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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

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

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Home Care In Beryl, UT

Home Care Beryl, UT

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 Jacob Hamblin Home 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 Beryl, UT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Beryl, UT

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 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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TESTIMONIALS

“MUST READ!! This is the best company to hire for your loved ones who need ongoing caregiver and companion services. Very thoughtful and experienced caregivers and admin staff who care deeply about the details and about customer satisfaction. Brent and Lea have been incredibly supportive and flexible, and caregivers Aarylyn, Sabrina, Lydia, and Hailie have been accommodating, patient, professional and safe. They regularly take my loved one on outings in the community to help her claim her independance and have become a vital part of her healthcare and happiness. LOVE THIS PLACE!!”

Jackie J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a caregiver with ABC, and I am so happy with the company!! They are so flexible and understanding with my schedule:) such genuine people and the clients are amazing!! They truly embody the name of the company... Not just for the clients but also for their employees???? it makes for an amazing place to work ????”

Rebecca E.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider I have Always Best Care Serving Southern Utah for my husband. We got somebody coming in to help. The caregivers are good. They provide total a.m. care help like getting up and getting dressed. We have different ones and so they're trying to get us some steady people coming in. The scheduling is a little bit hard right now. The care has been good, though.”

Loretta
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider I have Always Best Care Serving Southern Utah for my husband. We got somebody coming in to help. The caregivers are good. They provide total a.m. care help like getting up and getting dressed. We have different ones and so they're trying to get us some steady people coming in. The scheduling is a little bit hard right now. The care has been good, though.”

Loretta
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TESTIMONIALS

“Absolutely the best company here in St George! The care goes above and beyond what any family could ever ask for when handling care. They only have the best of the best caregivers that love to help! Their training and communication is top notch. Love this company! I refer all my friends and family! Couldn’t be more proud of an exceptional company!”

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TESTIMONIALS

“i’ve been working for ABC for about 6 months now & love it! they’re super flexible & have true love & passion for helping others!”

lydia T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I've been with ABC 3 years now. They have been gracious and kind whenever I have had to change my schedule or not be able to work a shift. They make me feel like family, and they strive to help the clients feel the same. We love our clients, caregivers and staff.”

TheXploringKay O.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Love working here! Brent and lea are so sweet and understanding towards everyone! They work very hard! Great pay and amazing communication!”

aaralyn G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“This is a great company to work for if you’re interested in a flexible schedule. Management is so supportive and will do what they can to make everyday at work a good day. They communicate effectively and quickly to ensure nothing is miscommunicated or misunderstood. Working here as been so rewarding and educational.”

Mckinlye G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care of Southern Ut is a great company. In November I will have worked with them for three years. I am a senior myself and absolutely love working with them. They always try to make sure the client and the caregiver have a good relationship with each other. They are family owned and genuinely care about both client and employees.”

Helen M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I work for Always Best Care and it's amazing they really do care for their clients and they'll go the extra mile to meet their needs ! Not only that but they care for employees i love the flexibility they give us.”

Aly T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care has definitely been a blessing to our little familys life. As an employer of ABC they have been amazing with flexibility in chosing my schedule so that not only am I able to work but also be home with my kids when I need to be. They are amazing and put their employees first. I love being a member of ABC team.”

Falelua A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“1. Stay active. Exercise may be the last thing you want to do when your arthritis hurts, but many studies show that physical activity is one of the best ways to improve your quality of life. 2. Eat a balanced diet. Studies show that a variety of nutrients may help ease arthritis symptoms. 3. Lose weight. Being overweight puts undue strain on weight-bearing joints such as your knees, spine, hips, ankles, and feet. 5. Use hot or cold packs. By increasing blood flow, hot compresses can ease pain and stiffness. 6. Keep pain under control. Over-the-counter medications can help ease arthritis pain. 7. Talk to your doctor about supplements and complementary medicine. Many supplements have been tested for the treatment of arthritis. 8. Try splints, braces, and other aids. Devices that support painful joints, such as splints, braces, and canes can help ease your discomfort and prevent injury. 9. Seek support. Living with arthritis isn’t easy. Finding other people that you can talk to and share ideas with can help. Check out arthritis support groups online or in your area. 10. Stay positive. Your mental outlook can have a big impact on how you feel, and how well you function. #SelfCare #Osteoarthritis #Arthritis #Disability #GoodHealth #PainRelief #SeniorCommunity #Caregiver #Caregiving #WECANHELP #OlderAdult #SeniorCare #SeniorLiving #SeniorServices #SeniorHousing #AlwaysBestCare #Exercise #SelfManaging #Tips”

