs La Salle Explorers Prediction, 2/3/2024 College Basketball Picks, Best Bets & Oddsby Josh Schonwald - 2/2/2024Game: Saint Joseph's Hawks vs La Salle ExplorersDate: Saturday, February 3, 2024Location...

Free Picks » College Basketball Picks » Saint Joseph's Hawks vs La Salle Explorers Prediction, 2/3/2024 College Basketball Picks, Best Bets & Odds

by Josh Schonwald - 2/2/2024

Game: Saint Joseph's Hawks vs La Salle Explorers

Date: Saturday, February 3, 2024

Location: Tom Gola Arena in Philadelphia, PA

TV: ESPN

Tom Gola Arena is the site where the La Salle Explorers (11-10) will attempt to defeat the Saint Joseph's Hawks (14-7) on Saturday.

The Saint Joseph's Hawks stepped onto the hardwood against George Mason and earned the victory with a final of 75-73 in their last contest. Saint Joseph's ended the game having earned a 50.9% FG percentage (28 of 55) and converted 8 of 22 shots from beyond the perimeter. At the free throw line, the Hawks made 11 of 17 shots for a rate of 64.7%. When talking about grabbing rebounds, they collected 32 with 8 of them being of the offensive sort. They also dished out 12 assists for this game while forcing the opposition into 9 turnovers and getting 8 steals. With regard to the defense, Saint Joseph's allowed the other team to shoot 45.9% from the field on 28 out of 61 shooting. George Mason dished out 16 assists and had 6 steals in this game. On top of that, George Mason totaled 25 rebounds (4 offensive, 21 defensive), but didn't notch a rejection. George Mason finished the game shooting 63.6% from the free throw line by burying 7 of 11 attempts. They buried 10 of their 27 tries from beyond the perimeter. In reference to fouls, the Hawks finished with 11 and George Mason accounted for 13 fouls.

Xzayvier Brown is a player who had an impact in this contest. He ended up shooting 58.3% from the floor and totaled 4 dimes. He played for 31 minutes played and collected 1 rebound. He was able to score 16 points on 7 out of 12 shooting.

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Saint Joseph's steps onto the hardwood with a win-loss mark of 14-7 for the season. They currently have an average of 77.4 points per outing (95th in Division 1) while connecting on 45.6% from the floor. The Hawks are connecting on 37.0% on shots beyond the perimeter (220 of 594) and 72.6% from the charity stripe. As a unit, Saint Joseph's is pulling down 37.3 rebounds per contest and has 322 assists on the campaign, which is 64th in D-1 in terms of passing. They are turning it over 11.5 times per contest and as a squad are committing 15.6 personal fouls per game.

On the defensive end, the Hawks are able to force 12.3 turnovers on a nightly basis and they draw 15.2 personal fouls. They currently rank 262nd in D-1 in giving up assists with 290 surrendered this year. The Hawks defensively are allowing an opponent shooting percentage of 40.3% (508 of 1,262) and they relinquish 35.2 rebounds per game as a unit. They are conceding 31.9% on three-point shots and they rank 115th in the country in points per game allowed (69.4).

When they last played, the La Salle Explorers took a loss by a final score of 71-69 when they played Rhode Island. The Explorers pulled down 20 defensive boards and 12 offensive rebounds totaling 32 in the game. They also gave up possession of the ball 7 times, while getting 8 steals for this game. Rhode Island committed 17 personal fouls in the game which got the Explorers to the charity stripe for a total of 18 attempts. They were able to make 9 of the free throw attempts for a percentage of 50.0%. In reference to shooting from beyond the arc, La Salle knocked down 8 of their 31 tries (25.8%). When all was said and done, the Explorers finished the game shooting 26 for 71 from the field which gave them a rate of 36.6%. The Explorers permitted Rhode Island to knock down 24 of 56 attempts from the field which gave them a percentage of 42.9% in this matchup. They finished the game shooting 41.7% from beyond the arc by shooting 5 out of 12 and walked away from this one shooting 18 out of 27 at the charity stripe (66.7%). In the matter of rebounding, La Salle allowed Rhode Island to get 39 in all (9 offensive).

