abc-logo
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

Please submit form to schedule a

Personal Care Consultation

Local Magic Personal Care Consultation

Please submit this form below and we will chat shortly!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Home Care In Spanish Fork, UT

Home Care Spanish Fork, 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 Old Fort Spanish Fork Monument 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 Spanish Fork, UT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Spanish Fork, UT

location Service Areas

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.

×
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.
×
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.
×
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
×
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
×
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!”

Diamondzragrlzbf
×
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.
×
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.
×
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.
×
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.
×
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.
×
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.
×
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.
×
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.
×
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
×
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.
×
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.
×
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.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Love always best care ❤️”

Breezy H.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Amazing business. Staff are helpful and kind.”

Margot K.
×
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.
×
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.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Love working for this company”

Christina P.
×
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 Spanish Fork, UT?

lm-check

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.

lm-check

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

lm-check

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.

lm-check

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 Spanish Fork, UT

Types of Elderly Care in Spanish Fork, 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 Spanish Fork, 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 Spanish Fork, 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 Spanish Fork City 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 Spanish Fork, 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 Olive Garden Italian Restaurant or visit Old Historic Spanish Fork High School Gymnasium, 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 Spanish Fork, UT

Benefits of Home Care in Spanish Fork, 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.

Request More Information vector

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 Spanish Fork, 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 Spanish Fork, 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 Spanish Fork, 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 Spanish Fork, 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 Spanish Fork, 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 Spanish Fork, 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:

  • Legacy House of Spanish Fork
  • Hearthstone Manor
  • Beehive Homes of Spanish Fork
  • Spanish Fork Rehab & Nursing
  • Sunrise at Spanish Terrace
  • Pioneer Village Senior Community
Home Care Spanish Fork, 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 Spanish Fork, 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

lm-right-arrow
01

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

lm-right-arrow
02

Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

lm-right-arrow
03

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 Spanish Fork, 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 Spanish Fork, UT

Latest News in Spanish Fork, UT

Family searches for dog after rollover crash in Spanish Fork Canyon

PROVO — A Utah family is pleading for help in finding their beloved dog Trigger, who disappeared in Spanish Fork Canyon during a rollover crash.“I’ve had him my whole life, he’s been through everything I’ve been through, he’s been through every passing in the family, every mile marker, he’s literally my best friend,” said Hannah Wright outside Utah Valley Hospital Monday, where her bother Daryl Wright is recovering in the ICU.Hannah Wright was moving home to Syracuse from...

PROVO — A Utah family is pleading for help in finding their beloved dog Trigger, who disappeared in Spanish Fork Canyon during a rollover crash.

“I’ve had him my whole life, he’s been through everything I’ve been through, he’s been through every passing in the family, every mile marker, he’s literally my best friend,” said Hannah Wright outside Utah Valley Hospital Monday, where her bother Daryl Wright is recovering in the ICU.

Hannah Wright was moving home to Syracuse from Texas when, on Dec. 13, she and her brother were involved in a rollover crash on U.S. Highway 6.

“This truck was veering into my lane, and I swerved, and I started to fishtail, and I couldn’t correct it,” Wright said.

Their vehicle was pulling a second vehicle on a trailer, and when Hannah lost control of the wheel, the car rolled. Daryl Wright was ejected, and Hannah Wright’s two dogs ran off.

“I just remember screaming we’re going to wreck, were going to wreck,” she said. “The next thing was I was hanging upside down, and then I got out of the vehicle, and I see my brother in the middle of the road, and I just kept screaming for my dogs.”

Daryl Wright suffered critical injuries, and a GoFundMe* has been set up to help with medical expenses. Hannah Wright suffered less severe injuries and was released from the hospital the same day. As for her dogs, only one has been found.

“We found Nala across the street from the crash site, clear up on top of the mountain,” she said.

Wright and her family have spent days searching for 8-year-old Trigger, her blue nose pitbull, but so far, there has been no sign of him. She fears Trigger could still be in the canyon, or someone may have picked him up.

“We actually have heard that somebody did pick him up, but nobody is coming forward,” Wright said. “Now I’m scared that he’s still in the canyon, and I can’t find him. He’s not meant to be out there.”

