It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Smith Tower 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 Seattle, WA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Provided quality care for a relative settling back home after a hospital stay. Well managed”
“I am a past client of this provider I worked with Joseph and Maimuna after knee”
“I am a past client of this provider Consistently received quick professional responses from the owner”
“Sarah came and met with our grandmother in advance of her return home from the”
“ABC works well with other provider services such as the VA and home RN healthcare”
“Responsive office, qualified care givers.”
“We have a wonderful experience, with ABCSS. The Team and services are the best.”
“The team at Always Best Care is just phenomenal. We've had nothing but amazing service.”
“Cannot say enough good things about Sarah and Always Best Care! After my step dad”
“ABC Senior Services excels in all aspects. This is a group you can rely on”
“Our family had an extremely positive experience with Always Best Care. During a very”
“Our family had an extremely positive experience with Always Best Care. During a very tough”
“After looking far and wide in Seattle, finally I found Always Best Care - what”
“Sarah at Alway Best Care Senior Services is excellent. She is compassionate and understands”
“This company did a fantastic job caring for my father. I highly recommend them for”
“I cannot praise Sarah and her team enough. My husband had a stroke and was”
“I am a current client of this provider I cannot praise Sarah and her team enough.”
“My experience with Always Best Care was phenomenal! I have never experienced an owner, and her”
“I hired Always Best Care (“ABC”) to provide caregivers for my husband, who has Parkinson’s”
“I am a current client of this provider I hired Always Best Care (“ABC”) to provide”
“I hired Always Best Care (“ABC”) to provide caregivers for my husband, who has Parkinson’s”
“I am so grateful that our dear family member selected ABC at the beginning of”
“This company is hands down the best. Sarah and her staff went above and beyond,”
“Provided quality care for a relative settling back home after a hospital stay. Well managed small business with very good caregivers.”
“I am a past client of this provider I worked with Joseph and Maimuna after knee surgery and more than a month in rehab. At first I didn't think I would need help, but I have never been so glad to have it. Both of my helpers were kind and courteous and, as I got to know them, I looked forward to their visits even more. They took care of everything from the smallest detail, to laundry, changing beds, fixing my lunch and supervising showers. I am grateful that I was able to have their care.”
“I am a past client of this provider Consistently received quick professional responses from the owner and other admin staff, always received the care coverage we needed even when needs changed rapidly, and best of all, we were deeply impressed by her care team - each home health aide was thoughtful , thorough, professional, very attentive, and very kind. Our grandmother was well-pampered in the unexpected last month of her life thanks to Sarah and the Always Best team.”
“Sarah came and met with our grandmother in advance of her return home from the hospital after a nasty bout of pneumonia and I was immediately impressed and grateful. She treated our grandmother with respect and care and thoughtfulness. We believed we would only be working with Always Best for a short period of time while our grandmother got back up to speed. we were all incredibly impressed by the attentiveness, professionalism, and genuine care with which Sam Ishmael, Fridah, Tegan and Ima worked with our grandmother. When she declined unexpectedly and rapidly, Sarah, Jacqueline and Kaitlin all put in extra energy to ensure she had the coverage she needed. In the last month and a half of her life, our grandmother had a level of care she’d never received and felt not only cared for but even a little pampered, in the best of ways. I am so grateful Sarah picked up the phone when I called that Sunday in March to find care for our grandmother!”
“ABC works well with other provider services such as the VA and home RN healthcare delivery services. They work to establish a rapport for ease of communication. Workers are consistent and reliable and they have been able to delegate meds and tube feedings well. Very little turnover noted in the last year! We will continue to work with them! Thanks for the ease of communication through your website, ABC!”
“Responsive office, qualified care givers.”
“We have a wonderful experience, with ABCSS. The Team and services are the best. We are very pleased and blessed. Thank you all.”
“The team at Always Best Care is just phenomenal. We've had nothing but amazing service. Everyone in the team is professional, punctual and truly compassionate. If you want top quality care - look no further!”
