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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 Leeds, UT

Home Care Leeds, 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 Kirkstall Abbey 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 Leeds, UT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Leeds, 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 Leeds, 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 Leeds, UT

Types of Elderly Care in Leeds, 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 Leeds, 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 Leeds, 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 Roundhay 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 Leeds, 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 HOME or visit Time Ball Buildings, 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 Leeds, UT

Benefits of Home Care in Leeds, 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 Leeds, 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 Leeds, 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 Leeds, 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 Leeds, 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 Leeds, 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 Leeds, 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:

  • Assisted Living Leeds
  • Headingley Hall
  • MHA Gledhow
  • Wykebeck Court Care Home - Bupa
  • Sabourn Court Care Home
  • The Spinney Residential Home
Home Care Leeds, 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 Leeds, 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 Leeds, 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 Leeds, UT

Latest News in Leeds, UT

Farmstead Bakery acquires warehouse in Leeds, UT

December 6, 2023 Leeds, UT—Farmstead Bakery is thrilled to announce a significant milestone in its journey towards expansion. With the recent purchase of a 5,000-square-foot warehouse in Leeds, Utah, Farmstead Bakery is poised for a remarkable evolution in its operations and reach.“For about two years now, we’ve had the incredible opportunity to expand, turning down numerous offers in pursuit of the right path forward,”...

December 6, 2023

Leeds, UT—Farmstead Bakery is thrilled to announce a significant milestone in its journey towards expansion. With the recent purchase of a 5,000-square-foot warehouse in Leeds, Utah, Farmstead Bakery is poised for a remarkable evolution in its operations and reach.

“For about two years now, we’ve had the incredible opportunity to expand, turning down numerous offers in pursuit of the right path forward,” said Li Hsun Sun, COO “Our aim has always been to grow smartly and sustainably, and this acquisition marks a pivotal step towards that goal.”

This strategic move represents a substantial upgrade from the current 1,000 square foot kitchen to a facility capable of supplying 4-5 Farmstead locations. Nestled in Leeds, known for its abundant natural spring water—a crucial element in baking—Farmstead Bakery is poised to harness this resource to create our signature delicious baked goods on a larger scale.

Moreover, this expansion positions Farmstead Bakery as a significant employer in Leeds, Utah, with plans to hire 25-30 dedicated individuals at this warehouse facility. Leeds’ strategic location between thriving areas like Washington, UT, and ST. George, UT, primes Farmstead Bakery for continued growth and future expansion opportunities.

The new baking home, slated for completion by March/April 2024, signifies a transformative phase in Farmstead’s journey. While the warehouse will not be open to the public, expect exciting “coming soon” signs hinting at the brand’s continued growth and presence.

In tandem with this expansion, Farmstead Bakery will introduce FS COFFEE CO., poised to become the premier coffee shop in St. George located on Tabernacle and Main in the heart of downtown. Not only will it offer exceptional roasted coffee for future Farmstead locations, but it will also boast an array of diverse pastries, breakfast items, sandwiches, and Mediterranean-inspired salads.

“We are actively seeking exceptional individuals to join us on this exciting journey,” noted Chris Connors, CEO. Offering competitive starting wages of $21 per hour, full-time roles, and comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits, Farmstead Bakery values work ethic, coachability, and good character in its team members.

For employment opportunities and further inquiries, please visit www.farmsteadbakery.com

or [email protected]

About Farmstead Bakery:

Founded with a passion for exceptional baked goods and a commitment to sustainable growth, Farmstead Bakery has been delighting patrons with its delicious treats since February, 2021. Renowned for its quality, Farmstead Bakery aims to craft not only great food but also a community around its offerings.

Is land atop former uranium mines in Leeds fit for residential development? Opinions vary

An environmental program manager argues voluntary cleanups overseen by the state meet the same rigorous standards as those conducted by the federal government.Leeds • Can land atop former uranium mines in Leeds’ historic Silver Reef area ever be given a clean enough bill of health to be fit for residential development?Gary Crocker, the principal owner of Silver Reef Investment Holdings, insists it can. In fact, he’s banking on it. He has spent $15 million to advance his plan to build 100 homes on 148 a...

An environmental program manager argues voluntary cleanups overseen by the state meet the same rigorous standards as those conducted by the federal government.

Leeds • Can land atop former uranium mines in Leeds’ historic Silver Reef area ever be given a clean enough bill of health to be fit for residential development?

