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
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 Koosharem Interpretive 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 Koosharem, UT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 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.
“Lea and her staff are amazing. They have taken care of my dad’s needs without”
“Leah was so accommodating to our needs. Theresa, the nurse, is amazing. I”
“MUST READ!! This is the best company to hire for your loved ones who need”
“I am a caregiver with ABC, and I am so happy with the company!! They”
“I am a current client of this provider I have Always Best Care Serving Southern Utah”
“I am a current client of this provider I have Always Best Care Serving Southern Utah”
“Absolutely the best company here in St George! The care goes above and beyond what”
“i’ve been working for ABC for about 6 months now & love it! they’re super”
“I've been with ABC 3 years now. They have been gracious and kind whenever I”
“Love working here! Brent and lea are so sweet and understanding towards everyone! They work”
“This is a great company to work for if you’re interested in a flexible schedule.”
“Always Best Care of Southern Ut is a great company. In November I will have”
“I work for Always Best Care and it's amazing they really do care for their”
“Always Best Care has definitely been a blessing to our little familys life. As an”
“1. Stay active. Exercise may be the last thing you want to do when your”
“Always Best Care has some of the friendliest staff. They are quick to learn &”
“Always Best Care has some of the friendliest staff. They are quick to learn &”
“I can leave a long review if I wanted to . I can talk about”
“I like working for ABC because it works well with my busy nursing school schedule!”
“Love always best care ❤️”
“Amazing business. Staff are helpful and kind.”
“Always Best Care is always best!!! Highly recommended! Brent listens and hears what we need”
“They are seriously so amazing to work with and really care for their clients. I”
“Lea and her staff are amazing. They have taken care of my dad’s needs without hesitation. Because I live in a different city than my father, the line of communication was always quick. Thank you for all you did for him and me.”
“Leah was so accommodating to our needs. Theresa, the nurse, is amazing. I would recommend them 100%. They treat the patients as if they were family. So glad we found them!”
“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!!”
“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 ????”
“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.”
“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.”
“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!”
“i’ve been working for ABC for about 6 months now & love it! they’re super flexible & have true love & passion for helping others!”
“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.”
“Love working here! Brent and lea are so sweet and understanding towards everyone! They work very hard! Great pay and amazing communication!”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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 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!”
“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!”
“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”
“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!”
“Love always best care ❤️”
“Amazing business. Staff are helpful and kind.”
“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.”
“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.”
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.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
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.
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.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home 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:
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:
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 Koosharem Campground with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
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 Koosharem Cafe, 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.
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:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Request More Information
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.
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 Koosharem, 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.
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:
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 Koosharem, 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.
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.
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:
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:
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.
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
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
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 Koosharem, 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.
CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — Dog owners seeking a solution to the uncertainty and annoyance of a poorly behaved pet need look no further than Big Dog Academy, a unique training facility in central Utah’s scenic Grass Valley.At Big Dog Academy, Wayne Ogden is working to build unbreakable bonds between dogs and owners while writing his own story of redemption.Ogden said he worked as a real estate agent until his “greediness an...
CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — Dog owners seeking a solution to the uncertainty and annoyance of a poorly behaved pet need look no further than Big Dog Academy, a unique training facility in central Utah’s scenic Grass Valley.
At Big Dog Academy, Wayne Ogden is working to build unbreakable bonds between dogs and owners while writing his own story of redemption.
Ogden said he worked as a real estate agent until his “greediness and stupidity” landed him in federal prison in 2013. The facility where he was jailed launched a service dog training program for inmates. He spent the next five years training dogs for people with post-traumatic stress disorder, diabetes, epilepsy and other medical conditions.
“I saw what a dog could do for a person,” he said. “It was life-changing, to say the least. A very bad situation for me turned out to be one of the most wonderful things in my life.”
Ogden completed 4,000 hours of instruction while incarcerated to become a certified dog trainer through the U.S. Department of Labor. Upon his release in May 2020, he partnered with a local landowner in Koosharem to create Big Dog Academy and put his unique skill set to work.
Big Dog Academy offers 30-day customizable boarding and basic training or puppy training packages. Owners receive video updates on their dog’s progress. Dogs are picked up and delivered back home at no cost in the Utah, Nevada and Colorado areas.
Big Dog Academy is located on a ranch at the edge of Fishlake National Forest. The property encompasses several hundred acres along with a massive indoor boarding facility.
The certified trainers at Big Dog Academy follow love-based and praise-based instruction methods. Dogs are never subjected to shock collars, scolding or hitting. Ogden said trainers also avoid giving treats for good behavior, which he believes leads to dogs performing for rewards rather than actually learning.
Some dogs arrive with deeper behavioral issues like aggression. Ogden said that through working, training and guidance, many of these problems take care of themselves quickly. Dogs receive exercise, entertainment, socialization and play along with training at the ranch; they’re kept busy from sunrise to sundown.
