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

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

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Home Care In Sacramento, CA

Home Care Sacramento, CA

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Old Sacramento Waterfront 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 Sacramento, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Sacramento, CA

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Dawn C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Great care for my husband, David Reynolds. We are happy with our caregiver Shristi S”

Pamela R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Bruno A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Eshneet is an extremely down to earth and caring individual! If you or your family are in need of some senior assistances, make sure she is your first call!”

Brandon B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“This is the best senior care services company in the Sacramento area, and it’s not even close. They hold themselves and their employees to a high standard and ethics that is rare in this industry. Shoutout to Eshneet, she does fantastic work hustling all around town!”

Sam O.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I highly recommend Always Best Care! Dan, the owner, is such a caring and genuine human and goes above and beyond to serve the seniors in our community. I've also gotten to know Eshneet and she is wonderful to work with. There's no company I trust more to provide great quality and affordable in-home services to people I love.”

Melissa S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I’d highly recommend ABC Senior Services when looking for long term care for a loved one. Carrie was caring, personable and knowledgeable. She took the time to get to know us and our needs to find a good fit for my mom. She was always available to assist us and made a daunting task manageable. God bless ABC Services and Carrie for the vital service they provided in our time of need.”

Pamela B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“It’s been wonderful working with Carrie from Always Best Care. She took time to guide my wife and me through the process of finding an affordable solution for my elderly father and placing him in a loving care home in the area. She also guided us through the VA process. Thank you Carrie and team for the wonderful support during a challenging situation.”

Michael P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Amanda Wild ' she is Great with Me, Helps with ever I Need, Helps my companion around the house, she is a very ,kind & giving person, your lucky to have her, she should move up in your company very Quickly, thank you for her Services, Chris Keane.”

Christopher K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“This company is amazing. I would recommend it to everybody. If you have a loved one your helper is available, dependable, loving. You will feel so comfortable knowing your loved one is in great hands.”

Kimberlee A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Your caregivers were superb. It’s not easy to support those at end of life and the caregivers we had met us exactly where we were every day, blended in with our family, found ways to help us by identifying exactly what we needed and just taking care of it as opposed to waiting for us to delegate tasks. This was a huge blessing to us in our grief during a time of great difficulty. My dad had terminal agitation which took time to titrate medications to get comfortable. The caregivers moved with dad with grace and expertise to help him and us until we were able to get him settled and comfortable. This takes skill….and it showed in every way. From their soft tone of voice, redirection and agreeable attitude, flowing with his confusion and helping him feel safe until he settled. Not to mention a warm hand on our shoulder when we needed it, a snack or a drink when they recognized that we may have forgotten to take of ourselves. Zac, Tristin, Britni and Gabby were all a gift to our family as well as the organization they work for. Often times, caregivers are the lowest paid employees in their organizations. Please know, these outstanding individuals at the bedside supporting families are the face and heart of the work you do. Take good care of these amazing humans. Much love to ALL you for what you do in your community and keep up the good work! ❤️”

Marci D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Carrie was phenomenal in assisting us with finding a place suitable for my mothers needs, I am thankful so much. I would recommend Carrie to anyone who could benefit from her help.”

Craig M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“We had the pleasure of working with Susan. We had an urgent matter that we really didn't know how to handle or how long we needed assistance, but she was so accommodating and incredibly helpful every step of the way. She was very kind, knowledgeable, caring, and responded quickly any time we contacted her. We truly felt like she cared about us and helping us in this time of need. We are so thankful for her!”

Theresa N.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I worked with Carrie with Always Best Care to place my dad into a memory care facility and I can honestly say I don’t think could have made it through such a difficult transition without her help. She helped me get through one of the most challenging times of my life. The compassion and care she showed me and my father was incredible. Going through the process of finding a place for your parent with a memory issue is so difficult and I highly recommend working with a professional. I recommend Carrie and Always Best Care to everyone I hear is trying to navigate that process. Thank you for everything you have done for me and my father.”

Pearl M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I worked with Carrie with Always Best Care to place my dad into a memory care facility and I can honestly say I don’t think could have made it through such a difficult transition without her help. She helped me get through one of the most challenging times of my life. The compassion and care she showed me and my father was incredible. Going through the process of finding a place for your parent with a memory issue is so difficult and I highly recommend working with a professional. I recommend Carrie and Always Best Care to everyone I hear is trying to navigate that process. Thank you for everything you have done for me and my father.”