Always B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care has some of the friendliest staff. They are quick to learn & eager to assist. Great schedulers who are on top of managing the schedules & keeping their employees accountable. I sure appreciate all the help they give!”

AsAn
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care has some of the friendliest staff. They are quick to learn & eager to assist. Great schedulers who are on top of managing the schedules & keeping their employees accountable. I sure appreciate all the help they give!”

Audrey S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I can leave a long review if I wanted to . I can talk about always best cares credentials and talk about mine. But What’s the point of leaving a review if it sounds like everybody else’s. The bottom line is , that they are great at their jobs from the bottom to the top. They have a process and people in place . They keep accountability and are communicative . Ive represented many companies in the past and still do till this day contract with only the best.. If you feel you want to hear more about this company on a deeper level just lmk. Happy Healthy Safe”

Jay R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I like working for ABC because it works well with my busy nursing school schedule! I also like how I get to work on my own, but there are options to work with other CNAs for the care of some of the clients. It’s the best of both worlds! I’ve been with Always best care since 2021 and have thoroughly enjoyed working with the clients I work with!”

Olivia S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Love always best care ❤️”

Breezy H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Amazing business. Staff are helpful and kind.”

Margot K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care is always best!!! Highly recommended! Brent listens and hears what we need for my 94 year old mom and matches caregivers accordingly. Sometimes, the schedule changes and he works to fill the needs immediately and always with a great attitude! The caregivers are compassionate. Again, I highly recommend Always Best Care.”

shell S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“They are seriously so amazing to work with and really care for their clients. I came to them with some pretty difficult challenges that I was not sure we could work with but they were able to make it happen and truly did more than I thought was even possible. I highly recommend them.”

Mandy M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Love working for this company”

Christina P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Great to work with, caring, compassionate and willing to work with different situations! They take time to understand needs to accommodate the best way to help! They are trustworthy, dependable and a business you can count on!!????”

M S.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Beryl, UT?

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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.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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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.

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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.

 Senior Care Beryl, UT

Types of Elderly Care in Beryl, UT

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal 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:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Beryl, UT
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

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:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Beryl, UT
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

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 Granite Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Beryl, UT
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

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 Arrabiata Steakhouse Restaurant or visit Silver Reef Museum / Ghost Town, 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.

 In-Home Care Beryl, UT

Benefits of Home Care in Beryl, UT

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:

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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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

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.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

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 Beryl, UT, 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.

 Elderly Care Beryl, UT

Affordable 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:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your UT's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Beryl, UT

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

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 Beryl, UT 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.

Assisted Living Referral Services

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.


Respite Care Beryl, UT

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:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Beryl, UT

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:

  • Spring Gardens Senior Living St. George
  • Truewood by Merrill, Henderson
  • Paradise Valley Senior Retreat
  • All Seasons Senior Living of Cedar City
  • Southern Comfort Care at the Cottages
  • Summit Senior Living
Home Care Beryl, UT

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.

 In-Home Care Beryl, UT

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

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

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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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 Beryl, UT 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.