“Cannot say enough good things about Sarah and Always Best Care! After my step dad had a stroke, Sarah went above and beyond trying to find him the best place for recovery. You can tell she really cares and truly has her heart in it for the right reasons. So thankful to have found Sarah & her team - would recommend them to anyone!”
“ABC Senior Services excels in all aspects. This is a group you can rely on to help in every way. Professional care and scheduling, with compassion and heart.”
“Our family had an extremely positive experience with Always Best Care. During a very tough & emotional time, their skilled caregivers allowed us to lovingly care for our family member at home with reduced stress. We could not have done it without them!!”
“Our family had an extremely positive experience with Always Best Care. During a very tough & emotional time, their skilled caregivers allowed us to lovingly care for our family member at home with reduced stress. We could not have done it without them!!”
“After looking far and wide in Seattle, finally I found Always Best Care - what an immense relief! Sarah Cave has shown us that her range includes not only the actual caregiving itself (absolutely top-notch!) but also her knowledge and advice about senior living situations, long-term care insurance, and other related issues. Initially, I had no idea that this range of resources could be available from one source, certainly not in such a kind and caring context. Sarah and her team at ABC are the "real thing," and my husband (who has Parkinson disease) and I are forever grateful.”
“Sarah at Alway Best Care Senior Services is excellent. She is compassionate and understands what you are trying to accomplish to help your loved one. She explains everything and puts your mind at ease. The whole team is very helpful and the caregivers are top notch! My Dad is a lot happier now that he has a care giver through this team. I feel at peace knowing my Dad is being well taken care of. Julie Taylor”
“This company did a fantastic job caring for my father. I highly recommend them for home care.”
“I cannot praise Sarah and her team enough. My husband had a stroke and was in the hospital over a month before transferring to a physical therapy unit. It has been a scary time for my family and me. Sarah has helped us navigate the complex medical world and given me clear pathways to choose from on what the future might look like for my husband and me. Our hope is that he return home, but if he cannot, Sarah has given me concrete options that would serve our needs and give us peace of mind for the continued care and rehabilitation for my husband. We have toured facilities together and I have appreciated her kindness, intelligence and her attention to the details that I would not have even thought of. She definitely is an expert in her field and her help in our crisis has been immensely appreciated.”
“I am a current client of this provider I cannot praise Sarah and her team enough. My husband had a stroke and was in the hospital over a month before transferring to a physical therapy unit. It has been a scary time for my family and me. Sarah has helped us navigate the complex medical world and given me clear pathways to choose from on what the future might look like for my husband and me. Our hope is that he return home, but if he cannot, Sarah has given me concrete options that would serve our needs and give us peace of mind for the continued care and rehabilitation for my husband. We have toured facilities together and I have appreciated her kindness, intelligence and her attention to the details that I would not have even thought of. She definitely is an expert in her field and her help in our crisis has been immensely appreciated.”
“My experience with Always Best Care was phenomenal! I have never experienced an owner, and her amazing employees, go so far above and beyond to help my family. Sarah Cave (owner of ABC) has a heart of pure gold! She (literally and figuratively) held my sister’s and my hand as we moved through one of the most stressful times of our lives. We were dealing with a dad in serious condition in the hospital and a mom who needed 24/7 care for her Alzheimer’s. Sarah and her angelic crew rallied around us, and helped us support two parents through what felt like an impossible situation They helped care for our mom, they set up care upon my dads return home (dealing with a very unstable version of him with unending grace) and provided countless options on how to help them move forward (assisted living options, in-home care, etc). Sarah gave us all the resources we needed along the way. The degree in which she and her team showed up was truly astounding, and we will be forever grateful. They saved us during a time that felt dire. I am forever indebted to this phenomenal team. It doesn’t get better than Always Best Care!!!”
“I hired Always Best Care (“ABC”) to provide caregivers for my husband, who has Parkinson’s and dementia. Communication with ABC was excellent. Sarah and Kaitlin worked tirelessly to find the perfect fit for my husband’s needs, and his caregivers, Surminda and Amina, were wonderful. When it eventually became apparent that I needed to move my husband into memory care, Sarah was with me every step of the way. Her knowledge and connections with the local senior care communities were invaluable, and I was so thankful to have her help in finding the best place for my husband. ABC eased the stress and burden of managing my husband’s care and I can’t thank Sarah, Kaitlin, and the ABC staff enough. They are truly the Best.”
