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 Harada House in Herald, CA 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 Herald, CA 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.
“Melanie Daly, Director of Sales & Marketing for Always Best Care, truly goes above and”
“Had a great experience”
“Dan has such a big heart for seniors especially for veterans. If you know a”
“Always Best Care has been providing me with service since January 2023. All the”
“We contracted with Always Best Care, located at 1406 Blue Oaks Blvd, Roseville, CA (916)”
“It all starts with Kristie, the scheduler! We are hard to please, but she has”
“Always Best Care has been a wonderful addition to my mom’s home care. We”
“Caring, professional, and truly dependable. They treat clients like family.”
“This company is amazing. I would recommend it to everybody. If you need reliable, loving,”
“Always Best Care is showing me how having good care is the best care and”
“As a Disabled vet I have appreciated the caregivers Always Best Care has provided. Among”
“Our family has used your service for our daughter Tamara Bohringer, who has stage 4”
“Monique m is amazing work we had a good conversation she is amazing”
“Victoria Bourke has been helping take care of my grandfather for sometime now! She is”
“Great caregivers who go above and beyond! Absolutely love Melia B! She is so joyful”
“Shoutout to Laura for being an incredible caretaker for my mom Mae! Always prompt, thoughtful”
“We are happy we chose Always Best Care to help our loved one recuperate from”
“Annie N. is the best caregiver. She goes above and beyond to care and assist”
“Gabby is very sweet and always conscience of job and our needs. She is”
“Lynette Devan has been our caretaker since January 2024. We have been very pleased and”
“We have received excellent care from Always Best Care for the past two years. They”
“Always Best Care is a great option in the Boston area if you’re looking for”
“We had an amazing experience with Always Best during a very challenging time. Their coordination”
“Great care for my husband, David Reynolds. We are happy with our caregiver Shristi”
“Eshneet with Always Best Care is an honest and trustworthy person. I would highly recommend”
“Melanie Daly, Director of Sales & Marketing for Always Best Care, truly goes above and beyond for the families she serves. Even though her primary service areas are Lafayette and Roseville, she thoughtfully referred a wonderful family to Brentwood Grove Senior Living, where they’ve now chosen to move into one of our spacious 2-bedroom apartments. Melanie’s professionalism, compassion, and commitment to finding the right fit for seniors make her an outstanding partner in senior placement. Highly recommend!!!!”
“Had a great experience”
“Dan has such a big heart for seniors especially for veterans. If you know a veteran who just needs some who will listen to their needs or someone to talk to who understands what they are going through contact Dan at always best care. Thanks, Dan, for being a caring person who really cares about people first.”
“Always Best Care has been providing me with service since January 2023. All the caregivers are very competent. The two who have been with me most of the time and provided me with the highest quality of care are Lorainne Nanca and Janie Torkelson. We could not do without them. Update 12/13/25 by Dennis Letl [husband]. Ann passed away on 11/15. We had secured the services from Always Best Care in January 2023, having them for nearly 3 years until Ann passed say. The care givers were exceptional. The ones who stood out included Lorainne, Janey, Cheyanne, Tiara, and Victoria. They all responded to Ann’s needs in a respectful and professional manner. And, in addition, the office staff were also extremely proficient and professional in their interaction with us. We highly recommend Always Best Care for care giving and related services. Dennis Letl.”
“We contracted with Always Best Care, located at 1406 Blue Oaks Blvd, Roseville, CA (916) 266-6453), and couldn’t be happier. From the start, they conducted an excellent and thorough evaluation of our needs by Susan, care manager, and then assigned Jennifer, our service provider, who goes above and beyond every day. She is strong, capable, and caring. I highly recommend this office for in-home health care services. — Tony Wood”
“It all starts with Kristie, the scheduler! We are hard to please, but she has persevered and helped us find the right match. She is a thoughtful, kind and smart member of your team! Beth Cutler has become our most trusted helper. She is open to new routines and remembers all our little quirks. She has become a wonderful cook! She checks in if we ask for a new recipe, but she needs no tutoring the next time. She is prompt, resourceful and caring. She is a good problem solver and has initiated some great routines. She does laundry and tends to my needs. Nancy Farías has become our weekend caregiver. She sees what needs to be done and uses her time here like a whirlwind. She vacuums, mops the kitchen, does laundry and fixes our lunch and dinner - she is a confident cook and a caring helper. She too remembers how we like things to be done. She wants feedback and cheerfully adjusts things.”
