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 Old Dry Diggins (California Historical Landmark #475) in Placerville, 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 Placerville, 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 Lumsden Park in Placerville, 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 Smith Flat House or visit Downtown Placerville, 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 Placerville, 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 Placerville, 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 Placerville, 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.
A Northern California city once known for its grim Gold Rush-era hangings is now in the running to be crowned one of the merriest Christmas towns in America by the Hallmark Channel.Placerville, located in El Dorado County, was founded in 1848 and was originally known as Dry Diggins before earning the unfortunate name “Hangtown.”During the Gold Rush, the discovery of gold in nearby rivers and mountains brought a surge of newcomers to the area. Several frontier justice hangings during that period ultimately gave the c...
A Northern California city once known for its grim Gold Rush-era hangings is now in the running to be crowned one of the merriest Christmas towns in America by the Hallmark Channel.
Placerville, located in El Dorado County, was founded in 1848 and was originally known as Dry Diggins before earning the unfortunate name “Hangtown.”
During the Gold Rush, the discovery of gold in nearby rivers and mountains brought a surge of newcomers to the area. Several frontier justice hangings during that period ultimately gave the community its notorious nickname, which it carried until 1854.
Today, it is home to roughly 10,300 people and is known for something considerably more cheerful: its Christmas celebrations.
Placerville is one of 25 communities across the country competing in the Hallmark Channel’s Merriest Christmas Towns contest, part of the network’s 25th anniversary celebration.
The city’s holiday traditions include the Hangtown Christmas Parade, the Hometown Holiday on Main celebration and Christmas Tree Lane, when a stretch along Highway 50 is decorated with Christmas trees and lights.
The public will be able to vote in the contest, while a panel of judges will also help select the “Merriest Christmas Town,” according to the Hallmark website.
The towns will be judged on their “community spirit, holiday traditions, neighborhood charm, and goodwill.”
Other communities in the running include Ashland, Oregon; Bemidji, Minnesota; and Berlin, Maryland.
Each of the 25 communities participating in the contest has already been designated an Official Hallmark Christmas Town.
But the grand-prize winner will receive an even bigger distinction: the opportunity to serve as a filming location for a Hallmark movie.
Voting is open online once per day through 11:59 p.m. ET on Sept. 4, 2026.
Tribal community members from across California are gathering this weekend on the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians’ land for an annual summer celebration, in which non-native folks are invited to join in.The tribe’s 38th annual Lumáy, known in English as Big Time, got underway on Saturday, with a weekend full of cultural learning, traditional dancing and familial connection on the schedule.Native American tribes across California have hosted Big Time gatherings for millennia, creating a space for the com...
Tribal community members from across California are gathering this weekend on the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians’ land for an annual summer celebration, in which non-native folks are invited to join in.
The tribe’s 38th annual Lumáy, known in English as Big Time, got underway on Saturday, with a weekend full of cultural learning, traditional dancing and familial connection on the schedule.
Native American tribes across California have hosted Big Time gatherings for millennia, creating a space for the communities to pray together, find spiritual and physical healing, trade and sell goods and meet up with old friends and family members.
In Placerville, the Shingle Springs Band has hosted its Big Time at the end of the summer for nearly four decades. It is one of the few times that non-native members around the Sacramento area are welcome to immerse themselves in the Miwok, Nisenan, Maidu and other Californian tribes’ traditions.
“It’s very exciting, because we’ve invited probably 20 different tribes ... to come here and pray,” said Malissa Tayaba, vice chair of the Shingle Springs Band’s tribal council. “I enjoy (non-Native) visitors, and this is the day that you would come, the weekend that you’d be able to see it all.”
The free Big Time festival continues Sunday with dancers, vendors and traditional cultural demonstrators at the Shingle Springs Rancheria.
On Saturday, the gathering’s 38th iteration opened with a crew of dancers performing traditional Native dances to welcome the greater Native Californian community to their event.
Tribal members from up and down the state, filled the Shingle Springs Rancheria for Big Time. Many had not seen each other in years or didn’t know each other but found common relatives or friends, and dove into conversation.
“That’s probably the root of the whole event: it’s about family,” Tayaba said.
A central facet of Big Time celebrations is the dancing. From 9 a.m. until past midnight, dancers and musicians from a variety of tribes and Indigenous backgrounds perform their “good medicine,” for event-goers, Tayaba said.
Decked out in regalia featuring feathers, jingles, beads and colorful fabrics, these dancers from across Californian and North American tribal communities did prayer ceremonies in the Shingle Springs Rancheria’s open-air dance circle.