“I am a current client of this provider I hired Always Best Care (“ABC”) to provide caregivers for my husband, who has Parkinson’s and dementia. Communication with ABC was excellent. Sarah and Kaitlin worked tirelessly to find the perfect fit for my husband’s needs, and his caregivers, Surminda and Amina, were wonderful. When it eventually became apparent that I needed to move my husband into memory care, Sarah was with me every step of the way. Her knowledge and connections with the local senior care communities were invaluable, and I was so thankful to have her help in finding the best place for my husband. ABC eased the stress and burden of managing my husband’s care and I can’t thank Sarah, Kaitlin, and the ABC staff enough. They are truly the Best.”
“I hired Always Best Care (“ABC”) to provide caregivers for my husband, who has Parkinson’s and dementia. Communication with ABC was excellent. Sarah and Kaitlin worked tirelessly to find the perfect fit for my husband’s needs, and his caregivers, Surminda and Amina, were wonderful. When it eventually became apparent that I needed to move my husband into memory care, Sarah was with me every step of the way. Her knowledge and connections with the local senior care communities were invaluable, and I was so thankful to have her help in finding the best place for my husband. ABC eased the stress and burden of managing my husband’s care and I can’t thank Sarah, Kaitlin, and the ABC staff enough. They are truly the Best.”
“I am so grateful that our dear family member selected ABC at the beginning of her illness. Her disease progressed quickly after that and having done her research earlier allowed us to execute her plan at a critical time. It was a great comfort to her to be home in her final days, and the ABC care plan allowed the safe discharge that was necessary in order for her to go home. The expertise provided by Sarah in navigating the complex healthcare system during a difficult time was invaluable. If fact, it probably wouldn’t have happened without ABC. The caregivers were compassionate and attentive to her needs. There was always communication at the time of shift changes. All the staff at ABC considered the whole family situation while interacting with us.”
“This company is hands down the best. Sarah and her staff went above and beyond, and I mean beyond, for my parents and family. I couldn’t ask for a more committed team. They made an impossible situation possible. Thank you Sarah and staff.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Kerry Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Canlis or visit Chihuly Garden and Glass, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Seattle, WA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Seattle, WA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Seattle, WA 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.
The BriefFORKS, Wash. - A shallow magnitude 2.5 earthquake struck near Forks, Washington, on Sunday.According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake hit at around 3:02 p.m., about fi...
FORKS, Wash. - A shallow magnitude 2.5 earthquake struck near Forks, Washington, on Sunday.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake hit at around 3:02 p.m., about five miles east-southeast of Forks. Seismologists reported the earthquake occurred at a depth of -0.19 miles.
Dig deeper:
While it might seem impossible, a negative earthquake depth does not mean the quake occurred in the air. According to the USGS, negative or zero depths are typically due to location uncertainty and likely indicate a very shallow earthquake.
Seismologists say determining an earthquake's depth is the most challenging part of locating it. Some human-made events, such as quarry blasts, can trigger seismic activity at a 0-mile depth but are often labeled as non-earthquakes on the USGS map.
As of 11:20 a.m. Monday, only two people had reported feeling the earthquake to the USGS.
What you can do:
If you felt the quake, you are encouraged to report it on the USGS website.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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The Washington State Library and the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library in Seattle are facing layoffs and severe cuts to services after lawmakers declined to include a $6.7 million lifeline in the state budget this session.The libraries delivered notices to 47 employees, with plans to lay off those positions by June 30, the secretary of state’s office said in a news release Monday. That could lead to full closure to the public at the Braille library, which provides resources for seeing-impaired individuals, and the st...
The Washington State Library and the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library in Seattle are facing layoffs and severe cuts to services after lawmakers declined to include a $6.7 million lifeline in the state budget this session.
