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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 New Harmony, UT

Home Care New Harmony, 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 New Harmony Historic District 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 New Harmony, UT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care New Harmony, 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 New Harmony, 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 New Harmony, UT

Types of Elderly Care in New Harmony, 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 New Harmony, 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 New Harmony, 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 Harmonie State 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 New Harmony, 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 Red Geranium Restaurant or visit Historic New Harmony Atheneum, 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 New Harmony, UT

Benefits of Home Care in New Harmony, 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 New Harmony, 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 New Harmony, 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 New Harmony, 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 New Harmony, 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 New Harmony, 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 New Harmony, 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:

  • Charles Ford Retirement Communities of New Harmony
  • Premier Healthcare of New Harmony
Home Care New Harmony, 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 New Harmony, 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 New Harmony, 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 New Harmony, UT

Latest News in New Harmony, UT

Fast-acting fire crews contain New Harmony fire in southern Utah

Harmony Ridge WildfireA human-caused wildfire in southern Utah is now contained thanks to a quick response from air and ground resources, says a fire official. As of 9 p.m., the Harmony Ridge Fire, located at mile marker 42 just off Interstate-15 east of New Harmony, was 70 percent contained and is no longer a threat to any structures in the area. That was not the case about two hours prior when voluntary evacuations were in place and several homes were threatened.0 seconds of 2 minutes, 6 secondsVolume 90%NEW HARMON...

Harmony Ridge Wildfire

A human-caused wildfire in southern Utah is now contained thanks to a quick response from air and ground resources, says a fire official. As of 9 p.m., the Harmony Ridge Fire, located at mile marker 42 just off Interstate-15 east of New Harmony, was 70 percent contained and is no longer a threat to any structures in the area. That was not the case about two hours prior when voluntary evacuations were in place and several homes were threatened.

0 seconds of 2 minutes, 6 secondsVolume 90%

NEW HARMONY, Utah — A human-caused wildfire in southern Utah is now contained thanks to a quick response from air and ground resources, says a fire official.

As of 9 p.m., the Harmony Ridge Fire, located at mile marker 42 just off Interstate-15 east of New Harmony, was 70 percent contained and is no longer a threat to any structures in the area. That was not the case about two hours prior when voluntary evacuations were in place and several homes were threatened.

“Between air and the guys on the ground, is what helped wrap this up pretty quickly,” Paula Imlay told KSL5TV.

The fire was called in around 5 p.m. on Thursday. Two airplanes and one bucketed helicopter were immediately dispatched to the scene to create a barrier for the fire to run into in order to give ground crews the ability to safely get it under control. Initially, the fire was threatening 5 primary/secondary homes and communication towers and evacuations were voluntary.

“We don’t want to put firefighters in front of an active moving fire,” Imlay said explaining why air resources were used on the 3-5 acre fire.

A human-caused wildfire in southern Utah is now contained thanks to a quick response from air and ground resources, says a fire official. (KSL5TV)

Buckets of water were dropped on the fire from above by the helicopter, as well as lines of retardant were dropped by the fixed-wing aircrafts.

This approach allows for firefighters to create a line of defense against the fire, compared to battling the fire alongside it as it burns.

At this time the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Imlay urged the public to avoid the area to allow fire crews to finish moping up the fire.

Fire officials say record-breaking winter snowfall and a wet spring have built up lush vegetation in the mountains and by July or August the hillsides will dry out and wildfire danger will be high.

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‘Life in the slow lane’: Red Cliffs Desert Reserve teaches children about native reptiles in New Harmony

NEW HARMONY — The children gather in the corner of a room in the New Harmony Branch Library to stare through plastic containers at curious creatures. In one, a Mojave Desert tortoise crawls toward the edge, attempting to climb out unsuccessfully.In the other, a black, red and white Sonoran mountain king snake rests as tiny fingers tap at the sides of its enclosure. Adults with wide smiles remind the children that their tapping could scare the animal.They gathered Wednesday on a blue rug, with a sun in the...

NEW HARMONY — The children gather in the corner of a room in the New Harmony Branch Library to stare through plastic containers at curious creatures. In one, a Mojave Desert tortoise crawls toward the edge, attempting to climb out unsuccessfully.

In the other, a black, red and white Sonoran mountain king snake rests as tiny fingers tap at the sides of its enclosure. Adults with wide smiles remind the children that their tapping could scare the animal.

They gathered Wednesday on a blue rug, with a sun in the middle and the alphabet in a rainbow pattern along the outside. Ammon Teare, the outreach coordinator at the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve reads “Life in the Slow Lane: A Desert Tortoise Tale.”