 Elderly Care Beryl, UT

Latest News in Beryl, UT

Mission in southern Utah works to keep a Catholic identity amid pandemic

BERYL JUNCTION, Utah — San Pablo Mission is a mission small in size but large in spirit.Located in Iron County, the town of Beryl Junction has an estimated population of 197, according to the 2010 U.S. census. Two years ago, the mission was comprised of just a few members, but now dozens of families attend the Sunday Masses. That is, until the coronavirus pandemic started.Father Sebastien Sasa Nganomo Bibisayone, parochial vicar of St. George Parish in St. George, Utah, who ministers to San Pablo Mission, used to make the...

BERYL JUNCTION, Utah — San Pablo Mission is a mission small in size but large in spirit.

Located in Iron County, the town of Beryl Junction has an estimated population of 197, according to the 2010 U.S. census. Two years ago, the mission was comprised of just a few members, but now dozens of families attend the Sunday Masses. That is, until the coronavirus pandemic started.

Father Sebastien Sasa Nganomo Bibisayone, parochial vicar of St. George Parish in St. George, Utah, who ministers to San Pablo Mission, used to make the 100-mile round trip every Sunday for Mass. Now, however, he goes there four days a week, while continuing to follow the social distancing recommendations from the state government and the Salt Lake City Diocese, which covers the state of Utah.

On Sundays, he celebrates Mass, on Thursdays, he offers adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and twice on Fridays, he leads the Stations of the Cross. Thanks to his knowledge of social media and online communications, Sasa transmits the Mass through Facebook live and YouTube.

“I am looking to encourage the community to keep on having the Catholic Church close,” he told the Intermountain Catholic, Salt Lake City’s diocesan newspaper.

He has added a personal touch, as well, calling each family “to see how are they doing, what do they need, if anything, and to make sure they know they are not alone,” he said. “We are with them God is always with them.”

Father Sasa also has been visiting families, when needed.

“I believe that in these times, more than ever, our people need the priests, they need words of hope, they need comfort, they need support. … I, with all the precautions, visit them,” he said.

The families are afraid, but Sasa, using the Liturgy of the Hours, has prayed over the phone with them.

In these challenging times, people need to feel closer to God, he said.

“That’s why I have been also publishing online the words of the community, as well as words from Pope Francis,” said Sasa. “For me these words are key. … They can accompany the people through these challenging times.”

On his Facebook page, Sasa has been posting messages from his parishioners. Daniela M., a young catechist, is one who has shared some words. She wants all the young people and children to know that Jesus is with them.

“We need to get closer to the church. … Do not be afraid open your heart to God. He is always there with us,” she said in her message to the community.

Similarly, Luisa G. said that people need to maintain their Catholic identity.

“The word of Jesus keeps me alive. We need to share our faith with everyone, and that’s what we are doing here (at the mission),” she said. “Life keeps on going, and we need to keep our faith alive.”

Luisa, a mother, said that she is very grateful to Sasa.

“This is a very hard time. We are all scared, we keep hearing of very sad moments happening all over the U.S. and we are just asking God that this (pandemic) comes to an end soon. … We are scared to lose our jobs, about the economy … but we are not alone; we have our church,” she said.

Every Sunday, she and her children watch the Mass together.

“When I open the Facebook, my kids get really excited,” she said. “Their lives have changed. They can’t go to school, so now they are really looking forward to that moment when they can see Father Sasa. … For them, it is a distraction. They get happy when they see our priest talking through the screen.”

Her children are looking forward the moment when they can physically go back to church, she said, “but for now, we have to keep on going, we have to keep God’s word alive.”

Very few of the children at the mission have received the sacrament of confirmation, and many don’t receive the other sacraments regularly, Sasa said.

Even with the pandemic, parents need to keep their children close to the church, said Antonia Gatica, the mission’s director of religious education.

“We need to keep teaching them, we need to pray with them. … We cannot be in the church right now, but even like that we have to keep on learning of our church, even at a distance we can be together through our church,” she said.

Sasa has a similar message for all Catholics.

“Believe that God is with us, celebrate in communion with him, and keep celebrating that we are alive,” he said, and reminded people to keep present the three key words from Salt Lake City Bishop Oscar A. Solis’ pastoral plan: “Believe, celebrate and live,” he said.