“Always Best Care has been a wonderful addition to my mom’s home care. We have had many caregivers over the years but Raj has been so good with my mom. She is proactive and never misses a beat.. Raj has been an integral part of our family and we are so fortunate to have her….I also want to thank Kristie and the entire team behind the scenes making things as smooth as possible…”
“Caring, professional, and truly dependable. They treat clients like family.”
“This company is amazing. I would recommend it to everybody. If you need reliable, loving, compassionate in‑home care, you’ll feel so comfortable knowing your loved one is in great hands.”
“Always Best Care is showing me how having good care is the best care and my care-give Nicole is always giving me support for whatever”
“As a Disabled vet I have appreciated the caregivers Always Best Care has provided. Among those, Rashida B. has been exceptional. Recently I spent six weeks in a VA hospital and was very thankful that Rashida was able to resume her caregiving upon my return - and she didn't miss a beat. I wish to thank her and the scheduling team at Always Best Care that made my return home as seamless as possible.”
“Our family has used your service for our daughter Tamara Bohringer, who has stage 4 cancer, for the last 13 months. Juana Felix every Monday for 3 hours. Also, Ashley Wright every Thursday for 8 hours. They both helped taking care of her needs and their companionship has been priceless. Thank you for your services. Also add Janie Torkelson who has helped our regular care givers.”
“Monique m is amazing work we had a good conversation she is amazing”
“Victoria Bourke has been helping take care of my grandfather for sometime now! She is the best! So helpful, and attentive to his needs! Always appreciate her and the care she gives to my grandfather!”
“Great caregivers who go above and beyond! Absolutely love Melia B! She is so joyful and willing to try anything. Also love our weekend team Roseanne and Christine. Thank you everyone! The Sanchez Family”
“Shoutout to Laura for being an incredible caretaker for my mom Mae! Always prompt, thoughtful and caring???????????????????????????????????? also have to say Vivian is another great person. So resourceful kind and lovely. We also enjoy Cristina’s assistance So happy we found Always Best Care!!!”
“We are happy we chose Always Best Care to help our loved one recuperate from a lengthy hospital stay. Victoria and Tiera have been wonderful help and easy to have in our home. They were the first caregivers we’d ever had and were a bit concerned how it would out. We are very pleased. Anita and Rashida, while new to our family, have been a great help, too. Yes, 5 Star service all! The office staff is very professional and quick to answer any question.”
“Annie N. is the best caregiver. She goes above and beyond to care and assist my disabled father. She is highly experienced and professional. She always has a pleasant attitude and making sure all his basic needs are met. I noticed the difference in his mental health and working on his abilities to thrive, not focused too much on his disability. I highly recommend Always Best Care. They are great communicating with you and scheduling to ensure you have the right caregiver.”
“Gabby is very sweet and always conscience of job and our needs. She is great.”
“Lynette Devan has been our caretaker since January 2024. We have been very pleased and this is my second review of Lynette 's service to us through always best. To put it succinctly, she is the BEST!. She continues to be self-motivated, helping us with cooking, incidental, laundry, gardening and watering and just loves our birds. My sister, Ann, is especially pleased with Lynette's services. Somehow, she has not gotten tired of my dad's stories and can hold her own with telling her own stories of a very fascinating life. WE are extremely pleased with always best providing Lynette's service. Jim & Ray Moitoza”
“We have received excellent care from Always Best Care for the past two years. They have consistently provided supportive, kind, and reliable caregivers, as well as top notch communication and support around scheduling. Our current caregivers, Juana and Shannon, have been the best medicine for my disabled husband. It has been a blessing to be able to rely on them to provide the much needed support at this time in our lives. We look forward to seeing them every week and every member of the family feels supported. Kamala has always been a responsive and flexible person to reach out to with questions or requests/changes in scheduling as well. All of the staff we have interacted with have been great. We have worked with 2 other agencies in the past and ABC is above and beyond any of our past experiences.”
“Always Best Care is a great option in the Boston area if you’re looking for private Home-care and other services. It came highly recommended.”