Pearl M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Louiscea is always dependable and on time. Goes out of her way to get cleaning problems done.”

David P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Lynette Devan has been our caretaker since early January 2024. She is diligent, self-motivated, and VERY competent. She loves to talk and entertain my Dad - 96 - listening patiently to his sometimes disjointed stories and fascinating him with her own! She loves to be active, always anticipating our needs with vacuuming, laundry, food prep, etc. WITHOUT being asked! We greatly value her work ethic and loving care. Always Best responded to our request with this caretaker after a bad experience with another agency's caretaker who was content to play with his phone whenever he could and only doing tasks when asked/directed to do so - and then sullenly. Jim & Ray Moitoza”

James M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have been with Always Best Care for about four years now, and I’ve always been impressed with the quality and professionalism of the caregivers they have sent me. As a disabled veteran, I appreciate a company that I can count on for short term and long-term care. My current caregiver, Louiscea D. is exceptional, trustworthy and always punctual. Always Best Care gets my five stars.”

Danny K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Started working for the company a few months ago, it has been one of the best companies hand down that I have worked for since moving to the area. They honestly care about you as a human they work with your schedule and try very hard to accommodate you. I can’t say enough about Dixie she is so sweet and caring she is the meaning of test others how you would want to be. lol as long as she is there I will be as well????”

Lisa S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The caregivers are wonderful, particularly Shristi. She is such a gem and she has become an important part of my life for me and my family. She is caring and considerate as well as efficient. The billing department however needs improvement.”

Nena M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Victoria Bourke is a wonderful caregiver. She’s very supportive of my mom and me. She’s flexible in her schedule and always has a smile!”

Lori D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I was frantic and knew very little about how to care for my father at his home. Fortunately, I found Always Best Care in Rocklin, CA. Carrie spoke to me about their services on the phone and I started crying. For the first time, I felt there was a path to follow to provide the best care for my dad. Then, I was apprehensive about bringing strangers into my dad's house. Well, Shonda came for the weekend shift and I knew instantly she was a great fit. She was kind and gentle with Dad, but firm when needed. She took care of his feeding and medication needs. I loved her. Then along came Gabrielle, Gabby for short. She was on the Monday-Friday shift. At first I thought she was too young for this responsibility. But, wow, she was awesome. She took care of Dad and his feeding, medicine, movement needs. And, without me having to direct her, she cleaned dishes, took out the garbage, vacuumed, while he was sleeping. They were better care givers than I could be. What a blessing these ladies were at a time when my father and I were the most vulnerable. Thank you Always Best Care for being there.”

Sara H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Tori Burke has been great. She's doing a awesome job helping my mother with all her needs. Tori has a very special personality that makes my mom feel very comfortable. Tori has made this past year so much easier. Thank you for sending Tori to us. Tori is a definite 5 star. Secret word OCEAN”

Mary L.
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“Grateful for my health aide Shannon. She’s a great listener, always ready to hear my stories, wants and needs. Thanks for sending me off to dialysis with a smile and waiting for transport to arrive.”

Danny W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“My husband has been with Always Best Care since the end of last year recommended by the VA. The office staff is friendly, they answer phone messages quickly and work with our schedule to assign a health aide. We love our current health aide Shannon Rauson, as does our dog Luna. She preps meals, does light housecleaning around my husbands hospital bed, and washes my husband to get him ready for his dialysis day. Thank you Always Best Care.”

Maria M.

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

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Sacramento, CA

Types of Elderly Care in Sacramento, CA

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Sacramento, CA
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Sacramento, CA
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Belle Cooledge Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Sacramento, CA
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Firehouse Restaurant or visit Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Sacramento, CA

Benefits of Home Care in Sacramento, CA

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Sacramento, CA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Sacramento, CA

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your CA's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Sacramento, CA

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Sacramento, CA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Sacramento, CA

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Sacramento, CA

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Apple Ridge Assisted Living
  • Regency Place Senior Living
  • Ivy Ridge Assisted Living
  • Carlton Senior Living Sacramento
  • River's Edge Assisted Living
  • Greenhaven Place
Home Care Sacramento, CA

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Sacramento, CA

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Sacramento, CA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Sacramento, CA

Latest News in Sacramento, CA

Hiker missing for weeks in California's Sierra Nevada mountains found alive in snow-covered cabin

A Georgia woman who went missing for weeks while hiking in California's Sierra Nevada mountains has been found alive inside a cabin that was inaccessible to vehicles due to the snowpack.The Fresno County Sheriff's Office said the family of Tiffany Slaton, a 27-year-old woman from Jeffersonville, Georgia, reported on April 29 that they had not been in contact with her for the past nine days.During the investigation, authorities said they were able to confirm that she was seen on April 20 at Huntington Lake, located in California...