Vallejo is a staff writer at the Intermountain Catholic, newspaper of the Diocese of Salt Lake City.

rPlus Energies hosts 200 MW Utah solar facility ground-breaking

rPlus Energies, a Salt Lake City-based renewable energy developer, hosted a groundbreaking ceremony this week for the construction of the 200 MW Appaloosa I solar project in Iron County, Utah, the second largest utility solar facility in Utah to date.The Appaloosa facility groundbreaking follows the 400 MW solar plus 200 MW storage Green River Energy Center earlier this year, and 80 MW Three Peaks Solar facility from 2016, both of which are rPlus Energies projects. It is among the largest projects in the state.Despite a challen...

rPlus Energies, a Salt Lake City-based renewable energy developer, hosted a groundbreaking ceremony this week for the construction of the 200 MW Appaloosa I solar project in Iron County, Utah, the second largest utility solar facility in Utah to date.

The Appaloosa facility groundbreaking follows the 400 MW solar plus 200 MW storage Green River Energy Center earlier this year, and 80 MW Three Peaks Solar facility from 2016, both of which are rPlus Energies projects. It is among the largest projects in the state.

Despite a challenging year grappling with ongoing global supply chain disruption in the utility solar market, Luigi Resta, CEO of rPlus Energies, told pv magazine USA the project developer continues to execute on a 1.2 GW development portfolio against a broader 13 GW multi-year project pipeline with solar as well as energy storage, wind and pumped hydro storage assets.

For Appaloosa, the company circumnavigated supply chain and commodity market challenges by going with a new module supplier, ET Solar, utilizing ET-M772 540 watt bi-facial modules for the ground-mounted project, Resta said. The 540W modules carry a 20.9% efficiency rating and feature a mono-crystalline PERC solar cell mounted in an anodized aluminum alloy frame.

Additional components used include Sungrow utility-scale inverters, Nextracker racking hardware and Shoals Technologies wire harnessing and coupling equipment, Resta said.

For Green River Energy Center, Resta said the company has yet to select the distributor of the 200 MW battery storage systems, but said the system would use a traditional two-hour dispatch lithium-ion battery system.

Sundt Construction, Bodec and BHICO are providing electrical and general contracting services for the Appaloosa project construction, Resta said.

Portfolio diversification

To date, rPlus has developed solar, wind power, storage and pumped hydro power projects in 16 states in the Western region of the U.S. While the company has felt direct exposure to commodity and supply chain disruptions following the Covid-19 pandemic, Resta said the company has tried to mitigate exposure to the solar market by developing projects across four asset classes.

The company has also sold projects and sought project equity and debt financing from Greenbacker Capital, which is investing in Appaloosa I as well as other prior projects, among other potential investors.

Salt Lake City-based rPlus Energies was formed in 2018 and is owned by the Gardner Company, a Utah-based family office and commercial real estate developer. Prior to rPlus, Resta spent over a decade at Scatec Solar, Onyx Renewable Partners, a Blackstone Group company, and AMG Energy, in various project development management roles.

Commercial offtake flexibility

Meta, the operator of Facebook, is the Schedule 34 offtake power purchaser of power generated by Appaloosa as well as Graphite Solar, an 80 MW solar project in Carbon County, Utah. Pacificorp, a Berkshire Hathaway utility, also purchases power from Appaloosa as well as the other Utah solar facilities.

Resta explained that corporate purchasers like Meta are able to procure power from rPlus facilities in Utah under Rocky Mountain Power’s Schedule 34 green energy tariff, a utility tariff which allows the Utah utility to execute power agreements in excess of 5,000 kW on behalf of large corporate customers.

According to SEIA, Utah is the 12th largest installer of solar projects in the U.S. with 2.73 GW installed through September 30, of which utility projects remains the majority demographic, with a 1.9 GW development pipeline over the next five years across each sub-sector. About $512 million in capital investment poured into the Beehive State in 2021.

