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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

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

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Home Care In Pine Valley, UT

Home Care Pine Valley, 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 Historic Pine Valley Chapel 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 Pine Valley, UT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Pine Valley, 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 Pine Valley, 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 Pine Valley, UT

Types of Elderly Care in Pine Valley, 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 Pine Valley, 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 Pine Valley, 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 Pine Valley Recreation Area 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 Pine Valley, 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 Brandin' Iron Steakhouse or visit Keg factory historical marker, 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 Pine Valley, UT

Benefits of Home Care in Pine Valley, 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 Pine Valley, 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 Pine Valley, 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 Pine Valley, 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 Pine Valley, 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 Pine Valley, 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 Pine Valley, 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:

  • Country Lane Assisted Living Payson
  • Orchard View Assisted Living & Memory Care
  • Pineview Assisted Living
  • Little Valley Assisted Living
  • Oak Ridge Assisted Living
  • Hidden Valley Assisted Living and Memory Care
Home Care Pine Valley, 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 Pine Valley, 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 Pine Valley, 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 Pine Valley, UT

Latest News in Pine Valley, UT

Discover the Desert: Breathe in Pine Valley’s calming, vanilla-scented air

ST. GEORGE — Less than an hour from St. George, tucked against volcanic mountains, Pine Valley Recreation Area offers Southern Utahns a chance to escape the bustling city and find peace in its vanilla-scented air.In this episode of “Discover the Desert,” presented by Findlay Subaru St. George, host Sydnee Imlay finds tranquillity along the Santa Clara River, surrounded by towering pine trees.“Pine Valley is, hon...

ST. GEORGE — Less than an hour from St. George, tucked against volcanic mountains, Pine Valley Recreation Area offers Southern Utahns a chance to escape the bustling city and find peace in its vanilla-scented air.

In this episode of “Discover the Desert,” presented by Findlay Subaru St. George, host Sydnee Imlay finds tranquillity along the Santa Clara River, surrounded by towering pine trees.

“Pine Valley is, honestly, so beautiful right now,” she said. “We live in one of the most beautiful places in the world.”

Pine Valley Recreation Area is approximately 40 miles from St. George near Central and the town of Pine Valley, according to Google Maps. Southern Utahns will find the Santa Clara River Walk, a paved trail past a reflective reservoir, through uniquely-scented ponderosa pines and along the Santa Clara River.

Visitors can park near or before Pine Valley’s second gate and walk in. The walk can be accessed at various points, such as near the Gardner Peak trailhead, where individuals can follow it through the heart of the recreation area almost to the Canal trailhead.

The river walk is approximately 3 miles long, according to a sign at the trailhead, or 2.6 out-and-back, according to All Trails. The trail features informational signs and is dog-friendly and accessible, with plenty of benches for resting or enjoying the view.

Imlay parked in the Fisherman parking lot and crossed Pine Valley Road to follow the paved path adjacent to Pine Valley Reservoir. Visitors can follow the signs to the Santa Clara River Walk trailhead, like Imaly, or turn right toward the Gardner Peak trail.

Pine Valley Recreation Area

The recreation area is in its “shoulder season,” which typically lasts from around Labor Day to shortly before Memorial Day, with specific dates varying each year, Pine Valley District Ranger Joseph Rechsteiner told St. George News.

Next year, campsites begin opening on Monday, May 6, according to Recreation.gov. Until then, the U.S. Forest Service won’t collect day-use fees.

The entrance station and campgrounds are closed, as is the road past the second gate, Rechsteiner said, adding that some bathrooms remain open.

However, the cold shouldn’t stop Southern Utahns from exploring Pine Valley, as there is still plenty to do, including photography and hiking, he said.

Visitors can access the 50,000-acre Pine Valley Mountain Wilderness from the recreation area, which boasts a network of over 150 miles of trail, ranging from 6,000 to over 10,000 feet in elevation, according to the Forest Service.

Those still hoping to camp can reserve the Pine Valley Guard Station. The one-bedroom cabin is less expensive to rent in the off-season as it has reduced services and no running water throughout the winter. Visitors can access it by walking, skiing or snowshoeing about 1.5 miles.

“We’ve had people that go there in the wintertime, and they’ll drag a little sled behind them with all their provisions because we don’t plow it,” he said. “When you get a nice snow setting back there, it’s a great place to spend some time to kind of get away from it all.”

Ponderous and reflective

Pine Valley Reservoir is a standout feature in the area, with its still waters flanked on three sides by the Pine Valley Mountains and a thick forest. While visitors can fish from the shoreline, it is a limited-use reservoir, and swimming, boating and other similar activities are not allowed, according to Recreation.gov.