The libraries delivered notices to 47 employees, with plans to lay off those positions by June 30, the secretary of state’s office said in a news release Monday. That could lead to full closure to the public at the Braille library, which provides resources for seeing-impaired individuals, and the state library in Tumwater, Thurston County, a vital resource for researchers and historians.
Washington State Librarian Sara Jones said that the notices have already led to highly trained staff members looking to leave and find new jobs.
“We haven’t shut any doors yet, but I think that’s coming pretty soon,” Jones said.
Jones added that the state library will try “every avenue,” such as finding funding from donors, to fill the hole, but that she doesn’t expect to raise enough to cover the shortfall.
“Libraries are cornerstones of civic life and education,” Jones said. “Without stable funding, we risk denying communities access to the information, literacy tools and resources they depend on.”
The state library is one of many agencies to see cuts to services and programs as the result of a projected multibillion-dollar deficit over the next four years that state budget writers spent months trying to balance.
The decision to not include the library’s funding request “was intentional in the sense that we had a lot of needs that we weren’t able to fund,” said House Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon, D-West Seattle, who sits on the House Appropriations Committee. He acknowledged there were many requests not fulfilled in the budget this time around.
Fitzgibbon added that local libraries that rely on the resources from the state library will also be at risk, and said he is also concerned about those impacts.
Sen. Derek Stanford, D-Bothell, vice chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, said in an email that the budget assumes the signing of House Bill 1207 by Gov. Bob Ferguson, which Stanford said would cover a majority of the secretary of state’s budget request for state library services.
The bill adds a filing fee for legal documents. It is unclear whether Ferguson will sign the bill into law.
The state library has existed in some form since 1855, decades before statehood. Secretary of State Steve Hobbs said in a news release that it was “heartbreaking and distressing to witness the near elimination” of the library, and noted that the state library hosts a collection of research materials such as a “one-of-a-kind literary collection dedicated to our region and history,” a collection of Washington newspapers, and a collection of state and federal publications.
The library also provides subscriptions to genealogy and newspaper databases, but those would be discontinued with the cuts. The acquisition of new materials would be limited.
Jones also said that resources like books and newspapers are at the risk of deteriorating without human intervention.
The Braille library in Seattle, which is the state’s only accessible library for those who are seeing-impaired, is at risk without funding too, which could result in fewer Braille and audio materials being produced, in addition to closure of the facility.
In addition to the cut in state funding, there is uncertainty around federal dollars supporting the state library.
Services and positions at the Braille library are funded through state and federal dollars, while positions and services at the state’s central library are funded through the general fund as well as through document recording fees collected when people sell or buy a house or refinance their home. The Washington State Library manages the federal dollars.
Services at the state library and the Braille library were threatened earlier this year after Jones was notified that federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services’ “Grants to States” program had been eliminated by the Trump administration. Those funds have since been restored, but federally- and state-funded library employees are still potentially facing layoffs at the end of September because of state cuts.
Shauna Sowersby: 206-652-7619 or [email protected]. Seattle Times political reporter.
Traffic Lab is a Seattle Times project that digs into the region’s transportation issues to explore the policies and politics that determine how we get around and how billions of dollars in public money are spent.As the state ferry system struggles to recover from years of diminished service and a lack of boats, just two U.S. shipyards submitted bids Monday to build a new generation of hybrid-electric boats for Washington Stat...
Traffic Lab is a Seattle Times project that digs into the region’s transportation issues to explore the policies and politics that determine how we get around and how billions of dollars in public money are spent.
As the state ferry system struggles to recover from years of diminished service and a lack of boats, just two U.S. shipyards submitted bids Monday to build a new generation of hybrid-electric boats for Washington State Ferries.
The proposal from the sole in-state company — Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, in Freeland on Whidbey Island — was significantly higher than the other bidder, Eastern Shipbuilding Group from Panama City, Fla.
A third company that was expected to bid, Hanwha Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia, didn’t submit a proposal.
Eastern’s bid estimated the first boat would cost $251.3 million, and put its total bid for three boats at $714.5 million.
Nichols estimated a first boat would cost $338.6 million, and its three-boat bid is more than $1 billion.