After the story, Teare shows his audience the reptiles, sharing facts about their habitat and behavior. The small tortoise is younger than 5 years old, he says, and takes out a large, empty shell of a much older, now dead, specimen to compare sizes.

Teare removes the small tortoise from its enclosure. With small hands and large eyes, the children pet its shell and feel his feet. Teare assures the attendees that its claws are not dangerous.

“They’re just mostly for moving dirt around,” he says.

The snake, whose name is Sierra, stays in its container.

Red Cliffs Desert Reserve Outreach

The Red Cliffs Desert Reserve conducts educational visits and outreach presentations to teach the public about the animals and plants within Southern Utah that they may not be as familiar with or afraid of, like the king snake, Teare said. They want people to know “what the positives are.”

“Some people might see a king snake and be really afraid of it and want to hurt it or chase it away,” he said. “In reality, they’re native to this area, and they have a lot of really helpful benefits including taking care of pests and keeping rattlesnakes away.”

Kingsnakes can live in higher-elevation environments and be found in areas such as the Pine Valley Mountains and Zion National Park.

They are not venomous but mimic coral snakes that “scare away” potential predators. Teare said there are no coral snakes in Utah, but if a person found themselves in a situation where they would need to tell the two apart, there is a rhyme they can reference.

“Red on yellow — deadly fellow,” he said. “Red on black — friend of Jack.”

The red and yellow bands on coral snakes will touch, whereas kingsnakes will have black stripes between them, Teare said

The reserve also wants the public to understand that tortoises are “an integral part” of Southern Utah’s natural environment, Teare said. And people can learn how to survive in the desert from the animal’s adaptations.

“And just making people care about the area that we live in and want to take care of it,” he said.

Teare said he hopes the presentation excites the children to learn about the world.

“Because if they carry that excitement with them as adults, then they’ll be curious and they want to learn more and they want to be engaged and maybe give back,” he said.

Susan Jenson, the children’s services librarian who is in charge of story time, said she appreciates anyone who is “willing to come in” while praising Teare’s work.

“I think it’s great for the kids to be introduced to these kinds of things at an early age,” she said.

Educational and outreach programs for schools and community groups that include live animals are provided by Washington County and Snow Canyon State Park for various age groups, according to the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve website.

For more information, contact the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve at 435-256-6312 or Snow Canyon State Park at 435-628-2255.

To learn more about the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, click here. To learn more about the New Harmony Branch Library, visit its location at 34 South 2900 East, New Harmony, or click here to view its website.

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Storms bring flooding to southern Utah

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IRON COUNTY, Utah — Flooding was seen in parts of Cedar City Monday afternoon as the National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings for parts of Washington, Iron and Kane County, including the southeastern section of Zion National Park.

The NWS later issued a new Flash Flood Warning for areas in and north of New Harmony, lasting until 9 p.m.

National park officials reported flooding in both the main canyon of Zion and tributaries feeding into the canyon from the east.

(Video below shows flooding on Fiddler Canyon Road in Cedar City / Courtesy: Kat Ortega)

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An urban and small stream flood advisory was in effect for Cedar City through Enoch until 6 p.m. Video posted to social media by Jesse Harris showed water rushing down a street around 2:30 p.m. in the Ashdown Forest subdivision in Cedar City.

The NWS reports Cedar City received over 2.5 inches of rain, while areas northeast of Pinto were deluged with 6 inches over a three hour period Monday afternoon.

The East Fork of the Virgin River was placed under the warning near the park. Officials advised the public to "seek higher ground if recreating in these areas and do not attempt to cross through floodwaters on foot or in a vehicle."

Feeling outdoorsy? Try to spot Southern Utah’s wild turkeys this holiday season

ST. GEORGE — Every Thanksgiving, turkeys take center stage. They are the focal point of many Southern Utahns’ dinner tables. But there’s more than one way to enjoy turkey this holiday season.Southern Utahns can view wild turkeys in lower Cedar Canyon, the town of New Harmony, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, Panguitch Lake and Pine Valley Recreation Area, among others.There are two wild turkey varieties in Utah — Rio Grande and Merriam’s, said Ja...

ST. GEORGE — Every Thanksgiving, turkeys take center stage. They are the focal point of many Southern Utahns’ dinner tables. But there’s more than one way to enjoy turkey this holiday season.

Southern Utahns can view wild turkeys in lower Cedar Canyon, the town of New Harmony, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, Panguitch Lake and Pine Valley Recreation Area, among others.