“It’s a very special time where all of our families get together to pray for our families, for our future generations, for our elders, and mostly Mother Earth,” Tayaba said. “For all of her beings, not just for Native people, but for everybody.”
Not every tribe’s Big Time event is open to the non-native public, and Tayaba said the Shingle Springs Band’s decision to open its gates for the weekend-long celebration was “really hard” yet important.
“We really have to walk in these two worlds ... (for) people who actually support the tribe, this is one of the opportunities where we can invite them to see our culture,” she said. “It’s just part of who we are and where we come from, so the rest of the world needs to know that.”
On Sunday, dancers and musicians from various Miwok, Pomo and Patwin tribal dance groups will continue their ceremonies at the Big Time event, as well as the Kalpulli Maquilli Tonatiuh Aztec dance troupe.
Cultural craft practitioners lined the festival’s central walkway, with displays, live demonstrations and interactive activities helping teach attendees about centuries-old techniques for making everyday items.
Handcrafted beads, baskets, tools, weapons and even the string used to hold all of them together were represented by crafters from across California tribes.
Carson Bates, from the Northern Sierra Miwok tribe, has brought his Native cordage — or string-making — work to the Shingle Springs Band’s Big Time for about four years. Using dogbane wood, which is detoxified by drying it out, he carefully folds and peels the stems to extract the stringy outer layer.
By rolling up the wood strings into rope-like cords and sealing them with pure beeswax, they become an apt base for jewelry and other beadwork, as well as a strong rope for more practical uses.
“People that haven’t seen (cordage) before, they’re usually pretty interested,” Bates said. “I think it’s good to demonstrate it and show that we’re still doing it.”
Dixie Rogers and her mother, Claudia Rogers, traveled from the Karuk tribe in the Klamath Basin to share their hand-woven basketry and other goods. This is the first year the pair have been to the Big Time in Placerville.
Donning earrings and a necklace she wove herself, Dixie Rogers spoke to visitors in English and in Karuk language about her craft and the ways her tribe uses the native fauna of northwestern California to create sturdy, yet beautiful goods.
“It’s beautiful to see so many California Natives here ... inspiring future weavers,” she said.
More than 90 Native vendors also sold a variety of traditional and modern goods alike. A booth with beaded and abalone shell jewelry sat directly opposite a booth selling butter-shaped squish toys.
According to Tayaba, vendors were historically a crucial part of Big Time events. Attendees would purchase new furs, beads, shells, feathers and fibers for the traditional regalia pieces they had been working on for years.
“That’s what Big Time is all about,” Tayaba said. “It’s an event that will go on forever, because it’s the same ceremonies that our elders were doing since time immemorial.”
In addition to celebrating ancient tradition, the Shingle Springs Band Big Time grounds itself in external affairs by educating Native community members about resources that can help them navigate the rest of the world.
Local Indigenous organizations supporting health, education, cultural connection and domestic abuse awareness, among other causes, provided information and resources to visitors who needed them.
At the Shingle Springs Health and Wellness Center booth, medical professionals like Claudia Stickman, a public health nurse with the wellness center, educated adults on common diseases like colorectal cancer, high blood pressure and diabetes. Next to her, kids learned how to properly brush their teeth and fuel their bodies as they grow.
“I think of it like, I’m not a mechanic, I learn as I go,” Stickman said regarding the importance of meeting Native community members where they’re at with health knowledge.
Big Time is hosted at the Shingle Springs Rancheria, at 5281 Honpie Road in Placerville.
Signs along the roads entering the rancheria point attendees toward the Big Time festivities, where there is ample parking. Disabled and elder visitors can park in a separate, closer area with less of a walk to the festival setup.
Attendees can also park at Red Hawk Resort and Casino, 1 Red Hawk Parkway in Placerville, where there are free shuttles available to take visitors right to the celebration’s door.
“I hope that when they leave, (attendees) know that they’re loved, and that they have a space to come and get rid of whatever is bothering them, and then also energizing them with these songs,” Tayaba said. “Hopefully, they feel better when they leave here.”
Retirement in California's Sierra Nevada does not have to mean choosing between a resort price tag and a mountain town without services. The foothills along the western slope and the Owens Valley on the eastern side hold communities where housing sits well below the statewide benchmark, and medical care, shopping, and recreation stay close at hand.While the California Association of Realtors reported a statewide median existing single-family home price of $887,680 in July 2026, Zillow reported average home values of just $323,085 in Q...
