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Home Care In Kingston, UT

Home Care Kingston, 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 Butch Cassidy Childhood Home 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 Kingston, UT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Kingston, 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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“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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“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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“Love working for this company”

Christina P.
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“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 Kingston, 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 Kingston, UT

Types of Elderly Care in Kingston, 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 Kingston, 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 Kingston, 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 Mike Wallace 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 Kingston, 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 Bistro Stefan or visit Fort Henry National Historic Site, 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 Kingston, UT

Benefits of Home Care in Kingston, 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 Kingston, 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 Kingston, 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 Kingston, 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 Kingston, 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 Kingston, 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 Kingston, 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:

  • Kingston Residence of Santa Fe
  • Kingston Bay Senior Living
  • Trillium Retirement Living
  • Mountain Valley Manor Adult Home
  • Aspira Rosewood Retirement Living
  • Serenity Care Kingston *new ownership*
Home Care Kingston, 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 Kingston, 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 Kingston, 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 Kingston, UT

Latest News in Kingston, UT

Utah high court says polygamous father is allowed to share his beliefs with his children

Estimated read time: 4-5 minutesThis archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah father and member of the Kingston polygamous clan fought a Salt Lake district court's decision to prohibit him from encouraging his children to adopt his religion's teachings.The Utah Supreme Court r...

Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah father and member of the Kingston polygamous clan fought a Salt Lake district court's decision to prohibit him from encouraging his children to adopt his religion's teachings.

The Utah Supreme Court ruled in his favor on Dec. 22, with three of five judges saying the restriction against sharing religious beliefs should be more narrow to address specific concerns rather than a broad prohibition.

When Ryan Kingston and his wife, Jessica Kingston, were in the middle of divorce proceedings, the teachings of the Kingston Group, a polygamous Utah sect also known as "the Order," were a key issue. Jessica argued that the group's religious teachings and practices, including polygamy, are not in her children's best interests.

Third District Judge Andrew Stone agreed that the four children faced potential harm from exposure to their father's religious community. The court found the group's practices of grooming children for marriage at an early age and demonizing people who had left the religion — including their mother — would be harmful to them.

The district court decision said Ryan Kingston "prioritizes plural marriages and adhering to his religious practices" over his children's interests, which was supported by his requests that his children attend Ensign Academy, which emphasizes obedience to the Order.

Jessica Kingston was granted legal custody, but physical custody was given equally to both parents. The court ordered that the children could not be encouraged to adopt teachings of any religion or be baptized without the consent of their mother.

After the divorce was granted but before the court resolved custody issues, Ryan Kingston began practicing polygamy and married two wives, according to court documents.

The Supreme Court's decision

Ryan Kingston did not contest Jessica Kingston's right to determine whether their children are baptized, but argued he has a right to encourage his children to adopt a religion under the 14th Amendment and appealed the decision. He said the district court's order violated his right to free speech and his parental rights.

The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the father.

"Ryan's loss of legal custody does not mean he is completely bereft of parental rights," the Supreme Court decision states.

The justices told the district court to consider the case again to find a more narrow way to address the issue — but said they do not believe Kingston's argument that the district court did not support its decision.

The state Supreme Court determined that although there is a compelling government interest that the restriction was based on, the restriction should have been more specific to address that directly, citing strict scrutiny — a legal standard applied when considering constitutional rights.

The decision said several states have concluded that after a divorce each parent should be allowed to give religious exposure and instruction and the opinion said it is plausible that the children would benefit from exposure to multiple religions.

However, the three judges, Chief Justice Matthew Durrant, Court of Appeals Judge David Mortensen and Court of Appeals Judge Ryan Tenney agreed with Jessica Kingston that the state should shield children from psychological harm, and protect them from grooming for early marriage or exposure to teachings that ostracize or demonize outsiders. The two Utah Court of Appeals judges were involved in the decision to replace Justice Deno Himonas, who had retired before the case was discussed, and Justice Thomas Lee, who recused himself.

The district court will now consider the case again and work to create a more tailored remedy to address the mother's concerns.

