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 Baker Block Museum 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 Baker, 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 WIlderness Landing 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 COTE Miami or visit Baker County Historical Society, 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 Baker, 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 Baker, 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 Baker, 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.
NFL players giving back? Now, that’s something we all love to see. Sure, they’ve got hefty paychecks, but what matters is when they choose to invest in the heart of the community. As they say, a small thing that separates the champs from the rest. And ? He’s just taking a step further. When the Space Coast Vipers were staring down the barrel of turning kids away due to lack of equipment, the Mayfields didn’t hesitate. He and his wife, Emily, stepped in, and boy, has it paid off.It was a $17,900 donation—e...
NFL players giving back? Now, that’s something we all love to see. Sure, they’ve got hefty paychecks, but what matters is when they choose to invest in the heart of the community. As they say, a small thing that separates the champs from the rest. And ? He’s just taking a step further. When the Space Coast Vipers were staring down the barrel of turning kids away due to lack of equipment, the Mayfields didn’t hesitate. He and his wife, Emily, stepped in, and boy, has it paid off.
It was a $17,900 donation—enough to outfit the whole squad with new gear. And now, the Vipers have stung their way to the State Championship. They were coming off a rough 1-8 season last year. But thanks to Mayfield, helping them to turn things around. Those fresh helmets and pads? Yes, sir, they’re heading to the SSAA 1A State Championship for the very first time.
This is some story. Worthy of a film script. Head Coach Jake Owens couldn’t contain his pride. he said. The team now stands at a solid 9-3 and is ready to go all out for the title.
And the Mayfield Foundation? They’re here for it. A spokesperson shared, This isn’t just a onetime thing, either. The Mayfields are in it for the long haul, committed to helping those who show resilience, grit, and heart—whether it’s on the field or off.
So, props to the Mayfields for seeing the potential in these young players and giving them the chance to go from setbacks to come back season. And you kinda expect it from the man receiving praises from .
Well, not exactly a praise of character, but an appreciation of a play. loved it when was pulling the rabbit out of the hat against the . Sure, the Bucs lost the game. But it was the day Baker earned respect.
Now in the booth, Brady called the play late in the game And yeah, that’s coming from a guy with seven rings. The scene? Fourth-and-7, less than two minutes left, and the trailing by three. It’s do-or-die, and is coming for Baker like a freight train.
But Mayfield? He wasn’t about to fold. With Bosa all over him, he somehow stiff-arms the All-Pro, stayed on his feet and delivered a dart to for the first down. Fans went wild, Brady was stunned, and Kevin Burkhardt was left singing similar praise as well. You could feel the electricity in Raymond James Stadium—and this time, it wasn’t just for the Bucs.
Mayfield’s stats for the game? 116 yards, 18 of 29 passing, and one TD. Not mind-blowing, but that one play? Pure magic. I mean, it was so good that Brady did not let their from early on come in the way. So, you know. But these mind-blowing moments can only take the Bucs so far. They are now 4-6. Baker can keep doing what he is, but the team has to respond and pronto if the playoff is the end goal.
A South Florida woman is taking legal action claiming she was held in mental institutions for nearly two weeks – for no legitimate reason.The case centers around Florida’s Baker Act, a state law by which people can be taken involuntarily for a mental health evaluation, if, among other reasons, they are a risk to themselves or others.In her lawsuit, Demoree Hadley claims that was not the case.She shared body camera video that she says proves her case and raises concerns about how the law, designed to protect p...
A South Florida woman is taking legal action claiming she was held in mental institutions for nearly two weeks – for no legitimate reason.
The case centers around Florida’s Baker Act, a state law by which people can be taken involuntarily for a mental health evaluation, if, among other reasons, they are a risk to themselves or others.
In her lawsuit, Demoree Hadley claims that was not the case.
She shared body camera video that she says proves her case and raises concerns about how the law, designed to protect people, can be implemented.
The incident happened on March 27, 2024. Video from body-worn cameras shows Broward Sheriff’s deputies met on the side of the road in Dania Beach by a man wearing a gray shirt.
“I’m waiting for car to go by,” he tells deputies, “There’s a girl driving it. She’s kind of a mentally unstable person.”
BSO has not responded to inquiries about who called the deputies there, but it appears they are taking direction from a man wearing a gray shirt.
NBC 6 Investigates gets results
“She’s heading over here right now,” says the man, “…They have a GPS on her.”
The man, whose name is James Fondo, asks deputies to follow him to a nearby parking lot once she arrives.
“I have a doctor, Dr. Bober from Hollywood Memorial Hospital who’s waiting for her to show up,” Fondo tells the deputies. “He’s going to Baker Act her.”
The woman, Demoree, says she was lured to that parking lot by someone posing as a potential client for the landscaping company she runs with her then-boyfriend, now husband.
