It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Plaquemine Lock State Historic Site gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Start, LA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“These are skilled professions that give wonderful care. Thank you! Special thank you to Patricia”
“Always Best has been amazing in helping me with my father who has Alzheimer's and”
“My family and I love Always Best Care!”
“The workers are nice and knowledgeable of their job. I would recommend the company to”
“I love their caring services and would recommend them to anyone wanting to age in”
“The company is an amazing company! The staff is wonderful, and the pay is great!”
“Always best care caregivers are very dependable and very hard workers goes above and beyond”
“The company is TOP TIER, very flexible with my son’s school hours, always very nice.”
“I've been working with Always Best Care for over a year now, and I can”
“Always best senior care is a great company to work with. I've been working with”
“Always Best Care is a commendable agency specializing in placing reliable caregivers in the homes”
“We have been very pleased with services from Always Best Care. They are awesome! They”
“Angela Powell is the best! She wears her scrubs, comes right in my mother’s home”
“This agency is very caring and professional. If an issue arises they make sure it”
“Other Always Best Care has allowed my dad and step-mother to stay in their home. These”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care started helping me in July,”
“By far the best personality for this job. Plenty of patience and a bubbly attitude.”
“Summer Riggs made new homeownership a reality for our family. I highly recommend Summer Riggs!”
“Current employer I love the staff everyone is very understanding and the clients are nice”
“My husband and I will be gone on a 50th anniversary vacation trip for 14”
“Summer has always been excited about new homes and it shows in her work. She”
“Always Best Care was a GOD send for me. I did not worry about my”
“I am a current client of this provider We've been extremely pleased with Always Best Care”
“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!❤️”
“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.”
“My family and I love Always Best Care!”
“The workers are nice and knowledgeable of their job. I would recommend the company to others”
“I love their caring services and would recommend them to anyone wanting to age in place. Thank you Always Best Care!”
“The company is an amazing company! The staff is wonderful, and the pay is great! I would highly recommend this company.”
“Always best care caregivers are very dependable and very hard workers goes above and beyond for their clients”
“The company is TOP TIER, very flexible with my son’s school hours, always very nice. I love them! A HUGE help for me!”
“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!”
“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.”
“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”
“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.”
“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!!!!!”
“This agency is very caring and professional. If an issue arises they make sure it gets solved.”
“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”
“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!!”
“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.”
“Summer Riggs made new homeownership a reality for our family. I highly recommend Summer Riggs!”
“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.”
“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”
“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.”
“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”
“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.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Milford Wampold Memorial Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar or visit Louisiana's Old State Capitol, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Start, 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.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Start, 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.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Start, 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.
Raiders retake lead on Jakobi Meyers TD catchBy Austin Knoblauch???? Raiders 10, Chargers 3 — 13:04 left in the second quarterRaiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell completed a 25-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jakobi Meyers to push the Raiders back into the lead.The touchdown capped a five-play, 70-yard drive that included a 22-yard reception by Meyers at the st...
Raiders retake lead on Jakobi Meyers TD catch
???? Raiders 10, Chargers 3 — 13:04 left in the second quarter
Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell completed a 25-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jakobi Meyers to push the Raiders back into the lead.
The touchdown capped a five-play, 70-yard drive that included a 22-yard reception by Meyers at the start of the possession.
Meyers has caught six passes for 86 yards. O’Connell has completed eight of 11 passes for 92 yards.
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3 hours ago
Chargers tie game on field goal in the first quarter
???? Chargers 3, Raiders 3 — 11 seconds left in the first quarter
Cameron Dicker kicked a 33-yard field goal to tie the game with seconds left in the opening quarter.
The field goal capped a six-play, 55-yard drive that was fueled by a 47-yard reception by Ladd McConkey.
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has completed five of six passes for 99 yards so far.
3 hours ago
Raiders field goal gives them 3-0 lead in first quarter
???? Raiders 3, Chargers 0 — 2:46 left in the first quarter
Daniel Carlson kicked a 40-yard field goal to give Las Vegas an early lead after a seven-play, 37-yard drive.
