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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 Seattle, WA

Home Care Seattle, WA

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.

 In-Home Care Seattle, WA

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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

“Provided quality care for a relative settling back home after a hospital stay. Well managed small business with very good caregivers.”

Guy H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Voicelyn
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Dusty
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Dusty K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

rebecca T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Responsive office, qualified care givers.”

Dale J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“We have a wonderful experience, with ABCSS. The Team and services are the best. We are very pleased and blessed. Thank you all.”

Brenda J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Matt A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Haley V.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

nancy E.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!!”

bomoawad
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!!”

Angie M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Gigi S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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”

Julie T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“This company did a fantastic job caring for my father. I highly recommend them for home care.”

Barbara C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Valentine C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Valli C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!!!”

Leisha D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Ron A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Tara F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Tara F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Teresa B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Gayla M.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Seattle, WA?

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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 Seattle, WA

Types of Elderly Care in Seattle, WA

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 Seattle, WA
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 Seattle, WA
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 Kerry 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 Seattle, WA
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 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.

 In-Home Care Seattle, WA

Benefits of Home Care in Seattle, WA

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 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.

 Elderly Care Seattle, WA

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 WA'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 Seattle, WA

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 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.

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 Seattle, WA

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 Seattle, WA

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:

  • Queen Anne Manor Assisted and Memory Care Community
  • Emerald City at Greenlake Senior Living
  • Northgate Plaza
  • Quail Park of West Seattle
  • Brookdale Admiral Heights
  • Aegis Living West Seattle
Home Care Seattle, WA

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 Seattle, WA

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 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.

 Elderly Care Seattle, WA

Latest News in Seattle, WA

Republic Services strike: Where Western WA residents can drop off trash

Western Washington garbage collectors have now been on strike against Republic Services for nearly a week, as workers in Thurston County negotiate their first contract with the company.The strike is also part of what the Teamsters union called a “nationwide strike for fair contracts.” This week, Teamsters said it ...

Western Washington garbage collectors have now been on strike against Republic Services for nearly a week, as workers in Thurston County negotiate their first contract with the company.

The strike is also part of what the Teamsters union called a “nationwide strike for fair contracts.” This week, Teamsters said it will extend its picket lines to Los Angeles.

Republic Services strike pauses trash pickup across Western Washington

The strike has affected Bellevue, Kent, Edmonds, Lynnwood, Renton and unincorporated King and Snohomish counties.

Republic Services said Bellevue residents can drop off garbage, compostables and recycling at Bannerwood Park parking lot from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday.

Renton residents can drop off their trash at Thomas Teasdale Park between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. Wednesday. Bulky waste will not be collected at the park, Republic Services said.

The company advised those dropping off the trash to have their material in bags.

Residents can also drop off trash at transfer stations, including at Bow Lake Recycling and Transfer Station in Tukwila, King County Transfer Station in Bellevue and Snohomish County transfer stations in Everett, Arlington and Mountlake Terrace.

As for Seattle, Seattle Public Utilities said last week that its customers will not be affected. SPU’s contractors are still making pickups, and the service doesn’t anticipate any short-term impacts.

Material from The Seattle Times archives was used in this report.

Seattle Times staff.

Greenacres Fire near Omak, WA reaches 550 acres, evacuations downgraded

A wildfire that ignited near Omak, Washington, grew to 550 acres and threatened homes – forcing evacuations that have since been downgraded. (Okanogan Volunteer Fire Department)Officials say the fire started on Monday, July 14, around 3:20 p.m., and burned through brus...

A wildfire that ignited near Omak, Washington, grew to 550 acres and threatened homes – forcing evacuations that have since been downgraded.

(Okanogan Volunteer Fire Department)

Officials say the fire started on Monday, July 14, around 3:20 p.m., and burned through brush and grass. On Tuesday, Okanogan County Emergency Management said the fire was still burning, but only in isolated areas.

Are there evacuations in place for the Greenacres Fire near Omak, WA?

As of Tuesday, Okanogan County Emergency Management announced that all Level 2 "Get Set" and Level 3 "Go Now" evacuations had been downgraded to Level 1 "Get Ready". Although all roads are now open, officials are still asking those who do not live in the area to stay clear.

(Okanogan County Emergency Management)

What should I do if I lost my home in the wildfire?

Anyone who has lost a home or structure, or needs assistance due to the Greenacres Fire, is encouraged to contact Okanogan County Emergency Management at 509-422-7348.

More information is available on the agency's website.

What started the Greenacres Fire near Omak, WA?

According to the Washington State Patrol, the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The Source: Information in this story came from Okanogan County Emergency Management, the Washington State Patrol and Okanogan Volunteer Fire Department.

