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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 Duck Creek Village, UT

Home Care Duck Creek Village, 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 Duck Creek Water Tower 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 Duck Creek Village, UT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Duck Creek Village, UT

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

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

Jackie J.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Rebecca E.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Loretta
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Loretta
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TESTIMONIALS

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

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TESTIMONIALS

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

lydia T.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

TheXploringKay O.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

aaralyn G.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Mckinlye G.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Helen M.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Aly T.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Falelua A.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Always B.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

AsAn
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Audrey S.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Jay R.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Olivia S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Love always best care ❤️”

Breezy H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Amazing business. Staff are helpful and kind.”

Margot K.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

shell S.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Mandy M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Love working for this company”

Christina P.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

M S.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Duck Creek Village, 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 Duck Creek Village, UT

Types of Elderly Care in Duck Creek Village, 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 Duck Creek Village, 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 Duck Creek Village, 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 Lava Flat Designated Dispersed Camping Area (recgovnpsdata) 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 Duck Creek Village, 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 DC Pub & Grill or visit Duck Creek Ice Cave, 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 Duck Creek Village, UT

Benefits of Home Care in Duck Creek Village, 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 Duck Creek Village, 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 Duck Creek Village, 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 Duck Creek Village, 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 Duck Creek Village, 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 Duck Creek Village, 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 Duck Creek Village, 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:

  • Rocky Mountain Care - Grove Creek Assisted Living
  • The Haven at Sky Mountain Independent and Assisted Living Community
  • The Lodge at Duck Creek
  • Southern Comfort Care at the Cottages
  • Duck Creek Village Inn
  • The Villas at Baer Creek
Home Care Duck Creek Village, 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 Duck Creek Village, 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 Duck Creek Village, 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 Duck Creek Village, UT

Latest News in Duck Creek Village, UT

Where should would-be wildlife watchers seek Southern Utah critters?

ST. GEORGE — Imagine walking down a paved trail at twilight when the bushes rustle. A surfeit of skunks bustles across the pavement in a line, momentarily gathering in a bunch before disappearing again into a dark thicket on the other side. Watching Southern Utah’s wildlife can create feelings of awe, hilarity and surprise.“Any time you’re outdoors, you may have the opportunity to see some of the state’s over 600 wildlife species, so keep your eyes peeled,” the Visit Utah ...

ST. GEORGE — Imagine walking down a paved trail at twilight when the bushes rustle. A surfeit of skunks bustles across the pavement in a line, momentarily gathering in a bunch before disappearing again into a dark thicket on the other side. Watching Southern Utah’s wildlife can create feelings of awe, hilarity and surprise.

“Any time you’re outdoors, you may have the opportunity to see some of the state’s over 600 wildlife species, so keep your eyes peeled,” the Visit Utah website states.

Where and when Southern Utahns venture for wildlife viewing opportunities depends on what they’re searching for, said Adam Kavalunas, a conservation outreach manager with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.

“Southern Utah actually has some really good birding areas like all along the Virgin River — a lot of diversity of species of small songbirds along there,” he told St. George News.

Songbirds begin singing before dawn, especially near rivers, creeks and streams, and become less active as the day warms, Kavalunas said. But they return to the skies to trill and flit about in the cool evenings.

Those interested in viewing pronghorn, also known as American antelope, can do so near Duck Creek on Mammoth Creek Road or near John’s Valley near Bryce Canyon National Park.

Pronghorn are typically out grazing in lush mountain meadows midday, and Kavalunas said he saw about a dozen cross the road near Mammoth Creek one afternoon.

Deer and elk have moved to higher elevations for summer grazing and are most likely to be seen in the morning or evening, Kavalunas said.

Mountain goats, a “really cool species,” can be found in the Tushar Mountains above Beaver.

However, with heavy snowpack, the road is likely closed and could remain so for a few weeks. So, Kavalunas suggests trekking up the mountainside in early August to reach Big John Flat. There, would-be viewers can scour the peaks, ridges and hillsides where the goats are often observed.

Desert bighorn sheep are frequently seen in Zion National Park, particularly near its east entrance, Kavalunas said. During their rutting season in August, rams can be seen “following groups of ewes around, and you can actually hear them butt heads. And it sounds like a gunshot.”