The reservoir is stocked with rainbow trout, but Rechsteiner said some people have reported catching wild brook or brown trout. When the water is clear, the fish can be seen swimming or occasionally breaking the surface when food is abundant.

Home to various plant and animal species, the recreation area is great for wildlife viewing, Rechsteiner said. Visitors might catch a glimpse of coyotes, mule deer, squirrels, chipmunks and yellow-bellied marmots. Or one of the many birds that frequent the area, such as turkeys, woodpeckers, turkey vultures, mountain bluebirds, Northern goshawks and broad-tailed hummingbirds, among others.

While mountain lions call Pine Valley home, the elusive cats are a rare sight, Rechsteiner said.

Ponderosa pines cast large shadows over the trails as one of the Southwest’s largest trees, known to grow over 200 feet tall, with trunks 3-4 feet wide, according to the National Park Service. They can live for over 500 years.

It’s named for its “ponderous” or heavy wood, which consists of layer upon layer of jigsawlike bark. The thick plates make the tree resistant to low-intensity fire by popping off as they burn, reads an informational sign on the trail.

Another hallmark of the species is its smell, emanating hints of vanilla or butterscotch.

While ponderosa pines grab much of the attention, the forest is also lush with Engleman spruce, Douglas fir, gamble oak, sagebrush, ferns and many other plants.

A pimple on Earth’s face

The Pine Valley Mountains are the remnants of one the world’s largest exposed laccoliths. It formed approximately 21 million years ago as molten rock moved upward from deep within the earth, creating a dome “like a volcano that did not quite make it to the surface,” the Forest Service states.

“Think of a laccolith as a boil beneath one’s skin — a zit on the surface of the earth,” writes the Silver Reef Foundation in Leeds.

Magma spread out beneath the surface and crystallized. Over time, the laccolith was uplifted, where the earth slowly rises due to geological processes — and eroded, exposing the granite-like stone called porphyry.

This name indicates “that it contains large crystals set in a finer-grained matrix, sort of like plums in a pudding,” according to the foundation. Unlike true granite, the magma in Pine Valley’s laccolith cooled quickly near the surface, creating these finer grains.

Safety first

In the quiet shoulder season, visitors may be mostly or entirely on their own and cellphone service is inconsistent. Rechsteiner suggests individuals share their itinerary — where they’re going and when they expect to return.

At 6,900 feet, Pine Valley is much colder than St. George, so Southern Utahns should pack warm winter clothes. Layers are preferable so hikers can remove clothing if they become overheated, Rechsteinder said. Pack plenty of food, water and sun protection, including sunglasses, hats and sunscreen.

For the latest conditions, closures, potential hazards and other essential information, Rechsteiner said visitors should contact the Public Lands Information Center before heading out by calling 435-688-3200 or visiting 345 East Riverside Drive in St. George.

And there’s no better way to end a great hike than with a scoop of Handel’s delicious homemade ice cream. Want free ice cream? Leave a comment on social media and tell the Canyon Media crew where we should hike next for your chance to win.

Photo Gallery

This map shows various trails and other facilities available at the Pine Valley Recreation Area | Image courtesy of the U.S. Forest Service, St. George News | Click to enlarge

Discover the Desert host Sydnee Imlay takes in the fall weather at the Pine Valley Recreation Area, Utah, Oct. 19, 2023 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, St. George News

A bridge allows visitors to cross over the Santa Clara River at the Pine Valley Recreation Area, Utah, Oct. 19, 2023 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, St. George News

A sign guides visitors to the Santa Clara River Walk trailhead at the Pine Valley Recreation Area, Utah, Oct. 19, 2023 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, St. George News

The paved Santa Clara River Walk trail winds through dense vegetation in the Pine Valley Recreation Area, Utah, Oct. 19, 2023 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, St. George News

A bridge allows visitors to cross over the Santa Clara River at the Pine Valley Recreation Area, Utah, Oct. 19, 2023 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, St. George News

Fall leaves float in the Santa Clara River at the Pine Valley Recreation Area, Utah, Oct. 19, 2023 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, St. George News

Discover the Desert host Sydnee Imlay takes in the fall weather at the Pine Valley Recreation Area, Utah, Oct. 19, 2023 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, St. George News

Discover the Desert host Sydnee Imlay takes in the fall weather at the Pine Valley Recreation Area, Utah, Oct. 19, 2023 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, St. George News

Discover the Desert host Sydnee Imlay takes in the fall weather at the Pine Valley Recreation Area, Utah, Oct. 19, 2023 | Photo by Aaron Crane, St. George News

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

Washington County Search and Rescue discover more in need of help in Pine Valley

Written by Nick Yamashita Sept 10, 20230 seconds of 41 secondsVolume 0%ST. GEORGE — Washington County Search and Rescue members discovered more hikers in need of help while responding to another emergency call to rescue a separate hiker in Pine Valley on Saturday.Washington County Sheriff’s Deputy Jacob Paul said rescue teams were dispatched to an initial call due to a teenage boy with knee injury hiking on the Forsyth Trail in Pine Valley at about 9:30 a.m.He said it was a “poss...

