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

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.

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Home Care In Altadena, CA

Home Care Altadena, CA

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 Old Pasadena 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 Altadena, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Altadena, CA

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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 The owner Diane, is on top of things. They have kind caring and knowledgeable staff and respond in a very timely manner. What a great service they have provided both mentally and physically for our family. Highly recommended.”

Deee D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Thank you ABC of Pasadena for all of your help. My family is grateful for your support. The quality of care is exceptional and I feel that I can rely upon ABC of Pasadena to meet all of our needs.”

Doug J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Thank you ABC of Pasadena for all of your help. My family is grateful for your support. The quality of care is exceptional and I feel that I can rely upon ABC of Pasadena to meet all of our needs.”

Doug J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I was trying to get a lifeline alert system for my mom and was having a difficult time finding a right one until I got connected with Diane. She was so professional and productive!!! Definitely a go to person if you ever need her service. Thank you so much Diane!!”

Julia C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider Thank you ABC of Pasadena for all of your help. My family is grateful for your support. The quality of care is exceptional and I feel that I can rely upon ABC of Pasadena to meet all of our needs.”

dwjones
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TESTIMONIALS

“Diane Pierson was great. She guided us through a very difficult time while searching for an assistive living with memory care facility care for my 90 year old step mother. Diane took her time, spoke with us and provided several options. We are now in the process of relocating my step mother to an excellent facility that she recommended and would not be able to do this relocation without her help.”

Lee G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I want to personally thank Diane Pierson and Ly French with Always Best Care Senior Services Pasadena for everything they did to help me find a place for my mother to reside at. They are very dedicated and supportive to all the families they help. My mother could have become homeless without Ly’s expertise, empathy, commitment and clear communication on what to do next. Always Best Care specifically matched my mother's unique circumstances, social needs, desired location and budget. Diane and Ly are very passionate about senior care and will help you and your family with the highest level of service. I will never forget this experience or their kindness. I highly recommend them to everyone! We made the best choice working with Always Best Care Senior Services Pasadena.”

Mas T.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Altadena, CA?

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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 Altadena, CA

Types of Elderly Care in Altadena, CA

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 Altadena, CA
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 Altadena, CA
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 Loma Alta 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 Altadena, CA
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 The Arbour or visit The Gamble House, 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 Altadena, CA

Benefits of Home Care in Altadena, CA

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 Altadena, CA, 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 Altadena, CA

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 CA'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 Altadena, CA

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 Altadena, CA 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 Altadena, CA

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 Altadena, CA

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:

  • Eaton Canyon Villas Senior Living Facility, Board and Care, Memory Care
  • Rose Valley Altadena II
  • North Lake Villa
  • Harmony Villa
  • MonteCedro Retirement Community Senior Living, Independent Living
  • Lampley Home Adult assisted living
Home Care Altadena, CA

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 Altadena, CA

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 Altadena, CA 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 Altadena, CA

Latest News in Altadena, CA

Smaller water districts were hit hardest by L.A. firestorms, UCLA report finds

The January firestorms that swept through Altadena and Pacific Palisades destroyed not only thousands of homes but also portions of the water and sewer systems that served them.Smaller water systems were hit the hardest, according to a study by UCLA researchers released Thursday. In Altadena, for example...

The January firestorms that swept through Altadena and Pacific Palisades destroyed not only thousands of homes but also portions of the water and sewer systems that served them.

Smaller water systems were hit the hardest, according to a study by UCLA researchers released Thursday. In Altadena, for example, the burned areas covered 79% of Rubio Cañon Land & Water Assn.’s service area and 88% of Las Flores Water Co.’s territory.

By comparison, less than 5% of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s service area suffered damage. The DWP serves about 4 million people; Las Flores supplies fewer than 5,000.

“These fires tested the physical and financial limits of our water infrastructure,” said Gregory Pierce, co-director of UCLA’s Luskin Center for Innovation. “We need to think not just about fixing pipes, but about redesigning systems and supporting populations that are more integrated, more equitable, and resilient to the next crisis.”