“It’s really loud,” he said. “It’s really cool and you know the sheep in the park are pretty used to people, so just drive in on the roads. There are a lot of times they’ll just be feeding near the road, and people can stop and look at them.”

Other creatures inhabiting Zion National Park include foxes, rock squirrels, bats, cougars, ringtail cats and coyotes. According to Visit Utah, many of the park’s 68 mammal species are nocturnal and best seen at night; however, “you may even be able to see signs of their nighttime outings, such as tracks and scat.”

Many animals, such as jackrabbits, cottontails, herons, antelope squirrels, foxes and skunks, can be found along the Virgin River Trail in St. George and similar trails adjacent to waterways throughout Southern Utah.

How to have a successful trip

Would-be wildlife observers will have the most luck in the morning and evening, especially in the summer, partly because the temperature is lower at those times, Kavalunas said.

Trekkers should pack a pair of binoculars or a spotting scope with a sturdy tripod, particularly if they plan to seek out mountain goats or other species likely to be viewed from a distance.

“(Mountain goats) are fairly easy to spot because they’re just a bright, white dot on a green hillside, but oftentimes they’re a mile or two or three away,” Kavalunas said.

Individuals should pack water, snacks and a first-aid kit, he added. Before trekking out, people should also dress for the area they plan to visit.

For instance, those searching for pika will need sturdy shoes and clothing as the talus they inhabit is hard and can be sharp, DWR biologist Barbara Sugarman told St. George News last year.

People can keep themselves and the animals safe by keeping their distance and not feeding wildlife, Kavalunas said. Individuals should stay on designated trails and roadways and never follow or harass wildlife.

“They are still wild, and they’re unpredictable,” he said.

Hikers should stay alert outdoors to avoid confrontations with rattlesnakes and various local predators, like cougars. Rattlers are often confused with nonvenomous gopher snakes, St. George News reported previously.

While bites are uncommon, they can be dangerous, so it is a good idea to check rocky areas, under ledges and other locations where the snakes could hide. These and other reptiles are commonly seen sunning in early or late hours of the day but often hide from the blistering afternoon sun.

Additionally, wildlife watchers should respect private property, Kavalunas said. For instance, if a person sees a burrowing owl in a field, they will need permission from the landowner to trek into the area.

For more information about watching wildlife in Utah, visit the DWR’s Discover tab. They also compiled a list of accessible destinations for those with disabilities here. Additionally, the DWR and other organizations regularly host wildlife viewing events, such as a mountain goat watch in August.

Red Cliffs Desert Reserve provides information about local species here. Individuals can also find nearby plants and animals using iNaturalist or the DWR’s field guide.

For more information on how to stay safe around wildlife, readers can visit Wild Aware Utah’s website.

Those interested in attending wildlife viewing or other events can check the Utah DWR’s Facebook page or calendar, as well as the calendars for Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and Cedar Breaks National Monument.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2023, all rights reserved.

Utah's underrated parks: Readers' choice

A few weeks ago ...

A few weeks ago we asked you to tell us the most "underrated" parks in Utah.

Here are some of your picks:

Bear Lake State Park: Reader Zach A. provided our only northern Utah recommendation, which is becoming more popular as summers get hotter.

Cedar Breaks National Monument: We agree with Chris M. and other readers who pointed to the whole area near S.R. 14 southeast of Cedar City, where the green forests meet red rock on the Markagunt Plateau.

Casto Canyon: About an hour from Cedar Breaks, this pick from reader Colt S. is "a miniature Bryce Canyon that you spend infinite time in and never see another person."

Dinosaur National Monument: Dig up your childhood dinosaur obsession and set it free. If you go in early summer, the wildflowers should be great this year.

Escalante Petrified Forest State Park: A hidden gem that reader Mike R. suggested in Garfield County — which also puts you near some of the state's best slot canyons.

Fremont Indian State Park: It's a great place to view ancient rock art and ruins.

Goblin Valley: The San Rafael Swell's answer to Bryce Canyon has fantastic mushroom-like formations — and yurts for glamping.

