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.
Wildfires are stretching longer each year, threatening to shut off power in several counties. Utility companies are stepping up efforts to prevent their lines from sparking the next big blaze, but researchers say managing wildfires requires a more comprehensive approach.KING COUNTY, Wash. - The Bear Gulch Fire continues to burn through Mason County, scorching more than 4,500 acres with just 3% containmen...
Wildfires are stretching longer each year, threatening to shut off power in several counties. Utility companies are stepping up efforts to prevent their lines from sparking the next big blaze, but researchers say managing wildfires requires a more comprehensive approach.
KING COUNTY, Wash. - The Bear Gulch Fire continues to burn through Mason County, scorching more than 4,500 acres with just 3% containment reported as of Sunday.
Level 3 "Leave Now" evacuations are in effect for areas near Lake Cushman, as firefighters work around the clock to gain control of the fast-moving blaze.
Big picture view:
The growing wildfire threat isn’t just forcing residents to flee — it’s also putting pressure on utility companies to prevent their equipment from sparking additional fires. With hotter, drier and windier conditions becoming the norm, utilities across Washington are preparing for potential power shutoffs aimed at protecting communities.
What they're saying:
"We've gone from wildfire season to wildfire years," Andre Coleman, chief scientist at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), said.
Coleman says the wildfires of today are not the same as a decade ago.
"Oftentimes, hotter fires, more dynamic fires, look a little different than they did a decade ago," Coleman said.
That intensity is now reaching areas historically untouched by fire, including the western slopes of the Cascades. Experts estimate 60 to 70% of wildfires are human-caused.
"It could be from electrical infrastructure … could be from a burn that got away, the campfire that wasn't extinguished," Coleman continued.
Dig deeper:
As wildfires spread faster and with more destructive power, utility companies are stepping up efforts to minimize their role in ignitions—sometimes by shutting off power altogether.
"A public safety power shutoff could occur within a given area of our service territory… we have environmental risks that are extreme for fire conditions," Ryan Murphy, director of electric operations for Puget Sound Energy said.
Murphy explained that these planned outages are triggered when fire conditions reach a dangerous threshold, specifically, during stretches of high wind, low humidity, and dry conditions.
"In those situations our goal is to shut power off in those high-risk areas in order to avoid the ignitions of course," Murphy explained.
PSE has already identified high-risk zones for 2025, including parts of Vashon Island, Ellensburg, Glacier and several other communities.
The company aims to give customers at least 48 hours notice of a shutoff, especially those who rely on power for life-saving medical equipment.
Beyond shutoffs, the utility is also deploying "enhanced power line settings" to reduce the chance of sparking a fire.
"Unless there is a tree that falls in or a failure on our electrical system, our customers will see no difference when we’re in enhanced power line settings," Murphy said.
While PSE didn’t need to use the shutoff program last year, the company says it’s continuing to modernize its infrastructure and is investing in undergrounding lines, trimming vegetation, reinforcing poles and installing high-definition cameras for real-time monitoring.
"There are trade-offs … there are environmental trade-offs … there are operational trade-offs. We’re very mindful of affordability, so we really need to know that undergrounding electrical lines is the most cost-effective way to reach that mitigation," Murphy said.
Experts say utility efforts alone aren’t enough.
"We need to be managing on a more landscape level," Coleman said. "That means involving the cities, the state, whoever the landowners are. Whether there's a private landowner, state landowners, federal landowners … and really work towards building out more comprehensive fire management plans and work together on this."
Maps of active wildfires and risk areas are available on the National Interagency Fire Center website.
The Source: Information in this story came from Puget Sound Energy, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and FOX 13 Seattle reporting.
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Microsoft is laying off 40 Washington-based employees, as the company continues to trim its workforce amid record spending on artificial intelligence.Monday’s layoffs, disclosed in a state filing, are separate from previous announcements of global job cuts. The company announced in May that it was letting go of more than 6,000 workers and made another announcement in July f...
Microsoft is laying off 40 Washington-based employees, as the company continues to trim its workforce amid record spending on artificial intelligence.
Monday’s layoffs, disclosed in a state filing, are separate from previous announcements of global job cuts. The company announced in May that it was letting go of more than 6,000 workers and made another announcement in July for an additional 9,000 employees.
Microsoft said Monday’s cuts throughout the company were very small.
In Washington, Microsoft has cut 3,160 jobs so far this year, including Monday’s layoffs.