Researchers at the Luskin Center for Innovation analyzed how the fires affected water systems together with researchers from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and the consulting firm Stantec. They examined the effects the Palisades and Eaton fires had on 11 community water systems, two sewer systems, and thousands of private wells and septic systems in L.A. County.

There are about 200 community water systems in L.A. County, and a large share of them serve fewer than 1,000 customers.

“Small, but sometimes medium-sized systems generally have financial capacity challenges,” Pierce said. “And those are compounded when they’re having to rebuild a substantial part of their system and aren’t getting revenue in the meantime.”

He noted that three of the smaller systems — Las Flores, Rubio Cañon and Lincoln Avenue Water Co. — have recently banded together in their announcements about post-fire efforts.

“Recovery is ongoing, and the fires have sparked critical conversations about drinking water and wastewater system resiliency,” the researchers wrote in the report. “Sustained local, state, and federal support is essential to ensure future systems are adaptable and financially sustainable.”

The researchers also assessed the demographics of the communities that were affected.

The areas where water systems were damaged predominantly have higher incomes than the L.A. County average, with a higher percentage of homeowners and a lower percentage of renters than the county average. Most of the systems serve largely white populations, but several water systems affected by the Eaton fire serve areas with significantly larger proportions of Black residents than the county average of 8%, including Las Flores (37%), Lincoln Avenue (30%) and Rubio Cañon (11%).

The report notes that smaller water suppliers such as Las Flores and Lincoln Avenue have limited access to funds to help rebuild their systems.

“While federal and state funds may fill some emergency and recovery gaps, local and regional systems will likely remain partly — if not entirely — financially self-dependent to pay for repairs,” the researchers said in the report. “Meanwhile, some of these same systems are recovering much less revenue than typical, given the dislocation of their customer base.”

The affected systems already had fairly high water rates before the fires based on their costs of providing service, Pierce said.

“The only direction for those rates to go in the future is up with the rebuild,” Pierce said. “So I’m not quite sure what we’re going to be saying about affordability standards for water in these areas, or whether we’re just simply going to have to accept the rates are going to be significantly higher, and that’s the cost of service.”

Dog badly burned in CA wildfire spent months recovering. Now, he needs a home

As a deadly wildfire ravaged Southern California, a dog named Riley soon became “the face of the blaze.”Riley arrived at Pasadena Humane within the first 24 hours of the start of the Eaton Fire in Altadena, which began Jan. 7, burned 14,021 acres and left 18 dead...

As a deadly wildfire ravaged Southern California, a dog named Riley soon became “the face of the blaze.”

Riley arrived at Pasadena Humane within the first 24 hours of the start of the Eaton Fire in Altadena, which began Jan. 7, burned 14,021 acres and left 18 dead.

He was “exhausted, covered in soot and ash, and suffering from burns all over his body,” the nonprofit animal shelter said in a May 8 Facebook post.

Days turned into weeks, then months, as veterinary staff treated Riley for his injuries, the nonprofit said.

Beyond physical injuries, the wildfire also took an emotional toll on Riley, according to the shelter.

“The fear and pain Riley must have experienced as he fled the fire have had a lasting impact on him,” the shelter said.

So now that he’s up for adoption, he’s looking for “a special home” — one “that can support his medical and behavioral needs as he continues to heal, inside and out,” the nonprofit said in a May 22 update.

“Riley has already overcome so much and is ready to find a home where he can feel safe, loved, and understood,” the shelter wrote.

At the time of his arrival at the shelter, Riley “was suffering from smoke inhalation and had burns all over his body, including all four of his paws,” the nonprofit said.

Veterinary staff treated him, giving “Riley pain medication, antibiotics, and fluids,” the shelter said.

“His tender paws were bandaged—and rebandaged—multiple times a week,” the nonprofit said.