There are two wild turkey varieties in Utah — Rio Grande and Merriam’s, said Jason Nicholes, wildlife biologist with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Rio Grande turkeys typically stay near watercourses, like streams, in lower elevations, often near cottonwood, pinyon pine and juniper trees.

Comparatively, Merriam’s tend to range higher on the mountain into ponderosa pine and oak brush habitats, he told St. George News.

The birds are often observed on private property, particularly those near water, as it often contains ideal turkey habitat with larger trees and sometimes crops, Nicholes said, adding that food can be scarcer on public land.

“So they do tie themselves a little bit more to the private land,” he said. “Along with that, there’s also usually fewer predators on private land, just because there’s been an active predator management program on a lot of private land … So it’s all a survival strategy.”

When looking for wild turkeys, the division recommends heading out early and becoming familiar with the area and the birds’ locations. By observing their daily patterns, enthusiasts or hunters can set up in an area where they’ll be active.

During hunting season, most turkeys are harvested between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., the DWR states.

Turkey watchers should keep their distance and respect the animals. While uncommon, male turkeys, called Toms, can become aggressive, particularly during the spring breeding season. And Nicholes said there have been cases where they’ve attacked cars with their beaks or wings after seeing their reflection.

In the spring, Toms are more likely to be mixed in with groups of hens. In the fall and winter, flocks are more likely to contain hens and young males, called Jakes, with Toms “off by themselves,” Nicholes said. Jakes can be distinguished from hens by their darker breast feathers in contrast to the females’ tan and white-tipped plumage.

Flocks can be seen wandering or scratching the earth during daylight hours in search of food. Despite being ground nesters, at night, they roost in trees, particularly taller specimens over 30 feet high, like ponderosa pines or cottonwood trees. Nicholes said the large birds can fly short distances of 20-30 yards.

While domestic varieties have had the “wildness bred out of them,” thus losing their survival instinct, wild turkeys are intelligent creatures despite their reputation, Nicholes said.

“Anybody that’s spent a little time hunting them will tell you that turkeys are very smart,” he said.

While Utah is home to 25,000-30,000 wild Rio Grande and Merriam’s turkeys, there were no established populations for 100 years or more until the 1950s, according to a DWR news release.

It’s unclear why the species disappeared from the state, but there is evidence that the birds were native before European exploration, Upland Game Coordinator Heather Talley told St. George News.

“There is evidence that turkeys coexisted with Native Americans from artifacts that have been found in Utah,” she said.

Evidence of turkeys on the landscape includes pictographs, petroglyphs, turkey-feather blankets and turkey bones found in areas where Native Americans lived, the release states.

Merriam’s wild turkeys from Arizona and Colorado were reintroduced in Iron, Washington, Kane, Garfield and Grand counties in the 1950s by the division, then called the Utah Department of Fish and Game.

Birds from these populations have since been trapped and released throughout the state, the division states.

In 1989, the division began trapping and transplanting Rio Grande turkeys from Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming, according to the DWR.

Last year’s harsh winter and record snowfall caused population declines throughout the state as the birds’ movements were impeded, making it difficult for them to find food. The division reports that this is in conjunction with other recent declines caused by drought.

“But biologists anticipate an increase in many areas due to prime brood-rearing conditions this past summer,” the release states.

Turkeys are a “boom-and-bust species,” Nicholes said.

“During drought situations or hard winters, their populations can get down quite a bit,” he explained. “But then, when we have good weather, they can really, really increase quickly.

“A typical clutch for a turkey is probably in the neighborhood of three or four. But on a good year, if predators aren’t having too much of an effect, one hen can have 13-14 eggs and raise a really large clutch of poults (baby turkeys).”

Talley said that Iron and Washington County populations have fared better this year because the increased moisture didn’t impact turkey movement.

High moisture increased the number of fobs — flowering plants — and insects available. Poults eat mostly insects, Talley said.

In the fall and winter, wild turkeys eat mass crops, such as rose hips, chokecherries, acorns and pine nuts, Nicholes said.

Funds spent on hunting and combination licenses could be spent to improve habitat and manage turkeys, Talley said.

Additionally, while it may seem counterintuitive to some, she said the one way to support healthy turkey populations is to not feed them.

“Feeding turkeys can cause an artificial congregation of birds, which leads to an increase of disease transfer, a disruption of regular migrations, and creates depredation or nuisance issues, which the DWR then needs to address,” Talley said.

Feeding turkeys is also banned in many cities and towns. In some cases, DWR staff may implement the agency’s feeding policy, Talley said.

During harsh winters, turkeys occasionally gather in large flocks where people feed their livestock, which can cause conflict, Nicholes said. In those cases, the division works with the National Wild Turkey Federation to drop food on public land to draw the birds away from private property.