Gary Crocker, the principal owner of Silver Reef Investment Holdings, insists it can. In fact, he’s banking on it. He has spent $15 million to advance his plan to build 100 homes on 148 acres, part of which would be situated on land that was part of the Big Hill and Chief Chloride uranium mines.

Thus far, he has spent roughly $1 million of that to clean up waste rock and radioactive contaminants on the site as part of a Voluntary Cleanup Project (VCP) agreement signed with the Utah Utah Division of Environmental Response and Remediation (DERR), which could pave the way for him to construct 22 homes for the first phase of Silver Pointe Estates.

Critics of the VCP process doubt that developers will do a thorough job of cleaning up contaminants, especially when it involves radioactivity. But Bill Rees, environmental program manager of DERR’s VCP & Brownsfields section, argues voluntary cleanups overseen by the state meet the same rigorous standards as those conducted by the federal government.

“It’s in the best interest that the program … saves tax dollars so that a party is voluntarily stepping up to clean up [the land] as compared to the government having to pay to clean it up and then trying to cost-recover on the back side,” Rees said.

Under the VCP, state environmental officials say they work in concert with developers or others enrolled in the program and ensure their efforts to remediate contaminated land are thorough and meet agreed-upon standards.

Rees said there have been 126 applications filed from people wanting to take part in the program since 1997 and estimates DERR is currently overseeing about 50-plus VCP projects.

Opponents of Crocker’s project, however, say they have examined 1,750 VCPs in states in the Intermountain Area and attest they have failed to find one that addressed uranium or radium 226 contamination, especially on land where residential homes are planned to go.

Robin Anderson, a retired EPA Superfund remedy and regulatory compliance expert opponents of Crocker’s development have consulted with, said the reality is that VCP cleanups are not as closely scrutinized and do not meet the same standards as those done at Superfunds sites that are overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency.

“They may say they care about the surrounding community and can do a good job under the voluntary program, but that doesn’t mean it is meeting Superfund standards,” Anderson said, noting there is no requirement in the state’s voluntary program to comply with Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, or CERCLA — the federal law which created Superfund sites.

Lexi Tuddenham, executive director of the Health Environment Alliance of Utah, has also consulted with Silver Pointe Estates opponents. She said government oversight in VCPs can be lacking and adds that phase one of Crocker’s project has not “been remediated well.”

“The potential buyers, residents and the homeowners association that are going to inherit this problem really do need to know about the risks in a very informed way,” she said.

Trust – or, more precisely, the lack thereof when it comes to the government – is another issue.

Silver Pointe skeptics say people in southwest Utah are familiar with “downwinders,” the term given to people exposed to radioactive fallout from nuclear weapons testing, especially with respect to those carried out at the Nevada Test Site from 1951 to 1992.

Ralph Rohr, a retired surgical pathologist who lives in Leeds, notes the United States Atomic Energy Commission failed to warn Utahns about the dangers of nuclear bomb testing, resulting in many people who were exposed to the fallout becoming sick and dying.

“People here in southern Utah … are trusting and patriotic and were certain that their government would not lie to them,” Rohr said. “But they found out that they were lied to, and many of them paid with their lives or their health.”

Rohr and other opponents are anxious to avoid a repeat with Silver Pointe Estates.

Tuddenham echoes Rohr’s concerns, saying southwest Utah is on the front lines when it comes to being exposed to high levels of radioactivity — not only from nuclear testing but also from uranium mining.

“There are a lot of indigenous tribes who have dealt with this history of uranium mining and contamination and there are a lot of abandoned mines in the area,” she said. “And we’ve never quite dealt with that history. So we have to be cautious going forward.”

Two years ago, DERR provided Crocker and his development team with a “no-further-action letter,” which essentially says the cleanup benchmarks for phase one of his project have been met. Still, Crocker is waiting to receive town officials’ approval before beginning construction.

If that approval comes, Rohr worries about the consequences.

“No uranium-contaminated cleanup site has ever been approved for a new housing development in the United States,” he said. “Silver Pointe would be the first and set a dangerous precedent.”

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Leeds University Project Transforms AI Research into Ventures

A new accelerator project has been launched to help researchers at the forefront of artificial intelligence discovery turn their work into start-up companies.Teams of early career researchers (ECR) from the University of Leeds and three partner institutions can apply for places on the AI SuperConnector scheme, a six-month programme focused on developing the commercial potential of their innovations and addressing challenges inherent in this fast-moving area of science.The project, led by ...

A new accelerator project has been launched to help researchers at the forefront of artificial intelligence discovery turn their work into start-up companies.