Gunlock State Park: This is the spring to go, reader Shelbi P. recommended, with the record snow providing a rare chance to see waterfalls flowing.

White Wash Sand Dunes: While best known as Green River's OHV playground, there are lots of trails and roads through red rock, cottonwood forests and even bighorn sheep.

Where can Southern Utahns see stunning, fleeting autumn colors?

CEDAR CITY — Early Sunday morning, a dusting of snow covered the roads, trees and meadows of Southern Utah’s mountains. Under crystal flakes, vibrant leaves of green, orange and gold glowed in soft sunlight.Fall is here, but the season of color is fleeting. How can Southern Utahns get the most out of autumn this year?Quaking aspens are the most common species of deciduous tree found in Southern Utah’s mountains; their musical leaves transform from green to yellow, orange and rarely, red, Cedar...

CEDAR CITY — Early Sunday morning, a dusting of snow covered the roads, trees and meadows of Southern Utah’s mountains. Under crystal flakes, vibrant leaves of green, orange and gold glowed in soft sunlight.

Fall is here, but the season of color is fleeting. How can Southern Utahns get the most out of autumn this year?

Quaking aspens are the most common species of deciduous tree found in Southern Utah’s mountains; their musical leaves transform from green to yellow, orange and rarely, red, Cedar City News reported previously.

Because the trees reproduce via suckering — sprouting genetic clones from their root systems — a group of aspens could be a single organism, so their leaves will change at about the same time and to the same color. What color a particular aspen will express this autumn largely depends on its genetics, the article reads.

Maple and oak trees are known for their vibrant red or orange autumn leaves and are typically seen at lower elevations, Dr. Jacqualine Grant told Cedar City News last year. Grant is an associate professor of Geosciences at Southern Utah University.

Various factors impact which chemicals trees express, including sunlight, temperature and cloud cover. With above-freezing temperatures, leaves are more likely to be red, but an early frost could weaken its vibrancy. Rain and overcast skies could increase the intensity of this year’s fall color.

Leaves are green due to chlorophyll and orange, brown or yellow because of carotenoids — both are present during the growing season. Anthocyanins create red leaves in response to bright light and excess plant sugars, according to the U.S. Forest Service. As the days shorten, trees reduce their chlorophyll production until there is no trace of the chemical in their leaves, leaving behind the vibrant hues expressed by carotenoids and anthocyanins.

Fall color is peaking in Southern Utah’s mountains. And due to high winds and cold weather, they could be fleeting. With snow still dusting the ground at higher elevations, Brian Head, Cedar Breaks National Monument and Duck Creek expect additional precipitation Sunday night and Monday morning, with mostly gentle to moderate winds, according to the National Weather Service. More sunshine is forecasted for the rest of the week, starting Tuesday.

However, stronger gusts and cold temperatures hit the mountains over the weekend, which blew leaves off “some of the early changers,” Life of Brian Head’s Mike Saemisch wrote on Facebook. Despite this, colors “will still be great for a few weeks” in Brian Head, with high mountain forests still turning.

Where can a would-be leaf peeper peep leaves?

With elevations ranging as high as 11,312 feet above sea level at Brian Head Peak and as low as 2,350 at Beaver Dam Wash, Southern Utahns in Washington and Iron counties can follow autumn into the valleys as winter overtakes alpine meadows.

Alpine and subalpine:

Southern Utah’s high-elevation areas typically show the best fall color in mid-September to early October. Subalpine areas are best viewed from late September through mid-October.

State Route 143 from Brian Head to Panguitch, state Route 148 through Cedar Breaks National Monument, and state Route 14’s higher elevations are in peak color, with a high percentage of color change, according to Visit Cedar City-Brian Head. Duck Creek and Navajo Lake are also seeing a high rate of change, with some green still adorning the landscape.

The leaves in lower elevations are estimated to have a moderate percentage of change, with red and orange maples putting on a show and yellow aspens coming up quickly from behind. Find fall colors at these locations:

According to Mixbook, a photo book brand, Fishlake was rated Utah’s most sought-after “hidden gem” according to a survey with 3,000 respondents.

