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 Blue Star Memorial Highway Historical Marker 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 Mary Esther, FL 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.
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 Oak Tree Nature Preserve 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 Benjarong Thai Cuisine or visit Oak Tree Nature Preserve, 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 Mary Esther, FL, 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 Mary Esther, FL 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 Mary Esther, FL 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.
WALTON COUNTY, Fla. -- A Mary Esther woman was arrested Sunday after deputies discovered her 3-year-old son had been left alone at a playground for nearly two hours in hot weather, according to the Walton County Sheriff's Office.Danielle Bryant, 22, is charged with child neglect.The incident happened around 1 p.m. at Silver Sands Premium Outlets.The sheriff's office says a citizen approached a deputy and reported that a young child had been playing alone in the playground since at least 11:30 a.m."According t...
WALTON COUNTY, Fla. -- A Mary Esther woman was arrested Sunday after deputies discovered her 3-year-old son had been left alone at a playground for nearly two hours in hot weather, according to the Walton County Sheriff's Office.
Danielle Bryant, 22, is charged with child neglect.
The incident happened around 1 p.m. at Silver Sands Premium Outlets.
The sheriff's office says a citizen approached a deputy and reported that a young child had been playing alone in the playground since at least 11:30 a.m.
"According to witnesses, the toddler had nearly run into traffic before a bystander intervened and pulled him to safety," the sheriff's office said. "After trying unsuccessfully to locate the child’s parent, the good Samaritan brought the boy to Silver Sands security. Deputies made contact with security staff at the outlet mall’s security office, where the child was safe and being cared for."
While deputies were on scene interviewing witnesses, Bryant approached asking about her son.
"Bryant told deputies she had been working at a nearby store and had left her son at the playground, stating a friend was supposed to pick him up," the sheriff's office says. "She claimed she had been watching him through the store’s window while working. However, Bryant was unaware that her son had been with a bystander for approximately 45 minutes or that he had attempted to run into traffic, prompting the witness to alert security. At no point did she contact law enforcement to report her child missing."
At the time, the temperature was 88 degrees with a heat index of 101, according to the sheriff's office.
"The child had no food or water while left alone on the playground," the sheriff's office said.
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MARY ESTHER — The city of Mary Esther is one step closer to making Cristobal Park a reality.On Monday, the Mary Esther City Council unanimously approved the final design and phasing plan for a 1.15-acre, $3 million waterfront park along South Cristobal Road.Talks about the park date back to August 2023, when the county and the city entered an agreement to purchase the property for $1.3 million to offer more waterfront acce...
MARY ESTHER — The city of Mary Esther is one step closer to making Cristobal Park a reality.
On Monday, the Mary Esther City Council unanimously approved the final design and phasing plan for a 1.15-acre, $3 million waterfront park along South Cristobal Road.
Talks about the park date back to August 2023, when the county and the city entered an agreement to purchase the property for $1.3 million to offer more waterfront access to Okaloosa County residents.
Once completed, the new facility will offer 21 parking spaces and be a launching point for paddleboards, canoes and kayaks. Furthermore, the park will offer fishing areas, picnic pavilions, walking trails, restrooms and will be ADA accessibility.
According to documents provided by the city before Monday's meeting, permits for water facilities were delayed. The park's construction will be divided into two phases to circumvent this.
The first phase will include upland improvements, including parking, restrooms, picnic shelters and landscaping. Phase two will include "in-water construction," including the pier, kayak launch and other amenities.
According to an Okaloosa County Tourism Development Department (TDD) official, obtaining those permits for water construction could take up to a year, leading to delays.
As the council deliberated, council member Bernie Oder raised concerns about homelessness and vagrancy. An Okaloosa County official alleviated these concerns by saying that cameras would be installed near the restrooms and feature electronically locking doors.
Another concern Oder raised was maintenance costs once the city takes over after construction. According to a county official, costs remain unclear due to phase two delays.
Okaloosa County Commissioner Trey Goodwin was also in attendance Monday night. During his remarks, he referenced Oder's concerns for safety. He told council members that security concerns are being addressed at multiple county parks, including rehabilitating a Cinco Bayou boat ramp recently purchased by Okaloosa County.
"Thank you for the city-county partnership on this," Goodwin said to the council. "I think it's a really great opportunity."
The project's estimated total cost is $3 million, shared between the county and the city. Since the project is entirely funded through the Tourist Development Tax, there will be no direct financial impact on Mary Esther’s budget. However, the city will be responsible for ongoing maintenance costs once the park is completed.
In an email to the Northwest Florida Daily News, a TDD official said the construction documents for phase one should be out for bid by mid-April, taking up to eight weeks. Once a contract is signed, construction is estimated to begin by mid-summer, with park construction lasting six to eight months.
The official reiterated that phase two depends on the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and a submerged-land lease, which could take up to a year to obtain.