After going three and out on their first two drives, the Raiders found more success, with Jakobi Meyers catching a 20-yard pass from Aidan O’Connell to help fuel the drive. Meyers already has four catches for 39 yards.
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3 hours ago
Cameron Dicker misses first field-goal attempt in 19 tries
???? Chargers 0, Raiders 0 — 5:03 left in the first quarter
Cameron Dicker missed a 51-yard field-goal attempt after a costly Raiders penalty gave L.A. a chance to take an early lead. Dicker had made 18 consecutive field goals before his kick went wide left.
An illegal block above the waist penalty for 10 yards by Las Vegas cornerback Decamerion Richardson on a Chargers punt led to a replay of fourth down and moved the Chargers into field-goal range.
Unfortunately, the Chargers have come up empty on their first two possessions.
5 hours ago
Ultimate game-changer? Derius Davis has been a ‘bolt of lightning’ for Chargers
One was clutch. The other was acrobatic.
Both of Derius Davis’ touchdown catches have been electrifying.
The second-year receiver has sparked the Chargers’ offense at just the right time with the first two touchdown catches of his career. Davis has 60 of his season-total 107 yards receiving in the last two weeks, using just four receptions to ignite an offense that has scored 74 combined points in the last two games entering Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Las Vegas Raiders.
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5 hours ago
Chargers takeaways: J.K. Dobbins’ return a boost to offense in rout of Patriots
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Derius Davis hadn’t reached his full stretch, hadn’t reeled in his second touchdown in as many games and hadn’t yet gotten the Chargers on the scoreboard. Still, J.K. Dobbins was ready to celebrate.
The Chargers running back raised both hands once quarterback Justin Herbert threw the ball downfield and beat the referees at Gillette Stadium to the signal as Davis laid out for a flying touchdown catch.
Now, just like their running back, the Chargers don’t have to withhold their celebration.
5 hours ago
Rashawn Slater inactive for Chargers because of knee issue
Pro Bowl left tackle Rashawn Slater is inactive for the Chargers regular-season finale against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.
Slater was not on the injury report this week, but he felt discomfort in his knee during the pregame stretch, according to a Chargers spokesperson.
The Chargers (10-6) have already clinched a playoff berth, but are still fighting for seeding. Aided by Saturday’s loss by the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Chargers can move into the No. 5 seed in the AFC with a win over their division rivals Sunday.
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6 hours ago
Chargers Khalil Mack, Derwin James Jr. and Rashawn Slater named to Pro Bowl rosters
Chargers outside linebacker Khalil Mack, safety Derwin James Jr. and offensive tackle Rashawn Slater were selected to the Pro Bowl, the NFL announced Thursday.
Mack earned his ninth career Pro Bowl selection with six sacks, 15 quarterback hits, six tackles for loss and nine pass breakups. The 11-year veteran is the only player in the NFL this season to have at least five sacks and nine pass breakups.
With Mack and James leading the way, the Chargers have the league’s best scoring defense, allowing 17.6 points per game entering Week 18.
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Chargers might know playoff opponent before kickoff against the Raiders
Jim Harbaugh doesn’t care for complicated playoff scenarios. With teams still vying for divisional titles and playoff seeding, the Chargers coach, whose team clinched its first postseason berth since 2022 on Saturday, maintains a simple goal for a Week 18 game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
“My plan is to win,” Harbaugh said Monday. “That’s been our mindset from the very beginning: win the next game.”
A road win in the Chargers’ regular-season finale against the Raiders (4-12) is necessary for the Chargers (10-6) to move up in the AFC playoff picture. They can claim the No. 5 seed — setting up a favorable matchup against the No. 4 Houston Texans in the wild-card round — with a win over the Raiders and a Pittsburgh Steelers loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
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7 hours ago
Closing the regular season against the Raiders is a reminder of the Chargers’ journey
The joy of clinching a playoff berth didn’t erase the pain of Otito Ogbonnia’s last postseason memory. Perhaps the Chargers’ 27-point collapse in Jacksonville two years ago only enhanced the thrill of returning to the playoffs this season for the third-year defensive tackle.
