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 James Houston Jones Historic Park 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 Laurel Hill, 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 Gene Clary 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 Laurel Hill Grill or visit Florida's Highest Point, 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 Laurel Hill, 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 Laurel Hill, 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 Laurel Hill, 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.
LAUREL HILL, Fla. -- A significant investment in agricultural education is coming to rural Okaloosa County students.The Consortium of Florida Education Foundations, in partnership with The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation, has awarded $100,000 to the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation (OPSF) through its new Career Catalyst initiative. This grant program specifically targets rural, underserved areas by funding innovative Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs that prepare students for high-skill, high-wage jobs. The funds will cre...
LAUREL HILL, Fla. -- A significant investment in agricultural education is coming to rural Okaloosa County students.
The Consortium of Florida Education Foundations, in partnership with The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation, has awarded $100,000 to the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation (OPSF) through its new Career Catalyst initiative. This grant program specifically targets rural, underserved areas by funding innovative Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs that prepare students for high-skill, high-wage jobs. The funds will create hands-on agricultural career pathways for students in an underserved community. Chosen from a competitive pool of 13 outstanding applicants, the OPSF stood out for its comprehensive approach to career education. The "Growing Laurel Hill" program will serve 150 students, many of whom come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, with 69% qualifying for Free and Reduced Lunch. Through hands-on experiences in horticulture, Agri-Technology, greenhouses, aquaponics systems, and internships, students will gain valuable skills to prepare them for careers in agriculture and related industries.
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Superintendent Marcus Chambers praised the initiative, stating: "The 'Growing Laurel Hill' program is a shining example of how we can create meaningful career pathways for our students. This grant will provide them hands-on learning experiences, industry skills, and real-world opportunities to shape their futures. We are incredibly grateful to the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation for investing in the success of our students and our community." Assistant Superintendent John Spolski echoed this sentiment, adding: "This project is a testament to what can be achieved through strong community partnerships. With support from local businesses, organizations, and agencies, we are equipping students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in Florida's evolving agricultural landscape. We are excited to see this program take root and flourish."
The program has already secured $50,000 from the Farm Bureau, with an additional $100,000 pending from Yellow River Soil and Water Conservation and support from the USDA and local businesses. This public-private partnership will ensure the success and sustainability of the "Growing Laurel Hill" initiative, which is set to launch in the 2025-2026 school year. The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation remains dedicated to fostering career pathways in Florida's high-demand fields. With this grant, the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation is poised to cultivate brighter futures for students and the community.
"The Growing Laurel Hill Academy is exactly the type of initiative that we hope to foster through our Career Catalyst program," said Mary Chance, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations. "We're excited to see how local industry and community leaders have rallied around this effort to create a meaningful opportunity for students. We believe this program will serve as a model for similar projects across the state."
Laurel Hill School teacher Amanda Varnum, who was fired in November for sitting on the lap of a male student, has had her teaching certificate suspended for one year.In a formal order issued Monday, the state’s Education Practices Commission said it had reached a Revised Settlement Agreement with Varnum that will prevent her from renewing her education certification until Sept. 13, 2019.“During the 2017-18 school year, (Varnum) engaged in inappropriate conduct when she sat in the lap of a 12th grade student,” ...
Laurel Hill School teacher Amanda Varnum, who was fired in November for sitting on the lap of a male student, has had her teaching certificate suspended for one year.
In a formal order issued Monday, the state’s Education Practices Commission said it had reached a Revised Settlement Agreement with Varnum that will prevent her from renewing her education certification until Sept. 13, 2019.
“During the 2017-18 school year, (Varnum) engaged in inappropriate conduct when she sat in the lap of a 12th grade student,” the complaint against her states.
Varnum signed the settlement agreement Sept. 13.
The agreement also requires Varnum to pay a $750 fine and take a course in Classroom Management.
Okaloosa County School District officials initiated an investigation in late October of 2017 after the principal of Laurel Hill School reported rumors of Varnum sitting upon a male student’s lap while teaching a class.
