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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 El Cajon, CA

Home Care El Cajon, 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 Olaf Wieghorst Museum Western Heritage Center 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 El Cajon, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care El Cajon, 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

“Martesha has always been in a good mood and pleasant while providing her services to me. She goes beyond what has been asked to do both physically and mentally. Her attitude is always positive and encouraging me in my recovery. She is an excellent companion and helpful to me. She is morally fit and encouraging I can’t thank you enough. ABC thank you for providing services”

Michael S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have been with Always Best Care for about 2 years, caring for my 86 year old father. Although I am his main caregiver, I still need help. My dad has 2 caregivers assigned to him which allows me to still keep my job. Dawn, his daily caregiver, goes that extra mile. Treating my dad as if it was her father. And Martesha, a newer caregiver for my dad, knew just what to do. And with a little background about my father, she didn't need much prompting ABC is so thoughtful and really shows their employees and client's how much they are appreciated.”

DIANA F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am very proud to Belong to Always Best Care Senior Services ❤️ Because is a Company which really care about of their clients and their team workers”

Olga M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Great company. The staff is amazing and helpful. I was a caregiver for my husband and they help with training and were always pampering me with gift cards, birthday cards, Raffles. It felt just like a hug in this road”

Carla W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“My name is Gabriela, I have been with Always Best Care for seven years and I have to say, it's really a great company to work for. The owners and manager are very professional, attentive, kind and flexible. As a caregiver is important that my client's needs are met and that we are a good match, and ABC does this perfectly. It's been a rewarding experience, taking care of my clients and Always Best Care has a huge heart towards people in need of care. Thank you ABC”

Gabriela B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I been working with always best care for a year now, let me just say how wonderful it has been to work for such an amazing company that not only cares for their clients but also their employees. If you are looking for a job as a caregiver I would highly recommend always best care!”

silvana L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“My experience with the clients with them have been great.Plus they have a very flexible hours.”

Sabino R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Hi, my name is Janett .. Working at Always Best Care has been the best experience of my life, from the day I went to apply for the job as a caregiver I felt very humbled. Im happy working at ABC and I hope to continue working for many years.. "❤️"”

Chapis V.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I'm a caregiver with Always Best Care. I've work for the agency since early April 2023. My experience has been fun, challenging at times but very rewarding. My clients are very nice. It is a great place to work. Management and administration are very communicative and attentive. They always address any concerns I have whether it is schedule issue, a client issue, or a special request. I love working for ABC. I highly recommend our company for any prospective or experienced caregivers. ????”

Robert T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“My name is Haley Maddox and I’ve been with Always Best Care for a few months now and I would just like to say I absolutely LOVE and appreciate the company because they are always willing to work with you and your schedule to fit your personal life as well. Not only that but they make sure you know it’s ok to report any and every kind of complications at work and they always encourage you to ask questions and I like that a lot because not many jobs give you that comfortable feeling that YOU matter too. Thank you to ALWAYS BEST CARE for taking great care of not just their clients but their employees as well!❤️”

Haley L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“So grateful to be apart of this wonderful community of people, it is such a great company! My clients treat me as I am their family and I truly take great pride in being able to care for them.”

Midori G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Have really enjoyed working for Always Best Care !”

Angelica L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Chelsea from the day she manager has been sweet and wonderful, making sure my schedule which is very complicated was met. She is a blessing to me”

Gloria B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“This is Gloria Brown and Ive been with always best care for some years. Its always been a great company to work for, but it even got better when Chelsea became the manager. With my super busy schedule she's alway been able to accommodate me, witch is not easy. It has been a blessing having her in my life. I've never worked for a company that shows appreciation and rewards us often. It feels wonderful to be appreciated. Thank you.”

Willie B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care has been and continues to be a great working environment. The flexibility in my schedule has made it one of the most beneficial advantages working here. I have had the pleasure to have such great clients that have been very compatible both ways. Overall working at Always Best Care is and continues to be a great, flexible, compatible, understanding environment. Thank you Always Best Care”

A Q.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Aida Gomez is truly an Angel in disguise She is patient with me & attend to all my needs as a caregiver.. Her appearance & personality is awesome!!????. Am very pleased with Aida. I love her flexibility.”

Martha C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“For me it is a honor to be part of this company called ALWAYS BEST CARE . From the first moment they always treated me with great respect , always worried about what I need . For me , my clients are part of my family, they are people who needs heard,respected and loved♥️I feel very blessed to be their caregiver ????.. Thank you very much for allowing me to be part of your beautiful company ????”

leticia O.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have a great experience, flexible hours, great place to work.”