“Without where we’ve been,” Ogbonnia said, “I don’t know if you get a season like this.”
Back in the playoffs for the first time since 2022, many of the Chargers’ returning players have not forgotten their catastrophic wild-card loss to Jacksonville. They haven’t fully escaped last year’s 5-12 debacle.
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Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders: How to watch, predictions and betting odds
Wins are the only statistic that counts for Jim Harbaugh. Still, all the numbers matter, the head coach likes to say.
Although the Chargers are already in the postseason, they are still fighting for the distinction as the best defense in the NFL against Las Vegas Raiders at 1:25 p.m. PST Sunday.
Allowing a league-low average of 17.6 points per game, the Chargers (10-6) are in position to lead the NFL in scoring defense for just the second time in franchise history as they try to lock up the No. 5 seed in the AFC. Playing “winning football” throughout the season to clinch the team’s first playoff berth since 2022 was the top priority for first-year defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, but finishing the season in the No. 1 spot would be validating for the unit that ranked 24th in points allowed last season.
The Los Angeles Lakers are set to face the Atlanta Hawks on January 3, 2025. The Lakers have won seven of their last ten games and are favored to continue their winning streak. Key players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis will be crucial against the Hawks, who previously edged a narrow win. Lakers' momentum gives them an advantage.Credits: NBAThe Los Angeles Lakers will host the Atlanta Hawks at the Crypto.com Arena on Friday, January 3, 2025. The Lakers have just recently found their form and have won seven of their last 10...
The Los Angeles Lakers are set to face the Atlanta Hawks on January 3, 2025. The Lakers have won seven of their last ten games and are favored to continue their winning streak. Key players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis will be crucial against the Hawks, who previously edged a narrow win. Lakers' momentum gives them an advantage.
Credits: NBA
The Los Angeles Lakers will host the Atlanta Hawks at the Crypto.com Arena on Friday, January 3, 2025. The Lakers have just recently found their form and have won seven of their last 10 games. Their opponents, meanwhile, still need to find their identity on defense but have been doing fine and hold a record of 18-16. However, with momentum on the Lakers’ side, this could be a tough night for the Hawks. Continue reading to learn more about the matchup, including injury reports, start time, where to watch, betting tips, game prediction, and more.
| Player | PTS | REB | AST |
| Trae Young | 22.3 | 3.6 | 12.0 |
| Dyson Daniels | 12.9 | 5.1 | 3.6 |
| Jalen Johnson | 19.9 | 10.2 | 5.4 |
| Zaccharie Risacher | 10.9 | 3.4 | 1.2 |
| Clint Capela | 9.5 | 9.1 | 1.3 |
| Player | PTS | REB | AST |
| Austin Reaves | 18.2 | 4.5 | 5.9 |
| Max Christie | 7.8 | 2.3 | 1.3 |
| LeBron James | 23.9 | 7.6 | 8.9 |
| Rui Hachimura | 12.1 | 5.3 | 1.6 |
| Anthony Davis | 26.1 | 11.6 | 3.5 |
(Note: Projected starters are subject to change.)
- LeBron James - Anthony Davis
- Trae Young - Jalen Johnson
| Player | Status | Injury |
| Anthony Davis | Game time decision | Ankle |
| Jalen Hood-Schifino | Out | Hamstring |
| Jarred Vanderbilt | Out | Foot |
| Gabe Vincent | Out | Oblique |
| Christian Wood | Out | Knee |
| Player | Status | Injury |
| Bogdan Bogdanovic | Game time decision | Lower Leg |
| Kobe Bufkin | Out for season | Shoulder |
| Mouhamed Gueye | Game time decision | Knee |
| Jalen Johnson | Game time decision | Shoulder |
| Larry Nance Jr. | Out | Hand |
| Trae Young | Game time decision | Hand |
| Cody Zeller | Out | Personal |
| Statistic | Hawks | Lakers |
| Record | 18-16 | 19-14 |
| Standings | 7th | 6th |
| Home/Away | 8-8 | 11-5 |
| Offensive Rating | 15th | 12th |
| Defensive Rating | 17th | 21st |
| Net Rating | 17th | 20th |
The Hawks met the Lakers on December 6, 2024, in what turned out to be a two-point win for them. Trae Young had a monster game and recorded 31 points and 20 assists en route to the win. LeBron James also gave his best and recorded a 39-point triple-double but it wasn’t enough. The Lakers will now play their second game of the season against the Hawks.