“We had an amazing experience with Always Best during a very challenging time. Their coordination of services and quality of caregivers are exceptional. We were especially appreciative of the caregiving support of Brianna. She was not only intuitive, but also very compassionate and professional. We highly recommend them.”
“Great care for my husband, David Reynolds. We are happy with our caregiver Shristi S”
“Eshneet with Always Best Care is an honest and trustworthy person. I would highly recommend Always Best Care and Eshneet for helping your loved ones find the right senior care.”
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 Herald Community Park in Herald, CA 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 Harold & Belle's or visit Fort Ord National Monument, 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 Herald, 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.
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 Herald, 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.
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 Herald, 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.
MONTREAL - Jakub Dobes was already under the microscope after a poor start to the season put his status as the Montreal Canadiens’ No. 1 goalie in jeopardy.Tuesday’s loss will only intensify the scrutiny in one of hockey’s most feverish markets.With the Canadiens controlling the puck in overtime, Dobes was penalized for stepping to the edge of his crease and reaching out his left arm to interfere with San Jose Sharks forward Colin Graf.Macklin Celebrini then fired a one-timer into the top-left corner fo...
MONTREAL - Jakub Dobes was already under the microscope after a poor start to the season put his status as the Montreal Canadiens’ No. 1 goalie in jeopardy.
Tuesday’s loss will only intensify the scrutiny in one of hockey’s most feverish markets.
With the Canadiens controlling the puck in overtime, Dobes was penalized for stepping to the edge of his crease and reaching out his left arm to interfere with San Jose Sharks forward Colin Graf.
Macklin Celebrini then fired a one-timer into the top-left corner for his second goal of the game on the ensuing power play, and the Sharks erased a two-goal deficit to beat the Canadiens 4-3.
"Shoot ourselves in the foot,” Canadiens winger Cole Caufield said inside a dejected dressing room. “Really no need for any of those penalties. It's on us. It's our mistakes. We're giving them opportunities to get back in the game, and it's not very mature of us right now.”
Dobes made 26 saves after head coach Martin St. Louis turned to last season’s playoff hero despite Jacob Fowler backstopping Montreal to a 4-3 overtime victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday.
The 25-year-old Czech entered the night under pressure, having allowed five or more goals in each of his previous three starts and appearing to lose ground to 21-year-old Fowler on the organizational depth chart.
But Dobes wasn’t the only culprit Tuesday. Bruising defenceman Arber Xhekaj put San Jose on the power play in the third period when he dropped his gloves, and Sharks blueliner Michael Kesselring, kept his during a skirmish.
Both players were booked for roughing, but Xhekaj received an additional two minutes for unsportsmanlike conduct. Tyler Toffoli capitalized on the ensuing power play, tying the game with 8:51 remaining in regulation.
“We were playing well, and stupid penalties,” Caufield said. “Things that we don't need to do.”
Caufield added that he understood Dobes’ competitive nature and believed the goalie was trying to cut off Graf with a small pick, but he felt the play was unnecessary at that point in the game. Xhekaj, he said, should have known better.
“I don’t think anybody’s wanted to fight him on that team,” Caufield said.
“We’re giving the refs a little bit of an opportunity to raise their arm. And yeah, you do that to a group of guys like that that can make you pay.”
His linemate Juraj Slafkovsky didn't single out any of his teammates despite being stunned by the loss after the Canadiens led 3-1 heading into the third period.
"I am not going to call anyone out or do anything like that. We are all part of the team. If someone makes a penalty, we try to help them out,” said Slafkovsky, who later added that he supports Dobes in everything he does. “He tries to help the team to gain a little advantage. It happens.”
From the visitors’ dressing room, Celebrini said he’d never seen a goalie take an interference penalty.
“But thankful that it happened,” he said with a not-so-subtle smirk.
The squandered lead continued a worrisome early-season trend for the Canadiens (4-3-2), who surrendered a two-goal advantage for the fourth time in 2026-27 despite controlling most of the five-on-five play.
The reigning Eastern Conference finalists only have one regulation win this season: a 3-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs on opening night.
“We’re finding a way to leave points on the table, and it’s our fault,” St. Louis said. “When you're up two in the third, the way you're playing, this game should be over. We need to understand the score of the game and what we need at that time and what we don't need. Very simple.”
Asked for his view of Xhekaj’s penalty, St. Louis said, “I don't know, they were together,” then shrugged.
