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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 Sandy, UT

Home Care Sandy, 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 Temple Granite Quarry Historical 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 Sandy, UT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Sandy, 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!”

Diamondzragrlzbf
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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 Sandy, 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 Sandy, UT

Types of Elderly Care in Sandy, 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 Sandy, 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 Sandy, 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 Bicentennial 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 Sandy, 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 La Caille or visit Hope Rising - To Lift a Nation, 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 Sandy, UT

Benefits of Home Care in Sandy, 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 Sandy, 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 Sandy, 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 Sandy, 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 Sandy, 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 Sandy, 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 Sandy, 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:

  • Alta Ridge Assisted Living of Sandy
  • Crescent Senior Living
  • Sunrise of Sandy
  • Sego Lily Assisted Living
  • Alta Ridge Memory Care of Sandy
  • Cedarwood at Sandy
Home Care Sandy, 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 Sandy, 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 Sandy, 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 Sandy, UT

Latest News in Sandy, UT

Shelter the Homeless reveals plans for transitional housing facility in Sandy

SANDY, Utah (KUTV) — New details emerged Wednesday night on a proposed transitional housing facility in Sandy, aimed at the medically vulnerable homeless population.The group behind the initiative, Shelter the Homeless, revealed plans for the facility at the now-vacant Econo Lodge located at 8955 South Harrison Street near I-15 in Sandy.Shelter the Homeless is applying for a conditional-use permit with Sandy City to operate the facility.Residents living within a 500-foot radius of the proposed location were informe...

SANDY, Utah (KUTV) — New details emerged Wednesday night on a proposed transitional housing facility in Sandy, aimed at the medically vulnerable homeless population.

The group behind the initiative, Shelter the Homeless, revealed plans for the facility at the now-vacant Econo Lodge located at 8955 South Harrison Street near I-15 in Sandy.

Shelter the Homeless is applying for a conditional-use permit with Sandy City to operate the facility.

Residents living within a 500-foot radius of the proposed location were informed of Wednesday’s virtual meeting, where many expressed their concerns about the possible implications for the community.

MORE: New homeless shelters in Utah may happen with or without cities' involvement

Cindy Long, a local resident who has lived in the nearby apartments for five years, commented, "I like it pretty much." She added that she was familiar with the proposal and stated, "I hate to see people homeless who are just laying all around and all that kind of stuff, but if it's something organized, I don't have a problem with it."

According to the details shared during the meeting, the facility will specifically cater to veterans, seniors, the medically frail, and those with underlying health conditions. Intended to house occupants for an average duration of six months, the facility will only admit those with referrals, disallowing any walk-ins.

The facility will feature 98 rooms with a total capacity of 165 people. A major sticking point from residents centered around safety concerns.

ALSO: New homeless shelters may go in Sandy, South Salt Lake

Organizers emphasized security measures, including 24/7 surveillance, a single entry/exit point, a no-guest policy, extensive camera monitoring, and mandatory entry searches.

Residents will be provided weekly medical provider visits and specialty care referrals, though the means of transportation for these referrals was not addressed.

While Shelter the Homeless declined a direct interview with 2News, Executive Director Laurie Hopkins said in a statement: "Out of respect for the neighbors in the meeting, I’d like to share our plan with them first prior to engaging with the media and broader public. In the future as we engage in the formal code amendment and conditional use permit process with Sandy City, I am happy to discuss the project."

The organization hopes to launch the shelter by winter, and all feedback from Wednesday’s meeting will be forwarded to the Sandy Planning Commission. A public hearing on the proposal is scheduled for September 7th.

New Sandy liquor store to open July 31st with showcase for local products

This coming Monday sees the opening Utah’s latest ‘NextGen’ (that’s my own phrase folks) DABS store. The 14,000 square foot facility located at 1880 E 9400 S appears set to follow the path trodden by several of the most recent liquor store openings – which is to say – modern in both design and outlook.Much like the fabulous Taylorsville location (currently my favorite in SL County, pictured above and below) which features aisles of refrigerated beverages, the Sandy newcomer doubles down on the conce...

This coming Monday sees the opening Utah’s latest ‘NextGen’ (that’s my own phrase folks) DABS store. The 14,000 square foot facility located at 1880 E 9400 S appears set to follow the path trodden by several of the most recent liquor store openings – which is to say – modern in both design and outlook.