| Stat | Hawks (Leader) | Lakers (Leader) |
| Points | 22.3 - Trae Young | 26.1 - Anthony Davis |
| Rebounds | 10.2 - Jalen Johnson | 11.6 - Anthony Davis |
| Assists | 12.0 - Trae Young | 8.9 - LeBron James |
- Moneyline: Hawks (+146) vs Lakers (-160) - Spread: Hawks (+3.5) vs Lakers (-3.5) - Total (O/U): Hawks -110 (O 230.5) vs Lakers -110 (U 230.5) (Note: Odds are correct at the time of writing and likely to change.)
The Hawks were barely able to beat the Lakers during their previous matchup in December. At that time, Atlanta faced a poor Lakers team that was struggling to find their identity. However, over the past weeks, LeBron James and Co have turned over a new leaf and are looking better than they have all season. By the looks of it, this one should prove to be an easy outing for the Los Angeles Lakers. If Trae Young ends up missing tomorrow's game, it will take an otherworldly performance from his team to defeat the Lakers. Even with Young, tomorrow's game will be a tough one for Atlanta. Our Prediction: The Lakers will win ALSO READ: Los Angeles Lakers Trade Rumor: GM Rob Pelinka eyes Washington Wizards' Jonas Valanciunas, puts $11 million guard on the table as key asset for trade
The Los Angeles Lakers vs Atlanta Hawks takes place in the Crypto.com Arena on Friday, January 3, 2025. The match will go live at 10:30 PM ET.
- TV: Spectrum SportsNet, FanDuel Sports Network - Southeast - Atlanta, and NBA TV - Streaming: Sling, DirecTV Stream, FuboTV and NBA League Pass
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Himanshu Singh• Real Madrid will look to move to the top of the table when they travel to Valencia for a La Liga clash this Friday.Valencia are winless in their last four league encounters. They will be heading into this contest after back-to-back draws against Espanyol and Deportivo Alaves. With just 12 points from 17 matches, Corberan's side is currently in the relegation division.On the other...
Himanshu Singh
•
Real Madrid will look to move to the top of the table when they travel to Valencia for a La Liga clash this Friday.
Valencia are winless in their last four league encounters. They will be heading into this contest after back-to-back draws against Espanyol and Deportivo Alaves. With just 12 points from 17 matches, Corberan's side is currently in the relegation division.
On the other side, Los Blancos are just one point behind the leaders, Atletico Madrid. Real Madrid achieved a convincing 4-2 victory against Sevilla in their La Liga clash. Ancelotti's side is undefeated in their last five matches across all the competitions. They will look to keep this streak going when they face Valencia in an away game.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Here's how to watch this La Liga match in the U.S.:
This game is not available for live TV broadcast in the United States in English language. Streaming options are available on ESPN+.
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This La Liga clash takes place at the Estadio de Mestalla in Valencia, Spain and kicks off on Friday, January 3 at 9:00 p.m. local time.
Here's how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Fri, Jan. 3 | 3:00 p.m. |
| Central Time | Fri, Jan. 3 | 2:00 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Fri, Jan. 3 | 1:00 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Fri, Jan. 3 | 12:00 p.m. |
This clash will mark the first assignment for Carlos Corberan, who joined Valencia after leaving West Bromwich Albion to replace Ruben Baraja.