A Georgia woman who went missing for weeks while hiking in California's Sierra Nevada mountains has been found alive inside a cabin that was inaccessible to vehicles due to the snowpack.

The Fresno County Sheriff's Office said the family of Tiffany Slaton, a 27-year-old woman from Jeffersonville, Georgia, reported on April 29 that they had not been in contact with her for the past nine days.

During the investigation, authorities said they were able to confirm that she was seen on April 20 at Huntington Lake, located in California's Sierra Nevada, about 65 miles east of Fresno.

Four days later, she was seen at the old Cressman's General Store, about 20 miles west of the lake. After that, deputies were unable to track down her location.

In early May, a full-scale search operation was underway in the mountainous area. Deputies said they searched nearly 600 square miles, covering an area from Mono Hot Spring to Wishon Reservoir, and Pine Flat Lake to Auberry.

But the snowpack prevented the search operation from making it over Kaiser Pass. Deputies said they flew their helicopter in the area but could not find any trace of Slaton.

On Wednesday, snow plows cleared Kaiser Pass, allowing the owner of Vermilion Valley Resort, Christopher Gutierrez, to access his property so that he could prepare for the summer season.

As he was doing so, Gutierrez, who was aware of the ongoing search, found Slaton in a rental cabin.

"We see the door open and I see some shoes down there and I'm like, 'OK, well it's just a hiker who decided to hold up in the blizzard we had that previous night,'" Gutierrez said in a media briefing Wednesday afternoon. "As soon as we start making our way there, here comes Tiffany, she pops out, deer in the headlights. So she pops out, didn't say a word, just ran up and all she wanted was a hug."

Gutierrez drove Slaton to the pass where deputies and medics met them. They said she was dehydrated but in good health. She was taken to the hospital for further treatment.

Slaton's parents, who were set to travel to the area in the coming days, were notified that their daughter was located.

"To get a phone call that Tiffany is doing fine, it's hard to contain your tears and your excitement in the middle of clothes shopping," her father said, recalling the moment he found out his daughter had been found.

"I just grabbed somebody and said, 'Can I hug you?' And I did. I was crying and hugging," Slaton's mother said. "She was just somebody that was close and I needed to hug somebody."

The Fresno County Sheriff's Office said it has seen a couple of cases in the past of people surviving tough conditions in the Sierra Nevada, but never to this extent.

"Two days, nine days. That's amazing," Fresno County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Tony Botti said. "But three weeks, it's unheard of."

Gutierrez said he leaves a cabin unlocked for situations like this, allowing for an increased chance of survival.

He called Slaton's arrival at the cabin "miraculous" and said she took a trail that's not well-traveled.

Brandon Downs

Brandon Downs is a digital content producer at CBS Sacramento.

Michelin Adds Six New Bay Area Restaurants to the California Guide

In the lead-up to the California Michelin Guide ceremony on Wednesday, June 25, the tire brand ...

In the lead-up to the California Michelin Guide ceremony on Wednesday, June 25, the tire brand dropped its latest update to the guide, adding 13 new restaurants — including six Northern California establishments — to its list of esteemed places to eat.

Among the local restaurants added: Korean restaurant Sungho in San Francisco; Ethel’s Fancy from chef Scott Nishiyama in Palo Alto; and chef Srijith Gopinathan’s latest restaurant, Eylan, in Menlo Park. Sacramento also had a big showing with the additions of Kin Thai, Majka Pizzeria, and Pho Momma.