“It’s not just about us being good trainers,” he said. “They come here, and dogs get to be dogs – fulfilling what nature meant them to be.”
Owners may board their dogs at the ranch for a 14-day minimum, where they’ll enjoy walks, play time and interaction with dogs going through the training programs. Big Dog Academy also trains therapy, emotional support and medical alert service dogs through an intensive long-term process.
Big Dog Academy accepts dogs of any breed, any size, any age over 8 weeks and any temperament. Although some owners believe that older adult and senior dogs are already set in their ways, Ogden said this demographic is reliably the most well-behaved and responsive to training.
“The old adage that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks is really not true at all,” he said. “There is no prime age.”
When Ogden takes a dog home, he provides the owner with a video routine covering basic or newly learned skills. The owner must dedicate 15 minutes a day, two or three times a week, to the fundamentals, which are mostly easy one-word commands. As long as they remain committed, he guarantees their dog will continue to listen, follow their leadership and behave appropriately.
“A common misconception is that a dog is going to go to training for a while, come home and be perfect,” he said. “That’s unrealistic.”
Ogden said that training improves not only a dog’s quality of life but also the owner’s quality of life and enjoyment of their pet. Between vet bills, spaying or neutering, food, grooming, toys and other expenses, a dog is a big investment. The addition of $900 in a basic training or puppy training package at Big Dog Academy makes all the difference.
Big Dog Academy is dog training made easy, Ogden said. No dog has ever failed their one-of-a-kind program.
“We’re able to get through to any dog with love and praise,” he said.
Written by ALEXA MORGAN for St. George News.
• S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T •
Resources
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2021, all rights reserved.
Estimated read time: 2-3 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 — Utahns across the state might experience a windy Mother's Day.The National Weather Service issued a high wind warning for areas in ...
Estimated read time: 2-3 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 — Utahns across the state might experience a windy Mother's Day.
The National Weather Service issued a high wind warning for areas in southern Utah — including St. George, Hurrican, Ivins, Kanab and Escalante — that is set to last until 9 p.m. Wind gusts up to 60 mph and southwest winds from 35 to 40 mph can be expected in these areas.
Other areas in southern Utah are under a wind advisory and can expect to see winds from 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph.
The agency warned that the winds could cause power outages and blow away unsecured objects. The winds could also create hazardous driving and boating conditions. Blowing dust on Interstate 15 in Washington County caused limited visibility as low as 2 miles.
Northern Utah is not untouched by the high winds. The weather service reported that winds reached 62 mph at Hat Island on the Great Salt Lake and that winds and dust are limiting visibility on Interstate 80 between Wendover and Grantsville.
The next 24 hours will be very spring in Utah type conditions:-50+ mph winds across southern Utah-Blowing dust concerns across much of the state-Thunderstorms with the threat of microbursts northern/central UtahAnd light SNOW tonight nrn Wasatch Front/Cache #buckleup#utwx
— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) May 8, 2022
The agency said visibility in parts of Utah County was limited to 1/3 mile because of the dust.
Southwest Utah is also under a hard freeze warning Sunday night into Monday morning. The weather service warned that Beaver, Cedar City, Milford, Panguitch, Circleville, Koosharem and other areas in the southwest part of the state could see temperatures as low as 25 degrees overnight along with the wind advisory.
People in that area should take steps to protect plants and outdoor water pipes from the expected cold. "To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above-ground pipes to protect them from freezing," the warning said.
Sanpete Valley is also under a similar hard freeze warning into Monday morning but not under a wind advisory, while eastern Box Elder County is under a hard freeze watch.
Nine reservoirs and the Blacksmith Fork to see daily limits doubled for bass and trout to avoid letting fish go to waste.| Updated: 4:24 p.m.In anticipation of low water at some Utah fisheries, wildlife officials are lifting daily keep limits at 10 water bodies to avoid letting doomed sport fish go to waste.Inflows at several reservoirs in southwest Utah are expected to dry up soon thanks to low snowpacks and dry soils. The ...
| Updated: 4:24 p.m.
In anticipation of low water at some Utah fisheries, wildlife officials are lifting daily keep limits at 10 water bodies to avoid letting doomed sport fish go to waste.
Inflows at several reservoirs in southwest Utah are expected to dry up soon thanks to low snowpacks and dry soils. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources predict fish die-offs when reservoirs in hard-hit areas are tapped for irrigation in late summer.
Low water allows water temperatures to rise, which reduces the amount oxygen in the water.
“The combination of high temperatures and low oxygen can stress fish, causing poor growth and disease, and can sometimes be fatal to fish,” the division said in a news release.