The state estimated that boat one would cost $256.8 million, meaning Nichols’ bid was 32% higher than the state’s figure and Eastern’s is 2% lower.
The lower estimate from Eastern Shipbuilding doesn’t automatically result in it being awarded the contract. The state will examine the bids over the coming days, and declined to comment on the bids’ specifics for this story.
John Vezina, WSF’s deputy assistant secretary, said the agency hopes to award the contract in a week or two and sign it by the end of June.
The work to build new ferries comes at a perilous time for the state system. WSF has an aging fleet of 21 ferries with hundreds of millions of dollars in deferred maintenance. It needs 26 boats to run at full service, and has been running a reduced schedule for years.
A year ago, the state had high hopes that numerous companies would bid to build a new fleet.
At the time, 15 companies had asked for more information on the bidding and building process, and the state sent them invitations to bid. WSF said then that the process would be relatively quick, and estimated bids could come as early as last September.
Yet when the bidding process began in the summer, WSF updated its timelines, saying bids would be due in January and work would begin in March. As potential bidders raised questions and concerns with the process and due date, WSF postponed the schedule a few times, leading to Monday’s deadline.
WSF’s new ferries are part of a nearly $4 billion project to, by 2040, completely electrify the fleet, which currently burns 19 million gallons of diesel fuel a year. That includes retrofitting six diesel ferries to hybrid electric, building 16 new hybrid-electric vessels and adding charging stations to 16 terminals.
The new boats will be capable of being powered by battery, diesel or a combination of the two, but officials say the diesel will be only for backup power, even though each boat will carry nearly 55,000 gallons of it.
So far, the Legislature has put $1.68 billion toward the work, funding construction for up to five of the 16 boats. To hurry the process, the state hopes to issue two contracts at once, which could mean that two ferries are delivered and begin sailing primarily on the Seattle-Bremerton and Clinton-Mukilteo routes in 2029, the latest year for initial sailing cited by WSF.
The new ferries will each have space for 1,500 passengers and 164 vehicles. Below deck, water-cooled batteries will fuel the hybrid-electric propulsion system, both built by the Swedish-Swiss electric equipment manufacturer ABB.
The state is adding charging capability at 16 terminals, and has agreements with Seattle City Light and Puget Sound Energy to power the first five that will be electrified: Seattle, Bainbridge Island, Bremerton, Clinton and Kingston.
The state anticipates terminal construction will start in Seattle in 2026 and be completed in 2029.
Charging the vessels will take 20 minutes. That’s about the typical time a ferry sits at the terminal while passengers and vehicles unload and load.
One notable local company missing from Monday’s bidder list is Vigor Shipyards, a local builder that the state had contracted with to build its vessels since the late 1990s.
The shipyard was on deck to build a new fleet of hybrid-electric boats for the state, but WSF cut off negotiations when Vigor said the first hybrid-electric ferry would cost more than $400 million — more than double the state’s estimate.
Vigor, however, is still in business with the state. It is currently converting the Wenatchee from diesel power to hybrid-electric, a complicated process that was expected to be completed last year but was delayed after workers discovered that blueprints didn’t match what was found on the boat.
The work, originally estimated to cost $50 million, is now estimated at $86 million, and the Wenatchee is expected back on the water this summer.
Following the delay of the Wenatchee, Gov. Bob Ferguson put the remaining conversions of the state’s Jumbo Mark II-class vessels — the Tacoma and the Puyallup — on hold until sometime after the 2026 FIFA World Cup comes to the region. When they begin again, the conversions are expected to take between 12 and 16 months.
Coupled with Ferguson’s decision to delay conversion was his announcement that ferry service would return to pre-pandemic levels this summer by putting 18 boats on the water. That would give the Bremerton-Seattle and Port Townsend-Coupeville routes two-boat service. The “triangle route” between Fauntleroy, Vashon Island and Southworth will have three-boat service.
Until this process, the state required its fleet to be built not only in the U.S., but in Washington state.