But according to her lawsuit, when she showed up, she was approached by people she says she’d never met, including Dr. Daniel Bober – the chief of psychiatry at Memorial Regional Hospital, who also runs a private practice.
“I already knew. I had intuition, something is not right here,” Demoree said.
Deputies also had questions for those present, at least at first.
“Who are you guys?” one deputy asked the people at the scene. “So, we’re a mobile crisis team working with Dr. Bober from Memorial Hospital,” one of the men answered.
Memorial Healthcare told us there is no mobile crisis team affiliated with the hospital. And Dr. Bober didn’t respond to inquiries from NBC6. We found the three people seen on the video are James Fondo, Steven and Jessica Cady, who are the owners of a private security company called Sig 9. According to the company’s website, both men are former high-ranking BSO officers.
In the video, Demoree asks if she is being detained.
“For now, you’re being detained,” says Dr. Bober.
The Baker Act, which Dr. Bober was citing, allows a physician to order someone they’ve examined in the previous 48 hours be held against their will in a mental health facility if they pose a risk to themselves or others. And the doctor can ask law enforcement to take them there.
In the video, Demoree tells deputies several times that Bober is not her doctor, and she has never met him.
“He’s a doctor, he’s part of the mobile crisis unit,” one deputy responded when she voiced such concerns.
“I’ve never spoken to him,” Demoree says.
“I don’t care,” the deputy responds.
Demoree says Dr. Bober never examined her.
On the Baker Act paperwork, Dr. Bober certified he did that exam at 5:56 p.m. that day, the same time video shows them all still in that parking lot.
He diagnosed her with an “unspecified psychosis,” adding she was a risk to herself.
“I have three different collateral sources of information that she has been acting psychotic and she threatened to overdose,” Bober can be heard saying in the video. The doctor also tells Demoree, “I spoke to your mom. I spoke to your aunt.”
“What he (Bober) told me was we received a call from your family that you tried to OD (overdose) the night before and you’re being Baker Acted,” Demoree said. “My question was like, ‘what are you talking about?’”
According to experts NBC6 spoke with, it’s common for health professionals to take family’s concerns into account, and ultimately, the decision to Baker Act someone is up to the healthcare professional on scene.
Demoree asserts in her lawsuit that she has no mental health history and does not use illegal drugs. She also shared records from Memorial Regional Hospital showing that drug test results from that day were negative.
After the story aired, a representative for Dr. Bober told NBC6 that he is unable to do an interview following the advice of his attorney, adding he was not compensated in connection with Demoree’s case.
She also shared a statement from Dr. Bober’s attorney, which said Demoree “was placed under the Baker Act due to the potential risk of imminent harm she posed to herself. After meeting with Ms. Hadley and speaking with her mental health provider and members of her family, the decision was made to initiate the Baker Act in order to ensure her safety. This action is consistent with Florida law, which aims to protect individuals experiencing a crisis. Failing to take appropriate action and provide necessary care for Ms. Hadley would have been a breach of Dr. Bober’s ethical and professional obligations.”
Demoree and her attorney, Hilton Napoleon II, dispute her doctor supported the decision to Baker Act her. In a lawsuit she filed this month, Demoree also alleges her doctor “wrote a letter disputing Demoree’s supposed need for treatment or hospitalization,” a document Demoree also provided to NBC6.
Demoree’s doctor declined to discuss the case, citing the law that protect patients’ privacy.
“I have concerns about how all of this happened,” said Napoleon.
Napoleon is representing Demoree in the lawsuit, which alleges she spent nearly two weeks “falsely detained under Florida’s Baker Act and Marchman Act” –a similar law that allows involuntary substance abuse treatment. She claims it all stems from an ongoing dispute between Demoree and her own mother, who denies the allegations. In a motion to dismiss Demoree’s lawsuit, her mother says the family “attempted to get help…” “out of concern for her daughter’s physical and mental well-being.”
“I've been practicing law for 20 years and I’ve never seen a case like this before,” Napoleon said.
The lawsuit claims deputies “never verified the identity of the individuals on scene” and took their word despite Demoree repeatedly voicing concerns.
“I can’t drive myself?” Demoree can be heard asking deputies.
“No, you’re going to have to go with them,” said one deputy in response.
He directs Demoree toward a gray pick-up truck. At this point, Demoree asks if deputies could transport her instead.
“You’re going to be in handcuffs,” says the deputy, “The dog is not going to be able to come.”
“I don’t want to be in handcuffs,” says Demoree, who also has her pet dog with her in a carrier.
“Ok, we are going to take you to their vehicle,” says the deputy.
“You can't just force a woman into a dark gray truck without validating or verifying the story that's being told,” Napoleon said.
A spokesperson for BSO tells NBC6 Investigates the incident is now under review.
Sig 9 provided the following statement:
“SIG 9, LLC is a licensed professional security and transportation services provider. In March 2024, our team was engaged by a licensed mental health professional to assist with a voluntary transport of an adult female to a medical facility for psychiatric evaluation.