Teams of early career researchers (ECR) from the University of Leeds and three partner institutions can apply for places on the AI SuperConnector scheme, a six-month programme focused on developing the commercial potential of their innovations and addressing challenges inherent in this fast-moving area of science.

The project, led by Imperial College London, and in collaboration with the Universities of Leeds, York and Liverpool, will utilise their complementary research strengths across a wide range of AI sectors, from security to health, climate change, robotics and autonomous systems. It aims to help all regions benefit from AI – not just the south of England, as well as striving to address the under-representation of women in this field.

Exciting opportunities

Professor David Hogg, who leads the AI research theme in the School of Computing at Leeds, said: "The planned accelerator programme will build on our existing innovation activity and take this to a new level, bringing to Leeds the vibrant ecosystem that is growing rapidly in and around London.

"It will provide valuable opportunities for our PhD graduates and ECR staff to develop their knowledge and skills in translating research into projects with societal benefit."

The University specialises in multidisciplinary research on the application of AI for better healthcare and understanding changes in our environment. Its UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training in AI for Medical Diagnosis and Care is training PhD researchers to transform clinical practice through the application of AI - addressing early detection of disease, plus diagnosis, treatment and care.

"The planned accelerator programme will build on our existing innovation activity and take this to a new level."

The University of Leeds has created more than 110 spin-out companies since 1995 – including businesses that have created virtually waterless washing machines and medical devices for front-line patient triage for chest pain. There are also around 250 active commercialisation projects and more than 450 patents in its portfolio.

Many Leeds graduates have been successful in creating thriving businesses, such as Computer Science graduate Colin Needham, who founded the Internet Movie Database (IMDB) – the most popular entertainment website in the world; while School of Computing lecturer Dr Derek Magee used his 20 years' experience in digital image analysis and machine learning to launch HeteroGenius, which specialises in software solutions in areas including Digital Pathology and Medical Image Analysis.

Collaboration

Dr Martin Stow, Pro Vice-Chancellor: Business Engagement and Enterprise at Leeds, said: "We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with partner universities to help even more researchers to turn their ideas into next generation AI start-ups.

"Through Nexus, our community for innovators and entrepreneurs, we are backing the growth of new and established AI businesses, providing knowledge and support that enables them to develop technologies to tackle real world challenges."

Dr Simon Hepworth, Director of Imperial Enterprise at Imperial College London, said: "The AI SuperConnector will transform today's researchers at the forefront of AI discovery into tomorrow's startup and scale-up leaders.

"These researchers will already be experts in state-of-the-art AI and its application to societal challenges, but thanks to the AI SuperConnector they will become conversant in commercialisation and comfortable in ecosystems that span multiple business sectors."

The AI Superconnector project has secured nearly £1.5m from the Research England Development Fund, plus almost £300,000 from other sources.

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Leeds’ Incoming Class Hits the Mark

After years of rising momentum, Leeds exceeds enrollment goals and welcomes a class like no other.It’s been years in the making—a momentum-fueled achievement reflected in this year’s incoming class, which surpassed every enrollment goal to become the most diverse and academically gifted in Leeds’ history, while reaching gender parity for the first time and becoming the largest class in nearly a decade.Jessica McGregor, director of undergraduate recruitment and scholarships at Leeds School of Bus...

After years of rising momentum, Leeds exceeds enrollment goals and welcomes a class like no other.

It’s been years in the making—a momentum-fueled achievement reflected in this year’s incoming class, which surpassed every enrollment goal to become the most diverse and academically gifted in Leeds’ history, while reaching gender parity for the first time and becoming the largest class in nearly a decade.

Jessica McGregor, director of undergraduate recruitment and scholarships at Leeds School of Business, said, “Meeting all of our enrollment goals is incredibly exciting. It can be very challenging in the ever-changing admissions landscape to meet these benchmarks. To finally reach this point is a testament to years of work by everyone at Leeds who helps us recruit new undergraduate students.”

“Great students attract great students.”

Laura Kornish, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs

This year’s incoming class is the largest Leeds has seen since 2014. The school welcomed 684 first-year students in the Class of 2027—increasing the student body to over 4,000 strong. Poised to succeed academically, the class entered with an average 3.94 GPA (including both weighted and unweighted GPAs) and higher standardized test scores than last year.

“Great students attract great students,” said Laura Kornish, associate dean of undergraduate programs. “Leeds has so much momentum. These enrollment numbers are just one example of that momentum.”