Dissenting opinion

Two of the five judges did not agree with that decision. Associate Chief Justice John Pearce issued a dissenting opinion where he noted that this was an unprecedented step. He said according to statute all parental rights are subject to allocation by the court, after considering a child's best interests.

"Until today, we have followed the statutory framework that makes the child's best interest the paramount concern and permits a court to allocate a fundamental parental right to one parent when presented with evidence that the other parent's exercise of that right risks harm to the child," Pearce said.

The dissenting opinion said it is typically best for children if both parents participate in religious upbringing, but if a parent shows there is a potential harm, the district court can allocate that right to one parent.

Pearce and Justice Paige Petersen did not agree that if a court finds the exercise of a parental right could harm the children that the decision to give that right to one parent should be subject to "strict scrutiny."

The dissenting opinion said Utah law suggests instead considering whether the court found there was potential harm to the child, and that under this standard the restriction against Kingston encouraging his children to follow his religious beliefs should be kept.

"We are presented with an unchallenged factual record that demonstrates that if given the opportunity to influence his children's religious upbringing, Ryan will harm his children," the dissent states.

Police & CourtsSalt Lake CountyUtahReligion

Emily Ashcraft

Emily Ashcraft joined KSL.com as a reporter in 2021. She covers courts and legal affairs, as well as health, faith and religion news.

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Collegians: Josue Rosario-Caliz of Kingston gets doctor of education degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University

Josue Rosario-Caliz of Kingston a student at Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Metropolitan Campus in Teaneck, N.J., graduated with a doctor of education degree.Chase Glasspoole of Pine Bush graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Florham Campus in Madison, N.J., with a master of science degree.* * *Corinne Kilmer of Saugerties graduated from Lincoln Memorial University-Richard A. Gillespie College of Veterinary Medicine (LMU-CVM) in Harrogate, Tenn., with a doctor of veterinary medicine degree....

Josue Rosario-Caliz of Kingston a student at Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Metropolitan Campus in Teaneck, N.J., graduated with a doctor of education degree.

Chase Glasspoole of Pine Bush graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Florham Campus in Madison, N.J., with a master of science degree.

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Corinne Kilmer of Saugerties graduated from Lincoln Memorial University-Richard A. Gillespie College of Veterinary Medicine (LMU-CVM) in Harrogate, Tenn., with a doctor of veterinary medicine degree.

Kilmer attended SUNY Cobleskill for her undergraduate work. She is working as an associate veterinarian at South Peak Veterinary Hospital in Saugerties.

Kilmer is the daughter of Michael and Elizabeth Kilmer.

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Nicolas Adams of Canaan graduated from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Conn., with a master of business administration degree.

Gwyneth Kehoe of LaGrangeville graduated from Quinnipiac University, with a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering.

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Lauren Serinsky of Hurley graduated from Fairfield University in Connecticut.

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Pamela Rutkowski of Wallkill graduated, magna cum laude, from University of Maryland Global Campus with a bachelor of science degree in social science.

* * *

Lena Schorr-Roztocki of Kingston, a student at SUNY Oneonta, was recognized with a platinum-level leadership milestone through the college’s LEAD (Leadership Education and Development) program.

Two other area residents attending SUNY Oneonta — Elyssa Dewitt of Kerhonkson and Erin Boyle of Pine Bush — were recognized with silver-level leadership milestones through the LEAD program.

LEAD@Oneonta is a comprehensive leadership program based on current research and guidelines from the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education. All students can choose to participate in the LEAD program, which aims to better prepare them for life after earning their degree by providing a comprehensive picture of leadership and the skills needed to be a good leader.

Schorr-Roztocki, Dewitt and Boyle earned their respective distinctions through a commitment to improving oneself and enhancing knowledge by exploring leadership opportunities, participating in campus organizations, and serving the campus community by taking on recognized leadership roles. Completion of this level requires attending 19 events designated with a learning outcome (three must be diversity events), actively participating in four recognized organizations, completing three online courses (Foundations of Leadership, Personal Development, Organizational Development), and serving as an officer in a club or organization for at least two semesters (average of 219 hours to complete).

Schorr-Roztocki is majoring in childhood education (1-6). Dewitt is majoring in English. Boyle is majoring in early chldhood/childhood education (B-6).