Wright said without Trigger, she and her brother feel lost. She says trying to heal without him is painful.

“I don’t think this recovery process is going to start for me or any of my family until Trigger is brought home,” she said.

The Wright family is offering a $500 reward for Trigger’s safe return. Anyone with information is asked to call Jeff Wright, Hannah’s father, at 435-650-9452.

Hannah with Trigger. (Courtesy: Hannah Wright)

*KSL TV does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.

Share

Utah’s third inland port is coming to Spanish Fork

The Verk Industrial Park Project is set to become an industrial hub. | Updated: 5:13 p.m.Spanish Fork is on track to become Utah’s next transit and logistical hub, with the Utah Inland Port Authority’s Monday approval of a new project there.The Verk Industrial Park Project, named for the Icelandic word for “work” as a nod to Spanish Fork’s Icelandic heritage, will be a 2,200-acre industrial land of warehouses, manufacturing facilities, distribution centers and office space, just west of In...

The Verk Industrial Park Project is set to become an industrial hub.

| Updated: 5:13 p.m.

Spanish Fork is on track to become Utah’s next transit and logistical hub, with the Utah Inland Port Authority’s Monday approval of a new project there.

The Verk Industrial Park Project, named for the Icelandic word for “work” as a nod to Spanish Fork’s Icelandic heritage, will be a 2,200-acre industrial land of warehouses, manufacturing facilities, distribution centers and office space, just west of Interstate 15, according to a project draft.

It’s the third project approved by the Utah Inland Port Authority as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to make Utah a landlocked “port” — or, collection of ports.

Board members and proponents said Verk and projects like it will bolster the community’s economy by creating more and diverse jobs.

“This partnership represents a tremendous opportunity to drive positive change, foster economic growth and create a sustainable logistics future for both the local community and the broader region,” UIPA board chair Miles Hansen said in a news release.

The Verk Industrial Park will be a hub for processing, manufacturing and shipping goods in and out of Utah, according to the project draft. The site could be an easy stop for freight trains coming from ports in California, UIPA said, but will need more rail infrastructure before it’s ready to significantly divert traffic from Salt Lake and Utah County.

UIPA will fund the lion’s share of the industrial park with tax differential funds from increased property taxes. UIPA is expected to have roughly $136 million in tax differential funds to spend over the 25-year project term, according to a draft budget.

Port critics have sounded alarms about the speed with which these projects are being approved.

“What’s really disturbing is the lack of public information about business plans for these developments,” Deeda Seed, a volunteer with the Stop Polluting the Port Coalition and staffer for the Center for Biological Diversity, told The Salt Lake Tribune in May.

Spanish Fork Mayor Mike Mendenhell said the project “aligns perfectly” with the city’s goals “while still protecting property owner rights and respecting sensitive lands.”

“Verk Industrial Park will be instrumental in creating an economic focal point for high-wage jobs,” Mendenhall said in a news release, “which will allow for enhanced economic opportunities and a better quality of life.”

Community help needed to restore historic schoolhouse in Spanish Fork

SPANISH FORK, Utah — A family new to Spanish Fork purchased a home recently that has a historic schoolhouse in the backyard. They’d like to open its doors to the community but need help restoring it in order to do so.The one-room schoolhouse was built in 1872 by a group of young men led by George Brimhall. He gathered the group as they decided they wanted a place for them to educate themselves.They took up a subscription in the community to help pay for it, hauled timber from Santaquin Canyon, and purchased...

SPANISH FORK, Utah — A family new to Spanish Fork purchased a home recently that has a historic schoolhouse in the backyard. They’d like to open its doors to the community but need help restoring it in order to do so.

The one-room schoolhouse was built in 1872 by a group of young men led by George Brimhall. He gathered the group as they decided they wanted a place for them to educate themselves.

They took up a subscription in the community to help pay for it, hauled timber from Santaquin Canyon, and purchased desks. The schoolhouse was known first as The Young Men’s Academy, but held coed programs and functioned as a community center and general school.

Robert Burton, the now owner of the schoolhouse works at Utah Valley University.

“I direct the Civic Thought and Leadership Initiative there,” Robert Burton said.

The Burtons have six children with one expected. They both hold education and learning in high regard.