It’s a triumphant moment for chef Scott Nishiyama, who left the fine dining world to start Ethel’s Fancy, which he called “a very personal restaurant” at its opening. Imagined as an homage to his mother and maternal grandmother, Nishiyama’s menu skewed toward shareable plates that change with the season, which the guide called “eclectic, down-to-earth Californian cuisine.” The addition of Eylan to the guide is also quite an achievement for Gopinathan and restaurant partner Ayesha Thapar, as it’s their fourth restaurant project in the Bay Area. It’s been a string of hits for the duo, as they had also recently opened the well-received Copra in San Francisco in 2023 and Ettan before that in 2020. At Eylan, Gopinathan’s team serves Indian dishes with a bit of Bay Area influence, cooking dishes by live fire, as he told Eater SF in January. The guide notes that Gopinathan’s “compelling balance of flavors makes each dish stand on its own.”

San Francisco’s Sungho also landed on the list, despite a curious review from San Francisco Chronicle food critic MacKenzie Chung Fegan in November 2024, who inexplicably (and quite accidentally) visited the restaurant on its opening day after a sudden change in chef. That aside, the guide praised the restaurant’s meat stews, such as gukbap and kalguksu, and its raw marinated crab dish yangnyeom-gejang.

This latest announcement is an excellent showing for Sacramento, which did not land any restaurants in the guide back in March, when the first additions for 2025 were released. At the time, reporter Benjy Egel of the Sacramento Bee wrote that “hope isn’t yet lost for additional praise,” though he noted that the Sacramento section had been “stagnant” since 2022 with no new additions in later years. Sisters Napis Lindley and Napak Kongsitthanakor opened Kin Thai in 2020, and the Guide loved the “vibrant, punchy flavors” of their menu. In 2024, the Bee credited Majka Pizzeria as one of the restaurants upgrading the Sacramento pizza scene in the last few years. Pho Momma opened in 2022; the guide noted the charm of the staff and restaurant but stated “it’s the cooking, made with apparent care and high-quality ingredients, that really sets it apart.”

Meanwhile, seven Southern California restaurants were added to the list: Komal in Los Angeles; Somni in West Hollywood; Vin Folk of Hermosa Beach; Atellier Manna in Encinitas; and Lilo in Carlsbad. Oceanside also received a couple of nods, with the addition of Tanner’s Prime Burgers and 24 Suns.

It’s worth noting that these restaurants aren’t quite “starred” just yet — these additions, along with those added to the California Guide in March, are designated as “New” and “Recommended.” That may (or may not) change with the California Michelin Guide ceremony on June 25 in Sacramento, where chefs will learn whether their restaurant is awarded a Michelin star or a spot on the Bib Gourmand list. Becoming an addition to the guide, however, does not guarantee either, although it’s generally considered a good sign ahead of the ceremony.

CA investment adviser who fled by sea scooter pleads guilty in Ponzi scheme

A Redding man pleaded guilty on Thursday to swindling investors in a $35 million Ponzi scheme that used fake financial products and an existing medical business to persuade customers to trust him with their money.Matthew Piercey, who was 44 at the time of his arrest in 2020, admitted to the scheme in federal court in Sacramento, pleading guilty to 27 counts of wire fraud, money laundering and witness tampering. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 4.Piercey’s arrest in the scheme made headlines after he tried to flee ...

A Redding man pleaded guilty on Thursday to swindling investors in a $35 million Ponzi scheme that used fake financial products and an existing medical business to persuade customers to trust him with their money.

Matthew Piercey, who was 44 at the time of his arrest in 2020, admitted to the scheme in federal court in Sacramento, pleading guilty to 27 counts of wire fraud, money laundering and witness tampering. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 4.

Piercey’s arrest in the scheme made headlines after he tried to flee the FBI on a “sea scooter,” plowing into California’s Lake Shasta on a cold November day on a Yamaha 350Li submersible device before emerging a half hour later, according to previous Bee reporting.

A co-conspirator, Kenneth Winton, has already pleaded guilty to a single charge in the case but has not yet been sentenced.

Piercey was accused of persuading investors to trust him and co-conspirators with about $35 million in funds in a scheme that ran from 2016 to 2020, a grand jury indictment against him shows. About $8.8 million was returned to investors, but $26 million was missing at the time of his arrest in 2020, the indictment said.

Among Piercey’s victims were members of Bethel Church in Redding, where he was a parishioner. Of the proceeds, he used about $1 million to buy a boat and another $1 million to buy and renovate two houses in the north state, the indictment said.