Several students confirmed that Varnum frequently sat on the lap of an 18-year-old student and some reported that she would sometimes move around while seated on the student. Another student said Varnum joked about penis size with two male students, according to school district documents obtained by the Northwest Florida Daily News.
Nine photos appearing to show Varnum in a student’s lap were introduced into evidence.
Varnum denied sitting on the student’s lap. According to the district report, she said the students were angry with her over a disagreement about the location and funding of their senior trip.
As a defense against the photos, Varnum said in the report that she backed into the student. Varnum said she asked the student to move after the incident.
She was fired by the Okaloosa County School Board Nov. 13, 2017, based on the recommendation of Superintendent Mary Beth Jackson.
Varnum chose to appeal her case to an arbiter rather than go before the Okaloosa County School Board.
The settlement agreement states that Varnum is not presently employed in a position requiring a Florida educator’s certificate and that she has consented not to apply for, accept or take a position requiring a certificate prior to the end of the suspension period.
Down 3-2 in the bottom of the seventh, the Destin Sharks scored two runs off the bat of Vianni Silvestre to pull off a 4-3 softball victory over the visiting Laurel Hill Hoboes.The key to the Sharks' win? “Clutch hitting,” Destin Coach Rob DeGennaro said.The Sharks had two runners on base and two outs when Silvestre stepped into the batter's box. She then smacked a double to right center to score Anna Carroll and Olivia “Ya Ya” McClain for the win.“I’m very proud of this group,” ...
Down 3-2 in the bottom of the seventh, the Destin Sharks scored two runs off the bat of Vianni Silvestre to pull off a 4-3 softball victory over the visiting Laurel Hill Hoboes.
The key to the Sharks' win? “Clutch hitting,” Destin Coach Rob DeGennaro said.
The Sharks had two runners on base and two outs when Silvestre stepped into the batter's box. She then smacked a double to right center to score Anna Carroll and Olivia “Ya Ya” McClain for the win.
“I’m very proud of this group,” DeGennaro said.
“They genuinely care about each other, and I think they are starting to make that step now where we are winning the close ones,” he said.
Thursday’s win over the Hoboes was the second victory in two days.
On Wednesday, the Sharks beat Presentation of Kentucky 13-1.
“This was the first back-to-back victory in the school's softball history,” DeGennaro said.
Destin High freshman Shay Kitchens went 3-for-3 against the Kentucky team.
“She's just been phenomenal all season,” DeGennaro said.
On Thursday against Laurel Hill, Kitchens connected for one of the Sharks' seven hits.
Silvestre and Holly Schmidt each hit a double and a single, while Carroll and Ava Towery each hit singles.
With the win over the Hoboes, the Sharks move to 4-12 on the season.
The Sharks got in the books first with Towery hitting a single and scoring on a passed ball in the bottom of the first.
Laurel Hill evened the score in the top of the second. Kaelin Martin walked and scored on a hit from Kailey Tayler.
In the top of the fourth, Laurel Hill took the lead with two runs on a pair of hits and a couple of errors. Martin and Nevaeh Langford had the hits for the Hoboes.
In the bottom of the fifth, Destin got one run back. Schmidt doubled down the left field line and scored on a single up the middle by Carroll.
Destin sat Laurel Hill down quickly in the top of the sixth on three ground outs.
Destin managed to load the bases in the bottom half but couldn’t get a runner home.
In the top of the seventh with two outs, the Hoboes loaded the bases with Hannah Twitty hitting a double followed by a single from Martin and a walk to Ava Steele. The next batter popped up to second baseman Kitchens for no runs scored.
In the bottom half, Destin’s Carroll and McClain both drew walks and then scored on the double from Silvestre for the 4-3 walk-off victory.
Destin pitcher Sydney Davis went the distance, striking out two, walking five and giving up six hits.
“Our seniors are picking up the load, and the freshman are anchoring it up,” DeGennaro said.
Up next for Destin is a 5 p.m. game on April 12 against South Walton.
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