* * *

Tobias Enoch of Napanoch, a student at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, was a member of the college’s High Power Rocketry Club.

The club achieved its first successful launch at the Spaceport America Cup in New Mexico on June 22. The club launched Capricornus, its solid-fueled rocket. Blasting just beyond its 10,000-foot goal, the 12-foot-long, 70-pound rocket deployed its parachute after reaching an apogee of 10,264 feet and gently returned to the ground.

The launch earned the team the Jim Furfaro Technical Excellence Award and third place in the Payload Challenge, sponsored by Space Dynamics Laboratory at Utah State University.

A member of the Class of 2025, Enoch is majoring in aerospace engineering.

* * *

Alleigh Szabo of Staatsburg, a student at St. Lawrence University in Canton, was granted a university fellowship to perform research on campus this summer.

Szabo collaborated with Assistant Professor Psychology Department Laura Mills-Smith on a project titled “Investigating the Role of Book Content and Book Preferences on Parental and Child Engagement During Shared Reading.”

A Rhinebeck High School graduate, Szabo is a member of the Class of 2024 and is majoring in psychology.

* * *

Three area residents attending SUNY Cortland — Patrick Ross of Woodstock, and Ava Roper and Richard Samuels, both of Wallkill — were named to the State University of New York Athletic Conference Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll.

Student-athletes earn honor roll status if they achieve a cumulative grade point average of 3.3 or higher through the spring semester.

* * *

Desmond Teague of Poughkeepsie was named to the president’s list at Minnesota State College Southeast for the spring semester.

Students earn president’s list status by achieving a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

* * *

Fourteen area residents — Paige Stokes, Lauren Siuta, Erica Lagurege, Madison Olson and Damian Duross, all of Kingston; Diamond Mosley of Connelly, Serina Rivera and Savannah Mazzone-Klonowski, both of Port Ewen; Kathryn Vondras of Milton, Owen O’Connell of Highland, Mary Alexander and Patricia Ridenour, both of Gardiner; Gianpierre Espino of Pine Bush and Jai-lei Castro of Cementon — were named to the president’s list at Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester for the summer semester.

Students earn president’s list status by achieving a grade point average of 3.7 or higher.

Five area residents — Katie Hagen of Kingston, Laurel Mark of Woodstock, Emma Brown and Debra Nawrocki, both of Kerhonkson; and Janelly Antonio of Highland — were named to the dean’s list at Southern New Hampshire University for the summer semester.

Students earn dean’s list status by achieving a grade point average from 3.5 to 3.69.

* * *

Kyla Misasi of Glasco was named to the dean’s list at Hofstra University in Hempstead for the spring semester.

Students earn dean’s list status by achieving a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

Misasi is majoring in fine arts.

* * *

Three area residents — Emma Navarro of Bearsville, Adrian Peck of Stone Ridge and Margo Picuri of Accord — were named to the dean’s list at Seton Hall University in South Orange, N.J., for the spring semester.

* * *

Two area residents — Brian Sweeney of Rifton and Bethany Hutchings of Rhinebeck — were named to the dean’s list at Washington University in St. Louis in Missouri for the spring semester.

Students earn dean’s list status by achieving a grade point average of 3.6 or higher.

Sweeney and Hutchings are both students in the university’s College of Arts & Sciences.

Woman in wheelchair calls man an ‘angel’ for rescuing her from a lake

Woman in wheelchair calls man an 'angel' for rescuing her from a reservoirA man is being praised for saving a wheelchair-bound woman who fell into a reservoir.0 seconds of 2 minutes, 45 secondsVolume 0%STANSBURY PARK, Utah — Kelly Roundtree has lived in Stansbury Park long enough to know what things sound like.Especially during the summer months when kids are taking a dip in the lake to cool off.“Yeah, it’s nice here,” he said. “I have been here since 2005.”...

Woman in wheelchair calls man an 'angel' for rescuing her from a reservoir

A man is being praised for saving a wheelchair-bound woman who fell into a reservoir.

