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 Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site 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 Natchitoches, LA 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.
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“I must say I am proud to be apart of ABC! They have lived up”
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“This company has been BEYOND the greatest thus far . Our caregivers , to our”
“I am a current client of this provider She works really well with me. The caregiver we”
“I am a current client of this provider She works really well with me. The caregiver we”
“I am a current client of this provider The providers helped by taking care of my”
“I am a current client of this provider The providers helped by taking care of my”
“I absolutely love working with Erin & Haley at ABC. They are beyond amazing!”
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“These services are taking care of my mother and that is a huge benefit. I recommend this agency to others because they are very easy to get in touch with.”
“She is so grateful for everything but Lacresha was out of this world she went above and beyond and she was so thankful for the prompt service and attention to her needs”
“They always clean me up really well, and they aren't rough; they take time to explain things. They have sent me qualified workers.”
“They always check up on me. They're so courteous and do a good job.”
“They allow him to have a better quality of life. They help him feel more reliant on himself. Our caregiver is perfect for him”
“So proud of the NWLA team of caregivers and managers! Always putting the patient first!”
“This is a great company to work for! Staff is very friendly, kind , and hardworking! I’m very thankful for meeting such great staff.”
“This is a great company to work for! Staff is very friendly, kind , and hardworking! I’m very thankful for meeting such great staff.”
“I must say I am proud to be apart of ABC! They have lived up to their name "Always Best Care". That works both ways too. For the Clients as well as the Employees. Thanks Keith, Millen, Rayeann, Tiece and all of ABC Staff for all that y'all do for us ???? May we continue to be blessed and prosperous in all we do individually and collectively. May my journey be long into retirement happy, joyous and free. Keep up the good works!”
“I must say I am proud to be apart of ABC! They have lived up to their name "Always Best Care". That works both ways too. For the Clients as well as the Employees. Thanks Keith, Millen, Rayeann, Tiece and all of ABC Staff for all that y'all do for us ???? May we continue to be blessed and prosperous in all we do individually and collectively. May my journey be long into retirement happy, joyous and free. Keep up the good works!”
“This company has been BEYOND the greatest thus far . Our caregivers , to our CNA’s , housekeeping staff , to our in- home staff & so forth have done nothing but make this company the best experience for our lovely clients . Nothing can get better than ABC . Come & join our team, as well as signing up for our services because you won’t regret not 1 bit . - Lex”
“This company has been BEYOND the greatest thus far . Our caregivers , to our CNA’s , housekeeping staff , to our in- home staff & so forth have done nothing but make this company the best experience for our lovely clients . Nothing can get better than ABC . Come & join our team, as well as signing up for our services because you won’t regret not 1 bit . - Lex”
“I am a current client of this provider She works really well with me. The caregiver we have is excellent.”
“I am a current client of this provider She works really well with me. The caregiver we have is excellent.”
“I am a current client of this provider The providers helped by taking care of my dad. I like that they're easy to work with.”
“I am a current client of this provider The providers helped by taking care of my dad. I like that they're easy to work with.”
“I absolutely love working with Erin & Haley at ABC. They are beyond amazing!”
“I am a current client of this provider The agency has done anything that I need since I'm in a wheelchair. I would recommend them because they always work with me and let me know what's going on.”
“Knowledgeable staff, helpful administration and EXCELLENT care! Thanks Always Best Care Shreveport.”
“Excellent and caring staff!!! A+”
“Excellent Service Care for Seniors, I recommend this company”
“I love this company, the staff and the management are all amazing!”
“This company is awesome! Very friendly staff!”
“This company is awesome”
“I love this company! I would definitely recommend this for excellent senior services”
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 Natchitoches City 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 Maglieaux's Riverfront Restaurant or visit Lemee House, 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 Natchitoches, LA, 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 Natchitoches, LA 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 Natchitoches, LA 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.
NATCHITOCHES, La. -- Natchitoches Parish School Board members voted Thursday night to close two schools and relocate students as the district faces financial challenges with the impending closure of a major taxpayer and employer.The meeting was emotional at times, but also drew frustration from board members for having to make the difficult decision to close Goldonna Elementary and Natchitoches Junior High School.“I’ve always said I wouldn’t vote to close a school, but we woke up in a different world when the ...
NATCHITOCHES, La. -- Natchitoches Parish School Board members voted Thursday night to close two schools and relocate students as the district faces financial challenges with the impending closure of a major taxpayer and employer.
The meeting was emotional at times, but also drew frustration from board members for having to make the difficult decision to close Goldonna Elementary and Natchitoches Junior High School.
“I’ve always said I wouldn’t vote to close a school, but we woke up in a different world when the mill closed," said one board members.
That mill closure is International Paper Company's containerboard facility in Campti. IP unexpectedly announced last month its plan to shut down operations, resulting in the loss of more than 500 jobs.