The head coach had not spoken with Dobes, who didn't talk to reporters post-game, and wasn’t prepared to make any proclamations on Montreal’s goaltending situation.
“I'm going to sleep on this one and reassess tomorrow,” St. Louis said.
The Canadiens lead the NHL with 5.30 penalties taken per 60 minutes.
“I don't think it's just tonight,” defenceman Alexandre Carrier said. “It's come back to bite us tonight.”
SUPERSTAR STATUS
Celebrini continued to inflict damage on Montreal after recording seven points in two games against the Canadiens last season. The 20-year-old phenom received the full Bell Centre superstar treatment with loud boos in the second period, and justified the jeers in leading San Jose’s comeback.
"How could I not?” Celebrini said when asked if he’d heard the boos. “It was great. I'm just really happy we closed that one out … That was a first.”
WHEELS UP
The Canadiens begin a four-game road trip Friday against the Chicago Blackhawks before heading to Winnipeg’s Princess Auto Stadium to face the Jets in Sunday’s Heritage Classic. Montreal will then visit the St. Louis Blues next Tuesday and the Dallas Stars on Oct. 29 before returning home to host the Pittsburgh Penguins on Oct. 31.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 20, 2026.
NEW YORK (AP) — LeBron James got the business from Knicks fans still gloating and riding an emotional high from an NBA championship banner celebration.As he stepped to the free-throw line for the Philadelphia 76ers early in Tuesday night's season opener, Knicks fans erupted toward James with chants of “We don’t want you! We don’t want you!”Such a rude reception from New Yorkers to one of the city’s newest residents.The shouts of rejection came in part because there was a plausible scen...
NEW YORK (AP) — LeBron James got the business from Knicks fans still gloating and riding an emotional high from an NBA championship banner celebration.
As he stepped to the free-throw line for the Philadelphia 76ers early in Tuesday night's season opener, Knicks fans erupted toward James with chants of “We don’t want you! We don’t want you!”
Such a rude reception from New Yorkers to one of the city’s newest residents.
The shouts of rejection came in part because there was a plausible scenario under which James would have opened the season at Madison Square Garden in a Knicks uniform.
James and his agent, Rich Paul, had said the Knicks would have been James’ first choice in free agency had New York not won its first NBA championship since 1973 last season.
Knicks fans said, we’re good.
The 41-year-old James got the final word as the Sixers won 106-100.
James talked smack with fans in the lower level. Yes, that was Spike Lee trying to play peacemaker.
James finished with 14 points and nine rebounds and had plenty of help in getting the 'W' from new Sixers and holdovers. Tyrese Maxey scored 28 points, Jaylen Brown had 19, Joel Embiid had 13 points and 11 rebounds, and the Sixers ruined the Knicks’ championship party.
A good night in New York totally spoiled? Not quite, according to James.
“I wouldn't say that,” James said. “It was a great night for New York fans. Fifty-plus years. I was a part of that at one point where we hadn't won a major championship in Cleveland in over 50 years. The fans will never forget this moment.”
James' first basket for the Sixers was not nearly as memorable. He took a feed from Embiid in the paint and went up strong for an uncontested right-handed layup.
Just two points. Just one bucket of what the Sixers expect to be many, many more over the next two seasons as the NBA's career scoring leader opened his record 24th season.
Embiid appeared to wonder during the national anthem where the Knicks' championship banner was hanging in the rafters as James sat nearby on the bench with his head bowed and hands clasped.
The banner was indeed raised in a pre-game ceremony.
It's the same kind of celebration the 76ers expect James, Embiid and the rest of a stout starting lineup to deliver on opening night next season.
It's the thrill of the chase, to end a championship drought — much like he did to break that drought in Cleveland — that in part drives James to keep playing after racking up a list of accomplishments unrivalled by his peers.
Sixers hope new starting five can jell and make title run
The Sixers got a first look at the potent lineup they put together this summer in hopes of winning their first title since 1983. James and a fellow all-star in Brown started alongside holdovers Embiid, Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.
There are some questions about how that all-star starting four plus Edgecombe will coexist when all have been the primary ballhandlers on their respective teams in the past. Who gets the ball in crunch time? Who has to sacrifice the most? Who has the most to gain?
