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 Tribune Tower 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 Chicago, IL 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.
“Ali Asmi provided us with clear expectations and went above and beyond them to ensure”
“They were an absolute lifesaver! I needed ongoing care for my dad at the last”
“We are very pleased with our care; our overall experience has been fantastic”
“Ali Asmi provided us with clear expectations and went above and beyond them to ensure my Dad's comfort. He cares about his clients and the safety of his employees.”
“They were an absolute lifesaver! I needed ongoing care for my dad at the last minute as he was released from rehab. They were extremely knowledgeable, and quick to respond to our needs. Ali spoke to my dad and took a genuine interest in what he wanted and made him feel at ease throughout the process. Very satisfied and highly recommend. The balance tracking system was a real fun activity for my dad.”
“We are very pleased with our care; our overall experience has been fantastic”
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 Grant 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 Alinea or visit CharnleyPersky House Museum, 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 Chicago, IL, 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 Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL 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.
Illinois' gas tax is about to rise starting this week, which will mean drivers will pay more at the pump.The increase comes as a number of tax hikes and new laws begin across the state starting July 1.The...
Illinois' gas tax is about to rise starting this week, which will mean drivers will pay more at the pump.
The increase comes as a number of tax hikes and new laws begin across the state starting July 1.
The changes were part of Illinois' new budget, which takes effect at the start of Fiscal Year 2026, which falls on Tuesday. The new laws and changes coming include an increase in Illinois gas tax, higher minimum wage for Chicago, changes to taxes for Airbnb's and more.
So how much will you see gas bills rise?
The state of Illinois uses the Consumer Price Index, a federally calculated measure of how inflation is impacting prices in the U.S. economy, to help determine how much its share of the state’s fuel taxes rises each July 1.
This year, the tax is set to go up by approximately 2.69%, which will increase the tax rate by 1.3 cents per gallon. That will raise the state’s gasoline tax to $0.483 per gallon, according to the state’s FY 2026 budget.
The tax on diesel fuel will also increase to $0.558 per gallon, state officials say.
Those tax rates do not include other levies, including sales taxes, excise taxes, federal fuel taxes and additional fees wholesalers put on fuel. When those are figured in, Illinois has one of the highest fuel tax rates in the nation, according to research by the Tax Foundation.
Indiana also ranks in the top five, according to the group.
According to the Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association, fuel taxes go toward maintaining and building infrastructure in the state of Illinois
Under provisions of the Illinois Transportation Taxes and Fees Lockbox Amendment, lawmakers are prohibited from using those transportation funds for anything other than their intended use, according to Ballotpedia.
Other changes happening Tuesday include a new minimum wage in Chicago, new protocols for plastic bottles in hotels, and taxes on things like Airbnb, sports betting and tobacco.
Full list here.
Jameson Taillon is headed to the 15-day IL (retroactive to July 1) with a right calf strain, the Cubs announced Friday. Left-handed pitcher Jordan Wicks was recalled from Triple-A Iowa in...
Jameson Taillon is headed to the 15-day IL (retroactive to July 1) with a right calf strain, the Cubs announced Friday. Left-handed pitcher Jordan Wicks was recalled from Triple-A Iowa in a corresponding move.
Taillon injured his calf while running in a training session, Cubs manager Craig Counsell told reporters Friday ahead of the team’s series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field.
The righty was slated to start Saturday’s contest, which will now be a bullpen game. Counsell told media an opener would likely be announced following Friday’s game.
“This was just an unfortunate injury during training,” Counsell said of Taillon. “He was running and felt a grab yesterday after his bullpen. He’s gonna miss a pretty significant amount of time.”
[READ: Cubs’ Cade Horton shows growth in turning in best outing of career]
The move comes after Taillon’s start in Houston on June 29, in which he went 4.2 innings and allowed two earned runs on five hits. The right-hander struggled over June as a whole, posting a 5.57 ERA across six starts in 32.1 innings. His season ERA stands at 4.44 in 17 starts and 95.1 innings pitched.
Taillon is the third starter in the Cubs’ rotation to hit the IL during the 2025 season, after Justin Steele was ruled out for the season in April and Shota Imanaga, who recently returned from the IL, missed nearly two months with a hamstring strain. Javier Assad, who made 29 starts in 2024, has dealt with an oblique strain since February and has yet to see big-league action this season.
The Cubs now face another rotation conundrum, as they do not plan on using Wicks in Taillon’s place.
“He’s there to pitch in the bullpen — we’ll go from there,” Counsell told reporters of Wicks.
Wicks has pitched well in Iowa over his last three starts, posting a 1.64 ERA in 11 innings of work. He has a 4.06 ERA with 46 strikeouts in 44.1 innings pitched in Triple-A this season. Wicks dealt with his own injury issue in late May when he landed on the 7-day IL with a left hamstring strain. He was activated on June 19.
The southpaw struggled in his initial stint with the Cubs this season, allowing three earned runs on as many hits without recording an out on April 18 against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He made a two-inning appearance in the same series two days later, allowing two unearned runs on three hits across two innings. He was subsequently sent back down on April 21.
“We’ve got him healthy and he’s pitching well,” Counsell said of Wicks. “He’s just gotta come up here and attack the strike zone and get himself in favorable counts — I think that’s really important for him. Let the offspeed stuff be effective.”