The host will miss the services of Thierry Correia (ligament), Giorgi Mamardashvili (thigh), Jose Luis Gaya (hamstring), Mouctar Diakhaby (ligament), and Rafa Mir (muscle) with their respective injuries. Midfielder Fran Perez remains doubtful for this game due to his muscle injury.
There is another piece of disappointing news for the hosts: midfielder Pepelu will miss this contest due to a one-match suspension after picking up his 5th yellow card against Alaves.
Valencia predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Marmasahvili (GK) — Folquier, Mosquera, Guillamon, Rioja — Guerra, Barrenechea — Canos, Almeida, Lopez — Duro.
Injured: Correia, Mir, Mamardashvili, Gaya, Diakhaby, Perez (doubtful) Suspended: Pepelu
For the visitors, Vinicius Junior will return for this clash after missing the last game against Sevilla due to a one-match suspension.
However, Ancelotti could make some crucial changes to the side ahead of the Copa del Rey and a Spanish Super Cup trip to Saudi Arabia.
David Alaba has been doing well in his recovery training from his knee injury, but Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao are out for the season due to their respective ligament injuries. Ferland Mendy is likely to get a start against Valencia.
Real Madrid predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Courtois (GK) — Vazquez, Rudiger, Tchouameni, Mendy — Modric, Bellingham, Valverde — Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr.
Injured: Alaba, Carvajal, Militao Suspended: None
Real Madrid has been doing phenomenally well this season; they are currently sitting at the second spot in the leaderboard. But it is worth mentioning that Real Madrid hasn't won an away game against Valencia in the last three years.
Los Ches are having a rollercoaster season, but their performance cannot be underestimated. It will be interesting to see if Corberan's modern gameplay could bring something new to the side. We are backing Los Blancos to win this match.
All times ET
Friday, January 3
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A clean slate. A fresh mindset. A positive attitude. All things we crave as we break ground into a new year, and all easier said than done. It helps when we take a bit of action to accompany our aspirations, so with that in mind we scoured the event calendar to see where and when we might make the most of these first few weeks of 2025. Only caveat: we want to spend as few dollars as possible.Turns out January abounds with opportunities for free to-do around the city of angels. Here we’re talking everything from a serene space fo...
A clean slate. A fresh mindset. A positive attitude. All things we crave as we break ground into a new year, and all easier said than done. It helps when we take a bit of action to accompany our aspirations, so with that in mind we scoured the event calendar to see where and when we might make the most of these first few weeks of 2025. Only caveat: we want to spend as few dollars as possible.
Turns out January abounds with opportunities for free to-do around the city of angels. Here we’re talking everything from a serene space for mindfulness to a monthly yoga session, an art market, art exhibitions, film screenings, a family festival, and more. And you don’t need a car either, because each and every to-do we’re recommending is also Metro accessible (bonus!). So grab your TAP card, and let’s put those new year ideas into practice.
Free Admission at USC Pacific Asia Museum (through January 4) -> Now through January 4, USC Pacific Asia Museum offers free admission for the holiday season. Take advantage of the special offer to check out their latest exhibition, Cai Guo-Qiang: A Material Odyssey, which explores Cai’s artistic process of using gunpowder and pyrotechnics to create drawings, paintings, and events. Go Metro: Take the A Line to Memorial Park station.
Mindfulness Lounge at Japan House LA (select dates) -> Looking to rejuvenate mind and body as we tap into a new year? Experience Japanese-style mindfulness at JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles Level 5 Salon, where a Mindfulness Lounge invites guests can sooth their senses with comfortable Japanese mats and cushions, projections of beautiful scenery, healing music and natural sounds, and fragrant aromas. The Salon is open to the public Monday and Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., subject to closure (so make sure you check before you go). For the upcoming month, open dates are January 6, 7, 14, 20, 21, and 28. Go Metro: Take the B Line to Hollywood / Highland Station.