“Organizational and workforce changes are a necessary and regular part of managing our business,” a Microsoft spokesperson said in an emailed statement. “We will continue to prioritize and invest in strategic growth areas for our future and in support of our customers and partners.”
The company is continuing a run of one of the largest layoffs in its history while reporting record quarterly revenues and profits. Last week, Microsoft’s fiscal year earnings stunned Wall Street, especially for its cloud and AI business.
Microsoft reported last week that it invested $88 billion over the past year to build out its AI infrastructure and plans to spend another $30 billion by the end of September.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella addressed this “incongruence” in a memo to employees last month.
“This is the enigma of success in an industry that has no franchise value,” he said. “Progress isn’t linear. It’s dynamic, sometimes dissonant, and always demanding.”
Despite the waves of layoffs, Microsoft’s head count is relatively unchanged, Nadella said, as the company prioritizes hiring in other parts of its business. Microsoft reported that it had 228,000 employees at the end of June, the same number that it reported last year.
Microsoft Philanthropies underwrites some Seattle Times journalism projects.
Alex Halverson: 206-652-6352 or [email protected].
The Blue Angels are back in town for Seafair 2025 — and you’ll hear them before you see them!When these iconic jets roar overhead, you’ll know the U.S. Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron is in full swing. Each summer, they captivate Seattleites with high-speed acrobatic stunts, maneuvers, and formations over Lake Washington.This year’s Boeing Seafair Air Show includes not just the Blue Angels but also thrilling performances by the U.S. Army Golden Knights, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard, an...
The Blue Angels are back in town for Seafair 2025 — and you’ll hear them before you see them!
When these iconic jets roar overhead, you’ll know the U.S. Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron is in full swing. Each summer, they captivate Seattleites with high-speed acrobatic stunts, maneuvers, and formations over Lake Washington.
This year’s Boeing Seafair Air Show includes not just the Blue Angels but also thrilling performances by the U.S. Army Golden Knights, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard, and other military and civilian teams.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or someone Googling “jets over Seattle” to figure out what’s shaking your windows, here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 Blue Angels practice schedule, air show times, and best free places to watch. Be sure to keep an eye out on the Seafair website for any changes to the schedule.
Note: You may want to get pets inside and warn the kids about the terrifying noise, get to a vantage point where you can watch, or leave town to avoid the whole thing! No judgement whatever you choose.
These are some of the best public spots to catch the Blue Angels Seattle schedule — without buying a Seafair ticket. Bring ear protection (especially for kids), something comfy to sit on, and maybe a picnic!
In Seattle:
In Bellevue:
In Mercer Island:
Aircraft flight times are tentative and subject to change.
Below are the scheduled air show performances, happening Friday through Sunday over Lake Washington. Looking for Blue Angels flyover times? They’re typically last — and always worth the wait.
General admission is free on August 1, courtesy of Windemere.
Pro Tip: If you’re searching “Blue Angels Seattle 2025” or “Seafair airshow viewing spots,” save this page — it’s your full schedule and strategy guide for one of the city’s most epic summer weekends. Schedule subject to change. Check the official Seafair site for updates.
I spy summer: August has floating music fests, fun aboard the state fair Ferris wheel, and easygoing art festivals. This month is the time to go all-in on outdoor playtime, and the state has plenty of events for it.The Gorge’s annual country music fest boasts a star-studded lineup with the lik...
I spy summer: August has floating music fests, fun aboard the state fair Ferris wheel, and easygoing art festivals. This month is the time to go all-in on outdoor playtime, and the state has plenty of events for it.
The Gorge’s annual country music fest boasts a star-studded lineup with the likes of Jason Aldean and Dierks Bentley. But the music is only half the fun: Festival camping in the Eastern Washington desert comes with community and themed contests for the best campsite decor.
The banks of the Skykomish River come alive with creativity during Index’s annual art festival. Wander booths of local artist wares, dance to live music until you drop, and take in spoken word performances under stunning Cascade peaks. Need an art break? The Town Walls hold countless routes for experienced rock climbers.
Just a ferry ride away from downtown Seattle, laidback Vashon Island hosts an annual film fest of independent cinema. The curated lineup holds a handful of Pacific Northwest and West Coast premieres, from documentary Coroner to the Stars to French narrative A Second Life.