“It’s been my lifelong dream,” Naomi Burton said. “I love educating [my kids] at home.”

The Burton family hopes that by opening the doors of their schoolhouse to the community, it will have a greater and lasting impact.

“What I try to do is inspire my students to want to do the kind of self-education they were giving themselves here,” Robert Burton said.

The Burtons also hope the community might have more information or family ties to the schoolhouse, and possibly even have pictures of it from the past.

“My hope is people learn about the schoolhouse, and they go ‘Oh I remember my great grandmother or [some other family member] had an association with [that place]’ and they send us pictures or tell us their stories,” Robert Burton said.

The Burtons have decorated the schoolhouse for now with an organ, chairs and shelves. Naomi Burton teaches their children in the mornings at the schoolhouse.

“Connecting children (my children particularly) to history is really important for me to see the dedication and the different things they went through that’s very different from the challenges we go through in our lives,” Naomi Burton said.

Though the Burton’s efforts have celebrated the history of the schoolhouse, they’re in need of extra help to keep it in working condition.

“We aren’t able to restore it all on our own but it really does need work to be able to survive and be structurally sound. Particularly, [it needs] a new roof,” Naomi Burton said.

“It’s part of our history as a community and part of the educational history of Spanish Fork and Utah Valley,” Robert Burton said. “So we would love any support that people have, whether it’s in terms of skills or resources.”

The family has a GoFundMe* and a Facebook page* to help support the journey of restoring the historic schoolhouse.

*KSL TV does not assure that the money deposited to the GoFundMe or Facebook will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.

Share

Utah Inland Port Authority announces 3rd project area in Spanish Fork

Share KSL.comSPANISH FORK, Utah — A third inland port is coming to the Beehive State, with the latest installment set to call Utah County home.Approved unanimously by the Utah Inland Port Authority Board of Directors during a meeting Monday, the Verk Industrial Park Project Area will be located in Spanish Fork and will serve as a strategic location due in part to its close proximity to both I-15 and U.S. 6.“It&...

Share

KSL.com

SPANISH FORK, Utah — A third inland port is coming to the Beehive State, with the latest installment set to call Utah County home.

Approved unanimously by the Utah Inland Port Authority Board of Directors during a meeting Monday, the Verk Industrial Park Project Area will be located in Spanish Fork and will serve as a strategic location due in part to its close proximity to both I-15 and U.S. 6.

“It’s right at the edge of the Wasatch Front,” said Ben Hart, executive director of the Utah Inland Port Authority. “I think that creates a really unique opportunity to help capture more traffic or … convert trucks to rail. But I think it also gives access to a lot of shippers in the Utah County community.”

With a strong base of exporters and importers for Utah, having better transportation access in Utah County is critical, Hart said, adding that he hopes the Verk Industrial Park Project Area will draw the “best and brightest” advanced manufacturers to Utah County and improve freight movement.

“It’s strategic in its location because it really allows us to, hopefully, help takes trucks off the road farther to the south along the Wasatch Front. I think it also helps us open shipping corridors to ports that perhaps we haven’t worked with, so ports up in the northwest part of the United States,” Hart said.

Additionally, he said, the port will be a welcome addition to a county experiencing rapid growth.

Utah County was the state’s leader in absolute growth between July 1, 2021, and July 1, 2022, adding over 16,000 new residents to push the countywide estimate over 700,000 people for the first time — making it the second most-populated county in the state, next to only Salt Lake County, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

Along with streamlining freight movement and shipping logistics, the port will also bring a plethora of much-needed jobs to the area, to the tune of around 6,000 to 8,000 new jobs.

“What we’re going to be targeting are high-paying jobs, particularly in durable, forward-facing industries — meaning industries that aren’t just going to be here today, gone tomorrow, but really are going to be a strong economic foundation for the economy for years to come,” Hart said.

Hart estimated that the tax revenue generated through the port over a 25-year period, 75% of which he said will be reinvested back into the local community, to be somewhere near $143 million.

“We’re able to harness the local property taxes that are going to be generated by this project along with, potentially, other state revenues that come from our infrastructure bank to really focus and help invest into this area,” Hart said.