Khalil Brantley pitched in for the Explorers for the matchup. He made 7 of 17 for the matchup for a rate of 41.2%, and had 2 rebounds. He accumulated 19 points in his 40 mins on the court and tallied 5 dimes in this matchup.

La Salle has a mark of 11-10 for the year. When it comes to executing on offense, the Explorers are connecting on 42.9% from the field, which has them ranked 278th in D-1. La Salle has totaled 1,550 points on the campaign (73.8 per game) and they pull down 34.7 boards per game. Their rate of dishing out assists is at 15.0 times per contest (87th in D-1) and they turn the ball over 9.6 times per contest. The Explorers are committing 16.5 personal fouls every game and they go 71.8% from the charity stripe.

The La Salle defense concedes 34.2% on 3-point shots (136 of 398) and their opponents are converting on 70.2% of their shots from the charity stripe. They give up 14.0 dimes and 38.6 rebounds per game, which ranks them 284th and 333rd in those categories on the defensive end. The Explorers on the defensive side of the court are 217th in Division 1 in PPG allowed with 72.7. They are able to force 11.8 TO's per game and have let teams shoot 44.5% from the field (248th in college basketball).

Who will win tonight's NCAA basketball game against the spread?

Josh Schonwald's Pick: Take Saint Joseph's

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MLK Classic at De La Salle Game 6 preview: Branson vs. St. Joseph-Santa Maria, How to Watch

One of California's top one-day Martin Luther King Jr. boys basketball showcases enters its 26th season on Monday, Jan. 15.That's when the MLK Classic at De La Salle, presented by SBLive Sports and sponsored by Acrisure takes place, featuring eight games starting with the 8:45 a.m. matchup between Moreau Catholic vs. ...

One of California's top one-day Martin Luther King Jr. boys basketball showcases enters its 26th season on Monday, Jan. 15.

That's when the MLK Classic at De La Salle, presented by SBLive Sports and sponsored by Acrisure takes place, featuring eight games starting with the 8:45 a.m. matchup between Moreau Catholic vs. Redwood-Larkspur. TICKETS HERE

“We are proud of this event as it has become a staple in Bay Area basketball over the years,” said De La Salle coach Marcus Schroeder, the former Associate Head Coach at St. Mary’s College. “Of all the great lineups of teams this event has seen in the past quarter-century, the 26th edition of the MLK Classic will not disappoint — the best of the best in Northern California will all participate this year along with great programs from Southern California and Arizona.”

Here is the sixth of eight previews.

Branson vs. St. Joseph-Santa Maria

Time: 5 p.m.

Head coaches: Demetrius Roquemore (Branson), Tom Mott (St. Joseph)

2023-24 records (as of Jan. 12): Branson (13-5), St. Joseph (15-2)

Points per game (allowed): Branson 66.0 (61.4), St. Joseph 75.2 (51.6)

Terrific trios: Branson — Jase Butler, Semetri Carr, Finn Keeffe; St. Joseph — Tounde Yessoufou, Julius Price Abdoul Bare.