To reduce the potential for late summer die-offs, DWR is allowing anglers to take greater numbers of fish at select reservoirs and is reducing stocking. The new rules remain in effect through Oct. 31.
“When we decrease the number of fish stocked into one lake, we will reallocate those fish to another water body where we don’t anticipate low water levels,” DWR sport fish coordinator Randy Oplinger said. “Despite low water levels in some lakes, fishing will be very good in a lot of places this summer. The number of waters where we are expecting drought impacts is very small, and we anticipate that the majority of water bodies, including the major fisheries in the state, won’t be affected.”
(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Low water levels at Bullfrog Bay on Lake Powell, on Sunday, May 16, 2021. Utah's largest reservoir is now only a third full as a drought continues to dog the West.
Utah is in the midst of one of its worst droughts on record, with more than 80% of the state currently experiencing “extreme drought.” Across the state, inflows are expected to be far below average and the state’s reservoirs on average are only about two-thirds full.
Here is a list of water bodies where fish limit have been doubled for trout, bass and other species.
DWR anticipates fishing will remain excellent elsewhere and has identified 25 water bodies, including Flaming Gorge, Hyrum Lake and Kolob Reservoir, as good destinations this year.
[email protected]Follow @brianmaffly
Donate to the newsroom now. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax deductible
Sorenson’s Ranch School must retrain its staff and abide by state rules or close.| Updated: Sep. 1, 2021, 3:22 p.m.A Utah ranch for so-called troubled teens could lose its license for forcing kids to chop wood, shovel manure or walk for hours on end as a punishment.Officials with the Utah Office of Licensing say that two years ago Sorenson’s Ranch School, based in the central Utah town of Koosharem, said it would stop using what it called “Mountain Camp.” School administrators described it as a ...
| Updated: Sep. 1, 2021, 3:22 p.m.
A Utah ranch for so-called troubled teens could lose its license for forcing kids to chop wood, shovel manure or walk for hours on end as a punishment.
Officials with the Utah Office of Licensing say that two years ago Sorenson’s Ranch School, based in the central Utah town of Koosharem, said it would stop using what it called “Mountain Camp.” School administrators described it as a “low level” camp where students haul wood, improve the land, and complete “therapy assignments.”
Sorenson’s Ranch didn’t stop, the state wrote in a “notice of agency action” released Tuesday. Regulators say Mountain Camp is still in use and Sorenson’s Ranch has continued to force students to do physical labor or “repetitive walking,” which violates state rules.
The 98-bed school also required teens to pick up rocks, chop wood, shovel manure, paint and pull weeds as a consequence for bad behavior, according to the state. Regulators said they told Sorenson’s Ranch School administrators several times that this practice violates Utah rules, where physical labor can’t be used as punishment or “disproportionate consequence for negative behaviors.”
The notice of agency action states that Sorenson’s Ranch did not report at least 12 “critical incidents” to the Office of Licensing, which the program is required to do within a day. A critical incident is any time a child is hurt or seriously ill. Investigators also found “numerous incidents of mistreatment,” including times when staff threatened students.
In order to keep its license, state officials said the program must immediately close Mountain Camp and stop any instance where it forced teens to do manual labor. The school will also be required to retrain staff, and develop a “timeout policy” that doesn’t violate state rules.
Layne Bagley, Sorenson’s program director, declined to comment on the state’s action. The facility can appeal within two weeks, but it’s not clear whether it would do so.
It’s relatively rare for state officials to take this level of action against a youth treatment facility. The last time it did so was nearly two years ago, when it threatened to shut down Red Rock Canyon School after a riot and a subsequent investigation showed staffing problems had led to violence, sex abuse and mistreatment. That facility voluntarily closed in July 2019.
More regulations will soon be coming to the state’s troubled-teen industry, after the governor on Monday signed legislation that will place limits on use of restraints, drugs and isolation rooms in youth treatment programs.
It’s the first time in 15 years that Utah legislators have enacted more oversight on the nearly 100 youth residential treatment centers in the state.
Utah has by far the most troubled-teen centers represented by the leading national association, and has a reputation for being the nation’s epicenter for youth treatment programs. Over the past five years, more than 12,000 children from across the country have been sent to Utah for treatment.
Under the new law, treatment centers must document any instance in which staff used physical restraints and seclusion and to submit reports to the Office of Licensing. The law also prohibits programs from sedating residents or using mechanical restraints, like a straitjacket, without the office’s prior authorization.
The Office of Licensing will now be required to conduct four inspections each year — both announced and unannounced.
KUER reporter David Fuchs contributed to this article.
Editor’s note: The Salt Lake Tribune and KUER are collaborating on a reporting project about Utah’s youth residential treatment centers.