Piercey was not offered a plea deal by prosecutors, but after Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith dropped four of the original 31 counts against him last week, he told Chief District Judge Troy L. Nunley he would plead guilty “straight up” to the remaining charges.

In a statement filed with the court earlier this month, Piercey admitted to lying to investors and intending to defraud them. He also admitted that he had illegally used interstate wire communication to carry out the scheme. He confessed to trying to persuade another witness to withhold testimony and admitted to money laundering.

Piercey faces up to 20 years in prison for each set of charges, according to the indictment, along with fines of $250,000 or an amount equal to twice the money he gained. Prosecutors this week also asked the court to require Piercey to pay restitution in the case.

State worker payroll freezes in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s revised California budget

Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to cut roughly $767 million from the state’s payroll expenses in salaries and wages to help close a larger-than-expected deficit California is facing. The Governor’s Office said Newsom does not seek to cut existing salaries.In a revised budget released Wednesday, Newsom’s administration said it hopes to reach that savings target through negotiations with the state&r...

Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to cut roughly $767 million from the state’s payroll expenses in salaries and wages to help close a larger-than-expected deficit California is facing. The Governor’s Office said Newsom does not seek to cut existing salaries.

In a revised budget released Wednesday, Newsom’s administration said it hopes to reach that savings target through negotiations with the state’s 21 bargaining units. But if no agreement is reached, the administration said it will “impose reductions,” without detailing what those might involve.

“The governor’s budget proposal aims to achieve savings by delaying pay increases,” Tara Gallegos, a spokesperson for the Governor’s Office, said in a statement. “Ultimately, this will be decided as part of collective bargaining.”

Finance Director Joe Stephenshaw told reporters Wednesday: “The intent is really to avoid increased costs in the upcoming fiscal year and it’s not to implement furloughs or (personal leave programs) or those types of things.”

This year, salary savings are expected to begin in July. Seven bargaining units are already in active talks with the California Department of Human Resources to reach new agreements.

Union leaders reacted swiftly to the proposed cuts.

“While we understand the state’s budget realities, balancing the budget on the backs of hardworking state workers is not the answer,” Ryan Smith, the vice president of the state attorneys’ union, said in a Wednesday statement. “We are disappointed the governor chose to undermine the collective bargaining process by threatening our members with pay cuts.”

Ted Toppin, the executive director of the Professional Engineers in California Government, said the state has weathered previous downturns and should continue to pay competitive wages.

“Projecting a budget deficit that has yet to materialize does not absolve the Administration from the need to pay fair and competitive wages to recruit and retain the state-employed engineers and related professionals we represent,” Toppin said in a statement. “PECG is at the table now and will continue to bargain in good faith with the administration for the best agreement possible.”

Neil Flood, the president of the labor group representing correctional officers, said his union is committed to working with the administration to reach “responsible solutions.”

“We believe these issues are best addressed collaboratively at the bargaining table, where we’ve consistently found common ground in the past,” Flood said.

The proposed salary reductions are one part of the governor’s strategy to close a $12 billion shortfall for 2025-26. The budget also includes cuts to health care spending, a pause on Medi-Cal enrollment for undocumented adults, and the use of $7.1 billion from the state’s rainy-day fund.

The governor attributed the economic slump to the Trump administration’s tariffs, though he denied blaming the deficit entirely on President Donald Trump.

Director Stephenshaw confirmed Wednesday that the state budget did not include money for a 1% salary increase employees represented by Service Employees International Union Local 1000 hoped to secure this year.

Two years ago, SEIU Local 1000 negotiated a contract provision that would grant rank-and-file members a 1% raise — on top of a guaranteed 3% salary increase — based on the Finance Department’s determination of whether the state has enough extra money in the budget to grant the increase.

“We’re not in a position to provide that additional 1% at this time,” Stephenshaw said.

In a Wednesday statement, SEIU Local 1000 President Anica Walls said, “The administration may be seeking savings, but our position is clear: we are not here to help the state cut our pay. We’ll fight to protect jobs, pay, and the services our communities rely on.”

Earlier this year, the Finance Department estimated the additional 1% would have cost $120 million. Nine of the union’s 10 bargaining units — 1, 3, 4, 11, 14, 15, 17, 20 and 21 — were eligible for the 1% raise.