Briefly: It’s the first time Branson has played in the MLK Classic and with talents like Butler and Carr the Bulls could defeat the defending Northern California Open Division champions. Butler is one of the few if any from the Bay Area who have been offered and accepted an offer from Illinois. Carr, a lightning quick point guard, can take over and control the pace. He’s ranked the No. 12 senior in the state by 247Sports. Branson got off to a 7-1 start — losing only in overtime 63-60 to Salesian in the finals of the Gridley Invitational — before losing three straight, including 68-64 to the then state's top-ranked team Roosevelt-Eastvale. Since then the Bulls have won six of seven with the only loss to California No. 21-ranked Windward (70-61) at Damien. ... St. Joseph’s Yessoufou is worth the price of any admission. He's a high-energy, flying 6-6 scoring and rebounding machine. The Knights lost in the final game of the 2023 MLK Classic to Modesto Christian, 68-67, despite 29 points, seven rebounds, four assists and seven steals by Yessoufou. The Knights avenged the loss in the NorCal Open finals. This season, Mott's squad started 10-0 before a 68-48 loss to Washington D.C. power Gonzaga at the King Cotton Holiday Classic. The Knights also dropped a 62-61 humdinger to Eastvale Roosevelt at Crypto.Com Arena on Jan. 6 in the Coastal Catholic Classic. They enter the MLK Classic on a little roll, with league wins over Mission College Prep (74-35) and Santa Ynez (122-43), when Yessoufou led five players in double figures with 33 points. Julius Price had 21, Godson Eyita and Bare 14 apiece and Malcolm Price added 13. Malcolm Price and Eyita are freshmen.

Atlantic 10 Announces 2023-24 Men's Basketball Pairings

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – The Atlantic 10 Conference announced the 2023-24 men's basketball schedule pairings on Wednesday. The upcoming season will once again feature a 18-game league slate for the 15 members of the conference.The complete 2023-24 conference schedule with dates and times, as well as national television information, will be released at a later date. There will be 135 conference games this upcoming season which will allow teams to face each league opponent once and four teams twice. The 2024 Atlantic ...

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – The Atlantic 10 Conference announced the 2023-24 men's basketball schedule pairings on Wednesday. The upcoming season will once again feature a 18-game league slate for the 15 members of the conference.

The complete 2023-24 conference schedule with dates and times, as well as national television information, will be released at a later date. There will be 135 conference games this upcoming season which will allow teams to face each league opponent once and four teams twice. The 2024 Atlantic 10 Men's Basketball Championship will be played March 12-17 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York for the seventh time.

The following is a list of each school's home and away pairings for the 2023-24 season. Bold denotes home and away partners (teams that will play twice).

Saint Joseph's Home: Davidson, Dayton, Fordham, George Mason, George Washington, Duquesne, La Salle, Loyola Chicago, Saint Louis Away: Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Richmond, St. Bonaventure, VCU, Duquesne, La Salle, Loyola Chicago, Saint Louis

Davidson Home: George Mason, La Salle, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, VCU, Dayton, Fordham, Loyola Chicago, Richmond Away: Duquesne, George Washington, St. Bonaventure, Saint Joseph's, Saint Louis. Dayton, Fordham. Loyola Chicago, Richmond

Dayton Home: Fordham, George Washington, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, St. Bonaventure, Davidson, Duquesne, Saint Louis, VCU Away: George Mason, La Salle, Loyola Chicago, Richmond, Saint Joseph's, Davidson, Duquesne, Saint Louis, VCU

Duquesne Home: Davidson, George Washington, La Salle, Richmond, Saint Louis, Dayton, Fordham, St. Bonaventure, Saint Joseph's Away: George Mason, Loyola Chicago, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, VCU, Dayton, Fordham, St. Bonaventure, Saint Joseph's

Fordham Home: George Mason, La Salle, Loyola Chicago, Richmond, VCU, Davidson, Duquesne, Rhode Island, St. Bonaventure Away: Dayton, George Washington, Massachusetts, Saint Joseph's, Saint Louis, Davidson, Duquesne, Rhode Island, St. Bonaventure

George Mason Home: Dayton, Duquesne, St. Bonaventure, Saint Louis, VCU, George Washington, Loyola Chicago, Rhode Island, Richmond Away: Davidson, Fordham, La Salle, Massachusetts, Saint Joseph's, George Washington, Loyola Chicago, Rhode Island, Richmond

George Washington Home: Davidson, Fordham, Loyola Chicago, Rhode Island, St. Bonaventure, George Mason, La Salle, Massachusetts, Richmond Away: Dayton, Duquesne, Saint Joseph's, Saint Louis, VCU, George Mason, La Salle, Massachusetts, Richmond