Watching the answers unfold in real time will be fascinating for the Sixers and their fans.
The chemistry looked strong throughout the night. James hit Brown cutting to the basket to earn the assist on the former Celtics star's first points with the Sixers. The Sixers closed the third quarter with an 11-0 run, capped by Brown’s second straight 3-pointer that came at the buzzer and gave Philadelphia an 83-76 lead.
“We did that on the fly,” James said.
The off-season all the way through the countdown to the Sixers' home opener Thursday against Cleveland has been a swirl of excitement in Philadelphia. James jerseys are flying off the racks. Murals of him have popped up all over the city. He drew more than 10,000 fans to a public scrimmage and pre-season games were sold out. There's a fascination with his helicopter rides from the Sixers' facility in New Jersey to New York.
Even his younger teammates admitted to being a bit awestruck when they first met James.
The Sixers entered the Garden almost unrecognizable from when they played there in early May in a second-round playoff series. They lost twice in New York and the Knicks finished the sweep in Philadelphia.
The Sixers loaded up with talent and pushed the payroll so they could challenge the Knicks.
“It's certainly been fun these first few weeks,” coach Nick Nurse said. “These guys have been really great.”
There's not much left for James to accomplish, except win that fifth ring.
Philadelphia is waiting.
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See AP’s full NBA coverage here
The Associated Press
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Auston Matthews had a goal and an assist in his 700th NHL game and the Toronto Maple Leafs scored four straight goals in the second period to beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 6-2 on Tuesday for their second road victory of the season.Easton Cowan and Jack Roslovic each had a goal and two assists, William Nylander had a goal and an assist, and Morgan Rielly added three assists. Kirill Marchenko and Marshall Rifai also scored, and Anthony Stolarz stopped 33 shots for the Maple Leafs.Jake Christiansen and...
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Auston Matthews had a goal and an assist in his 700th NHL game and the Toronto Maple Leafs scored four straight goals in the second period to beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 6-2 on Tuesday for their second road victory of the season.
Easton Cowan and Jack Roslovic each had a goal and two assists, William Nylander had a goal and an assist, and Morgan Rielly added three assists. Kirill Marchenko and Marshall Rifai also scored, and Anthony Stolarz stopped 33 shots for the Maple Leafs.
Jake Christiansen and Charlie Coyle scored for the Blue Jackets. They have been outscored 15-3 in the second period through eight games and lost for the fourth time in five games.
Columbus goalie Jet Greaves was pulled in the second period after allowing a fifth goal on 14 shots. Cam Talbot stopped two of the three shots he faced in relief.
Christiansen’s first goal of the season at 2:38 of the first period gave Columbus the early lead. Marchenko, who faced unrelenting boos in his first visit since he was traded by Columbus, pulled Toronto even with a power-play goal at 8:16.
Kent Johnson appeared to put Columbus ahead with a one-timer, but the goal was waved off because time had expired.
The second period was all Toronto, starting with goals 46 seconds apart from Nylander and Matthews, who has 16 goals and 27 points in 21 career games against the Blue Jackets. Colton Sissons’ assist on Nylander's goal extended his points streak to four games.
Cowan’s short-handed goal gave the Maple Leafs a three-goal lead at 6:48 before Roslovic made it 5-1 and chased Greaves from the net at 12:03.
Coyle scored his first goal of the season off the backhand at 4:13 of the third period to make it 5-2 before Rifai extended Toronto's lead with 3:02 to go.
Up next
Maple Leafs: Host the New York Rangers on Thursday night.
Blue Jackets: Host Vegas on Saturday.
NEW YORK (AP) — Christina Applegate, who has candidly shared raw details about her journey with multiple sclerosis for years, revealed Monday her doctor says she doesn't have the autoimmune disease and was misdiagnosed.“I’m back at square one where I don’t know what’s going on with me,” the actor said on the latest edition of her podcast “MeSsy,” along with co-host Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who has been public about her own battle with MS.Applegate first publicly announced in 2021 that s...
NEW YORK (AP) — Christina Applegate, who has candidly shared raw details about her journey with multiple sclerosis for years, revealed Monday her doctor says she doesn't have the autoimmune disease and was misdiagnosed.
“I’m back at square one where I don’t know what’s going on with me,” the actor said on the latest edition of her podcast “MeSsy,” along with co-host Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who has been public about her own battle with MS.