With his extensive injuries, the shelter said “for a while, he couldn’t even leave his kennel to enjoy playtime or other fun activities.”

The shelter said they did all they could to possibly find and reunite Riley with family.

“However, we had no way of knowing if Riley had a family in Altadena who was now searching for him after their house burned down, or if he was a stray dog who tragically got caught in the fast-moving fires,” the shelter said.

Time passed, and no one came to claim him, the nonprofit said.

“As a result of everything he’s been through, Riley has been slow to trust new people, and at times, fearful,” the shelter said.

Even still, the shelter said its “incredibly kind and patient staff members” managed to earn Riley’s trust enough to build relationships.

“We’ve learned that he absolutely loves string cheese and squeaky toys,” the shelter said.

While Riley takes time to trust new people, “once he connects, his playful, high-energy personality shines through,” the nonprofit said.

“It’s been so uplifting to see his personality start to shine through more and more every day, and we’re incredibly proud of the progress he’s made,” the shelter said.

Riley is now looking for his “ideal home,” where residents are all 21 or older; there are no additional pets or only one dog of the same or larger size; a secure outdoor space with at least 6-foot tall fencing is included; and is an hour from Pasadena Humane, according to the shelter.

“To set Riley and his new family up for success, potential adopters will meet with him at least twice prior to adoption,” the shelter said.

Such visits would include “behavior consulting and training tips from the certified trainers who have worked with him since he entered our care,” according to the nonprofit.

“If you have the heart, home, and patience to welcome a very special dog, Riley may be the one for you,” the shelter wrote.

Altadena is about a 15-mile drive northeast from downtown Los Angeles.

Rebuilding After the Altadena Fire – One Member’s Path Forward

When the Eaton Fire swept through her Southern California neighborhood in Altadena, Portia Mason lost more than her home — she lost her sense of security. Blind due to glaucoma and living alone with her loyal chihuahua, Chiquita, Mason was overwhelmed by the devastation.“Losing everything — every little thing that gave me comfort and security — was overwhelming,” said Mason. “It’s been difficult, but having the right support, like from Blue Shield Promise, has helped me find a path forward.&rd...

When the Eaton Fire swept through her Southern California neighborhood in Altadena, Portia Mason lost more than her home — she lost her sense of security. Blind due to glaucoma and living alone with her loyal chihuahua, Chiquita, Mason was overwhelmed by the devastation.

“Losing everything — every little thing that gave me comfort and security — was overwhelming,” said Mason. “It’s been difficult, but having the right support, like from Blue Shield Promise, has helped me find a path forward.”

Mason is a member of Blue Shield TotalDual Plan (HMO D-SNP), which serves Medicare and Medi-Cal members through Blue Shield Promise in San Diego and Los Angeles Counties. As part of the health plan’s D-SNP, she receives coordinated Medicare and Medi-Cal benefits — and, as she discovered, much more.

A lifeline after the crisis

Following the Eaton fire, which began on January 7, 2025, Mason received support from Blue Shield’s D-SNP social worker and Blue Shield Promise’s Community Support Program. On February 28, a Blue Shield team visited Mason in person to help her access Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) services, assisting with paperwork and handling email communications, ensuring she could remain safely housed in a local hotel while a longer-term solution was identified. These services are part of a broader set of supports available through California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM), which provides medically appropriate, cost-effective alternatives to traditional care. This includes housing navigation services for members facing health risks and housing instability.

The program continues to support Mason and has identified a potential apartment, expected to be available later in the year. Blue Shield of California senior social worker Jennifer Romo provides ongoing assistance as Mason navigates the fire recovery process, including connecting her to Meals on Wheels in Pasadena for free, daily hot meals delivered to her hotel.

"Our dedicated team of social workers is there for members every step of the way,” said Romo. “For Portia, it was important not just to address her physical health but to ensure her emotional well-being. We understand the toll disasters like these can take, and we are here to make sure that our members don’t face these struggles alone."