“Set away from the more frequented destinations, this expansive forest landscape transforms into a stunning tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows during autumn,” the website reads. “Its off-the-beaten-path appeal, trails, and diverse ecosystems offer a unique escape for nature enthusiasts.”

High Valley and Washington County

The rate of change at lower elevations is estimated to be low by Visit Cedar City Brian Head, with oaks and maples offering splashes of red among the green and yellow of other species. Watch the colors change at these locations:

Southern Washington County will see changing colors in late October into November, with most trees still sporting green leaves with nary a hint of change. According to Visit Cedar City-Brian Head, the best place to view fall leaves in the area is Zion National Park via state Route 9 and Springdale.

Fall eclipse

This fall, Brian Head will be in the path of an annular solar eclipse, James Graven with Treehouse Communications told Cedar City News via email. Should the colors hold until Oct. 14, visitors could be amid vibrant autumn as they view the “ring of fire.” The town’s high elevation could offer clearer skies for the event.

Graven writes that the “ring of fire” is expected to last just over four minutes. Visitors should pack eclipse safety glasses to view safely. Brian Head Resort is offering to provide viewing glasses for those watching the event there. Those in Parowan will also have a “prime view,” according to Visit Cedar City-Brian Head.

Event details:

To watch for changing autumn colors and conditions, Southern Utans can check the webcams located at Brian Head Resort and Zion National Park.

The drone footage in the video at the top of this article is courtesy of Brian Head Resort.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2023, all rights reserved.

This Secret Underground Hike In Utah Will Take You Through A Lava Tube

It's like walking through a piece of history.We're always looking for new adventures to tackle. If you're up for channeling your inner Indiana Jones, then prepare for the ultimate journey. There's an underground hike in Utah that'll take you through an actual lava tube. You're not scared of dark caves though, are you?...

It's like walking through a piece of history.

We're always looking for new adventures to tackle. If you're up for channeling your inner Indiana Jones, then prepare for the ultimate journey. There's an underground hike in Utah that'll take you through an actual lava tube. You're not scared of dark caves though, are you?

The Mammoth Cave in Duck Creek Village is one of the biggest lava tubes in the state and features over "2200 feet of passages and five entrances."

It's free to visit and is open from May through October, however, extreme weather conditions can make adventuring here unsafe.

Upon seeing the cavern for the first time, it'll appear as a large gorge or hole in the ground. It's believed that this lava tube is only a few thousand years old and was formed by "cooling lava and flowing water."

If you're up for it, you and your friends can explore it. We recommend bringing shoes with good grip, flashlights, and warm clothes. It remains a cool temperature year-round.

You can only visit here seasonally because bats reside there and it ensures that they can hibernate undisturbed.

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Although the 0.25-mile path seems short, it'll feel like you've stepped back in time. Why not invite your friends along for added fun?

The best part about this underground trek is that there are two exits!

You can choose to go out the way you came or if you're up for a challenge, you can leave through the small tube at the end. There's only room for you to slide out on your stomach. So be prepared to get a little dirty.

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Why go home when you can visit another cave closeby after? The Ice Cave features icicles year-round. How cool is that?

If you binge horror movies all day like we do, then you're probably thinking that this hike is similar to the movie The Descent. There have been no reports of humanoid cannibals though, so you're welcome.

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If we just freaked you out, no worries. Utah is filled with beautiful places that'll make you swoon.

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Difficulty: Easy

Length: Approx. 0.25-miles

Address: Duck Creek Ridge Rd., Duck Creek Village, UT

Why You Need To Go: You can explore an actual underground lava tube for free.

Website

We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment.

Duck Creek day: A ‘very cute village’; first Movie Ranch, now ATV haven

FEATURE — Benefiting from its location close to red rock country, Duck Creek Village’s meadows and surrounding aspen, fir and pine forests served as a stand-in for several other places, including New York and Kentucky, which might be a little bit of a stretch, as well as Wyoming, which is not so much of a stretch.The mountain resort hamlet located on Cedar Mountain in northwestern Kane County along state Route 14 was lucky enough to be an extension of “Little Hollywood” during nearby ...