Much like the fabulous Taylorsville location (currently my favorite in SL County, pictured above and below) which features aisles of refrigerated beverages, the Sandy newcomer doubles down on the concept; the store apparently features the most refrigeration of any state run store according to the DABS. Not only that but the new location will feature a first-of-its-kind for state stores. A crown in jewel will be a new ‘Utah Proud’ section, designated specifically for Beehive made beverages.

This positive step forward builds on the tentative progress made during the NBA All Stars games back in February, where you might remember a brief downtown popup store highlighted local product. In a press release issued today, DABS director Tiffany Clason confirmed:

“The new Sandy store is the first to be designed with a dedicated ‘Utah Proud’ section, in which shoppers can more easily find locally made products. We want Utahns and tourists to find items crafted right here in Utah, by passionate entrepreneurs who choose to locate their operations here, contributing to state and local economies.”

While there’s no confirmation yet of what/who might be featured in this new section (or indeed what the qualification requirements are) anything that might help move the needle for local brewers and distillers gets the thumbs up in my book. Local manufacturers have long complained about the difficult of obtaining shelf space in local stores; fingers most recently have pointed to the maligned Symphony inventory system which can favor more economically priced products.

In today’s release, Clason went on to say that in its first year of operation, the new store is expected to generate $5.4 million to the state of Utah, in addition to more than $1 million in local sales tax revenue to Sandy City and Salt Lake County. You can go check out the swish new facility this Monday (July 31st) at 11.00 a.m., located in the Little Cottonwood Shopping Center at 9400 South and Highland Drive.

Food Fight 2.0 smashes $60K mark

Great news from the folks over at Food Fight, the recent foodie fundraiser for planned parenthood. The June 11th event attracted nearly 1,000 attendees and raised a bundle. Here’s the full press release from the event wrap:

. . .

We sold 962 tickets! All of the restaurant + beverage partners donated 100% of their beautiful food + drinks AND their teams volunteered their time last Sunday! Every auction + raffle item was donated to Food Fight by small businesses, artists and individuals who wanted to partner to raise funds! The music, photography, videography and experience trucks were all donated! The Food Fight graphic, website and Instagram page were all created, facilitated + managed by volunteers! The amazing humans who met you in line, wristbanded your arms, checked you in, sold you raffle tickets, hauled garbage and cleaned up were ALL community volunteers!

We are humbled + thrilled to share that Food Fight 2.0 raised $62,000 and 100% of these proceeds will, once again, be donated to Planned Parenthood Utah and The Utah Abortion Fund, so please support all of the incredible Food Fight partners this summer and in the coming months. Thank you again, Utah – Our community should be proud of what we accomplished together!

Please keep fighting the fight. It matters. Food Fight Highlights:https://instagram.com/slc_food_fight?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Utah Restaurant Association Gala Awards

You may recall me tooting my own horn this past week, well, let’s toot some others. Here are several other food/bev winners at the 2023 URA gala award ceremony:

Local reviews and roundups

If you missed them the first time around, here’s what local restaurant writers have been scribbling about around town the last few weeks:

In other news

Want to stay on top of the SLC food scene, minute by minute, dish by dish? Here are a few other places you should follow along:

Stuart Melling

Hi, I’m Stuart, nice to meet you! I’m the founder, writer and wrangler at Gastronomic SLC. I’m a multiple-award winning journalist and have written in myopic detail about the Salt Lake City dining scene for the better part of seventeen years.

I’ve worked extensively with multiple local publications from Visit Salt Lake to Salt Lake Magazine, not least helped to consult on national TV. Pause those credits, yep, that’s me! I’m also a former restaurant critic of more than five years, working for the Salt Lake Tribune. I’m largely fueled by a critical obsession with rice, alliteration and the use of big words I don’t understand. What they’re saying about me: “Not inaccurate”, “I thought he was older”, “I don’t share his feelings”.

Want to know more? This is why I am the way I am.

‘SpongeBob’ Fans Believe Sandy Cheeks Is From Houston. They’re Wrong.

Who lives in a treedome under the sea? Sandy Cheeks, an alleged Houston native and an astronaut suit–, cowboy boot–wearin’ squirrel.The Nickelodeon hit animated series SpongeBob SquarePants premiered in 1999—just in time to join the canon of millennial pop culture—and is now in its thirteenth season. Ms. Cheeks befriends the titular sponge in the very first episode, when he stumbles upon her wrestling with a giant clam. Despite being voiced by a Baltimorean, Carolyn Lawrence, Sandy is a full-bred...