Retirement in California's Sierra Nevada does not have to mean choosing between a resort price tag and a mountain town without services. The foothills along the western slope and the Owens Valley on the eastern side hold communities where housing sits well below the statewide benchmark, and medical care, shopping, and recreation stay close at hand.
While the California Association of Realtors reported a statewide median existing single-family home price of $887,680 in July 2026, Zillow reported average home values of just $323,085 in Quincy and $400,023 in Mariposa. Sonora has a hospital and a downtown of restaurants and historic buildings along Washington Street. Grass Valley costs more and returns Empire Mine State Historic Park and a working performing-arts calendar. These 11 Sierra Nevada towns balance affordability against health care and everyday attractions for a comfortable and rewarding retirement.
Where Sierra Newcomers Settle In Fastest
Sonora combines relatively affordable housing with medical care and senior-friendly attractions and activities. According to Zillow, the average home value was $410,036 as of July 2026, less than half of California's statewide median existing single-family home price. Adventist Health Sonora gives residents access to hospital care without leaving the community. Washington Street also concentrates restaurants, shops, and historic buildings in the center of town.
Retirees have several low-key outings nearby. Columbia State Historic Park, about four miles north, preserves a Gold Rush-era commercial district with historic buildings and exhibits. Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown has a working roundhouse, historic locomotives, daily interpretive programs, and seasonal excursion train rides. The Tuolumne County Museum offers an indoor option to learn more about the region's history. Those interested in performing arts can also check the schedule at Sierra Repertory Theatre.
Retirees who want stronger medical and cultural infrastructure should look at Grass Valley. The average home value was $517,396 in July 2026, according to Zillow. That is higher than Sonora, Quincy, or Mariposa, but remains hundreds of thousands of dollars below California's statewide median. Dignity Health Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital provides emergency and other medical services locally. Entertainment does not require a drive to Sacramento, either. The Center for the Arts schedules concerts, films, comedy, and other performances in town.
History is especially easy to find here. Empire Mine State Historic Park has preserved mine buildings, the former owner's home and gardens, and interpretive exhibits. Its historic grounds are open daily, giving retirees an attraction that does not require strenuous outdoor activity. The North Star Powerhouse Mining Museum provides another look at the region's mining past. Downtown Grass Valley rounds out the options with restaurants, local businesses, and community events along Main and Mill streets.
Placerville gives retirees a hospital, an established commercial center, and several historic attractions close to home. Zillow reported an average home value of $537,678 in July 2026. Marshall Medical Center operates its hospital in Placerville, providing emergency care and a range of other medical services. Main Street is another practical advantage. Shops and restaurants occupy several blocks rather than being scattered around the surrounding foothills.
Gold Bug Park is one of the town's most distinctive attractions, with a historic hard-rock mine, stamp mill, museum, and walking trails. The El Dorado County Historical Museum offers a less physically demanding way to learn about the county's mining, transportation, and settlement history. Retirees can also spend time around Placerville's historic Main Street and Bell Tower. For a longer outing, Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma preserves the site where James Marshall's 1848 gold discovery helped set off the California Gold Rush.
Auburn is one of the more expensive choices here, but it compensates with convenient medical care, a substantial historic district, and easy access to recreation. Zillow placed the average home value at $636,712 in July 2026. Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital means hospital care is available in the community. Old Town Auburn also gives residents restaurants, historic buildings, and shops within a relatively concentrated district.
Inside the historic courthouse, the Placer County Museum covers Native American history, the Gold Rush, and the development of the county. The Bernhard Museum Complex offers another manageable historical outing in a restored 19th-century property. Active retirees can use Auburn State Recreation Area, which extends through the American River canyons and supports activities including fishing and hiking. Old Town itself works as a fourth option for retirees who would rather spend an afternoon shopping, eating out, or attending a local event.
Nevada City is a better fit for retirees who value cultural life and a compact historic center more than having a hospital within city limits. Zillow reported an average home value of $568,133 in July 2026. Broad Street is home to restaurants, shops, and ornate 19th-century buildings in the historic core. The Nevada Theatre, which dates back to the 1860s, continues to host live entertainment and offers residents an evening option without having to drive to a larger city.
The Firehouse No. 1 Museum is another easy outing, with collections connected to Nevada County history. Miners Foundry Cultural Center hosts community and cultural events in a historic industrial building. Active retirees can make the short drive to South Yuba River State Park for river scenery, historic bridges, and trails. Hospital care is available in neighboring Grass Valley at Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital, making the short trip for medical services the primary tradeoff compared with Grass Valley itself.