FEATURE — Benefiting from its location close to red rock country, Duck Creek Village’s meadows and surrounding aspen, fir and pine forests served as a stand-in for several other places, including New York and Kentucky, which might be a little bit of a stretch, as well as Wyoming, which is not so much of a stretch.

The mountain resort hamlet located on Cedar Mountain in northwestern Kane County along state Route 14 was lucky enough to be an extension of “Little Hollywood” during nearby Kanab’s western movie-making heyday.

It was known as “Movie Ranch,” a moniker proudly displayed on its street signs today.

Interpretive signs at Duck Creek Visitor Center explain the area’s earliest history, calling it its “explosive past” because of the involvement of volcanoes in forming cinder cones, the dam that created nearby Navajo Lake and the black lava beds so prominent in the area that look like a fleet of dump trucks just left them there. In actuality, they formed when hot magma oozed out of the bases of gassy cinder cones like a river and covered the surrounding land.

Paiutes and their ancestors roamed the land for centuries and once the white man made his debut in the area, just like many of the scenic and recreational destinations on Cedar Mountain, such as Cedar Breaks, Duck Creek became the domain of sheepherders; in fact, it was a favorite gathering place for them.

In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps played a role in Duck Creek’s early development with its Duck Creek Recreation Camp, which was dedicated June 25, 1933 with a keynote address by Utah’s then Governor Henry Blood and performances by a male chorus from Kanab and a band from Parowan.

The “Kane County Standard” called Duck Creek an “ideal place to establish a recreation camp, the air being cool and refreshing, the scenery enchanting and there is good fishing along Duck Creek,” Martha Bradley reported in her book about Kane County’s history. “There is no doubt but that this camp will become a popular retreat as soon as it is known to all who wish to spend a few days or weeks camping in a shady and quiet place among the pines and aspens.”

The CCC work center built at the site included two residences, one office building, one barn, a gas house and a warehouse. The work center would serve as housing for a Forest Service ranger and some summer employees and was a central point that provided easy access to local recreational areas such as Navajo Lake, Cedar Breaks, Duck Creek, Aspen Mirror Lake, Mammoth Creek and Strawberry Point.

Local workers were hired to lead the battalion of CCC enrollees, most of whom were from Eastern states. The CCC Camp, known as F-16, spent the summer months first building the work center, then the Duck Creek Campground to the north. Other projects completed by the CCC boys included road construction, the building of a dike across Navajo Lake and even porcupine eradication.

The CCC camp remained active until the early 1940s, when the CCC was disbanded. The work camp office building was renovated in 1994 and now serves as the Duck Creek Forest Service Visitor Center. The other buildings were demolished due to the discovery of radon gas in them.

Some of the best-known movies filmed on location in Duck Creek Village include “Drums Along the Mohawk” (1939) starring Henry Fonda (its turn impersonating New York), “National Velvet” (1944) starring Elizabeth Taylor, “My Friend Flicka” (1943) and its sequel, “Thunderhead, Son of Flicka” (1945), “The Green Grass of Wyoming” (1948), and “Smoky” (1950) starring Fred MacMurray, among others.

During the 1950s and 1960s, visitors were allowed on the movie locations at Duck Creek with the stipulation that they would be quiet during filming, James V. D’Arc notes in his book, “When Hollywood Came to Town: A History of Moviemaking in Utah.” Some lucky local visitors to the sets even went home with autographs from their favorite stars.

For instance, 10-year-old Cedar City resident Scott Boyter had the thrill of his life meeting and getting the autograph of one of his heroes, Clint Walker (famous for his role in the television series “Cheyenne”) during the filming of the movie “Fort Dobbs” (1958) in the Duck Creek area. D’Arc’s book recounted Boyter’s experience in his own words:

“I remember going up to Cedar Mountain in our car and I took my little Browning camera along with me. What is particularly interesting at that time, one could drive right up to the set. It was at Aspen Mirror Lake, right off Route 14. We got out of the car and walked a few steps and there they were. No one was yelling at us to get out of the way or to be quiet. I quickly took a few pictures when I recognized Clint Walker. You couldn’t miss him, as he stood literally head and shoulders above everyone else.”