La Salle Home: Dayton, George Mason, St. Bonaventure, Saint Louis, VCU, George Washington, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Saint Joseph's Away: Davidson, Duquesne, Fordham, Loyola Chicago, Richmond, George Washington, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Saint Joseph's

Loyola Chicago Home: Dayton, Duquesne, La Salle, Massachusetts, Richmond, Davidson, George Mason, Saint Joseph's, Saint Louis Away: Fordham, George Washington, Rhode Island, St. Bonaventure, VCU, Davidson, George Mason, Saint Joseph's, Saint Louis

Massachusetts Home: Duquesne, Fordham, George Mason, Saint Joseph's, VCU, George Washington, La Salle, Rhode Island, St. Bonaventure Away: Davidson, Dayton, Loyola Chicago, Richmond, Saint Louis, George Washington, La Salle, Rhode Island, St. Bonaventure

Rhode Island Home: Duquesne, Loyola Chicago, Richmond, Saint Joseph's, Saint Louis, Fordham, George Mason, La Salle, Massachusetts Away: Davidson, Dayton, George Washington, St. Bonaventure, VCU, Fordham, George Mason, La Salle, Massachusetts

Richmond Home: Dayton, La Salle, Massachusetts, St. Bonaventure, Saint Joseph's, Davidson, George Mason, George Washington, VCU Away: Duquesne, Fordham, Loyola Chicago, Rhode Island, Saint Louis, Davidson, George Mason, George Washington, VCU

St. Bonaventure Home: Davidson, Loyola Chicago, Rhode Island, Saint Joseph's, Saint Louis, Duquesne, Fordham, Massachusetts, VCU Away: Dayton, George Mason, George Washington, La Salle, Richmond, Duquesne, Fordham, Massachusetts, VCU

Saint Louis Home: Davidson, Fordham, George Washington, Massachusetts, Richmond, Dayton, Loyola Chicago, Saint Joseph's, VCU Away: Duquesne, La Salle, George Mason, Rhode Island, St. Bonaventure, Dayton, Loyola Chicago, Saint Joseph's, VCU

VCU Home: Duquesne, George Washington, Loyola Chicago, Rhode Island, Saint Joseph's, Dayton, Richmond, St. Bonaventure, Saint Louis Away: Davidson, Fordham, George Mason, La Salle, Massachusetts, Dayton, Loyola Chicago, Saint Joseph's, Saint Louis

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D’Andre Swift remembers his 7-TD outburst for the Prep — but he’ll never forget losing to La Salle a year earlier

Ask D’Andre Swift about the seven-touchdown game he authored in high school and you might feel the elusiveness he wielded in his career-best 175-yard performance for the Eagles against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2.Humility, according to those who know him, seems the name of his game, so it shouldn’t surprise that he wouldn’t go into specifics regarding his own exploits.Ask him about the o...

Ask D’Andre Swift about the seven-touchdown game he authored in high school and you might feel the elusiveness he wielded in his career-best 175-yard performance for the Eagles against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2.

Humility, according to those who know him, seems the name of his game, so it shouldn’t surprise that he wouldn’t go into specifics regarding his own exploits.

Ask him about the one loss his St. Joseph’s Prep squad suffered against rival La Salle, however, and you might get a glimpse into what has made him so successful.

“Yeah, yeah,” the Mount Airy native said, acknowledging that he remembered the game. “On the last play, they had a one-handed catch over the middle. I [was] like, ‘Man.’ ”

Swift’s eyes grew wide, his head bowed slightly, and his shoulders drooped a smidge, as if he had just replayed the scene in his mind.

That was Monday after the Eagles running back visited the Lonnie Young Recreation Center and surprised the Imhotep Charter football team a few days after his home debut.

It was also a few days after Swift joked, “Every time we played La Salle,” when reporters asked postgame when he last had such a prolific rushing performance.

More specifically, Swift ventilated La Salle’s defense for nearly 300 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in one game as a senior in 2016. Ironically, however, the one loss to his rivals stands out more in his mind.