Mason shared that without her eyesight, she’s faced barriers in accessing information and services after the fire, heightening her stress — and she’s turned to Romo for help.

"Jennifer has been my lifeline. She reached out regularly to check on me, offered support and helped me get connected with resources I never knew existed — community support for housing, Meals on Wheels, as well as behavioral health services," said Mason. "She was always there to guide me through the complex process of managing my health care and finding the resources I needed."

Hope for the future

Today, as Mason reflects on her experience, she remains deeply grateful for the support she’s received from Blue Shield of California and Blue Shield Promise and the Altadena community. Although she still faces challenges, she’s determined to keep moving forward.

“Portia’s story is a powerful example of resilience in the face of tragedy,” said Alex Uhm, vice president and general manager of Medicare at Blue Shield of California. “We’re proud to provide the resources that support Portia’s recovery, ensuring she has access to critical services during this time. Our goal is to continue providing care that helps people thrive, especially when they need it the most.”

For more information about available resources, including housing assistance, transportation and healthcare benefits through the D-SNP plans, visit Blue Shield TotalDual Plan (HMO D-SNP) | Blue Shield Medicare.

LA County Reopens Renovated Loma Alta Park In Altadena

LA County Saturday reopened Loma Alta Park, which was damaged in the Eaton Fire and underwent significant renovations.ALTADENA, CA — In another recovery milestone for the Altadena community, Los Angeles County Saturday reopened Loma Alta Park, which was damaged in the Eaton Fire and underwent significant renovations to become a "super park.""Loma Alta Park is a vital gathering place where our community can come together, especially in times of healing," county Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barge...

LA County Saturday reopened Loma Alta Park, which was damaged in the Eaton Fire and underwent significant renovations.

ALTADENA, CA — In another recovery milestone for the Altadena community, Los Angeles County Saturday reopened Loma Alta Park, which was damaged in the Eaton Fire and underwent significant renovations to become a "super park."

"Loma Alta Park is a vital gathering place where our community can come together, especially in times of healing," county Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger said in a statement. "After the trauma of the Eaton Fire, having a space to reconnect, rebuild relationships, and support one another is incredibly important. Parks like Loma Alta help restore not only our physical surroundings, but our sense of belonging. Social connection is essential to recovery, and this reopening is a meaningful step forward for Altadena."

The park in the 3300 block of Lincoln Avenue underwent extensive renovations and upgrades following the Eaton Fire. It now includes a pair of Dodger Dreamfields -- the only baseball fields in Altadena -- along with a renovated gym and basketball courts funded by the LA Clippers Foundation, which will offer a Jr. Clippers Basketball Program for Altadena youth. The Clippers Foundation also funded a new computer lab and tech center.

The park also now includes a satellite senior center and library, after-school programming for kids 5-12 and a Tiny Tots program for kids 3-4, mental health services and an Our SPOT Teen Center. The park's swimming pool was also renovated. The Altadena Rotary Club will also move its summer concert series to the park due to extensive fire damage at the previous venue, Farnsworth Park.

County officials said volunteers also planted 44 trees, 32 tree seedlings and 818 plants at the park, and spread 50,000 square feet of mulch. Murals were also painted throughout the park, including work by local artists Victor Ving, Eric Junker, Ryan Burch and Katie Chrishanthi Sunderalingam.

"L.A. County Parks is grateful for the outpouring of support for Loma Alta Park from many generous partners, Supervisor and Board Chair Kathryn Barger, several county departments, and L.A. residents who just wanted to lend a helping hand," county Parks Director Norma E. García-González said in a statement. "We had over 2,000 volunteers from across L.A. County sign up in April to help their Altadena neighbors by painting murals, planting trees and shrubs, and enhancing the park.

"Loma Alta Park was fortunate that none of its buildings burned, which allowed us to move quickly to meet this community need, and now it is ready to better serve Altadena with new and expanded services and facility improvements. The community asked for the park to reopen, and knew we needed to meet the moment. Here we are, as promised, just two months later."

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