If you can pronounce THESE UTAH TOWN NAMES correctly... You're DEFINITELY a Utah Native!Tooele:Too-Will-Uh. This is one that music stars struggle with the most. Especially because Country Fan Fest happens in Tooele every summer. It's not TOO-LEE. It's TOO-WILL-UH.Koosharem:Kuh-Sher-Rum.Koosharem is pretty much the middle of NOWHERE, but it's NOT Koo-SHARE-EM!...
If you can pronounce THESE UTAH TOWN NAMES correctly... You're DEFINITELY a Utah Native!
Tooele:
Too-Will-Uh.
This is one that music stars struggle with the most. Especially because Country Fan Fest happens in Tooele every summer. It's not TOO-LEE. It's TOO-WILL-UH.
Koosharem:
Kuh-Sher-Rum.
Koosharem is pretty much the middle of NOWHERE, but it's NOT Koo-SHARE-EM!
Levan:
Luh-Van.
Do you know why it's called Levan? Because it's NAVEL backwards. As in Belly Button. As in the MIDDLE of the state. There you go!
Kanosh:
Kuh-Nosh.
No clue where this one came from. But it's not Can-ish it's Kuh-NOSH.
Moab:
Mo-Abb.
People get this one wrong A LOT. People always assume it's pronounced MOBE.
Hurricane:
Hurr-Ickin.
Don't you DARE get this one wrong. It's not the way it's spelled. It's also kind of bizarre that it's not pronounced like Hurri-CANE! It was named after the windy weather!
Kanab:
Kuh-Nabb.
All the time people pronounce this place as Kuh-NOBB. NO!
Kamas:
Kam-Muss.
This one is the hardest for me to remember. People think it's Kam-muss, kay-muss, or Kawmuss.
Manti:
Man-Tie.
This one should be pretty self-explanatory, but usually people think it's Man-Tee. NOPE!
Duchesne:
Doo-Shane.
It's NOT Do-Chesney! This one is tough, I'll give you a pass on this one!
Escalante:
Ess-Kuh-Lant OR Ess-Kuh-Lant-Tee
Truthfully speaking... I don't think anyone knows the ACTUALLY pronunciation of this place, because I always hear it BOTH WAYS!
Paragonah:
Pair-Uh-Goon-Uh.
I need to find the real reason Paragonah is named Paragonah. It sounds like a gibberish word!
Scipio:
Sip-E-O.
Of course... It's NOT SKIPPY-O. But actually... I think that would be more fun!
Black & White Utah License Plate... HOW TO GET IT NOW!
Here in Utah, we have the BEST license plate in the game... The Arches plate. Orange, Blue, White. GORGEOUS. But all the sudden, we suddenly have THE TOUGHEST plate of all time: Black & White! And you can get it on your car today!
I saw this from Twitter user: @SplashNephew where he posted these new Black & White plates on his Volvo (Below).
Twitter blew up with people wondering HOW? How can we all get these plates on our cars? Firstly: These are special plates that require annual contributions to the Utah Historical Society. Meaning, you will pay $25 for an initial contribution, and $25/year as an annual contribution. Here is a STEP BY STEP on HOW to get these plates!
These plates, NO DOUBT, will start showing up all over the place, so get yours today! I'm THRILLED these are finally available in Utah!
Wow! Utah's Next License Plates??
Utah's license plates are... OKAY. The Arches plate is AMAZING, but the others? Ehh...
I decided to design the NEXT license plates for MY HOME STATE: Utah!
1. The Dixie Plate:
There's not a chance this thing will fly, but I want it! I'd have it tomorrow! Fairly simple, but gives the St. George Pride Vibe with the sunset behind it. Showing clear skies that we get nearly everyday in St. George.
2. Modern Utah Jazz Plate:No. Forget what I said on the Dixie Plate. I would have THIS ONE on my car tomorrow! The Jazz just did a whole new rebrand and they're keeping it simple. Bright yellow with the black. It pops. I love this plate!
3. The Beehive Plate:
The Beehive State, The Beehive Plate. An actual hive in the background with gooey honey running behind the numbers. This one would be the most UNIQUE plate in the world, and I'm kind of crazy about it!
4. The Elk Plate:
This ones for all the dudes out there. The Elk is the state animal of Utah, and I know there would be TONS of back-country folk that would sport this bad boy! Come on!
5. The Fry Sauce Plate:
Our most VALUABLE resource: Fry Sauce! It's a Utah staple, and it's GLORIOUS! In Fry Sauce We Trust!
6. The Califutah Plate.
This one is made for all those Californian's moving to Utah and trying to turn Utah into California. It's essentially the California license plate with Utah instead of California... Just to make them a little more comfy here.
See! It's a dead ringer! They'd LOVE IT!
Who do we need to send these to? Let's have the MOST AWESOME plates in the nation! Come on, Utah!
435.215.7170