0 seconds of 2 minutes, 45 secondsVolume 0%

STANSBURY PARK, Utah — Kelly Roundtree has lived in Stansbury Park long enough to know what things sound like.

Especially during the summer months when kids are taking a dip in the lake to cool off.

“Yeah, it’s nice here,” he said. “I have been here since 2005.”

It’s also why he knew when something just didn’t sound right.

“I wasn’t sure what it was. Actually, it didn’t sound like help at first, it sounded like kids playing,” Roundtree said.

However, when he heard that scream of panic and saw someone in the water across the lake from his house, he knew time was running out.

“It took me like 35 seconds, 40 seconds to get over there,” he said.

Roundtree jumped in his car and drove to the house directly across the lake from him because he knew it would be faster than taking his canoe.

Lisa Kingston is just happy he got there fast.

“When I looked up and I had seen him and I was like, oh my God,” she said with tears in her eyes.

Kingston was the woman in the water yelling for help.

When Roundtree got there, she knew she was going to be okay because he held her head out of the water.

That’s also when Roundtree understood why it was such an emergency.

“The wheelchair is on its side in the water and her face is like, she’s sideways buckled in. She can’t move,” he said.

Kingston had been in her backyard getting some sun in her powered wheelchair she needs after a car accident a few years ago.

For some reason, that wheelchair started sliding down the slope in her backyard toward the lake.

She couldn’t stop it.

When she got to the edge of her backyard, the wheelchair flipped into the water.

With limited use of her arms and legs, Kingston couldn’t get out.

“It was scary. It was so scary,” she said. “You don’t know what to think. Absolutely no idea.”

Fortunately, Roundtree knew what to do until paramedics got there to help.

They said he most likely saved her life.

“What Kelly did on that afternoon was heroic,” Jon Smith, who is with the North Tooele Fire District, said. “He will be the first guy to be humble and tell you he was just doing what everybody else would’ve done, but the fact of the matter is he was the right guy in the right place at the right time.”

Roundtree doesn’t like that word, hero.

“I don’t know about that,” he said.

So, Kingston came up with another one.

“I definitely have an angel,” she said. “Yeah. I mean, I have somebody who was right there.”

It was somebody who cared enough to help.

“I keep downplaying it because it doesn’t seem like there was any alternative,” Roundtree said. “I don’t think that is ever an option, right? Of not doing anything.”

Roundtree and Kingston haven’t met again since this happened last week, but they are planning on getting together soon.

“I can’t wait to talk to him,” said Kingston. “I wouldn’t be here without him.”

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Tip about 2016 federal raid came from IRS office, former Washakie CEO Jacob Kingston testifies

(Courtesy U.S. District Court for the District of Utah) Lev Dermen, left, stands with Jacob Kingston at a banquet hall in Southern California in 2014. Federal prosecutors say this photo is evidence of how Kingston purchased the 2010 Bugatti Veyron, left, for $1.72 million to give Dermen, and Dermen purchased the Ferrari, right to give to Kingston to launder money from a biofuel fraud. Kingston has pleaded guilty to crimes. Dermen has pleaded not guilty. Behind the men is a sculpture of a lion's head, the animal Dermen associates himself with...

(Courtesy U.S. District Court for the District of Utah) Lev Dermen, left, stands with Jacob Kingston at a banquet hall in Southern California in 2014. Federal prosecutors say this photo is evidence of how Kingston purchased the 2010 Bugatti Veyron, left, for $1.72 million to give Dermen, and Dermen purchased the Ferrari, right to give to Kingston to launder money from a biofuel fraud. Kingston has pleaded guilty to crimes. Dermen has pleaded not guilty. Behind the men is a sculpture of a lion's head, the animal Dermen associates himself with.

On Feb. 3, 2016, Jacob Kingston was in a meeting with a brother and their father. Then a cousin came into the office.

The cousin— an information technology worker for Washakie Renewable Energy, Kingston’s company — had received a phone call from an Ogden phone number. He relayed a message to Kingston.

“There would be a raid on our office the next Wednesday, February 10,” Kingston told a jury Tuesday.

When Kingston called back that number — the caller had rung his cellphone and his brother Isaiah’s minutes earlier, and they both ignored it — it went to a main line at the IRS office in Ogden.