Ofelia C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“This is a great place to work, great environment there is very nice staff a job you can call home and care about are clients.”

Janet M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always best care provides an excellent service as a caregiver. They care about the staff and the patient needs. The Leadership team are very compassion because they have a good level of communication and it also wants to do the right things.”

Lorena D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Ophelia Carter is the best thing that ever happened to Bobby Wigley. She has a lot of patience and she is so good for him. She manages to do everything in a timely manner for him. She's amazing. I don't know how much money she makes but she deserves more. Thank you”

Darlene W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Hello ???????? there this is Leonardo Martínez I’m one of the formal Care givers associates for Always best Care I would like to thanks not only always best care in general for the amazing management but specially to my manager the best and most caring manager I have ever had ever, specially when it comes to work and making things work for everyone, awesome communication stills and training, always showing the best guidance for work,making me learn something new I can apply for work, honestly couldn’t be more great full and satisfied for chelsy Boscarino being by manages. God bless sincerely.”

Leonardo M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am getting the best quality of care”

Marilyn V.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care Senior Services meets each of their client's needs regardless of the intensity of the illness. Health and safety are #1 with this agency without question as to the complexity or time frame. They are committed for the duration. Customer service is not a lost cause. The staff will go beyond its means to comply to request.”

Bennie S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“From the start everyone (I've interacted with) has been awesome. You can tell they really care and so do their jobs well. From Chelsea in admin to Steven the phone nurse and especially Martesha Dad's caregiver. They make taking care of my father so much easier than it would be if I were on my own. I appreciate all of you and all you do. Thank you.”

Dawn W.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in El Cajon, 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 El Cajon, CA

Types of Elderly Care in El Cajon, 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 El Cajon, 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 El Cajon, 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 Bill Beck 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 El Cajon, 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 Rodizio Grill Brazilian Steakhouse San Diego or visit Knox House Museum, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

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

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

 In-Home Care El Cajon, CA

Benefits of Home Care in El Cajon, 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 El Cajon, 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 El Cajon, 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 El Cajon, 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 El Cajon, 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 El Cajon, 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 El Cajon, 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:

  • LoHar Senior Living
  • Solstice Senior Living at El Cajon
  • La Vida Real
  • Villa Alegre Senior Care Homes
  • Villa Las Palmas Healthcare Center
  • Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center
Home Care El Cajon, 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 El Cajon, 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 El Cajon, 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 El Cajon, CA

Latest News in El Cajon, CA

Former manager of El Cajon company pleads guilty to hiring unauthorized workers, gets no jail time

By Salvador HernandezJune 19, 2025 Updated 6:33 PM PTA former manager of an El Cajon company pleaded guilty Wednesday to hiring undocumented workers, the culmination of a federal investigation that included an undercover agent and an armed raid at the powder coating and sandblasting company earlier this year.John Washburn, the former general manager of San Diego Powder & Protective Coa...

By Salvador Hernandez

June 19, 2025 Updated 6:33 PM PT

A former manager of an El Cajon company pleaded guilty Wednesday to hiring undocumented workers, the culmination of a federal investigation that included an undercover agent and an armed raid at the powder coating and sandblasting company earlier this year.

John Washburn, the former general manager of San Diego Powder & Protective Coatings, was sentenced to one year of unsupervised release but will do no jail time as part of a plea agreement, according to court records.

Washburn, who had been originally charged with a felony, pleaded guilty Wednesday to one misdemeanor count of hiring undocumented workers.

The sentencing comes after armed federal agents raided the El Cajon business in March, a decision that Washburn’s attorney said had no purpose other than to “terrorize the community.”

“This was not to enforce some immigration laws,” said Patrick Griffin, Washburn’s attorney. “It was to do so in a manner to send a chilling effect to the community.”

Griffin criticized the decision by federal authorities to pursue charges against Washburn, and said the federal authorities used an unnecessary amount of resources to investigate the case, and then raid the El Cajon business.

“It’s a monumental waste of resources for this,” he said.

As part of the plea agreement, Washburn admitted that he had communicated with other managers at the company about employees who had “bad paperwork,” meaning they did not have valid documents proving they were allowed to work in the U.S., according to a statement from the U.S. attorney’s office.

According to the initial complaint filed against Washburn, the investigation included an undocumented worker who cooperated with federal agents who recorded audio and video inside the company, and an undercover agent who posed as a worker lacking proper documentation.