She also noted that retention and graduation rates have reached new heights. “As exciting as our enrollment numbers are, our 2023 4-year graduation rate is even more exciting. Over 80% of students who entered in Fall 2019 graduated within four years. This is a big deal.”

Also exciting is the fact that more students in this year’s class identify as coming from a diverse background (33%) than last year. The enrollment of students of color has been steadily rising over the past few years.

A surge of women

For the first time ever, Leeds welcomed more women (55%) than men (45%). This marks a monumental step toward the goal of achieving gender parity across the student body—an initiative started in 2017 called “End the Gap.”

McGregor offered her take on the influx of women: “It’s been six years of building a pipeline of female applicants through high school engagement, marketing campaigns, outreach efforts and special women’s programs. As a result, Leeds’ focus on gender equity has become more well-known.”

Zoe Cope is a first-year finance student who chose to attend Leeds after being selected for both Leeds Scholars and the Business & Engineering Women in Technology (BEWiT) program. Through her participation in BEWiT, she has learned that women are entering male-dominated industries at a higher volume than ever before.

“This program demonstrates the support system I have as a woman studying finance, and this would not be possible without the amazing programs at Leeds that support women,” said Cope, whose interest in finance came from watching her mother start an edtech company and search for funding.

MBA and MS on the rise

Graduate programs at Leeds also saw big wins this year:

The magic of momentum

Welcoming his first incoming classes as Leeds’ new dean, Vijay Khatri said, “It is so exciting to celebrate the staff’s tireless efforts to support students: from a promise made in recruitment to the retention and graduation rates that reflect a promise kept.”

When she tried to name the specific elements that went into this year’s recruitment successes, McGregor said, “I’m not sure that I could pinpoint any one factor–I think it’s a complex web of various factors, many of which have been building momentum for some time.”

But she was sure of one thing: “It took a Leeds village to get them here.”

Novel approach to brain tumour treatment

A potential new approach to treating one of the most common and devastating forms of brain cancer in adults has been developed in a seven-year research project.In a peer-reviewed study published by BMC Cancer, scientists show that a short chain of amino acids (the HTL-001 peptide) is effective at targeting and inhibiting the function of the Hox family of genes which are responsible for the growth of Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM).The study was conducted in cell and animal models, but the HTL-001 peptide used in the study has und...

A potential new approach to treating one of the most common and devastating forms of brain cancer in adults has been developed in a seven-year research project.

In a peer-reviewed study published by BMC Cancer, scientists show that a short chain of amino acids (the HTL-001 peptide) is effective at targeting and inhibiting the function of the Hox family of genes which are responsible for the growth of Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM).

The study was conducted in cell and animal models, but the HTL-001 peptide used in the study has undergone safety testing and is suitable for patient trials. These trials are now being considered in GBM and other cancers.

Targeting developmental genes could be a novel and effective way to stop glioblastomas growing and becoming life-threatening.

Professor Susan Short, School of Medicine

Co-author Susan Short, Professor of Clinical Oncology and Neuro-Oncology in the University of Leeds’ School of Medicine, said: "We desperately need new treatment avenues for these aggressive brain tumours. Targeting developmental genes like the Hox genes that are abnormally switched on in the tumour cells could be a novel and effective way to stop glioblastomas growing and becoming life-threatening."

Hox genes are responsible for the healthy growth of brain tissue but are ordinarily silenced at birth after vigorous activity in the growing embryo. However, if they are inappropriately ‘switched on’ again, their activity can lead to the progression of cancer. Hox gene dysregulation has long been recognised in GBM.

The project was led by the University of Surrey in collaboration with Leeds and the University of Texas, and HOX Therapeutics, a University of Surrey start-up company based on the University’s Surrey Research Park.

Low survivability

Hardev Pandha, project lead and Professor of Medical Oncology at the University of Surrey, said: "People who suffer from Glioblastoma Multiforme have a five per cent survival rate over a five-year period – a figure that has not improved in decades. While we are still early in the process, our seven-year project offers a glimmer of hope for finding a solution to Hox gene dysregulation, which is associated with the growth of GBM and other cancers, and which has proven to be elusive as a target for so many years."

James Culverwell, CEO of HOX Therapeutics, said: “HOX Therapeutics is excited to be associated with this project and we hope that with our continuing support, this research will eventually lead to novel and effective treatments for both brain and other cancers where Hox gene over-expression is a clear therapeutic target.”

Further information

HOX and PBX gene dysregulation as a therapeutic target in glioblastoma multiforme is published in BMC Cancer.

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