Make like Van Gogh and haul a canvas outside for outdoor painting all across Whidbey Island; this annual event gathers artists to recreate the island’s many vistas. The stretch of en masse painting days culminates in a gala where the week’s work is sold to creatives and collectors.
The traditional music festival gets an upgrade with a floating concert on Hood Canal. Boaters buy an official fest flag to join the party, while those of us without yachts or kayaks can board Alderbrook Resort’s cruise or opt for land-bound sets at Robin Hood Village Resort. All festivalgoers can take part in a history-imbued dinner—with live music and dancing, of course.
Not far from where the famous Maury Island incident occurred in 1947, UFO enthusiasts gather to discuss what’s out there. Burien Film Festival flicks screen all day, and the event includes live music and costume contests for Alien and Men in Black enthusiasts.
Tumwater’s hoppy roots from bygone Olympia Brewery manifest in a modern-day beer fest with over 100 pours, stein-holding competitions, and local food. A human-size beer pong game will make everyone feel like a college kid, but the event itself is 21 and over only.
Long Beach’s quintessential boardwalk almost always affords a view of kites flying above the Pacific, but a weeklong event boasts informal workshops, live music, a beer garden, and the most elaborate kites to grace the sky all year. International kite-flying teams perform synchronized routines, and anyone can get in on the action thanks to beachside kite vendors.
This state fair can be hard to distinguish from the one down south, but Monroe’s has been a Snohomish County fall staple for decades and has dialed in the right combination of carnival rides and unique forms of entertainment (chainsaw carving, anyone?). Monster truck shows hold down opening weekend alongside three days of classic rodeo events.
One of the most impressive aerial performances in the world is returning to Seattle. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels are back for the 2025 Boeing Seafair Air Show.The team of Navy and Marine Corps service members arrived on Wednesday in seven F-18 Hornet jets at King County International Airport to prepare for the weekend festi...
One of the most impressive aerial performances in the world is returning to Seattle. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels are back for the 2025 Boeing Seafair Air Show.
The team of Navy and Marine Corps service members arrived on Wednesday in seven F-18 Hornet jets at King County International Airport to prepare for the weekend festivities.
"I used to watch this show growing up as a kid, and it’s always the high point of summer," said GySgt. Brandon Wishard, a flight engineer with the U.S. Navy C-130 Fat Albert.
Local perspective:
The annual aerial event is a full-circle moment for Seattle-native Wishard. This will be his second year flying high above his hometown.
"Watching the Blue Angels as a kid was a fantastic opportunity. See it over here at the Flight Museum and fly over, but to actually come back and be a part of the actual show and be part of the Seafair in this role is definitely a dream come true," said Wishard.
The Blue Angels said all the aerial acrobatics are sure to be a showstopper for the thousands of fans along Lake Washington.
"This year I think it’s going to be better than the last. Last year we had a little bit of cold rain when we got here, but now it’s bright and sunny so I’m pretty stoked," said Maj. Sam Petko, a pilot on the U.S. Navy C-130 Fat Albert.
Timeline:
As the team prepares to be Seafair’s main attraction, they will conduct test runs on Thursday, July 31, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. - 4:40 p.m.
On Friday, August 1, the Blue Angels will perform at 3:35 p.m., with ticketed shows at Genesee Park continuing through Sunday, Aug. 3, at 3:35 p.m.
Unlike in years past, the I-90 bridge will remain open during all air show performances.
"One of the coolest things for me is anytime we can go to the shoreline or interact with people, you got the little kids coming up and saying they want to be a Blue Angel or even just a pilot someday. That gets me excited. It reminds me of when I was a kid, when I was looking up into the sky and doing the exact same thing," said Petko.
All the action kicks off with a nine-minute show from Fat Albert. It’s a U.S. Marine Corps Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules used by the Blue Angels for their logistics. In-between shows, it hauls other Blue Angels team members, luggage, and equipment across the country.
The performance will continue with six Blue Angels jets. Inside one of the jets is flight commander Adam Bryan. He will be soaring over Emerald City for the first time.
"I have the honor, and I’m humbled to work along 160 of the absolute finest sailors and Marines in the United States Navy and Marine Corps. And they’re even better people. They make me better every single day and I love working alongside them," said Cdr. Bryan.
The Blue Angels began their legacy in 1946 and have since performed for more than 500 million spectators. Officials said, "Their mission is to showcase the teamwork and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps by inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country through flight demonstrations and community outreach."
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