At least 16 suburban Chicago beaches were closed to swimming ahead of the busy Fourth of July holiday due to elevated bacteria levels.According to the ...
At least 16 suburban Chicago beaches were closed to swimming ahead of the busy Fourth of July holiday due to elevated bacteria levels.
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, at least five beaches in McHenry County were closed due to "high bacteria levels," including Lake Park Beach in Crystal Lake; Dorothy Court Beach and Veterans Park Beach in Island Lake; McCullom Lake in East Bach Park and Willoaks Lake at the Willoaks Campground.
In Lake County, a dozen beaches -- including Mundelein Park District Beach, Waukegan North Beach and Highland Park's Rosewood Beach -- were all impacted by high bacteria levels, including with swimming not advised.
According to the Chicago Park District, yellow-flag conditions are in effect at Marion Mahony Griffin Beach, Leone Beach and Loyola Beach in the Rogers Park neighborhood, along with Margaret T. Burroughs Beach in Prairie Shores.
A “yellow flag” means that swimming is allowed, but caution is advised.
Chicago officials cited water quality issues related to elevated levels of Enterococci bacteria at all four beaches. According to the NOAA, water contamination by exposure to the bacteria is “one of the most common forms of disease transmission,” and elevated levels trigger warnings from the Environmental Protection Agency.
You can check to see if your beach is closed on the Illinois Department of Health website's "Beach Guard" system to see suburban beaches closed. In Chicago, the Chicago Park District posts swim conditions for all of the city's beaches each day at 11 a.m.
Fireworks might be illegal in Illinois, but for those looking to still ignite their Fourth of July celebrations, there are other options.Illinois is one of just three states that ban some or all consumer fireworks. Under state law, such displays are permitted only in areas that have passed ordinances granting approval, adhere to requirements and only use approved types of firewo...
Fireworks might be illegal in Illinois, but for those looking to still ignite their Fourth of July celebrations, there are other options.
Illinois is one of just three states that ban some or all consumer fireworks. Under state law, such displays are permitted only in areas that have passed ordinances granting approval, adhere to requirements and only use approved types of fireworks.
But that doesn't mean you can't partake in some of the explosive fun.
Here's a look at what's allowed and what's not allowed.
According to the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal, prohibited fireworks include, but are not limited to, the following:
All fireworks, including sparklers, are illegal in the city of Chicago.
Many Illinois residents can celebrate with "novelty effects," which technically aren't considered fireworks under state law. The following "novelty" items aren't prohibited under the Illinois’ Pyrotechnic Use Act.
Each municipality can implement an ordinance banning "novelty effects," so you'll want to check what the situation is in your community before making a purchase. For example, Chicago bans all fireworks, including sparklers.
According to the Illinois Pyrotechnics Use Act, “any person, firm, co-partnership, or corporation violating the provisions of this Act shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.”
Here's a full list of fireworks displays happening in and around Chicago this Fourth of July.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal issued a reminder about fireworks safety ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, explaining even novelty items are dangerous. Sparklers account for the greatest number of fireworks injuries and burn more than 1,200 degrees – which is hot enough to melt many metals and turn steel glowing red, officials said in a news release.
“Many people enjoy celebrating the 4th of July with consumer fireworks to light up the night sky, but these come with serious risks that are often underestimated,” acting Illinois State Fire Marshal Allen Reyne said in the release. “We strongly encourage everyone to attend professional fireworks displays instead, where safety measures are in place..."
While more than 50 Fourth of July fireworks shows are scheduled to take place this week across the Chicago suburbs, the fireworks display previously dubbed Illinois' largest won't go on for 2025 due to "unique challenges."...
While more than 50 Fourth of July fireworks shows are scheduled to take place this week across the Chicago suburbs, the fireworks display previously dubbed Illinois' largest won't go on for 2025 due to "unique challenges."
The announcement about Itasca's Fourth of July fireworks cancelation was made in March of this year, after the Village Board held a meeting that cited multiple roadblocks to hosting the annual event. Those included increased crowd size, less available land space for activities, nearby construction and a 43% increase in total event budget, a memo recommending cancelation showed.
"Staff would reevaluate the viability of fireworks on July 4th in future years," the memo said.
MORE: ‘No fireworks July 4:' Why Navy Pier isn't holding a 4th of July fireworks show in Chicago
The celebration, which typically takes place at Hamilton Lakes Business Park, has led to sold-out hotels in the area, the memo added. For the past 10 years, Itasca's fireworks show boasted being the 'largest in Illinois' in terms of dollars spent on fireworks in a single show.
"This was an extremely difficult decision to make," Village Administrator Carie Anne Ergo said in a statement announcing the decision. "Itasca takes great pride in hosting the biggest and best fireworks show in northern Illinois. Our first priority is always the safety and security of Itasca residents, businesses and visitors. Given the unique challenges presented this year, we cannot confidently recommend hosting fireworks in 2025."
Ergo went on to say that staff in the fall would begin discussing the possibility of hosting fireworks again in 2026.
Across the Chicago area, dozens of fireworks shows will still take place Thursday, July 3, and Friday, July 4. Here's a full list.
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