Property owners struggling with turkeys should call their local division office, Talley added.

“The DWR translocates turkeys each year to move them from nuisance/depredation areas to areas with suitable habitat where they don’t cause a conflict,” she said. “Last winter, the DWR translocated 1,265 turkeys.”

Southern Utahns eager to hunt their own turkey for next year’s holiday can begin applying for the 2024 limited-entry spring hunt at 8 a.m. on Dec. 12 online or by calling their local DWR office, the division said in a news release.

Applications must be submitted by 11 p.m. Dec. 27, and drawing results will be released Jan. 10, 2024. The hunt will be held April 13-24, with 450 permits available in Southern Utah.

The general statewide turkey hunts will be held from April 29 to May 31, 2024, and permits will go on sale on March 5.

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ADVISORY: Crashes lead to I-15 closure near Hamilton Fort; snow squall passes through Southern Utah

CEDAR CITY — Multiple crashes on Interstate 15 in Southern Utah were reported early Tuesday afternoon within an hour of the National Weather Service’s alert warning motorists of a snow squall passing through the area (see map).According to the UDOT Traffic website, just after 1 p.m. multiple crashes were reported on northbound I-15 near mile marker 52, just north of the Hamilton Fort exit.The series of crashes involved multi...

CEDAR CITY — Multiple crashes on Interstate 15 in Southern Utah were reported early Tuesday afternoon within an hour of the National Weather Service’s alert warning motorists of a snow squall passing through the area (see map).

According to the UDOT Traffic website, just after 1 p.m. multiple crashes were reported on northbound I-15 near mile marker 52, just north of the Hamilton Fort exit.

The series of crashes involved multiple semitractor-trailers and passenger cars, Utah Highway Patrol Lt. Randy Riches told Cedar City News.

Traffic on northbound I-15 is reportedly being diverted off the interstate at exits 51 and 42.

Clearance time is expected to take around four hours, or until approximately 5 p.m., according to UDOT.

Riches also confirmed another crash involving a semi shortly before 2 p.m. near I-15’s exit 57 in Cedar City.

According to the NWS interactive alert transmitted just before 12:30 p.m., “A dangerous snow squall was located along a line extending from near New Harmony to 13 miles north of LaVerkin to 10 miles north of Quail Creek State Park, moving east at 15 mph.”

According to the alert message, the storm, with wind gusts of up to 35 mph, has brought or is expected to bring intense bursts of heavy snow and gusty winds leading to blowing snow and visibility rapidly falling to less than one-quarter mile.

Drivers are advised to slow down and anticipate sudden changes in visibility and road conditions.

Riches also said earlier that a number of additional crashes and slide-offs had been reported in and around Iron County since Tuesday morning but added that he wasn’t aware of any serious injuries in any of those incidents.

As for the early afternoon pileup centered in the area identified in the squall warning, Riches said he didn’t have any details yet as the scene was still active.

Shortly before 5 p.m., Riches provided a brief update, saying the wreckage from the pileup near mile marker 51 has mostly been cleared. However, he added that there have been several other crashes and slideoffs along the median and shoulder of the roadway up through Cedar City, making traffic continue to move slowly.

Additionally, state Route 143 reportedly has been closed between Brian Head and Panguitch due to snowy conditions, although the section of SR-143 between Parowan and Brian Head reportedly is open. Additionally, on SR-20 between I-15 and Panguitch, tire chains are required on all vehicles in both directions.

Shortly before 4 p.m., UDOT Traffic tweeted that U.S. 89 is Kane County is closed in both directions at mile post 70, about five miles north of Kanab, due to weather conditions. About 30 minutes later, UDOT posted that SR-9 is closed until further notice through Zion National Park, between mile markers 32 and 45.

According to the National Park Service, drivers who are already in the park may exit the park but cannot travel on the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway across the park or up Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Watch for snowplows on roads. For updates on road conditions in Zion, click here.

Then, at 4:40 p.m., UDOT added another tweet indicating that SR-59 is congested in both directions, from Hurricane to the Utah-Arizona border, “due to inclement weather and slick roads.” Delays are expected until at least 7 p.m.

The NWS alert also advises motorists to consider avoiding or delaying travel until after the storm has passed.

“If you must travel, use extra caution and allow extra time. Rapid changes in visibility and slick road conditions may lead to accidents.”

This is a developing story.

Updated 3:35 p.m. Feb. 14, Adds a reader-submitted photo of I-15 crash near Kanarraville.

Updated 4:55 p.m., to include traffic update from Utah Highway Patrol and UDOT.

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