Without the conditional raise, SEIU Local 1000-represented employees are slated to receive a 3% raise in July, on par with salary increases from the previous two years. The 3% increase is expected to cost the state $360 million, according to the Finance Department’s projections earlier this year.

The Bee Capitol Bureau’s Stephen Hobbs contributed to this story.

This story was originally published May 14, 2025 at 2:32 PM.

CORRECTION: This story has been updated to clarify comments from the Governor’s Office about proposed spending reductions in the May budget revision. Officials said the unspecified cuts would not include reductions in employee pay.

3 Sacramento restaurants were just added to California’s Michelin Guide

Three Sacramento restaurants were added Wednesday to the California Michelin Guide, bringing the capital region’s total to 17 ahead of the state’s annual culinary awards next month.Michelin named 13 new additions statewide — including Majka Pizzeria & Bakery, Pho Momma, and Kin Thai Street Eatery — each recognized for their distinctive menus and community ties....

Three Sacramento restaurants were added Wednesday to the California Michelin Guide, bringing the capital region’s total to 17 ahead of the state’s annual culinary awards next month.

Michelin named 13 new additions statewide — including Majka Pizzeria & Bakery, Pho Momma, and Kin Thai Street Eatery — each recognized for their distinctive menus and community ties.

Majka Pizzeria & Bakery, 1704 15th St. in downtown Sacramento, opened in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the business is still thriving nearly five years later. Michelin praised owners Alex Sherry and Chutharat Sae Tong for their focus on seasonal ingredients and daily special pizzas, alongside an “exceptional assortment” of wines.

The Sacramento Bee featured Majka on its Top 50 restaurants of 2024 list, noting its strong relationships with local producers.

Pho Momma — at 9555 Folsom Boulevard, Suite A, in the La Riveria neighborhood — is possibly the most affordable option among the 17 Sacramento restaurants on Michelin’s list.

The restaurant’s star offering starts at only $6 for an extra-small shrimp pho with chicken broth. With 12 base protein options, four sizes and a list of extra add-ons, you could easily avoid having the same pho order twice.

The extensive menu also includes numerous appetizers and soupless entrees —the guide gave a shout out to the rice paper spring rolls, which can be filled with a variety of meat, seafood or vegan proteins and are served alongside a “tangy peanut dipping sauce.”

The drink section takes up a third of the menu, with a broad selection of boba drinks and Vietnamese coffee dwarfing the traditional soft drink section.

On Instagram, the restaurant’s owner Tuan Le expressed gratitude to the Michelin Guide and to customers for the accolade.

“Everyday, I care about the food quality, the food quantity, the service, the smiles, the conversations, and the memories made here,” Le wrote. “All because all my customers have made it so easy for me to want and care to do it.”

Bee readers voted Pho Momma one of the region’s most underrated Vietnamese spots in 2024, only two years after it opened.

The restaurant guide described Kin Thai Street Eatery, 1050 20th St., Suite 180 in midtown, as “vibrant” and “punchy.”

The menu challenges fans of Thai food to traverse the country through its cuisine. Well-known comforts like Pad Thai accompany specialties from different regions, like Gai Tod Hat Yai, a southern-region fried chicken dish.

Kin Thai’s owners wrote on their website that they were “beyond thrilled and deeply honored” to be mentioned in the restaurant guide’s 2025 edition.

“As a small, family-owned restaurant, this recognition means the world to us,” the message read. “To our amazing customers — thank you for your unwavering support. You’ve helped turn our dream into reality.”

In 2024, The Bee included Kin Thai in its Top 50 restaurants of the year, lauding the restaurant’s homage to Thailand’s street food.

The new restaurants were added to the list in the lead-up to the California Michelin Guide ceremony on June 25, where the guide will announce the restaurants receiving the esteemed Michelin stars and Bib Gourmand awards.

Currently, two Sacramento restaurants have one star each — The Kitchen and Localis. Four local favorites have been awarded the Bib Gourmand, a distinction for restaurants with high-quality food at a great value: Frank Fat’s, Canon, Yue Huang and Nixtaco.

This story was originally published May 14, 2025 at 11:01 AM.

The Sacramento Bee

Camila Pedrosa is a service journalism reporter at The Sacramento Bee. She previously worked as a summer reporting intern for The Bee and reported in Phoenix and Washington, D.C. She graduated from Arizona State University with a master’s degree in mass communication.

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