Prior to the announced Green River Energy Center, D.E. Shaw Renewables Investments’ 230.6 MW Cove Mountain project in Beryl, Utah held the claim to largest solar PV project constructed in Utah.

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FOX 13 Investigates: Utah's top cash crop is consuming most of our water

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BERYL, Utah — Craig Laub’s father started growing alfalfa hay here after he came home from the Army.

“He came home after World War II,” Laub said, “come out here and developed the farm from sagebrush.”

Now the Laub family grows 10,000 tons of alfalfa a year in the southwest Utah desert.

“Basically a matter of economics,” Laub explains. “We had to have a cash crop.”

Alfalfa farmers like Luab are trying to irrigate more efficiently, but Laub’s irrigation pivots are still drizzling 900 gallons a minute onto his alfalfa.

That means his field near Beryl is receiving as much water every 2-and-a-half hours as, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates, the average family of four uses in a year.

About two-thirds of all water diverted in Utah goes to growing hay, said Gabriel Lozada, an associate professor of economics at the University of Utah. He recently wrote an analysis of hay and water in Utah.

If we were to stop growing hay today, how many more houses could we water in Utah? Lozada says residential water use could increase six times.

Yet hay farming in 2020 was less than 1% of Utah’s gross domestic product, Lozada found.

“And so the price system doesn't work for water in agriculture,” Lozada said.

That’s because farmers typically buy water rights when they purchase real estate. Unlike, say, many residential water bills, water rights holders don’t have to pay more based on consumption.

“And that generates huge inefficiencies,” Lozada said.

Mining is a much larger export for Utah. Coal and copper aren’t edible, and Lozada acknowledges: “Free market economics doesn't really take that into account.”

Hay became a cash crop in Western states because it’s durable. Alfalfa, for example, only needs to be replanted every five or six years, survives temperature extremes and doesn’t necessarily need any fertilizer or pesticides.

That doesn’t mean you just add water. Hay also requires a lot of labor and diesel fuel. Tractors and other farm implements cut it, rake it, chop it and spit it into trailers.

The Laub family hauls their chopped hay to a production facility near Beryl. The alfalfa is compressed into cubes – sort of like a hay bale the size of a saltshaker.

Some of their hay is sold to local ranchers. About a third of the Laubs’ cubes – and about a third of Utah hay overall – are sold overseas.

“We export to Japan and Taiwan, primarily,” Laub said.

Laub will brag about how efficient his farm is getting with water. At his field near Beryl, water used to shoot out of the top of his two-story tall irrigation pivots, some of the liquid evaporating before it hit the ground.

Now hoses with nozzles on their ends dangle from the pivot, drizzling water just inches from the ground. Money from the Utah Legislature has helped Laub and other farmers pay for the upgrades.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox recently released a plan to help farmers conserve more water. It calls for more irrigation and technology upgrades. It does not discuss asking farmers to pay more or dissuading hay farming.

“We're close to three-acre feet now to raise the same crop that we raised four-acre feet earlier,” Laub said.

That doesn’t mean others can drink or bath in water that Laub conserves. Utah law requires water rights holders put the water to beneficial use or risk forfeiting their rights to it.

“It’s kind of a hot topic and Utah water law right now,” said Emily Lewis, who teaches water law at the University of Utah.

She said the state’s legal community is trying to find a framework where rights holders like Laub can easily sell excess water to other users.

“There are other states who have looked at this and adopted their laws to recognize a way to incentivize,” Lewis said.

Lewis says Utah water law is complicated, but has worked well. She pointed to the spot where she recently met the FOX 13 crew – City Creek Park in Salt Lake City.

“This was the place where Brigham Young’s exploratory party first dammed up City Creek Canyon,” she said.

“This really is Water Right No. 1 here in the state of Utah.”

Lozada agrees a water-trading system would benefit farmers and cities. It would also require infrastructure investments. Laub, for example, pumps his water out of the ground beneath his own fields. Anyone else wanting the water would have to transport it.