Who lives in a treedome under the sea? Sandy Cheeks, an alleged Houston native and an astronaut suit–, cowboy boot–wearin’ squirrel.

The Nickelodeon hit animated series SpongeBob SquarePants premiered in 1999—just in time to join the canon of millennial pop culture—and is now in its thirteenth season. Ms. Cheeks befriends the titular sponge in the very first episode, when he stumbles upon her wrestling with a giant clam. Despite being voiced by a Baltimorean, Carolyn Lawrence, Sandy is a full-bred Texan: she has the deep Southern accent, pronounces “pecan” “pee-can,” has a strong desire to be “too Texas tough,” and has a lot of love for the Lone Star State. She can’t get through an eleven-minute episode without dropping a cliché (but fair) Texan saying, such as “You’ve been messing with the bull; now here come the horns.”

Like many Texans before her, Sandy is often put in the position of defending her love of the Lone Star State. Her lethal weapon is a can-do attitude paired with a competitive spirit, most often accompanied by a “yeehaw!” In season two she lassos the most feared creature in the sea, the Alaskan Bull Worm. Sandy may be a bit rough around the edges, but that makes her comfortable when defending her friends from the most terrifying creatures in the depths of the ocean.

The show portrays Texas as a land full of not-so-bright critters and hicks. In one moment that’s become a meme, Sandy is homesick and turns to SpongeBob for help. The flexible sponge transforms his yellow body into the shape of Texas. “Hey Patrick, what am I now?” he asks.

“Uh, stupid?” Patrick guesses.

“No, I’m Texas!”

“What’s the difference?”

“Y’all best apologize, or I’m gonna be on you like ugly on an ape,” Sandy warns, her face and eyes turning bright red, before chasing the duo with a lasso. Who among us?

As a child in San Angelo, I never gave much thought to where Sandy hailed from. But now, I have my own ideas.

Creator Stephen Hillenburg reportedly said Sandy is from Houston, and according to multiple fandom sites, the squirrel was supposedly sent down from Houston to Bikini Bottom to study underwater life. (She’s not the first Texan to dream of the sea when enduring the dog days of summer.) Bikini Bottom, located in the North Pacific Ocean, is reportedly based on the real location of a U.S. nuclear test site at Bikini Atoll, in the Marshall Islands. The origin story gets a few nods in earlier episodes: due to the supposed radiation, stationary creatures (a sponge, for example) came to life. Sandy is an inventor of sorts, and in season four, her chimpanzee bosses visit to inspect the gadgets Sandy was supposed to be working on, instead of lassoing random sea creatures and making her signature Texas tea. The chimp threatens to pull Sandy’s funding, which is a NASA-employee problem if I’ve ever heard one.

Adrienne Dobson, who is currently directing a run of The SpongeBob Musical at the Theatre Company of Bryan–College Station, has become quite acquainted with the land mammal. To prepare for the show, the cast had general conversations regarding their characters, and Keri Kempf, the actress who plays Sandy, deduced that the squirrel was from Houston because of her obsession with science. Dobson believes that if not Houston, Sandy would like West Texas, specifically Marfa, for the stargazing.

If Hillenburg said Sandy was born in Houston, I believe him—but is it possible that she, say, moved as a pup? Went to UT-Austin? Followed a boyfriend down to the RGV? Hear me out: only about 18 percent of Houston is covered by tree canopy. Sandy is a squirrel. Trees are essential. Never mind the fact that she’s more of a get-your-hands-dirty type of squirrel than a Main Street businesswoman. Houston is not much of a cowboy town (except for two weeks of a glammed-up rodeo), and Sandy’s blood is steeped in cow manure. The city doesn’t seem like the right fit.

If not H-Town, the Piney Woods seems like a great home for our bright-eyed and bushy-tailed friend. Perhaps Tyler, or maybe Conroe? The Arbor Day Foundation declared the latter a Tree City, meaning its efforts toward planting and preserving nature have been recognized. With plenty of acorns to forage and branches to zigzag between, the area sounds like the perfect place for Sandy.

In that memeable Texas-filled episode (season one, episode eighteen), homesickness gets the best of Cheeks. She speaks of missing the wide-open skies, her twenty acres of land, barbecues, and pecan pies. Her details of home don’t match with the running theory—unobstructed skies and about fifteen football fields’ worth of land aren’t things one easily comes by in Houston.

