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It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always

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Home Care In Lake Powell, UT

Home Care Lake Powell, 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 Powell lake look out point 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 Lake Powell, UT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Lake Powell, UT

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The Always Best Care Difference

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

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

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

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TESTIMONIALS

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

Jackie J.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Rebecca E.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Loretta
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Loretta
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TESTIMONIALS

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

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TESTIMONIALS

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

lydia T.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

TheXploringKay O.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

aaralyn G.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Mckinlye G.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Helen M.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Aly T.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Falelua A.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Always B.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

AsAn
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Audrey S.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Jay R.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Olivia S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Love always best care ❤️”

Breezy H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Amazing business. Staff are helpful and kind.”

Margot K.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

shell S.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Mandy M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Love working for this company”

Christina P.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

M S.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Lake Powell, 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 Lake Powell, UT

Types of Elderly Care in Lake Powell, 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 Lake Powell, 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 Lake Powell, 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 Lake Powell Navajo Tribal 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 Lake Powell, 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 Prickly Pear Kitchen or visit Defiance House, 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 Lake Powell, UT

Benefits of Home Care in Lake Powell, 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 Lake Powell, 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 Lake Powell, 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 Lake Powell, 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 Lake Powell, 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 Lake Powell, 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 Lake Powell, 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:

  • Beehive Homes of Page - Elk Road
  • Horizon Home Health of Page
  • Beehive Homes Assisted Living
  • Zion's Way Home Health & Hospice
  • Lake Powell Medical Center
  • Home2 Suites by Hilton Page Lake Powell
Home Care Lake Powell, 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 Lake Powell, 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 Lake Powell, 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 Lake Powell, UT

Latest News in Lake Powell, UT

Water managers hope for snow to raise Lake Powell water level

Adam Small, KSL NewsRadioLAKE POWELL, Ariz. — The nation’s second-largest reservoir is in better shape than last year, however, the Lake Powell water level is still lower than it should be.Lake Powell hit a record low of 22% capacity in early 2023 following the effects of long-term drought and downstream water use. Record snowpack shortly followed, helping the reservoir rebound to about 40% capacity.As of Thursday, the reservoir is just 33% full.Snow could raise Lake Powell water level...

Adam Small, KSL NewsRadio

LAKE POWELL, Ariz. — The nation’s second-largest reservoir is in better shape than last year, however, the Lake Powell water level is still lower than it should be.

Lake Powell hit a record low of 22% capacity in early 2023 following the effects of long-term drought and downstream water use. Record snowpack shortly followed, helping the reservoir rebound to about 40% capacity.

As of Thursday, the reservoir is just 33% full.

Snow could raise Lake Powell water level

“The dry winter has not been kind to us,” said Gene Shawcroft, Utah’s Colorado River commissioner.

Lake Powell is fed by the Colorado River, beginning in Northern Colorado. Further downstream, more water sources merge with it, including the Green River.

Water released from Lake Powell through the Glen Canyon Dam travels through the Grand Canyon and Lake Mead. Then it makes its way along Arizona’s border with Nevada and California. Finally, it passes into Mexico, ending in the Gulf of California.

Shawcroft said the mountain snowpack is crucial to making up lost ground in Lake Powell. Especially as it travels through the Northern Colorado River Basin states of Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico.

“We don’t have a big storage reservoir sitting above us that we can just simply say, ‘we want x amount of water,’ and have it show up,” Shawcroft said. “Our snowpack is our reservoir.”

Additionally, data from the USDA’s National Water and Climate Center said the snowpack sites that contribute to the Lake Powell water level are at a combined 90% of normal as of Thursday. It is 10% below average.

However, Shawcroft said that based on the most recent estimates, the reservoir will only get about 77% of the water it normally gets in a given year in 2024.

What needs to change?

Shawcroft said they need more, ideally, atmospheric rivers, bringing large amounts of water to areas of the state that feed Lake Powell.

The period between now and April 1 is when Utah’s snowpack peaks.

Thursday’s storm will hit parts of Southern Utah. However, it might not have a big impact either.