Boyter drummed up the courage to ask Walker to sign the “Cheyenne” comic book he’d brought at the urging of his mother. When he approached, Walker didn’t notice him and co-star Virginia Mayo had to point him out. Boyter continued to describe his encounter with Walker:

“He turned around and, in a deep voice, said, ‘Yes, son?’ I was scared to death and managed to nervously ask, ‘Mr. Walker, may I have your autograph, please?’ ‘Where do you want it, son?’ ‘Oh, anyplace is fine,’ I replied. So, he opened up the comic book and signed his name in pencil, since I did not have a pen with me. ‘Is that all right,’ he asked. ‘Yes,’ I said, ‘that’s just fine.”

The 1960s television series “Daniel Boone” starring Fess Parker was Duck Creek’s turn impersonating Kentucky’s backwoods. By the end of the 1960s, Duck Creek’s use as a filming location halted and a new chapter of its history began.

Starting in the 1960s, it became a retreat for second home owners with the Movie Ranch Subdivision and has continued growing and gaining popularity since. Craig Primas, president of the Duck Creek Village Association, said many of its homeowners are from the Las Vegas area or Southern California. Only 5-10 percent of homeowners live there full time.

Currently, Duck Creek is trying to make itself more attractive with an improved streetscape, including a boardwalk, better lighting and more parking. Primas, a retired civil engineer and current fine-arts photographer, said he would like to make it a place visitors driving by want to stop and explore as well as a better environment for businesses, some of which start and last for two or three years and then close their doors.

Since Duck Creek is an unincorporated area of Kane County, Primas and the association have presented their proposal to the Kane County Commission to garner its support.

“It is the vision of this Project that travelers will one day look down from Highway 14 onto the ‘postcard’ of Duck Creek Village and say ‘Look, honey, let’s go down there. That is a very cute Village'” Primas and the Duck Creek Village Association wrote in their presentation to the County Commission. “And once there, the travelers, perhaps in route to Bryce Canyon, will stay for a day or even longer, when they find the parking easy, the boardwalk welcoming, the Main Street safe, the shops quaint and the people friendly.”

The Commission is on board and has pledged financial support, but the construction of the improvements might be slow to come to fruition, Primas said. The construction might be done in phases, the first phase being a way to demonstrate the major difference the upgrades will make for the community and help those not fully convinced of what their impact could be.

Duck Creek does a lot for the Kane County economy, Primas said, and he feels its time for it to receive a little more from the county in return.

Visiting Duck Creek

Duck Creek Village is reached via a 29-mile scenic drive from Cedar City up SR-14.

Its main business district on Movie Ranch Road features eateries, shops, rental cabins, all-terrain vehicle rental locations and real estate offices.

It boasts miles and miles of ATV / off-highway vehicle trails nearby, making it an ATV/OHV haven in the summertime and an ideal snowmobiling location in the winter.

The area is also a popular fishing spot with Aspen Mirror Lake, Duck Creek Pond and Navajo Lake all within 5 miles. Camping options are plentiful at the nearby Duck Creek Campground, Navajo Lake and other nearby locations.

An excellent place to start a visit to Duck Creek is at the Visitor Center, located across the highway from Duck Creek Pond and before the highway reaches the main business district.

The visitor center includes a plethora of free pamphlets and brochures about recreation options in the area. Friendly forest rangers and volunteers at the visitor center will be happy to answer questions and provide a list entitled “16 things to do within 16 miles” which includes activities such as hiking the Cascade Falls and Singing Pines trails, exploring three caves – Bower, Ice and Mammoth – and more.

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About the series “Days”

“Days” is a series of stories about people and places, industry and history in and surrounding the region of southwestern Utah.

“I write stories to help residents of southwestern Utah enjoy the region’s history as much as its scenery,” St. George News contributor Reuben Wadsworth said.

To keep up on Wadsworth’s adventures, “like” his author Facebook page or follow his Instagram account.

Wadsworth has also released a book compilation of many of the historical features written about Washington County as well as a second volume containing stories about other places in Southern Utah, Northern Arizona and Southern Nevada.

Read more: See all of the features in the “Days” series.

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @STGnews

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2019, all rights reserved.

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