Kingston testified that by the time that raid happened, as warned, he and Washakie already had moved account ledgers and hidden or destroyed computer hard drives.

That wasn’t enough to keep Jacob Kingston and his one-time co-defendant, Lev Aslan Dermen, out of legal trouble. Kingston has pleaded guilty to fraud and other charges related to Washakie — where he was CEO — and was on the witness stand for the fourth day Tuesday to testify against Dermen.

Much of the day’s testimony focused on public corruption — or what Kingston saw as public corruption. Then, in the afternoon, when defense attorney Mark Geragos had a chance to cross-examine the witness, the Los Angeles lawyer focused on Kingston’s polygamous family.

“You have three wives, is that right?” Geragos asked.

“That’s right,” Kingston replied.

Geragos pressed Kingston on how many wives his father has (14, he said) how many siblings he has (he doesn’t know) and how many times he has met with government lawyers (he couldn’t remember).

“More or less than the number of kids you have?” Geragos replied.

Kingston said he has 20 children but that it doesn’t help him remember how many times he met with the government.

Dermen, who has gone by the name Levon Termendzhyan, is charged with 10 counts: two counts of conspiracy and eight counts of money laundering. Kingston has said under oath that he and Dermen operated a fraud that sought biofuel tax credits. Prosecutors say they illegally received $470 million.

Kingston and his family associate with the polygamous Davis County Cooperative Society, also known as the Kingston Group or The Order. Dermen allegedly operated what Kingston has called an “umbrella” of protection by making payments to law enforcement — called “the boys” — in the United States and abroad.

Kingston testified Monday that his mother, Rachel Kingston, had told him in 2014 about a grand jury investigation into C.W. Mining, a coal operation near Huntington that had been associated with the cooperative society. Jacob Kingston believed federal prosecutors looking at the mine were pursuing sect leaders, including his uncle and the group’s top man, Paul Kingston, and Bill Stoddard, then the head of sect’s incorporated church.

On Tuesday, Jacob Kingston, told jurors how he informed Dermen of the federal inquiry into that company and the mining operation. To stop the grand jury from scrutinizing the mine, Dermen “said I had to pay $4 million,” Kingston testified.

He went on to testify that he never told his uncle or other family members about the payment. No one associated with the coal mine was indicted.

Also during that time, Washakie needed money to fulfill contracts with legitimate biofuel companies. Kingston testified he never told Paul Kingston about the biofuel scheme but that he told Dermen that the uncle was pushing for a share of money from the scam.

“Levon indicated he had the power or ability to put my uncle in jail,” Kingston said.

That same month, the U.S. Treasury paid Washakie about $164 million in biofuel tax credits. Jacob Kingston testified he and Dermen had expected to receive $140 million and agreed half of that would go to “the boys.” The witness and defendant were to split the rest.

Later in 2015, Kingston testified, he bought Dermen a house in Huntington Beach, Calif., for about $3.5 million as a protection payment for Paul Kingston. Dermen called it the “Obama House,” Jacob Kingston said, for the biofuel tax credit President Barack Obama signed into law.

Also Tuesday morning, Kingston elaborated on his interactions with John Saldivar, the Belize security minister who over the weekend won an election to lead that nation’s ruling party. That put him in line to become the next prime minister. The witness said he remembered meeting with Saldivar in 2014 and 2015 and discussing money for political campaigns.

“He told us he had three or four individuals,” Kingston said, “part of his party and their intent to get reelected.”

Dermen offered to pay money to Saldivar to finance the campaigns, Kingston said. Then, in a series of text messages from Feb. 11, 2014, and shown to the jury, Saldivar reported Dermen wasn’t paying the $25,000 a month he said he would.

“Really need the February tranche,” Saldivar texted.

Kingston agreed to pay $50,000 to cover two months. He offered to wire the money, but Saldivar wrote that wasn’t a good idea. Kingston said he would send a business partner to Miami with the money.

“OK," Saldivar wrote back, “I will head to Miami thursday.”

Saldivar has denied taking any bribes.