Sandy begins to tear up while reminiscing; in true Texan fashion, she assures her friends that she’s not crying (she is) but, rather, her helmet has sprung a leak. Armed with her acoustic guitar and a very rough version of a Southern twang, she begins to sing a heartbreaking love song. “Wish I was back in Texas / The ocean’s no place for a squirrel / Wish I was in Texas, prettiest place in the world, oh no / I guess that deep in my heart, I’ll always be a Texas girl / I wanna go hoooOooOOOooOme,” she sings.

As fast as the sadness sweeps in, it leaves after her two friends realize inciting her fondness for the state is exactly how they’re going to get her to go to their goodbye party. Sandy warns SpongeBob to not “take the name of Texas in vain” after a series of jokes, and she eventually whips out her lasso. The episode is a true testament to what it feels like to be a displaced Texan: sometimes you miss the state, sometimes you don’t, and you spend a lot of time defending it. Yet it will always be home. “When I’m so far from you, Texas, all I can do is cry,” Sandy finishes the song.

USWNT to Face Colombia in October Friendlies in San Diego and Sandy, Utah

CHICAGO (Aug. 28, 2023) – The U.S. Women’s National Team will play two October friendly matches against Colombia, on Oct. 26 at America First Field in Sandy, Utah (9 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. MT on TBS, Universo and Peacock) and Oct. 29 at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, presented by AT&T (5:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. PT on TNT, Telemundo, Universo and Peacock).While the USWNT has played eight matches in San Diego during its history, this will be the first at recently opened Snapdragon Stadium, home to San Diego W...

CHICAGO (Aug. 28, 2023) – The U.S. Women’s National Team will play two October friendly matches against Colombia, on Oct. 26 at America First Field in Sandy, Utah (9 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. MT on TBS, Universo and Peacock) and Oct. 29 at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, presented by AT&T (5:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. PT on TNT, Telemundo, Universo and Peacock).

While the USWNT has played eight matches in San Diego during its history, this will be the first at recently opened Snapdragon Stadium, home to San Diego Wave FC of the National Women’s Soccer League, which replaced the now-demolished former NFL stadium that hosted the USA four times. The last USWNT match at America First Field in Sandy, Utah was also against Colombia, a 2-0 win for the Americans on June 28, 2022.

Colombia is coming off a stellar performance at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup where it won Group H on the heels of a monumental result against Germany, beating the two-time Women’s World Cup champions, 2-1, on a late header goal from Manuala Vanegas. Colombia then beat Jamaica, 1-0, to win its first-ever knockout match at a Women’s World Cup before falling to Women’s World Cup runners-up England, 2-1, in the quarterfinal.

Like the USA, Colombia has already qualified for the 2024 Summer Olympics in France and both teams will be using these games as early preparation for that tournament. Of the 12 teams participating in the Olympic Women’s Soccer Tournament, just four have qualified thus far: host France, the USA, Brazil and Colombia.

Presales for the match in Utah on October 26 will begin on Tuesday, September 12 with the public sale beginning on Monday, September 18. Depending on remaining ticket availability, groups of 20 or more can order at ussoccer.com starting Tuesday, September 19.

Presales for the match in California on October 29 will begin on Tuesday, September 5 with the with the public sale beginning on Tuesday, September 12. Depending on remaining ticket availability, groups of 20 or more can order at ussoccer.com starting Wednesday, September 13.

Coaches Circle and Presidents Circle members supporting the U.S. Soccer Development Fund can receive individual customer support and concierge services for their ticketing needs. Click here or contact [email protected] for more information.

For the opportunity to buy tickets before the general public, fans should consider becoming U.S. Soccer Insiders. Membership is free for Standard Insiders. Learn more.

TICKET PRESALE SCHEDULE FOR USWNT vs. COLOMBIA ON OCT. 26 IN SANDY, UTAH

Sales Schedule Presale Date & Start Time
Circle Insiders Presale (Circle Insiders) Tuesday, September 12, 2023, 12 p.m. CT
VIP Insiders Presale(VIP Insiders) Wednesday, September 13, 2023, 12 p.m. CT
Premium Insiders Presale(Premium & Premium Family Insiders) Thursday, September 14, 2023, 12 p.m. CT
Standard Insiders Presale(Standard Insiders) Friday, September 15, 2023, 12 p.m. CT
Visa Presale(Visa cardholders only) Sunday, September 17, 2023, 12 p.m. CT
Public Sale Monday, September 18, 2023, 12 p.m. CT

TICKET PRESALE SCHEDULE FOR USWNT vs. COLOMBIA OCT. 29 IN SAN DIEGO, CALIF.