Meanwhile, Utah grew less than 2% of U.S hay in 2020. Lozada thinks a reduction in Utah hay would have little impact on food prices.

“It's not that farmers are doing anything bad,” Lozada said. “It's that the economic environment that we've put farmers in isn't appropriate for a climate that's getting more and more arid.”

“Unless somebody comes up with something better, it’s the cash crop,” Laub said. “It's the best crop for us to raise.

“You like to drink milk. You like beef. All these things that we raise. I mean, alfalfa directly is not any use to you, but it sure adds to your diet.”

Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

New information in Utah kidnapping case; missing girls found hidden inside 50-gallon barrels

IRON COUNTY, Utah, Dec. 5, 2017 (Gephardt Daily) — Iron County officials have obtained search warrants for three locations in the investigation of the alleged kidnapping of Dinah and Hattie Coltharp.In a news release late Tuesday, the Iron County Sheriff’s Office said an FBI forensic team is assisting in the collection of evidence in the case.An Amber Alert was issued, and the two girls were found after an intensive search in a remote part of southern Utah.Samuel Warren Shaffer, 34, the self-professed prophet...

IRON COUNTY, Utah, Dec. 5, 2017 (Gephardt Daily) — Iron County officials have obtained search warrants for three locations in the investigation of the alleged kidnapping of Dinah and Hattie Coltharp.

In a news release late Tuesday, the Iron County Sheriff’s Office said an FBI forensic team is assisting in the collection of evidence in the case.

An Amber Alert was issued, and the two girls were found after an intensive search in a remote part of southern Utah.

Samuel Warren Shaffer, 34, the self-professed prophet of a so-called doomsday group known as Knights of the Crystal Blade, has been arrested and faces two felony counts of kidnapping and four felony counts of child abuse. During an interview, Shaffer said he had turned over the position of Prophet to the girls’ father, Johnathan Coltharp.

Coltharp is currently in Sanpete County Jail on charges of kidnapping and obstruction of justice.

Investigators said Dinah Coltharp, 8, and her sister, Hattie, 4, were taken from their Sanpete County home by their father in September. Their two brothers, William, 7, and Seth, 6, and their grandparents, Keith and Catherine Coltharp, traveled with them.

Authorities say their father took the children and grandparents to San Juan County, where they joined the Knights of the Crystal Blade.

Officials said they were unable to act at the time because Coltharp was married to the children’s mother, and he had parental rights. Since then, the mother divorced Coltharp and was awarded full custody of the children.

According to the latest news release, on Friday, Dec. 1, the Iron County Sheriff’s Office received court documents from Micha Coltharp regarding her four biological children.

“Micha believed her children were in the Iron County area somewhere near Beryl junction about 30 miles west of Cedar City,” the release says. That wasn’t enough information, though, for deputies to find the children.

On Sunday evening, ICSO received a tip that Keith and Catherine Coltharp were in a remote area of northern Iron County about a mile west of Lund.

Deputies went there and found the Coltharps’ vehicle “at a compound made up of shipping containers. It appeared as though people were living in the shipping containers at that time.”

On Monday, at about 11:15 a.m., a vehicle was seen leaving the compound area. Deputies made a traffic stop and made contact with Keith Coltharp.

It was determined that two of the children — Seth and William Coltharp — were at the compound with Catherine Coltharp.

The boys were taken into custody as directed in the court order, and later transported to the Cedar City area, where they were given a medical check up and then interviewed.

Investigators determined that Samuel Shaffer was last seen with Dinah and Hattie Coltharp. He also had his two biological children — Lily, 7, and Samantha, 5 — with him.

Shaffer was believed to have left the compound on foot sometime after 4 p.m. Sunday. It was reported that he spent the previous night with all four girls in a tent on or near the property, the release states.

Helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft were deployed to help search the area, and an Amber Alert was issued for the two Coltharp girls.

About two hours later, someone who heard the Amber Alert called to report a man walking alone on the dirt road several miles west of the compound.