A provision in a century-old federal law — the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, often referred to as the Jones Act — requires that all goods transported on water between U.S. ports be carried on ships that are built in the U.S., fly the U.S. flag and are owned and crewed by U.S. citizens.
After the failed contract with Vigor, the Legislature loosened its rule requiring the ferry fleet to be made in-state. To offset costs related to the state’s relatively stringent environmental and labor rules, the state will provide a 13% bid credit to in-state contractors, which means Nichols’ high bid will come down some as the state examines the proposals.
Nichols Brothers is among dozens of shipyards in Washington, but one of the few with the ability to build state ferries. Requests for comment from Gavin Higgins, the company’s CEO, were not returned Monday.
The local shipbuilder was identified in a 2016 report commissioned by the Legislature as one of three in the state able to build ferries — along with Vigor and Dakota Creek Industries in Anacortes. The report also noted that Nichols did not “currently have the capacity to be the lead shipyard in constructing” vehicle ferries.
The shipyard, however, has been involved in various aspects of building the state ferries Samish, Tokitae, Kennewick, Salish and Chetzemoka.
Eastern Shipbuilding Group has built hundreds vessels, including U.S. Coast Guard offshore patrol cutters, tugboats, passenger ferries, fishing boats and fireboats, according to its company website. Jessica Ditto, a company spokesperson, declined to comment Monday.
Nicholas Deshais: 206-464-2932 or [email protected]. Nicholas Deshais covers transportation for The Seattle Times.
RV fire shuts down I-90 East at Seattle's Mount Baker TunnelAn RV fire caused a major traffic disruption Monday afternoon on eastbound I-90 in Seattle's Mount Baker tunnel.The Brief (WSP)SEATTLE - Eastbound I-90 is finally back open after an RV fire caused the freeway to shut down for hours on Monday....
An RV fire caused a major traffic disruption Monday afternoon on eastbound I-90 in Seattle's Mount Baker tunnel.
(WSP)
SEATTLE - Eastbound I-90 is finally back open after an RV fire caused the freeway to shut down for hours on Monday.
Two separate vehicle fires led to significant traffic disruptions in Seattle Monday afternoon, according to Trooper Rick Johnson of the Washington State Patrol.
What to know:
At 12:40 p.m., a motorhome caught fire and completely blocked eastbound Interstate 90 in the Mount Baker tunnel. Trooper Johnson said another car was involved in the crash. No injuries were reported.
All eastbound lanes of I-90 reopened around 7:15 p.m., according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).
Crews needed to clean up and perform inspections in the tunnel prior to reopening.
In a separate incident, a car fire on southbound Interstate 5 at Spokane Street resulted in all lanes being blocked.
Authorities put out the fire and reopened the road shortly after but the backups lingered.
No further details about the fires or any potential injuries have been released at this time. Motorists are advised to stay updated on traffic conditions and plan their routes accordingly.
The Source: Information in this story came from WSDOT and WSP.
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Video shows WA man escape attempted carjacking at gunpoint by ramming their carA dash cam captured an attempted carjacking near Pacific Raceway in Kent, Washington, where masked suspects pointed guns at a driver who managed to escape by ramming their vehicle.The BriefKENT, Wash. - An ...
A dash cam captured an attempted carjacking near Pacific Raceway in Kent, Washington, where masked suspects pointed guns at a driver who managed to escape by ramming their vehicle.
KENT, Wash. - An attempted carjacking near Pacific Raceway in Kent was captured on dash cam footage Friday morning, according to the King County Sheriff's Office.
What we know:
The encounter happened just before 10 a.m. as a man was driving to the raceway for an event.
According to deputies, the driver, who was trailering his car, reported noticing another vehicle following him. As he approached the raceway, he slowed down to allow the trailing car to pass. Instead, the vehicle moved to block him, and four masked individuals exited the car, pointing guns at him.
In the video, the driver can be seen accelerating away from the scene, ramming the suspect vehicle in the process. The suspect vehicle eventually left the area, and no arrests have been made.
What we don't know:
Detectives are currently working to identify the suspects involved in the attempted carjacking.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the King County Sheriff's Office.
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To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.
Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
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