Sales Schedule Presale Date & Start Time
Circle Insiders Presale (Circle Insiders) Tuesday, September 5, 2023, 12 p.m. CT
VIP Insiders Presale(VIP Insiders) Wednesday, September 6, 2023, 12 p.m. CT
Premium Insiders Presale(Premium & Premium Family Insiders) Thursday, September 7, 2023, 12 p.m. CT
Standard Insiders Presale(Standard Insiders) Friday, September 8, 2023, 12 p.m. CT
Visa Presale(Visa cardholders only) Monday, September 11, 2023, 12 p.m. CT
Public Sale Tuesday, September 12, 2023, 12 p.m. CT

As the official payment technology sponsor of U.S. Soccer, Visa has made special arrangements for Visa cardholders to participate in an advance sale of tickets. For the match in Utah, the Visa presale is available from Sunday, September 17 at 12 p.m. CT to Monday, September 18 at 10 a.m. CT through the purchase links at ussoccer.com. For the match in California, the Visa presale is available from Monday, September 11 at 12 p.m. CT to Tuesday, September 12 at 10 a.m. CT through the purchase links at ussoccer.com. As the preferred card of U.S. Soccer, Visa will be the only payment method accepted during the Visa presale. Terms and conditions apply.

Sandy man remains in hospital after camping trailer explodes multiple times on I-80

SANDY, Utah (KUTV) — A Sandy man is in the hospital after his family's camping trailer exploded multiple times. The Park City Fire Department responded to the incident earlier this month on an eastbound on-ramp to I-80.Scott Peterson was flown to the University of Utah ICU burn unit. His wife, Laura Peterson, said their family goes camping all the time. They were headed to Flaming Gorge in a truck, hauling a toy hauler 2022 Stellar Eclipse, when her youngest had to use the bathroom, so they pulled off.Laura said after she...

SANDY, Utah (KUTV) — A Sandy man is in the hospital after his family's camping trailer exploded multiple times. The Park City Fire Department responded to the incident earlier this month on an eastbound on-ramp to I-80.

Scott Peterson was flown to the University of Utah ICU burn unit. His wife, Laura Peterson, said their family goes camping all the time. They were headed to Flaming Gorge in a truck, hauling a toy hauler 2022 Stellar Eclipse, when her youngest had to use the bathroom, so they pulled off.

Laura said after she stepped out of the truck with her son, "I just heard this loud explosion. I turned toward the trailer, and my husband was running towards me on fire. I ran toward the truck to get my kids out, and as I got them out, we were running away, and there were more explosions that just kept happening."

Just under 20% of Scott's body was covered in burns, mostly second degree, but some third degree. He's been in the burn unit, and Laura is grateful to all the healthcare workers who have taken care of him.

"His arms and legs from his armpits to his wrists burned, and then his knees to his ankles," she said. "He experienced some burns to his face, too."

There is a GoFundMe to help this family.

The Park City Fire Department could not confirm exactly what happened.

"There was nothing left for the fire department to investigate, so unfortunately, we will never know for sure what happened," Laura said. "We assume it was a propane malfunction in one of the lines, and it was just filling up that trailer because when my husband opened up the door, it just exploded."

"The fire chief was shocked to hear that he wasn't dead, because he's seen explosions happen before, and it doesn't turn out as well as it did this time," she said.

MORE: Driver dies after vehicle catches fire, jumps out along southbound I-15 in Parowan

Bish's RV Store Manager, Mark Black, has no connection to this family or their situation, so he didn't want to speculate on what happened in the incident. However, he did say, "It's not super common."

He offered some general advice to Utah campers.

"You want to maintain your propane tanks," Black said. "Don't travel down the freeway with the propane on; that would be my recommendation. Also, by RV code, they should have a propane detection device, as well as a carbon monoxide detection device."

He said usually, it's actually shredded tires that start RV fires.

"For safety, your tires are one of the most important things you can watch out for," Black said. "A lot of fires we've seen are caused more by tires than propane. A tire blows, shreds, and as a tire shreds, it will start tearing into the bottom of the trailer, which can cut electrical lines. When you're traveling down the road, most of us camp in the summer when it's hot, that's when a lot of fires will then start. So maintain your tires and inspect them. I'm not saying that's what happened here. This is just advice."

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