Applegate first publicly announced in 2021 that she had been diagnosed with the disorder that causes the immune system to attack the cells in the central nervous system.
On Monday's podcast, Applegate revealed that despite the misdiagnosis, she still has “every symptom of someone with MS,” adding, “I still have to use wheelchairs when I go to the doctor’s office. I can’t walk from the car to the room.”
There is no single test for MS, and a diagnosis usually involves ruling out other causes. It can take years and seeing multiple doctors before one puts the clues together.
Dr. Benjamin Greenberg, a neurologist who specializes in multiple sclerosis and autoimmune neurological disorders at the UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, said the most reputable studies put the MS misdiagnosis rate at 10%.
“We rely on the clinical symptoms, the history, the MRI, often spinal fluid, and then a series of tests to rule out potential mimics. And unfortunately, those tests are not universally codified,” he said.
Greenberg said Applegate’s experience has lessons for both medical providers and patients. For doctors, it’s a reminder to ensure a single diagnosis doesn’t lead to a system-wide bias toward that conclusion.
“If I put ‘multiple sclerosis’ as a diagnosis on an MRI, a radiologist is far less likely to say, ‘Well, this isn’t multiple sclerosis. You really should consider something else.' It can permeate the system,” he said.
“For patients and families, my general recommendation is whenever receiving a significant serious or chronic diagnosis, if feasible, there is never a harm in getting second opinions.”
Applegate said the news had put her in an odd place since she and Sigler have become prominent advocates for people with MS.
"It’s weird because I feel like I let everybody down,” she said. “It’s very unnerving, and it’s really confusing for me.”
Most autoimmune diseases, especially in adults, aren’t caused by a specific gene defect. Instead, a variety of genes that affect immune functions can make people susceptible. Scientists say it then takes an “environmental” trigger, such as an infection, smoking or pollutants, to set the disease in motion.
On the podcast and earlier this year while promoting her memoir, "You with the Sad Eyes,” the Emmy-winning Applegate has been candid about unpredictable symptoms that have forced her to use diapers and scoot down stairs on her butt.
“My life has in some ways shrunk to the size of my California king,” she writes in her book.
For Institutional Safety Officer Smit Patel, some of the most important work in health care happens before a situation becomes a safety concern.Northern Health Region recently highlighted Patel’s work as part of Healthcare Support Workers Week. In his eight months on the job, Patel has learned that keeping patients, families, visitors and staff safe involves more than responding to incidents. It also requires patience, clear communication and the ability to help people navigate difficult moments.“As an ISO, my role ...
For Institutional Safety Officer Smit Patel, some of the most important work in health care happens before a situation becomes a safety concern.
Northern Health Region recently highlighted Patel’s work as part of Healthcare Support Workers Week. In his eight months on the job, Patel has learned that keeping patients, families, visitors and staff safe involves more than responding to incidents. It also requires patience, clear communication and the ability to help people navigate difficult moments.
“As an ISO, my role is focused on helping create a safe and secure environment for our patients, families, visitors and staff,” he says.
The variety of the position is one of the things Patel enjoys most. No two days are necessarily alike, and success can take many forms, from responding when assistance is needed to helping calm a tense situation before it escalates.
“A successful day can mean helping someone through a difficult situation, responding when support is needed, or simply being a calm and reassuring presence,” he says.
That approach reflects the evolving nature of health-care safety, where prevention, relationship-building and de-escalation are increasingly important. Patel believes treating people with respect and understanding can make a meaningful difference when emotions are running high.
His interest in public safety dates back to childhood, when he hoped to become a member of the RCMP. Working in health care has given him another way to put that interest into practice while serving his community.
The work also comes with a strong sense of camaraderie. Patel says colleagues rely on one another to manage challenging situations while maintaining a positive atmosphere.
“We can go from having a serious conversation about safety to laughing together five minutes later,” he says. “That ability to support each other and keep a sense of humour, even on challenging days, is something I really value.”
During Healthcare Support Week, Patel says the recognition helps bring attention to the contributions of Institutional Safety Officers and the role they play in supporting the broader health-care team.
Although their work may often happen out of public view, Patel and his colleagues help ensure hospitals remain places where patients can receive care and staff can do their jobs in a safe environment.
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