Business

June 18, 2025

Last week, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said immigration agents had taken 330 immigrants into custody in Los Angeles and surrounding areas since the operations began in June.

According to the complaint filed against Washburn, about 50 people were working at the company at the time, and about 15 of them appeared to lack legal authority to work in the U.S.

ICE officials did not immediately respond to questions about the status of the unauthorized workers who were identified in the March operation.

2025 homeless count in El Cajon corrected after inaccuracies

(The Center Square) — The Regional Task Force on Homelessness in San Diego revised El Cajon’s most recent homelessness count after discovering it had included two dozen individuals who were outside the city's region and possibly counted individuals twice.When the RTFH, a nonprofit in charge of San Diego County’s annual homelessness census, released its 2025 annual ...

(The Center Square) — The Regional Task Force on Homelessness in San Diego revised El Cajon’s most recent homelessness count after discovering it had included two dozen individuals who were outside the city's region and possibly counted individuals twice.

When the RTFH, a nonprofit in charge of San Diego County’s annual homelessness census, released its 2025 annual Point-in-Time Count in May, El Cajon leaders publicly challenged the report, claiming it was strange the city was one of the county's two regions where the homeless population grew. El Cajon leaders believed the city’s homeless population was decreasing and therefore, met with the RTFH to discuss the number. After discussions, the task force discovered it had miscounted and revised the number, according to Fox 5 News.

When the RTFH 2025 PIT Count was released, the organization claimed the county had “significant reductions” in veteran and family homelessness, resulting in a reduction of 7% in “region wide homelessness,” according to a post on X May 20.

The RTFH 2025 PIT Count reported, however, that El Cajon experienced a 21.6% increase in its homeless population from 2024 to 2025, with the city’s unsheltered homeless population growing from 283 people in 2024 to 344 people in 2025.

El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells said he was pushing for the task force to relook at the number reported for this year. He noted it was important for the city to have an accurate number in order to make effective policies addressing its homelessness.

“We, and most of every other city in California, especially the cities with a lot of low-income housing, have homeless problems,” Wells said in an interview with Fox 5 News that he reposted on X May 25. “But we want it to be accurate.”

The task force realized it had counted 24 people in unincorporated areas outside El Cajon’s city limits. That is because the organization conducts PIT Counts in areas that the census maps for El Cajon, and some of those areas are “outside of the city limits,” according to ABC 10 News.

Wells and other city leaders complained the PIT Count is flawed. However, the RTFH said it will continue to use it.

“We've said the Point-in-Time Count is an imperfect tool, but it is a vital one in helping us understand the scope of homelessness across our region,” Tamera Kohler, CEO of RTFH, said, according to FOX 5 News. “While it’s just one snapshot in time, the data informs how we plan, fund, and deliver services to those most in need.”

Although the RTFH plans on sticking to PIT Counts, the organization also said it plans to make some changes to the El Cajon data. One of them is changing “El Cajon” to “El Cajon (including unincorporated areas)” on the report sheets.

• Jamie Parsons is an intern reporter and member of the 2025 Searle Freedom Trust and Young America's Foundation National Journalism Center Apprentice and Internship initiative.

Evacuation orders lifted, Hawick Fire 50% contained in unincorporated El Cajon

With constant water drops and fire retardant, crews got a handle on the quick moving fire.Hawick fire forward rate stopped at 51 acresand last updated 30 minutes agoUNINCORPORATED EL CAJON, Calif. (KGTV) — The Hawick Fire burned in unincorporated El Cajon. The fire has burned 51 acres and is 50% contained according to Cal Fire.WATCH: ABC 10News reporter Ava Kershner live at the scene of the Hawick FireWatch Duty first reported the fire just before 3 p.m. Thursday afternoon, saying it was...

With constant water drops and fire retardant, crews got a handle on the quick moving fire.

Hawick fire forward rate stopped at 51 acres

and last updated 30 minutes ago

UNINCORPORATED EL CAJON, Calif. (KGTV) — The Hawick Fire burned in unincorporated El Cajon. The fire has burned 51 acres and is 50% contained according to Cal Fire.

WATCH: ABC 10News reporter Ava Kershner live at the scene of the Hawick Fire

Watch Duty first reported the fire just before 3 p.m. Thursday afternoon, saying it was burning at the base of an avocado grove.

They're reporting that the fire is 51 acres and that forward progress has stopped, according to incident command.

When it first broke out, even those in non-evacuation zones were prepared to leave.