Millions of dollars in property tax revenue will be lost with the shutdown, with that trickling down to all public agencies in the parish. Sales tax is expected to take a hit, too, as well as other financial impact from the lost jobs.
Despite some resistance among board members, the motion to close the two schools for the 2025-26 school year passed on a roll call vote.
Some board members still have concerns about the school building's future use, with questions about whether the junior high gymnasium should remain open if the structure was deemed unfit for students. While air quality reports did not indicate immediate hazards,ongoing monitoring was recommended by the board due to moisture issues.
Board members also emphasized the importance of preserving the school’s facilities for community use.
“We need to do our part in maintaining that school and allowing the community an opportunity to use it,” another board member added.
The board also debated a proposal to relocate sixth-grade students from Fairview Alpha Elementary to Lakeview, reconfiguring Fairview Alpha as a Pre-K through fifth-grade school and Lakeview as a sixth- through 12th-grade institution.
Community members expressed concerns about placing younger students in a high school environment. One parent pointed to studies suggesting negative effects of such a transition, arguing that Fairview Alpha had enough space to retain its sixth-grade students.
A representative for Fairview’s principal at the board meeting urged the board to delay the decision until an impact analysis on school performance scores could be conducted. Superintendent Dr. Grant Eloi acknowledged that simulations had not yet been performed but assured the board that such data could be available at a later meeting.
While some board members highlighted potential academic and extracurricular benefits for students, others remained concerned about safety and discipline at Lakeview. They acknowledged past issues but noted significant improvements in recent years.
The next school board meeting will include further discussions on the sixth-grade transition, as well as updates on the future use of the closed school facilities.
Board members reiterated the importance of unity in decision-making, emphasizing that all changes should prioritize the well-being of students, teachers and the community.
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The Natchitoches Parish Journal contributed to this report
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Gov. Jeff Landry speaks Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, during a roundtable with local leaders at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, La.
Gov. Jeff Landry speaks Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, during a roundtable with local leaders at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, La.
Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois speaks Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, during a roundtable with local leaders at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, La.
Gov. Jeff Landry greets people as he arrives Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, for a roundtable with local leaders at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, La.
Gov. Jeff Landry speaks Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, during a roundtable with local leaders at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, La.
Secretary of Louisiana Workforce Commission Susana Schowen speaks Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, during a roundtable with local leaders at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, La.
Gov. Jeff Landry spoke at a roundtable in Natchitoches Tuesday afternoon with several local leaders about the closing of the International Paper mill in Campti and how the state government will assist the laid off workers.
International Paper's Red River containerboard mill in Campti will close permanently this spring as part of the company's effort to streamline its footprint, as stated in a news release from IP.
Landry spoke at Northwestern State University, which is about 20 minutes south of Campti and home to many IP workers.
International Paper's Red River containerboard mill in Campti, Louisiana will close permanently this spring as part of the company's effort to…
According to IP Communications Manager Amy Simpson, about 450 employees will be impacted by the closure.
"There is no one (that) understands the economic impact of the loss of these jobs more than me," Landry said. "It's not only actual jobs that are leaving the Campti facility, but it's the downstream effect of what it does to the small businesses that are attached to it."
While he acknowledged the gravity of the loss, Landry said that the CEO of IP is trying to minimize the impact, and some of the jobs lost might be absorbed by the mill in Mansfield.
Despite this closure, Landry said that he thinks the greatest opportunity Louisiana has for economic development is in central and north Louisiana. He used Meta's $10 billion artificial intelligence data center in Richland Parish as an example.
According to Landry, his proposed constitutional amendment on the March 29 ballot would reform the state's tax code and open new opportunities to bring jobs to north and central Louisiana. He also wants to shape Louisiana's universities and community college systems to better support jobs and industries.
"One of the things I started out talking about in my role was that we really had to take the whole of government approach to economic development," Susan Bourgeois, secretary of the Department of Louisiana Economic Development said. "It's not just a government solution to the challenges or the opportunities that we face. It really does have to be the private sector, the education sector, the public sector, all of us pulling on the same rope."
Bourgeois said that her office has five active wood-related projects in north Louisiana and said more have been announced. She said that her team will focus on these projects to "redeploy some of the Louisiana resources that were used at the Campti facility."
There is also a rapid response team, the team that responds to laid off workers, that is specifically focused on the laid off IP workers, according to Susie Schowen, secretary of the Louisiana Workforce Commission. Schowen said these workers are getting career training with the hope that they can get other jobs in the same area.
Landry said that the main difference between this closure and past ones that have devastated communities is that Louisiana is better positioned to soften the impact.
"We are hyper focused on opportunity because I think that there are opportunities out there," Landry said.
Email Molly Terrell at [email protected].
318.459.9312