It’s focused around Cedar City and St. George, which isn’t an area that contributes to Lake Powell. The storm was one of the largest that Southern Utah has seen all winter.

Shawcroft said there is time to turn things around. However, if it doesn’t, the continued efforts of Utahns to conserve water will always make a difference.

“When we’re in these in-between years, it is absolutely critical,” Shawcroft said. “We need to pay attention not only every year but every day.”

The lower basin states, California, Nevada, and Arizona are in shortage criteria again this year, meaning they have to cut their water use.

Big changes could also be coming to how the waters of Lake Powell and the Colorado River are managed in 2026. The current water use rules established in 2007 are set to expire at the end of 2025. Negotiations of new rules are already taking place.

Related: Lake Powell Pipeline opponents urge cancellation of the project

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Governor says Lake Powell Pipeline is being bumped to the ‘long-term horizon’

ST. GEORGE — The Utah governor says he agrees with the assessment of the leaders of the Washington County Water Conservancy District that plans for a Lake Powell Pipeline should be put on the back-burner in favor of conservation and water reuse methods.Gov. Spencer Cox made his comments in response to a question from St. George News during the Wednesday taping of the PBS Utah “Governor’s Monthly News Conference” program in Salt Lake City.Reports by ...

ST. GEORGE — The Utah governor says he agrees with the assessment of the leaders of the Washington County Water Conservancy District that plans for a Lake Powell Pipeline should be put on the back-burner in favor of conservation and water reuse methods.

Gov. Spencer Cox made his comments in response to a question from St. George News during the Wednesday taping of the PBS Utah “Governor’s Monthly News Conference” program in Salt Lake City.

Reports by St. George News and Fox 13 have confirmed that the conservancy district, which oversees water resources in much of Southern Utah, is moving away from a proposed Lake Powell Pipeline in favor of a system to reuse existing water and conservation measures.

Officials have said the reuse of so-called gray water for agricultural uses alone could nearly double the existing water supply locally. They also said that any possibility of a Lake Powell Pipeline is now 20 years from even entering a planning stage.

The next two decades will be about water conservation and reuse projects before a pipeline is considered, and Cox said he agrees with that vision.

“I think it fits perfectly with my view of the Lake Powell Pipeline and you’ve heard me talk about this is an all-of-the-above approach, especially for Southern Utah,” Cox said. “I think it fits in a long-term horizon.”

Among the water reuse projects underway locally include the Toquer Reservoir, which broke ground last month.

Cox continues to talk about the impression that was made on him when he visited Israel in September 2022 and saw their water conservation efforts firsthand.

According to a study by Northwestern University, Israel reuses 90% of its wastewater, mainly for agricultural purposes. It also gets 70% of its water from the salty Meterterinarian Sea through a system of desalinization plants.

And while desalinization is being mainly seen as something for the coastal areas of California, Cox said desalinization might actually be an additional option for Southern Utah.

“People think, ‘Well, that’s just for the ocean.’ It’s not,” Cox said. “We have brackish water in Southern Utah that’s just never been used for drinking water. And some of these new technologies have the ability for us to really change and unlock some new water sources.”

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

If we drain Lake Powell, what will happen to the hot people and dads?

For a while now, there have been murmurs about a group of conservationists who want to drain Lake Powell to save the Colorado River.It’s not a plan that anyone with actual governing power has taken seriously thus far, but as water conditions in the West worsen, it’s a ...

For a while now, there have been murmurs about a group of conservationists who want to drain Lake Powell to save the Colorado River.

It’s not a plan that anyone with actual governing power has taken seriously thus far, but as water conditions in the West worsen, it’s a conversation that seems to be rising to the surface more frequently.

If this someday becomes a real plan — and to be clear, that’s still a very big IF — there will be a number of repercussions we ought to consider.

The local economy around Bullfrog — Lake Powell’s main launch point in Utah — is sure to suffer as the hospitality industry dries up, along with the economies of many small towns in the area. Beyond that, are we really ready to find what horrors lie on the lake’s floor? Are we prepared to deal with whatever we find down there?