"We just started staging everything to evacuate, grabbing mementos, clothes. We have pets, animals. Make sure that they're OK and just kind of quickly forming a plan to go," said Aron Sacks, a former firefighter who lives right next to the charred hilltop.

5 additional type 3 engines have been requested by incident command.

Cal Fire says that additional resources have been requested and that some have been switched off the Monte Fire to help with the Hawick Fire.

Multiple local agencies are assisting alongside San Diego Cal Fire and U.S. Forest Service.

Evacuation warnings and orders have been lifted.

"Obviously they've had a lot of fire crews, fire helicopters, planes dropped. They have the land on the hill. They just attacked it all over. Thank God for the firefighters here at in California," said Sacks.

This is a developing story, and this article will be updated.

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El Cajon, CA – Vehicle Crash Involving Pedestrian and Storefront on Winter Gardens Blvd

El Cajon, CA (June 13, 2025) – A serious traffic collision in El Cajon late Friday morning resulted in injuries after a vehicle reportedly struck a pedestrian and crashed into a storefront near 8909 Winter Gardens Blvd, outside the Lakeside Discount Liquor store.The crash occurred around 11:34 a.m., drawing immediate attention from the California Highway Patrol and local responders. Initial reports indicated a two-vehicle collision, one of which veered off the roadway, striking a pedestrian and crashing directly into the ...

El Cajon, CA (June 13, 2025) – A serious traffic collision in El Cajon late Friday morning resulted in injuries after a vehicle reportedly struck a pedestrian and crashed into a storefront near 8909 Winter Gardens Blvd, outside the Lakeside Discount Liquor store.

The crash occurred around 11:34 a.m., drawing immediate attention from the California Highway Patrol and local responders. Initial reports indicated a two-vehicle collision, one of which veered off the roadway, striking a pedestrian and crashing directly into the retail business. Though details about the vehicles remain limited, authorities confirmed the situation was classified as a medical emergency with injuries at the scene.

As emergency crews converged on the area, one injured individual was reportedly treated near the point of impact, either on the sidewalk or inside the affected store. Witnesses described a chaotic scene with one vehicle having entered the storefront after initial impact. A flatbed tow truck from Clancy’s Towing was requested to recover one of the vehicles, which had sustained significant damage.

CHP coordinated efforts with other regional units and began managing traffic around the crash zone. Notifications and updates continued throughout the early afternoon as crews worked to stabilize the area, assess injuries, and remove debris. Although the number and severity of injuries have not been officially confirmed, the incident’s escalation to a 1141 response code suggests emergency transport was involved for at least one party.

An investigation is now underway to determine the exact sequence of events, including whether driver error, vehicle malfunction, or other external factors contributed to the crash. Officers have also noted that surveillance footage from nearby businesses may assist in clarifying the pedestrian’s involvement and the vehicle’s final trajectory into the building.

We are keeping those injured in our thoughts and hope for their full and swift recovery.

Pedestrian-Involved Crashes in California

Crashes involving pedestrians and businesses are often more than just roadway incidents—they disrupt lives, endanger public safety, and challenge the emergency response systems of urban communities like El Cajon. Friday’s collision on Winter Gardens Blvd reflects the unpredictable nature of vehicle-related injuries, particularly in areas with high foot traffic and tightly spaced commercial zones.

When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian and continues into a building, it raises serious concerns about driver attentiveness, traffic controls, and parking safety. Locations like Lakeside Discount Liquor, which sit close to narrow roadside curbs, are especially vulnerable to such incidents. While the exact cause of this crash remains under investigation, it serves as a stark reminder of the need for increased safety measures near busy retail areas.

In these complex scenarios, emergency crews face layered challenges—administering aid to pedestrians, securing structurally compromised buildings, and preserving evidence for investigation. The use of a flatbed tow and coordinated dispatches between multiple jurisdictions highlight the seriousness with which these situations are treated.

Pedestrian safety remains a top priority throughout California. Drivers must exercise extreme caution near storefronts and sidewalks, particularly during daytime hours when foot traffic peaks. Equally important is ensuring businesses are protected with physical barriers or reinforced zones when feasible.

Anyone impacted by such events is urged to seek immediate medical and legal guidance. Injuries from vehicle-pedestrian collisions can be life-altering, and timely care is essential to recovery and justice.

Moments like these can turn lives upside down in seconds. Local Accident Reports is here to help you navigate the aftermath—whether you need help understanding your rights, connecting with the right care, or simply finding your next steps. Contact us today and take the first step toward recovery with clarity and support.

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