2025 Oshogatsu Family Festival—Year of the Snake (January 5) -> Kickstart January with an annual tradition in Little Tokyo, the Oshogatsu Festival. Put together by the Japanese American National Museum, the family-friendly affair heralds the year of the snake with a day of traditional Japanese food, entertainment and special activities including interactive storytimes, candy sculpture demonstrations, and scavenger hunt, and more. Plus, there is free admission all day at JANM. Runs 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Go Metro: Take the A or E Line to Little Tokyo Station.
Evading Capture: Black Women in Cinema (January 6) -> In celebration of the LACMA’s exhibition Simone Leigh, filmmaker and Leigh’s collaborator Madeleine Hunt-Ehrlich is curating Evading Capture: Black Women in Cinema, a film series screened at The Academy Museum that explores what happens after refusal. For January, catch a screening of Diva, the story of a singer who chooses to keep her art on her own terms. The evening also includes a pre-show performance by classical singer Abiodun Koya and a post-screening conversation between Madeleine Hunt-Ehrlich and scholar, curator, and critic Tiffany Barber. Free to attend, but you must RVSP in advance. Starts at 6:30 p.m. Go Metro: Take Line 20/720 along Wilshire Blvd.
Fire Kinship at the Fowler Museum (opens January 11) -> The Fowler’s second PST Art exhibition, Fire Kinship, posits a counter-narrative around the use of fire that seeks a return to Native practices in which fire is regarded as a vital aspect of land stewardship, community well-being, and tribal sovereignty. The exihibixotn opens with an evening celebration on January 11 featuring a welcome from a local California Indian community followed by a celebration with food, dance, and music. Fire Kinship remains on view through July 13, 2025. Go Metro: Take Line 602 to Westwood UCLA Amtrak Bus Stop OR take Line 2 to Hilgard / Wyton.
Self-Care Yoga at CAAM (January 11) -> California African American Museum stretches into 2025 with a fresh edition of their monthly, sixty-minute flow session led by yoga and meditation teacher Constance Hartwell. No previous experience is necessary, but you’ll want to bring a mat. Go Metro: Take the E Line to Expo Park / USC Station.
New Year Night Market at Superchief Gallery LA (January 11) Superchief Gallery LA opens 2025 with a New Year Night Market on the second Saturday of the month. Expect DJa-spun tunes backing 30+ vendors offering merch and food, all presented alongside the gallery’s latest art show, FOOS GONE WILD: Law Abiding Citizens. The event runs 3 to 9 p.m. and is free to attend. Go Metro: Take the A Line to Grand / LATTC station.
Locals Night at the Santa Monica Pier (January 16) -> Thinking you want to make regular walks part of your 2025 game plan? Every third Thursday from September to May, Locals’ Night brings at the Santa Monica Pier offers a free evening of youth activities, a car show, local DJs and live music from local bands, and art exhibits. It’s always free to attend, and it’s one of our favorite events/locations to get our steps in. Go Metro: Take the E Line to Downtown Santa Monica station.
40th annual Kingdom Day Parade (January 18) -> The 40th annual Kingdom Day Parade returns to Leimert Park for one of the biggest gatherings in the world to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, highlighted by the 2025 theme of “Peace and Unity, Let it Start with Us”. Free to attend. Parade starts at 10 a.m., rain or shine. Go Metro: Take the K Line to Martin Luther King Jr station or to Leimert Park station.
Sound Experience at The Getty with Colloboh(January 25) -> Nigerian-born, Los Angeles-based experimental producer and composer Colloboh comes to The Getty to create a unique sound experience that melds technological processes, multi-sensory environments, modular synthesizers, and activated visual effects. The sound bath is presented in collaboration with dublab, and inspired by the The Getty exhibition Sensing the Future: Experiments in Art and Technology (E.A.T.). It takes place inside the Harold Williams Auditorium beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are free, but must be reserved in advance. Go Metro: Take the Line 761 to Sepulveda / Getty Ctr.