The transport was conducted respectfully, with the individual retaining full possession of her phone and personal belongings, and freely entering and exiting the vehicle under her own power. The presence of our personnel was requested to avoid the need for law enforcement intervention.
We strongly deny any involvement in, or knowledge of, a ‘conspiracy’ as alleged in pending litigation. Our role was limited, lawful, and conducted in good faith under the direction of a licensed physician. Because this matter is currently being litigated in federal court, we will not comment further on specific legal allegations. We trust the judicial process will bring clarity to the facts.”
A representative for Dr. Bober tells NBC6 he is not affiliated with Sig 9 and he didn’t hire the company. NBC6 contacted Sig 9 for further clarification about who hired them and what brought them to the scene. By the time of publication, we had not heard back.
Demoree was held for nearly two weeks at two mental health facilities, initially under the Baker Act, and then per a court order for a similar law used to hold drug abusers.
Demoree shared medical records, including discharged paperwork, that list her diagnosis as “persistent depressive disorder,” which she disputes.
“I don't think I’ve ever felt so alone and unseen and unheard in my whole entire life,” she said.
Memorial Healthcare tells us they’re not able to speak about the case due to the pending lawsuit. The second facility where Demoree was transferred, called Life Skills South Florida, has not yet responded to requests for comment. A representative for Dr. Bober told NBC6 that he evaluated Demoree for 38 hours as part of the Baker Act process and had no involvement in the decision to transfer her to Life Skills or her care afterwards.
In response to Demoree’s complaint, her mother has moved to dismiss the claims, denying any wrongdoing, and claiming her actions were based on legitimate concerns.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated to include Dr. Bober’s statement, which was provided after the story aired, and additional information provided by his representative. It was also clarified to note that the mother’s denial was found in recent court filings.
Respected golf industry veteran Dan Baker, who spent nearly 17 years with the PGA of America, died on Friday in a car accident on Alligator Alley in Florida. He was 58 years old.“He was more than just a colleague. He was a friend, true professional and leader who touched the lives of everyone he worked with,” said PGA of America CMO Jeff Price. “His dedication, passion, and kindness were evident in everything he did.”Baker had attended the Grant Thornton Invitational in Naples, Florida, an...
Respected golf industry veteran Dan Baker, who spent nearly 17 years with the PGA of America, died on Friday in a car accident on Alligator Alley in Florida. He was 58 years old.
“He was more than just a colleague. He was a friend, true professional and leader who touched the lives of everyone he worked with,” said PGA of America CMO Jeff Price. “His dedication, passion, and kindness were evident in everything he did.”
Baker had attended the Grant Thornton Invitational in Naples, Florida, and was headed home when he was involved in an accident.
Baker grew up in Newtown, Connecticut, and began caddying at Rock Ridge Country Club at age 10. Baker studied economics at Wake Forest, where he tried to walk on to the golf team.
“That was like trying to walk on to the No. 1-ranked Connecticut men’s basketball team today,” he told Global Golf Post earlier this year. “It wasn’t going to happen.”
He graduated in 1988 and after a short stint playing mini tours, Baker served as an assistant professional at Old Town Club in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Ridgewood Country Club in Danbury, Connecticut, and Boca Grove Country Club in Boca Raton, Florida.
He would go on to manage high profile events such as the 1997 Walker Cup at Quaker Ridge Golf Club in Scarsdale, New York, and supervised on-site activities, logistics and operations as the tournament director for the 1999 Ryder Cup at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts. His success in those roles led to a stint as tournament director of the Travelers Championship, the PGA Tour’s annual stop in Hartford form 1999-2005.
Baker did a stint in player representation and event management before enjoying nearly 17 years at the PGA as director of business development, including overseeing the annual PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando. His final show last January was the best attended in 20 years, completing a remarkable comeback from the limited years of the pandemic.
"He poured his heart and soul into it and truly cherished the Show as if it was his 'baby.' The 2024 PGA Show, his last and one of the best ever, was a true testament to his efforts," said Marc Simon, vice president of PGA Golf Exhibitions. "We have so many great memories made while working together. He was a dynamic storyteller who brought warmth, fun and humor to every encounter. He loved the PGA, the PGA Show, and truly all things golf. We will hold closely the shared memories of Dan. His impact on the Show and our entire team is unending and we are so grateful for his profound impact on all of us in his far too short life."
Baker left the PGA in April and started his own consultancy. For the past several months, he helped ensure the making of Happy Gilmore 2 had a certain authenticity among golfers. Baker, who was a hardcore Bruce Springsteen fan, had the reputation of being a friend to all.
“If you ask his many friends in the industry, they will always remember Dan’s infectious optimism, sense of humor and sarcastic wit,” Price said.
A celebration of life for Baker is still being planned.
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