“For sure, for sure,” Swift said. “That was probably the worst game I’ve had, actually. I think I probably had 12 rushes for 19 yards. Yeah, they had a plan that game, and they ended up winning on the last play. That’s the one that sticks out, for sure.”

Chris Ferguson got a kick out of Swift’s postgame one-liner about La Salle to reporters.

“It was awesome,” said Ferguson, who threw the game-winning touchdown pass in 2015 when La Salle upset the Prep in the Catholic League championship game.

In fact, one of his high school teammates texted Ferguson a link to Swift’s interview and added a snappy line of his own.

“He said, ‘except the 2015 PCL championship game,’ ” Ferguson said.

» READ MORE: D’Andre Swift’s touchdown celebration is a Philly thing. Of course it is.

Ferguson, who later played college football at Maine and then Liberty University, remembers just about everything from that Saturday afternoon in Novemberat Plymouth Whitemarsh High School.

The Hawks had already handled the Explorers in the lone regular-season matchup, and the sequel looked bleak after Ferguson threw an interception that was returned 95 yards for a touchdown to end the half.

Little in Ferguson’s football life had come easy, though, so responding to adversity wasn’t new.

He grew up the 10th of 11 children in Fort Washington and his high school career included a season behind a Division I quarterback at Upper Dublin and multiple seasons behind future Vanderbilt QB Kyle Shurmur at La Salle. (Coincidentally, Ferguson also spent a year at Liberty behind starting QB Malik Willis, who was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in 2020.)

Then with 49 seconds left and the Explorers trailing, 28-23, Ferguson threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to fellow senior Nick Rinella, who made a spectacular, one-handed catch. La Salle uploaded the video to YouTube and labeled it: “The Catch.”

“I jumped up and I literally just put my hand up not really even with the intention to catch it, but maybe to just get a hand on it,” Rinella said in a phone interview. “And it stuck! I was like, ‘Oh, [bleep].’ ”

» READ MORE: Philly native D’Andre Swift saves the Eagles — and Jalen Hurts — upon his return home

Rinella, who later became an all-conference defensive back at St. Francis (Pa.), momentarily lost the ball, tipped it to himself as three defenders closed, and then fell to the turf with the ball pressed to his face mask and helmet.

Asked why the loss stands out more than his seven-touchdown performance, Swift didn’t take long to answer.

“Because when you don’t get the result you want, you kind of just want to think about why,” he said. “What could you have done better? What could you have done to change the outcome? I think that’s what it is.”

Rinella and Ferguson, both now 25, talked proudly about beating the Prep that season, but each also made a point to share admiration and respect for Swift.

Ferguson, who now works in finance and is a private quarterback trainer in Maine, said he was “juiced up” when Swift got traded to the Eagles.

» READ MORE: Eagles-Vikings report card: D’Andre Swift and the O-line pave the way to victory

“You realize that once you get out of high school that those guys [at the Prep] aren’t much different than us,” Ferguson said. “Our high schools are similar. We’ve had similar experiences. The rivalry is strong in high school, but it feels good [now] like you’ve been part of the path along [Swift’s] journey …”

Ferguson also joked that Swift likely used the defeat as motivation for his senior year. That’s when Swift rushed 19 times for 275 yards against La Salle, with a 7-yard scoring reception mixed in. The Hawks hammered the Explorers, 63-35, at Plymouth Whitemarsh.

Rinella, who played with Swift on the Philly’s Finest seven-on-seven squad, said he is happy to see Swift play back home.

“He’s always been a humble kid,” said Rinella, who also works in finance. “He’s been that dude from a young age. Everyone kind of knew he was destined for this, so to see him achieve everything that he has is really cool. It’s good to see someone with that type of talent who worked hard to get there …”

Maybe that’s truly what has set Swift apart for years. By all accounts, his hard work — even back in high school — seems to have kept pace with, if not exceeded, his immense talent. His father, Darren Swift, has run a successful speed and strength training academy in North Philly for years.