But personally, I’m most worried about two vulnerable populations should Lake Powell become Empty Basin Powell: Utah’s hot people, and dads. (Dads can be hot, sure, but the Venn diagram overlap is not large.)

Hot people and Lake Powell are like peanut butter and jelly. Pizza and ranch. A Crunchwrap Supreme and fire sauce. They belong together.

Open Instagram anytime between May and October, and you’re sure to find at least a few photos of beautiful people posing in front of Lake Powell’s famous rusty rock and sparkling waters. “I guess my invite got lost in the mail,” you’ll think as you scroll past the beautiful people to a video of a gerbil wearing a hat.

It’s not that Lake Powell is exclusively for the hotties. But they do seem to be there quite often. Just like not all dogs are terriers but all terriers are dogs, not everyone who goes to Lake Powell is hot, but all hot people go to Lake Powell. If you get an out-of-office email reply from a hot person in Utah, you can bet $1 million that person is in Lake Powell and that the next time you see them they will be very tan (hot people don’t sunburn).

I don’t have the exact numbers in front of me, but I believe the great hot exodus to the lake for one-third of the year is what keeps Utah’s population under control. If these people have nowhere to go during the summer, our streets will be overrun with attractive humans.

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But I’m even more concerned about all the Utah dads whose main personality trait is driving a boat. Not just a speedboat. A whole houseboat.

Stop anyone on the street, any street in Utah, and ask them about their most harrowing Lake Powell experience. They will have to choose from at least three because every trip to Lake Powell includes at least one near-disaster usually related to navigating a giant motorized vessel through a body of water with unknowable and varying depths, then parking said vessel with little to no training.

You don’t really know a person, or the breadth of their expletive vocabulary until you’ve witnessed them trying to plant a giant boat on a small stretch of shore. In my experience, that person is usually a dad.

This dad has to be able to bark orders, tie knots, and know what to do if (when) the houseboat becomes high-centered on a surprise patch of red rock. They need to know how to work the pumps at the marina and shift gears. It’s a stressful job, but one that builds a lot of character.

Once a dad has steered enough houseboats, narrowly averted enough aquatic disaster, and mastered the art of the anchor, he develops a wisened look in his eyes. He becomes houseboat. Houseboat becomes him.

So what will happen to the dads’ identities if we take Lake Powell away? We don’t have any other lakes or rivers or puddles large enough to fit multiple dads driving houseboats at once (though that would be fun to watch). How will they develop their sense of self?

Are we prepared for a time when our hot people overrun the streets and our dads wander aimlessly in search of an enormous boat to drive?

I don’t think we are. We need a contingency plan.

Several members of Utah family hospitalized after boat crash at Lake Powell

Estimated read time: 2-3 minutesBULLFROG, Kane County — A Utah family involved in a boating accident last week in Lake Powell said they are thankful everyone made it out alive, even though they know the road ahead is going to be long.Brent Limb works on houseboats at Lake Powell and last Thursday, he had just finished a job when he and his family left Halls Crossing to head home.In the summer, his family takes a vacation at the lake while he works.As they were making their way out, they were following GPS, w...

Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes

BULLFROG, Kane County — A Utah family involved in a boating accident last week in Lake Powell said they are thankful everyone made it out alive, even though they know the road ahead is going to be long.

Brent Limb works on houseboats at Lake Powell and last Thursday, he had just finished a job when he and his family left Halls Crossing to head home.

In the summer, his family takes a vacation at the lake while he works.

As they were making their way out, they were following GPS, which they now believe was off by a few hundred feet. Just minutes onto the lake, they hit a peninsula. Brent Limb's brother went through the boat's windshield. He suffered major cuts to his head.

Brent Limb was crushed by the impact and the crashing tools on top of him. He now has six broken ribs, a dislocated sternum and a collapsed lung. His wife, Nora Limb, took the brunt of the crash with a broken neck and back, and a large gash to her head.