Utah County Commissioner Brandon Gordon emphasized the project’s significance in bolstering the regional economy and attracting high-tech, advanced manufacturing jobs to the region while also providing economic balance to the other strong industries in the county.

“Sustainable growth in the Utah County region will require investments in multi-modal options for both public transportation and the movement of goods. This project area will allow regional businesses to better utilize its existing rail options and ensure less pollutants that stem from dependency on the roadways for truck transit,” Gordon said in a statement.

Above all, Hart said the Utah Inland Port Authority is highly optimistic about the future of the Verk Industrial Park Project Area and he envisions it as an economic focal point for the entirety of Utah County for the foreseeable generations.

“The Spanish Fork project area is really going to stand alone as being very unique for the inland port,” Hart said. “Its location right in the middle of the fastest-growing county, you know, maybe in the country, makes it very special and very unique. But if we don’t have jobs for our kids, if we don’t have strong revenue sources to pay for that growth, then it makes the quality of life diminish.”

Share

KSL 5 TV Live

UDOT considering new interchanges on I-15 in Spanish Fork

Estimated read time: 3-4 minutesSPANISH FORK — The Utah Department of Transportation is considering adding new interchanges to I-15 in Spanish Fork to accommodate traffic and anticipated growth.UDOT project manager Darren Bunker presented to the Utah County Commission on the proposed interchanges during a work session Wednesday afternoon.Bunker said the new interchanges would improve the safety and efficiency of I-15 access for all users and alleviate traffic issues in the community.There is a four-mile gap ...

Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes

SPANISH FORK — The Utah Department of Transportation is considering adding new interchanges to I-15 in Spanish Fork to accommodate traffic and anticipated growth.

UDOT project manager Darren Bunker presented to the Utah County Commission on the proposed interchanges during a work session Wednesday afternoon.

Bunker said the new interchanges would improve the safety and efficiency of I-15 access for all users and alleviate traffic issues in the community.

There is a four-mile gap between the 8000 South interchange and the U.S. 6 interchange in Spanish Fork. Bunker said typically, the Department of Transportation prefers two miles between interchanges.

UDOT estimates by 2050, another interchange will be crucial to handling the anticipated traffic that will come from growth in the community. If no changes are made, the Main Street and 8000 South exits will be overwhelmed during commuter hours and could cause delays on I-15, Bunker said.

Bunker said UDOT hopes the added interchanges will reduce congestion on Main Street south of I-15, which sees heavy north-south traffic in the morning and after work hours. With the anticipated growth, delays on Main Street could potentially triple in time length, he added.

Prospective locations of interchanges include 400 North, Center Street, 100 South, 900 South, "or a combination of different solutions," Bunker said.

The proposed interchanges are not set in stone. Bunker said the project is still in the early stages of development and the department is using traffic simulation models to dictate the best location for interchanges.

Officials are screening preliminary solutions, which will go through an evaluation determining the environmental and community impact. UDOT says it will assess if the interchanges have negative impacts on streams, wetlands and other natural factors, and take into account farmland, residents or businesses being relocated and public land such as historical buildings or parks being affected.

Bunker said part of the project will look at how to enhance the east-west connectivity across I-15 for bikers, pedestrians and drivers. He said there are narrow shoulders and a lack of sidewalks near the freeway that make it difficult for people to use the crossings on 400 North, 100 South and 900 South.

"It's unsafe and scary for pedestrians and some cyclists to use the existing crossings," Bunker said.

Better crossings are critical for the future of the community, especially for when the FrontRunner is extended and a future transit station is built on the west side of I-15, Bunker said. An environmental impact study is underway for the FrontRunner extension, but Bunker said its construction is inevitable.

A public comment period is open through Nov. 13 for anyone to give feedback to UDOT on the issues and potential solutions to traffic in Spanish Fork.

Bunker said once all possible solutions are screened and evaluated, and an environmental study is completed, he anticipates a decision will be made in fall 2024.

Commissioner Amelia Powers Gardner thanked Bunker and UDOT for being proactive with growth-related traffic issues.

"We appreciate you recognizing the extreme growth we are facing in Utah County and planning ahead for that growth so we don't end up with another four-hour rush hour area in the south part of the county like we face in the north part of the county," she said.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.