Jackson stands out for combining low housing costs with in-town hospital care. The average home value was $438,626 in July 2026, according to Zillow. Sutter Amador Hospital provides local medical care, while Jackson's historic center gives residents restaurants and shops without requiring a trip to a larger city. The Kennedy Gold Mine is one of the area's major historic sites, with seasonal surface tours explaining the workings of what became one of North America's deepest gold mines.
The Amador County Museum occupies a historic property and covers Gold Rush life and the people who shaped the county. Nearby Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park is particularly worthwhile for retirees interested in California history. Its museum displays Miwok and other Native Californian artifacts, while the park protects more than 1,000 bedrock mortar holes. Knight Foundry in nearby Sutter Creek adds another industrial-history destination.
Housing costs make Angels Camp worth considering for retirees trying to preserve more of their savings. Zillow reported an average home value of $458,446 in July 2026, down 2.5% from the previous year. The Angels Camp Museum provides an accessible local outing with collections devoted to mining, ranching, transportation, and the area's connection to Mark Twain. New Melones Lake offers fishing, boating, and lakeside recreation nearby.
Retirees can also make the drive to Calaveras Big Trees State Park, which protects two groves of giant sequoias and includes a visitor center, interpretive exhibits, picnic areas, and nature viewing. Those wanting something less conventional can visit Moaning Caverns for guided cave experiences, although mobility requirements should be checked before booking. The main retirement drawback is medical access. Mark Twain Medical Center is in San Andreas rather than Angels Camp, making the short drive to hospital care an important consideration for anyone who expects frequent appointments.
Oakhurst makes full-time life in the southern Sierra more practical than many smaller mountain communities. Grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, and medical offices cluster around Highways 41 and 49. Housing is another advantage. Zillow reported an average home value of $439,482 in July 2026, down 1.6% from the year before.
Fresno Flats Historic Village preserves 19th-century buildings including homes, a schoolhouse, and a blacksmith shop. Bass Lake provides a nearby destination for fishing, boating, picnics, or simply spending time near the water. The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad offers seasonal train excursions through the forest, giving retirees a way to enjoy the mountain landscape without a strenuous hike. Yosemite National Park's South Entrance is also within easy driving distance for scenic day trips.
Mariposa has one of the strongest combinations of housing affordability and local health care on the list. The average home value was $400,023 in July 2026, according to Zillow. John C. Fremont Healthcare District provides local health care services. The Mariposa Arts Park hosts community activities and provides an easier outdoor option than a mountain trail, and Yosemite National Park gives residents another major destination for scenic drives, visitor centers, and seasonal programs.
The Mariposa Museum and History Center is a natural starting point for local history, with exhibits devoted to the community and the surrounding region. The California State Mining and Mineral Museum houses the state's official mineral collection, which contains more than 13,000 objects. Its displays include the 13.8-pound Fricot crystalline gold specimen. California State Parks also reports that the museum exhibits are accessible, with an entry ramp and generally accessible restrooms.
Quincy is the housing-value standout. Zillow reported an average home value of just $323,085 in July 2026, the lowest of the 11 communities on this list. That affordability does not require retirees to give up local hospital care. Plumas District Hospital provides 24-hour emergency and inpatient services in Quincy.
The Plumas County Museum is one of the easiest local outings. Its permanent displays include Mountain Maidu basketry and exhibits on railroads, gold mining, logging, and other parts of county history. Behind the museum, the restored 1878 Variel House is open seasonally. Bucks Lake, southwest of town, provides fishing, boating, and mountain scenery. Retirees interested in a scenic drive can also use the surrounding Plumas National Forest as a gateway to lakes, overlooks, picnic areas, and other recreation. Quincy's historic downtown and status as the Plumas County seat provide another practical advantage, with county services and local businesses close at hand.
Bishop is the eastern Sierra option for retirees who want dramatic mountain scenery without giving up a hospital and commercial services. Zillow reported an average home value of $600,836 in July 2026. Northern Inyo Hospital has a 24-hour emergency department, and the local health care district provides additional medical services. That level of care is especially valuable given Bishop's distance from California's larger population centers.
The Laws Railroad Museum and Historical Site occupies an 11-acre former railroad site north of Bishop. Visitors can see the original depot, railroad equipment, historic buildings, and extensive collections from Owens Valley. Bishop Creek provides a scenic drive into the Sierra with access to alpine lakes and fishing areas. The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in the White Mountains makes an unusual day trip, with some of the oldest living trees on Earth. The Owens Valley Paiute-Shoshone Cultural Center offers another indoor attraction focused on the culture and history of the region's Indigenous peoples.