Por El Río Closing Reception (January 25) -> Clockshop marks the closing of Por El Río at Los Angeles State Historic Park with a closing reception highlighted by a conversation with exhibition artists Christopher Suarez and Carlos Agredano, plus DJ’d tunes from Sonido Sapo and Bianca Lexis, and light refreshments for guests. Runs from 2 to 4 p.m. Go Metro: Take the A Line to Chinatown station.
Over the Moon at The Hammer (January 26) -> The Hammer’s Family Flicks series kicks off 2025 with a nod to Lunar New Year via the animated feature, Over the Moon. A young girl, Fei Fei, is determined to prove the existence of a legendary moon goddess, Chang’e. Fei Fei builds a rocket ship and takes viewers on a musical expedition beyond the stars. Go Metro: Take Line 20/720 to Wilshire/Glendon OR take Line 233/602/761 to Westwood/Lindown.
Emotionally Available Improv (January 31) -> Is part of your 2025 plan to become a bit more in touch with your emotions. Launch that journey with a few laughs via a free performance of Emotionally Available Improv, popping up at Lawless Brewing on the final Friday of January. Starts at 7 p.m. in the Game Room. Free to attend. Go Metro: Take the B Line to North Hollywood Station.
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WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. – Rams head coach Sean McVay on Wednesday announced Jimmy Garoppolo will start at quarterback this Sunday against the Seahawks (1:25 p.m. PT, FOX) and that the team will rest Matthew Stafford. Stetson Bennett will back up Garoppolo.
McVay said the team was still working through their approach toward Sunday's game regarding who rests and who does not.
"What I've seen is a guy that's approached it like a pro," McVay said of Garoppolo's approach to this season. "Been a great teammate. You can see just the respect, the reverence for Matthew, and really for each other, that they have for one another."
Garoppolo on Wednesday said the opportunity "has been a long time coming." Having signed with the Rams to be Stafford's backup, it will be Garoppolo's first start of the season, and first since Week 8 of last season with the Las Vegas Raiders.
His role in Los Angeles has primarily been running the scout team in practice. Besides praising the way Garoppolo has carried himself as a professional and teammate, McVay also said those practice reps from Garoppolo have been instrumental to the growth of the Rams' defense throughout the course of this season.
Garopollo said he found out he would be starting "a couple days ago," but already had an inclination that would be the case given the way this weekend's games unfolded.
"It's exciting," Garoppolo said. "About time to get out there with the guys and get some real football in."
Even though his role has been mostly behind-the-scenes up to this point, it has brought multiple valuable learning opportunities.
He's impressed with the amount of "brain power that goes on" in L.A.'s quarterback room, between Stafford, McVay, offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, quarterbacks coach Dave Ragone and other coaches who spend time in that space. How tightly-run the operation is, the way little details aren't overlooked.
"They look at the game a little differently," Garoppolo said. "I mean, each offense is different, how you see the defense, but these guys, Sean does a really good job of explaining it in detail, too. He'll take the time to slow things down if you don't understand it. He'll explain it to you in a way that you do, which, as a teacher, that's really impressive. I haven't had many coaches that do that."
This role is one Garoppolo said he hasn't been in since his days with the Patriots, "so it was definitely a little different," but still enjoyable.
"I mean, doing scout team, there's a part of scout team that I really enjoy," Garoppolo said. "You get to study the other quarterback, what he does. You get to see how he uses cadences, how he uses motions, different things like that. And I always think that you could find something in everyone's game and apply it to your own. So that's really what I've tried to do this year running the scout team, and it's done some good for me. So just gotta go out there on Sunday and show it."
McVay said Garoppolo has brought leadership "and a natural zest" for approach each day. That authentic enthusiasm "becomes contagious" and "you see why guys at other spots have loved him." He also praised Garoppolo's authentic humility and coachability, as well as being a joy to be around.
In terms of McVay's expectations for Garoppolo on Sunday, it's simply "just go be yourself."
"He's had a lot of success, and want to go see guys play well around him, and be able to enjoy the opportunity to do what he loves, and that's go play and compete," McVay said.
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