MARY ESTHER — The City of Mary Esther is considering a new ordinance to establish new rules on short-term rental properties within city limits.Here is what we know.Ordinance detailsFirst discussed during a council meeting on March 4, the proposed ordinance sets forth several key requirements for short-term rental owners in line with statewide regulations passed by Florida lawmakers.In March, the Legislature passed SB 280, ...
MARY ESTHER — The City of Mary Esther is considering a new ordinance to establish new rules on short-term rental properties within city limits.
Here is what we know.
First discussed during a council meeting on March 4, the proposed ordinance sets forth several key requirements for short-term rental owners in line with statewide regulations passed by Florida lawmakers.
In March, the Legislature passed SB 280, setting statewide regulation of such rentals. Among other things, the state bill would set occupancy limits, cap fines at $500 and require that owners have someone available to respond to emergencies or complaints 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The bill does allow cities to charge a "reasonable" registration fee.
As of Monday, the bill hadn't been sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis.
The proposed ordinance in Mary Esther requires owners to obtain a certificate of registration by Sept. 30 and renew annually by the same date.
Owners must also provide proof of ownership and contact information and designate a responsible party who can be contacted anytime. The ordinance also outlines that they must respond to issues within an hour and facilitate official inspections.
Owners must also comply with current tax and licensing requirements and facility occupancy limits. All applications must be processed within 15 business days. Once a certificate of registration is acquired, it must be posted inside the rental property.
If passed, the new ordinance would take effect Oct. 1.
Vacation owners found operating without a certificate, exceeding occupancy limits or providing false information will be subject to fines, suspension or revocation of their certificate of registration. Each day a violation continues, it will be considered a separate offense.
Repeated violations can result in a registration suspension of up to 90 days, with severe cases leading to a permanent loss of their certificate.
During Monday's Mary Esther City Council meeting, Mayor Chris Stein motioned to delay reading the proposed ordinance until June 17 after Councilwoman April Sutton asked give the public more time to understand the new regulations.
The special city council meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at the Mary Esther Library, 195 Christobal Road.
MARY ESTHER — Two Mary Esther Council members have resigned from office because of a new state law that took effect Jan. 1 requiring them to disclose their personal finances in a document called "Form 6."On Dec. 26, Council Member Susan Coxwell sent a letter of resignation by email to City Manager ...
MARY ESTHER — Two Mary Esther Council members have resigned from office because of a new state law that took effect Jan. 1 requiring them to disclose their personal finances in a document called "Form 6."
On Dec. 26, Council Member Susan Coxwell sent a letter of resignation by email to City Manager Jared Cobb, stating that her decision would take effect on Dec. 30, ending a political career that began in 2018.
Two days later, on Dec. 28, Council Member Janice Lipscomb also submitted an email to Cobb stating that she would resign from office.
The resignations leave four people on the Mary Esther City Council: Mayor Chris Stein and council members Larry Carter, Bernie Oder and April Sutton.
Introduced during the 2023 Florida Legislative Session, SB 774, "Ethics Requirements for Public Officials," was sponsored by state Sen. Jason Brodeur, R-Lake Mary. The bill was passed and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on May 11, with the law taking effect on Jan. 1.
Under the new regulations, city council members across the state have to file a Form 6 detailing far more personal financial information than required before. The information includes dollar amounts in bank accounts, 401(k) plans and other assets, such as household goods, property, cash, bonds, stocks, CDs, trusts, business interests, money owed to officials and investments in assorted accounts, including the Florida College Investment Plan.
Failure to file could result in removal or suspension from office or employment and include a fine of $25 per day until a maximum penalty is reached of $1,500. Failure to make required disclosures can result in a reprimand, demotion, reduction in salary, impeachment and/or a civil penalty to a maximum of $10,000.
In Coxwell's email to Cobb, she said that she had been weighing the decision since May 11.
"As many across the state who have stepped down, this is not a decision made to hide anything, but because it could cause conflicts in my family and career," Coxwell said. "I hope that the state realizes that the decision to require the Form 6 for our level of elected officials is not 'parity' to such positions as governor or senate.
"The city is moving forward and holding onto the community connection the residents enjoy," Coxwell added. "I can’t wait to see the progress and completion of the projects that we, as council, staff and contractors, have worked so hard to get into motion."
Lipscomb said that the decision to resign was made after "long conversations" with her husband, Bill, and it was decided that it was in her best interest to resign.
With her status as a local business owner, she said she would not like certain information to be available to other businesses in town.
On Jan. 17, the city released a public notice to all residents stating that those interested in filling the vacancy can do so until the positions are filled.
Eligible candidates must be Mary Esther residents and voters in Okaloosa County. Interested individuals should submit a Letter of Interest via mail to the City Clerk at 195 Christobal Road N., Mary Esther, FL 32569, or by email to [email protected].
Applicants will be interviewed by the City Council on Feb. 5, at 6 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. These interviews are open to the public and can be attended virtually, with a link on the city's website calendar at www.cityofmaryesther.com.
Any appointees are required by state law to submit a financial disclosure (Form 6) with the Florida Commission on Ethics. Council members receive a salary of $250 a month, which increases to $350 a month on April 1.
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