Making A Fixed Income Go Further
The choice across California's Sierra Nevada is as varied as the landscape. Jackson and Placerville both have hospitals inside the city limits and commercial centers dense enough to handle an ordinary week, while Oakhurst and Angels Camp exchange that convenience for lower housing costs. Bishop sits hours from the state's larger population centers and costs considerably more, though Northern Inyo Hospital and the Owens Valley make the distance workable. All offer relative affordability and the chance to retire in California without coastal crowds and resort-town prices.
A familiar fall music festival is returning to Placerville with a new name and the same goal: bringing friends together for live music. Hangtime Music Festival will take place Oct. 16-18 at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville, California.“It’s about love. It’s about spending time with friends,” said Ryan Kronenberg, who is producing the event. “It’s about gathering people for live music.”He said this is a new rendition of the Hangtown Music Festival that was held annually fo...
A familiar fall music festival is returning to Placerville with a new name and the same goal: bringing friends together for live music. Hangtime Music Festival will take place Oct. 16-18 at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville, California.
“It’s about love. It’s about spending time with friends,” said Ryan Kronenberg, who is producing the event. “It’s about gathering people for live music.”
He said this is a new rendition of the Hangtown Music Festival that was held annually for 11 years. The event will take on the same themes as before to celebrate music, Halloween, harvest season and more. While the name has changed, Kronenberg said the essence of what makes the event special has not.
“The heart of what Hangtown was, and what the spirit of what Hangtime is becoming, is time spent with friends listening to live music,” he said. “A name is just a name. The vibe and the people and the music is what creates the festival.”
The festival released its initial lineup on Wednesday and includes headliners Leftover Salmon, The Devil Makes Three, and Elephant Revival. Also performing will be Sam Grisman Project; Hot Buttered Rum; Poor Man’s Whiskey’s “Dark Side of the Moonshine”; Dead Winter Carpenters; Tejon St. Corner Thieves; Pixie & The Party Grass Boys; Red Dirt Ruckus; Hattie & Joe Craven Quartet; Golden Cadillacs. There are plans to add a few more bands.
The festival is returning in a scaled-down format, Kronenberg said attendees can still expect many of the traditions they remember.
“It’s the first year back and we’re going to keep it simple,” he said.
They’ll set up one stage outdoors and one indoors. Friday and Sunday will be lighter on the programming with about one-half day of music, while Saturday will be a full day.
Tickets go on sale Friday, July 17 for the community/fan presale, and a full-on sale will be Tuesday, July 21. Kronenberg said he wants to make the festival affordable, so the early-bird prices will be $179, and they will gradually increase as it gets closer to the event. Tickets include camping in the fairgrounds.
“Pricing will be super reasonable,” he said. “I want to keep the value there to jump back into this with us and enjoy us.”
Hangtown Music Festival ran for 11 years before Kronenberg sold the event to High Sierra Music Festival. The festival later became Sugar Pine Music Festival before eventually ending. Kronenberg credited HSMF producer David Margulies for helping reconnect the festival with longtime fans by allowing Hangtime to use Hangtown’s former social media accounts. The two had been partners for 10 years of Hangtown.
“I’d like to give a nod to Dave for being so awesome and working with me on this and being a good friend,” Kronenberg said.
Kronenberg said the idea to host another fall festival has been on his mind since 2022, and he pulled the trigger after nearby Strawberry Festival announced it would not hold a fall event this year.
“I pulled back on moving forward with this idea, and I found out a month ago that Fall Strawberry wasn’t happening, so the door was left open,” he said.
Kronenberg is excited for the lineup cultivated primarily around bluegrass, Americana and folk. He’s especially happy to have The Devil Makes Three, a band he’s seen more than 30 times.
“This lineup is stellar,” he said. “I wanted to have The Devil Makes Three at Hangtown the entire time. They’re one of my favorite bands.”
The festival will bring back its Halloween and harvest theme since it takes place in October. Costumes will be encouraged and there will be themes to participate in. The festival is family-friendly and will include activities like a pumpkin-carving workshop.
Looking ahead, Kronenberg hopes Hangtime grows naturally rather than becoming a massive event, and he’s thinking long-term. He hopes the festival turns into a legacy event, continuing for many years as others have.
“It was always my dream with Hangtown,” he said. “I see all these festivals that have been around 30 to 40 years, and that’s my dream — to make it an event where I can leave a legacy.”
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