When deputies responded to the area, they found Shaffer, and he was taken into custody without incident.

Shaffer then gave law enforcement a general location of two of the girls.

Deputies went to the area and found Lily Shaffer and Hattie Coltharp inside two blue, plastic 50-gallon water barrels. Shaffer said they had been put in the barrels to conceal them from law enforcement.

“At this time it appears the children had spent approximately 24 hours inside the barrels in subfreezing temperatures. These two children were not properly dressed for the cold temperatures and did not have food or water at that time. Shaffer also made statements he had left a firearm behind on the ground next to the barrel,” the release says.

Shaffer initially refused to tell authorities where Dinah Coltharp and Samantha Shaffer were.

The Utah Department of Public Safety helicopter came on scene to help with the search. Gold Cross Ambulance and Intermountain Life Flight helicopter were also called. Approximately 20 law officers began a search for Samantha and Dinah.

After about an hour, Shaffer finally gave officers a location for the girls, and they were found in an abandoned single-wide mobile home.

The release says the girls were in poor health, dehydrated and lethargic.

All four girls were brought to the command center to be checked by medical personnel. They were then taken by ambulance to the Cedar City hospital, where emergency medical care was provided.

“The youngest child: Samantha Shaffer has since been flown by Life Flight helicopter to Primary Children’s Hospital due to her condition. Her condition is unknown at this time. The other three children have been released from the hospital,” the release states.

The investigation is ongoing.

Utah wildfires currently burning within the state

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah is currently suffering from not only an extreme drought but also wildfires engulfing the state. Over 40,000 acres have burned from fires in June alone.Utah state and local officials took extra precautions by banning fireworks in some areas and setting restrictions on campsites to prevent wildfires. Kait Webb, fire spokesperson and prevention coordinator for Utah Division of Forestry Fires and State Lands, said it is more critical this year...

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah is currently suffering from not only an extreme drought but also wildfires engulfing the state. Over 40,000 acres have burned from fires in June alone.

Utah state and local officials took extra precautions by banning fireworks in some areas and setting restrictions on campsites to prevent wildfires. Kait Webb, fire spokesperson and prevention coordinator for Utah Division of Forestry Fires and State Lands, said it is more critical this year than ever to learn fire prevention.

“When we have something like a drought, what that means is our soil moisture is incredibly dry,” Webb explained. “Those fuels are very dry as well and the lower the humidity levels in vegetation the easier it is for a wildfire to start.”

It will take very little to ignite wildfires in Utah this year.

“This year, we are observing fire activity that we tend to see in August and it is early June,” Webb said.

Eight wildfires in Utah

The Sego Fire in Grand County, Utah started from a lightning strike on June 20. So far, the fire has burned 85 acres and according to Utah Wildfire, it is 0% contained.

The #SegoFire started this afternoon on the southern end of the Book Cluffs, north end of Thompson Springs in Grand County. This lightning caused fire is burning in inaccessible terrain. Air resources are on scene. #kmyffsl pic.twitter.com/Ze6rO0ADNg

— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) June 20, 2021

For firefighters, this fire is unique because the terrain is inaccessible.

“There are different accessibility challenges for every fire, but when we say the terrain is inaccessible it may be too steep, it may be rocked out cliffs, and there aren’t any roads to start with,” Webb said.

Webb also confirmed they are using air resources for this fire because it could be that the terrain isn’t safe.

On April 4, a red flag warning was issued for the Uintah Basin due to critical fire conditions in the area.

June 20, the Horsecorn fire, located on the reservation in a three-county area known as the Uintah Basin, was started by a lightning strike. Both air and ground resources were called to work the flames.

The Horsecorn fire has burned a total of 662 acres and is 0% contained. The fire is still extremely active and the BIA Forestry & Wildland Fire – Uintah & Ouray Agency is asking individuals to stay away so crews can work.

[Photo Credit: Mark Williams]

The Morgan Canyon Fire is unique because it was caused by a small plane crash on June 18. The fire in Tooele County is said to be 0% contained and has burned over 167 acres.