Kingston testified he didn’t know whom the tipster at the IRS was, though he was told the person went by the name “Mr. Green.”

An IRS representative in Utah did not return a message seeking comment Tuesday. A spokeswoman for the U.S. attorney’s office in Utah declined to comment on the coal mine case or whether there was any obstruction, citing the Dermen trial.

Geragos’ cross-examination will continue Wednesday.

Utah restaurant supply company with ties to polygamous group cited for violating child labor laws

Estimated read time: 3-4 minutesSALT LAKE CITY — Amid increased enforcement efforts in the region, the U.S. Department of Labor assessed nearly $17,000 in penalties to a Salt Lake City-based restaurant supply company connected to the polygamous Kingston sect that was in violation of child labor laws, the department announced Tuesday.A federal investigation found Specialty C...

Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes

SALT LAKE CITY — Amid increased enforcement efforts in the region, the U.S. Department of Labor assessed nearly $17,000 in penalties to a Salt Lake City-based restaurant supply company connected to the polygamous Kingston sect that was in violation of child labor laws, the department announced Tuesday.

A federal investigation found Specialty Consulting Services LLC — operating as Standard Restaurant Supply — allowed 22 employees between the ages of 14 and 15 to work as many as 46 hours per workweek and to begin work after midnight, both of which are illegal practices under child labor laws, specifically the Fair Labor Standards Act.

The investigation also found that Standard Restaurant Supply "failed to keep accurate time records including the date of birth for one minor-aged employee," another violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act's recordkeeping provision.

In response to the investigation, the division assessed $16,595 in penalties "to resolve the child labor violations."

A year ago, the division's Southwest Region released a reminder to Salt Lake City-area employers reiterating the importance of complying with federal child labor laws and said that it would be "stepping up its efforts to identify child labor violations in the Salt Lake City area."

"We urge employers in the region to gain a full understanding of child labor regulations and ensure they are abiding by the law, or they should be prepared to face costly consequences," Kevin Hunt, Wage and Hour Division district director in Salt Lake City, said in a statement.

On Wednesday, the labor department announced that Utah soda and dessert shop Sodalicious violated federal child labor laws at its Midvale, Orem, Provo and South Jordan locations.

"The division determined that Sodalicious allowed 14 and 15-year-old employees to work past 7 p.m. when school was in session, after 9 p.m. during summer months and more than 3 hours on a school day at four of its Utah locations," the department said in a release.

"Employers like Sodalicious are legally responsible for knowing and complying with federal child labor laws and making sure their employment practices do not jeopardize the safety of young workers or interfere with their education," Betty Campbell, Wage and Hour southwest regional administrator, said in a statement.

In response to the Sodalicious locations violating the fair labor act, the division assessed the company with $13,946 in penalties to resolve the infractions.

The latest investigations by the labor department come after it was revealed in December that 11 Crumbl Cookie locations, including four in Utah (Bountiful, Centerville, Layton and Ogden locations), were in violation of child labor laws.

"Minors as young as 14 and 15 years old not only worked beyond permitted hours but more than half of them were employed in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act by being allowed to work long shifts often exceeding eight hours," Hunt said.

Founded in 1980, Specialty Consulting Services LLC has nine locations throughout Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah.

The company's Better Business Bureau profile lists Ellery Kingston as the president of Standard Restaurant Supply. A 2003 blog post, written by Ellery Kingston, on the Davis County Cooperative Society, a northern Utah polygamous sect often referred to as "the Kingstons" by outsiders, also mentions the company.

In September, 10 plaintiffs, mostly women, filed a 109-page lawsuit against 24 identified and 20 unidentified members of "the Order" — another moniker of the Kingston polygamous sect — alleging rampant abuse and exploitation.

The federal department's Wage and Hour Division in 2022 found more than 3,800 minors employed in violation of child labor laws in the U.S. — an increase of 37% over the previous year, according to the data.

"Our investigators continue to see an increase in child labor violations in several industries. We will take vigorous action whenever we discover young workers' safety and well-being are being jeopardized by employers who fail to follow the law," Hunt added.

Standard Restaurant Supply didn't respond to requests for comment from KSL.com.

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