“Our high schools are similar. We’ve had similar experiences. The rivalry is strong in high school, but it feels good [now] like you’ve been part of the path along [D’Andre Swift’s] journey.”

Chris Ferguson, former La Salle QB who played against D'Andre Swift in high school

Perhaps the plight of the perfectionist — never being satisfied, even in the face of seven-touchdown games — has also served Swift well.

For example, last Monday, one of the high school players at Imhotep asked Swift what it was like when he got drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2020. Swift said it was an emotional moment and added that he knew that he was going to cry.

Later, a reporter asked how much time had passed between hearing his name on draft night and his next workout session.

“Couple hours,” Swift said. “The next morning. Went home, changed clothes, and got back to it. That’s just how I am. I feel like there’s always something I can get better at, always something I can work on. I just love the process.”

Heart of Louisiana: The rebirth of the Town of St. Joseph

ST. JOSEPH, La. (WVUE) - The Town of St. Joseph had fallen on hard times. Located in the state’s smallest parish, and one of the poorest parishes, a few local entrepreneurs are turning around the town’s fortunes.When the Town of St. Joseph was settled in Northeastern Louisiana, it sat along the country’s major thoroughfare, the Mississippi River.But as steamboats were replaced by trains and interstate highways, St. Joseph found itself tucked away nearly out of sight to modern travelers.“It was dea...

ST. JOSEPH, La. (WVUE) - The Town of St. Joseph had fallen on hard times. Located in the state’s smallest parish, and one of the poorest parishes, a few local entrepreneurs are turning around the town’s fortunes.

When the Town of St. Joseph was settled in Northeastern Louisiana, it sat along the country’s major thoroughfare, the Mississippi River.

But as steamboats were replaced by trains and interstate highways, St. Joseph found itself tucked away nearly out of sight to modern travelers.

“It was dead. It was absolutely dead,” says Donna Ratcliff.

Ratcliff is the tax assessor of Tensas Parish. She also owns and is redeveloping a century old building in downtown St. Joseph trying to give her town new life.

“Everybody wants to do something to save our little town but now it’s just so happy and things are changing.”

Ratcliff’s building was once her father’s western auto store. Now, her daughter-in-law Leslie Ratcliff has a second floor art studio that overlooks Plank Road, St. Joseph’s main street.

A few doors down, Natalie Schauf has expanded her women’s clothing boutique bringing the newest styles to this small town.

“It’s a domino effect. People are seeing the energy and great things are happening and people want to support and people want to get on board,” says Schauf. “So I think in a few years, Plank Rd. is going to be the place to be.”

“It thought I’d made it in the big city. And next thing I knew I was back here because my father talked my husband into coming back to help with the family business,” says Rebecca Vizard.

Vizard runs a home decorating business that she started in uptown New Orleans. She crafts high end pillows from antique fabrics, some costing thousands of dollars. And she ships them to customers worldwide.

Reporter: When I see the sign on the front of the building, it says global headquarters. That has to be a first for St. Joseph.

“Well, yes. That was a little bit of a joke because before I was sending pillows all over the world from my little garage studio. And, so when I’d decided to finally open something here, I couldn’t help it. I had to put global headquarters,” says Vizard.

Next door, you find Paul Connelly of Baton Rouge. As a frequent visitor to St. Joseph, he and his wife decided to open a little pop-up art gallery with an apartment for visiting artists.

“Every time we’ve come here, it’s gotten better over the years. It’s just, you know, a little energy, a little energy. And we like being part of the energy,” says Connelly.

Nestled between fashion shops, antique and gift stores and galleries, the Tensas Parish Library has a museum full of history from the plantation farming and steamboat days in the his part of the Louisiana delta.

“I think every building will be full of something. People are wanting the smallest areas. They want to come where, you know, it’s not so hectic. And they just like the lifestyle here,” says Ratcliff.

It’s rebirth in this once dying town where people realize they have something worth saving.

To learn about more attractions in that area, visit HeartofLouisiana.com.

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