The #MorganCanyonFire is currently 167 acres and 0% contained. Yesterday, with favorable weather conditions, firefighters conducted successful firing operations along the handlines and Stansbury Trail in more favorable ground for suppression. Air attack continues to assist crews. pic.twitter.com/TsaCamdXWe

— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) June 22, 2021

According to Utah Fire, the growth of the flames is minimal and has moderate fire behavior. The smoke from the fire traveled east into the Salt Lake and Utah Valleys, where people could see it all over.

[Photo Credit: Utah Fire Info]

The Flatt Fire, located in Beryl, Utah, has burned 14, 379 acres and is 57% contained according to Utah Fire Information. The cause of this fire was natural being a lightning strike according to Iron County Sheriff’s Office.

The fire is burning south from the starting point near 200 South Old Modena Road. Evacuation orders are in place from 2000 South Old Modena Road east to 2400 West and south to Enterprise.

An evacuation center has been opened at Enterprise High School located at 565 South 200 East.

One structure is reported to be lost.

#FlattFire 6/21/21, Acres 14,379, Contained 50% fire stayed in the current footprint despite the wind event. Containment on the north and east perimeter of the fire was achieved Some fire resources will be released to assist with other emerging fires in Utah pic.twitter.com/SLGZLNRH6W

— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) June 21, 2021

[Photo Credit: Kane County Emergency Services]

Kane County Emergency Services reported the Deer Springs Fire, which started June 18, has burned 223 acres and is 65% contained. The fire began from a lightning strike on the land while the sage and dry brush encouraged burning.

As a result of this fire, The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service issued a statement Tuesday that there will be a full forest closure for the Kaibab National Forest beginning Wednesday Morning.

“A full forest closure means the public is prohibited from entering any part of the Kaibab National Forest at any time,” the statement said.

The forest service has already begun the vacating process for those individuals who are already camping there at this time.

[Photo Credit: Utah Wildfire Info]

Humans caused the fire burning south of Moab on June 9. The Pack Creek Fire was started by an unattended campfire, according to responding authorities.

A mix of dry vegetation and winds caused the fire to spread quickly, destroying on structure in the midst. Many other structures are threatened by the blaze. In response to the fire, all homes in the Pack Creek Community have been evacuated.

So far, the fire has burned a total of 8,952 acres and is 66% contained.

Containment on the #PackCreekFire increased as the 378 personnel have safely contained 66% of the fire with minimal acreage growth today, 8,952 total acres. Fuels reduction played a vital role in slowing the spread of this fire. To find out more visit, https://t.co/VN4rFkFIVT

— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) June 23, 2021

The Bennion Fire, burning in steep and rugged terrain on U.S. Forest Service land, is in the Manti-La Sal National Forest. So far, the fire has burned 8,313 acres and is 80% contained according to Utah Fire authorities.

Kevin Abel with the Dixie National Forest said that structures are threatened.

The fire is being fought by ground and by air.

The Mammoth wildfire has developed approximately 10 miles east of our KICX radar and it along with its smoke plume are currently visible on its images. The fire is the green area on the left with the plume moving east into Bryce Canyon. #utwx pic.twitter.com/l8fsWhQqd3

— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) June 5, 2021

Photo credit: Utah Fire Info

As of June 22, the Bear fire, burning north of Price and Helper, Utah, has burned 12, 170 acres. The fire is said to be 93% contained and according to Utah Fire authorities, the cause is still under investigation.

Additionally, the fire is reported to be a “mop-up and patrol status” fire meaning it is almost out. “When we first fight a fire we engage in what is called ‘Fire Suppression’,” Webb explained.

“This is stopping the progression of the fire and keeping the fire to a specific area we are comfortable with,” Webb said. “We are removing fuels and building lines and once the line is established we start working the fire perimeter with water and tools to extinguish heat.”

The cause of this fire was a lightning strike and crews are still working to put it completely out.

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