Maverick Gaming to close 4 WA casinos following rule change

SEATTLE - Maverick Gaming's multi-state operation is in the midst of a shakeup. The company has announced they are shutting down the following four casinos in Washington.Why are Washington casinos closing? What they're saying:"This decision follows the Washington Gaming Commissioners’ choice to shut down the centralized surveillance petition, which was intended to support Washington Cardrooms," read a section of their website.Maverick Gaming operates 19 propert...

SEATTLE - Maverick Gaming's multi-state operation is in the midst of a shakeup. The company has announced they are shutting down the following four casinos in Washington.

Why are Washington casinos closing?

What they're saying:

"This decision follows the Washington Gaming Commissioners’ choice to shut down the centralized surveillance petition, which was intended to support Washington Cardrooms," read a section of their website.

Maverick Gaming operates 19 properties in Washington, five in Nevada, and three in colorado.

Dig deeper:

Company representatives point to threats to their their gaming and profit model from the recent vote by the gaming board in Washington. They say recent moves by the board will impact their ability to compete.

"In the decision considerations, the gaming board compared Washington cardroom casinos (15 tables) to mega casinos that attract higher volumes of traffic, impacting our operations. The lack of centralized and advanced surveillance technology, in contrast to what is available in larger establishments, has further hindered our ability to compete effectively," read a section of their website.

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Wildfire smoke brings haze over Puget Sound region

Noticeable wildfire smoke haze is lingering over western Washington. Here's where it's coming from, and how it will impact air quality.EVERETT, Wash. — Northeasterly winds are pushing smoke from Canadian wildfires into the western Washington region beginning Tuesday. This comes alongside high temperatures.According to the ...

Noticeable wildfire smoke haze is lingering over western Washington. Here's where it's coming from, and how it will impact air quality.

EVERETT, Wash. — Northeasterly winds are pushing smoke from Canadian wildfires into the western Washington region beginning Tuesday. This comes alongside high temperatures.

According to the Washington Smoke Blog, smoke will primarily hit eastern Whatcom, Skagit and northern Snohomish counties.

KING 5's live cameras showed wildfire smoke haze over Tacoma and Seattle. But that is likely to stay higher up in the atmosphere.

The National Weather Service (NWS) said the smoke will remain mainly aloft, meaning much of it will remain high up in the atmosphere, though some of it will hang low enough to make an impact on air quality.

Our air quality will drop into the moderate range Tuesday and remain there through the rest of the week, according to IQ Air forecasts.

The Smoke Blog said haze may be noticeable across western Washington until westerly offshore winds return Thursday, pushing it out of the region.

Smoke from the Placer Creek Fire in Southern British Columbia is also impacting communities in northeastern Washington. Satellite images showed the smoke plume moving southeast across the Washington border.

Fire weather danger

A Fire Weather Watch is in effect for the western slopes of the north and central Cascades, generally above 1,500 feet, and the Black Hills area and southwest interior lowlands from Tuesday morning through Wednesday evening.

During the Fire Weather Watch, the NWS warns of hot, dry and unstable conditions for those areas. Gusty winds are expected along with low humidity. That, combined with warm temperatures, can contribute to the rapid spread of fires, should they spark.

Humidity during the warning period will be as low as 24%, paired with moderate breezes and warm temperatures.

Tracking smoke impacts from Canada, WA wildfires

SEATTLE - As we head into a sizzling week across Washington, we look at smoke conditions and air quality across the state impacted by wildfire smoke.Fires burning in Canada are beginning to worsen air quality in the northwestern part of the state. The Placer Creek fire in British Columbia will be one to watch as smoke makes its way over to the ...

SEATTLE - As we head into a sizzling week across Washington, we look at smoke conditions and air quality across the state impacted by wildfire smoke.

Fires burning in Canada are beginning to worsen air quality in the northwestern part of the state. The Placer Creek fire in British Columbia will be one to watch as smoke makes its way over to the Okanogan Valley.

Where is wildfire smoke visible in Washington?

Smoke can be seen across the Aeneas Mountain just west of Tonasket in the central-northern part of the state.

In the Evergreen State, there are a couple of fires burning that will send more smoke into the air. The Western Pines Fire in eastern Washington continues to burn with little to no containment.

In the northeastern part of the state, crews continue battling another blaze: The Hope Fire has burned more than 7,000 acres, prompting Level 3 evacuation orders.

Is the air quality bad in Washington?

Virtually the entire state is within "good" air quality ranges on Tuesday. However, winds from the northeast will push more Canadian wildfire smoke into populated areas of Washington.

The smoke is expected to drift primarily to the atmospheric levels. Scientists predict some smoke may mix down and worsen air quality to "moderate" levels by Wednesday in the following counties:

More information on air quality can be found on the state's Washington Air Quality Map.

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