The couple's son, Elijah Limb, suffered a concussion, and their 18-year-old daughter was mostly unhurt.

As Brent Limb described the events that night, he was short of breath. But he's grateful everyone made it out alive.

His son, Joseph Limb, who wasn't with them at the time, got the chaotic call late Thursday. He and his family live in Kaysville.

"It's a call nobody wants to get in the middle of the night," Joseph Limb said. "It's heart-wrenching, especially when you don't really know everything that's going on."

He and his wife made the overnight drive to St. George where his family members were flown to the hospital. He said the family is grateful for so much community support.

"We've received a lot of response from people that know us, and it's been good," Joseph Limb said. "It's definitely brought us closer together as a family."

Friends of the Limbs have set up a GoFundMe* for the family. Since Brent is self-employed, he will be out of work until his body heals, which could be months.

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

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Lake Powell Pipeline opponents urge cancellation of the project

Mariah Maynes, KSL NewsRadioPAGE, Ariz. — Colorado River Basin conservation groups have sent a letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior urging it to cancel the Lake Powell Pipeline project that’s been in the works since 2006.The conserv...

Mariah Maynes, KSL NewsRadio

PAGE, Ariz. — Colorado River Basin conservation groups have sent a letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior urging it to cancel the Lake Powell Pipeline project that’s been in the works since 2006.

The conservation groups said the Washington County Water District’s 20-year water plan demonstrates that the county does not need the water.

In the letter, the groups also said that “a number of recent hydrological, environmental, and political issues impacting the Colorado River Basin have introduced uncertainty regarding the timing and yield of that project.”

Additionally, the groups said the new issues have prompted water officials to evaluate other options.

How the Pipeline work would work

According to the United States Bureau of Reclamation website, the Lake Powell Pipeline would begin at Lake Powell in Page, Arizona. The pipeline would end at Sand Hollow Reservoir in St. George, Utah.

It is intended to bring additional water supply to Washington County, Utah.

According to NASA’s Earth Observatory, Lake Powell’s water levels fell to a record low in 2023. That level rebounded later, however, NASA said that drought is still an issue.

Groups question Washington County’s needs based on population, water usage

The letter compared Washington County, Utah to Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Tucson, Arizona. Their comparison found that Albuquerque and Tucson used about 100,000 acre-feet of water to sustain populations of about 700,00.

In contrast, Washington County used the same amount of water to sustain a population of only 180,000.

“Given that the project sponsor no longer believes the project is necessary for its water future, there is no longer a purpose or need for this project,” said the conservation groups.

Additionally, the conservation groups allege that Washington County’s water usage is high. They said that a 2020 draft of an environmental impact statement showed a single Washington County resident uses 306 gallons of water per day.

In comparison, the Environmental Protection Agency said the average American uses 82 gallons of water per day.

KSL.com reported that Utah’s cities have the lowest excessive water use rate in comparison to surrounding states. The letter urged Washington County to raise excessive use rates to curb overuse.

Lack of surplus water

The Washington Post reported that the reservoirs in the basin fell to “dangerously low levels.” As a result, the Biden administration called for reductions in water usage.

According to the letter, water flow has dropped by 20% in the Colorado River Basin since 2000. Scientists believe that there could be a 25-40% decline in Colorado River Basin water levels.

“Approving additional water diversions in this era of flow declines is laden with risks, which have painful consequences to millions of people across the Basin,” the conservation groups wrote in the letter requesting that the project be canceled.

Water rights of indigenous populations

Many of the 40 million people who live in the Colorado River Basin are indigenous to the region.

The indigenous groups that call the basin home have “repeatedly indicated” their rights to 20-25% of the water in the Colorado River Basin, according to the authors of the letter.

However, PBS reported that while the indigenous groups have rights to nearly a quarter of the water, the rights are just “paper rights.” Still, according to the PBS story, water has been stolen from indigenous groups on multiple occasions throughout history.

“And their water rights should be satisfied and/or fully addressed before the Bureau entertains new water diversions that further threaten U.S. treaty obligations,” the conservation groups said in their letter.

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