Written by Nick Yamashita Sept 10, 2023

0 seconds of 41 secondsVolume 0%

ST. GEORGE — Washington County Search and Rescue members discovered more hikers in need of help while responding to another emergency call to rescue a separate hiker in Pine Valley on Saturday.

Washington County Sheriff’s Deputy Jacob Paul said rescue teams were dispatched to an initial call due to a teenage boy with knee injury hiking on the Forsyth Trail in Pine Valley at about 9:30 a.m.

He said it was a “possible knee dislocation,” and as such the teenager had to be loaded on a Wheeled Stokes Basket, then pushed off of the trail for close to 4 miles.

“The Search and Rescue guys got about 2/3 of the way up the trail to the patient when it got too treacherous for the Wheeled Stokes,” Paul said. “So I made the decision to call DPS Star 7 (helicopter).”

Star 7’s pilot located the patient and hoisted him back to Incident Command, where he was transported to St. George Regional Hospital.

However, Paul added, their day was not over. As rescue teams were finishing the hoist work, the Search and Rescue crew stumbled upon another hiker showing signs of heat exhaustion. The hiker was a male in his 40s who had an elevated heart rate that had turned around, while two kids who were with him continued on the trail.

The man was examined and escorted back to the trailhead and to be checked out by medical. While at the trailhead, Paul said the man received a text from his children stating that they had run out of water. Search and rescue teams figured they were over four miles from the trailhead at that moment.

“We didn’t really have any contact with them and all of our Search and Rescue guys were pretty exhausted at this point,” Paul said.

Emergency Operations Manager Jason Bradley was requested to assist with a drone.

With the new drone, first responders are able to carry drop water to hikers in need without being present, he said.

Bradley arrived with the drone and starting to search for the kids.

The father then received a notification on a device tracker app on his iPhone that the kids were less than a quarter mile from the trailhead.

Reunited at the trailhead and checked over by medical personnel, the scene was cleared a little before 5 p.m.

Paul said that the big lesson learned here is when going outdoors, hikers need to prepare for the recreational activity, especially bringing enough water.

“It may be cooler in Pine Valley, but you still need water,” he said.

Pine Valley Fire, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Washington Search and Rescue, Enterprise Fire and Rescue, Washington County Emergency Services and Utah Department of Public Safety assisted in the daylong operation.

This report is based on preliminary statements from law enforcement officials and may not contain the full scope of findings.

Photo Gallery

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

Beaver County moves to enforce deal with its neighbor over groundwater pumping

Iron County wants to take billions of gallons of groundwater from Pine Valley, which sits in another county.| Updated: Jan. 3, 2023, 7:31 a.m.A simmering water war could be heading toward a boil in Utah’s West Desert, where an Iron County water district is looking to extract billions of gallons of groundwater in a neighboring rural county to sustain urban growth in Cedar City.Central Iron County Water Conservancy District says safeguards will be in place to ensure its Pine Valley groundwater pumping project won&r...

Iron County wants to take billions of gallons of groundwater from Pine Valley, which sits in another county.

| Updated: Jan. 3, 2023, 7:31 a.m.

A simmering water war could be heading toward a boil in Utah’s West Desert, where an Iron County water district is looking to extract billions of gallons of groundwater in a neighboring rural county to sustain urban growth in Cedar City.

Central Iron County Water Conservancy District says safeguards will be in place to ensure its Pine Valley groundwater pumping project won’t harm surface water sources, but Beaver County leaders aren’t buying it.

Beaver has put the state on notice that it intends to file suit if the State Engineer, the bureau that oversees water rights, does not enforce key provisions of a legal settlement with the Iron County district concerning its claimed rights to 26,500 acre-feet of water under Pine and Wah Wah valleys.

In a letter sent Dec. 6 to Attorney General Sean Reyes, Beaver County Attorney Von Christiansen says the water district’s $260 million groundwater pumping and pipeline project, as described in a draft environmental review, has not identified measures that would ensure Pine Valley and adjoining basins aren’t left high and dry.

Meanwhile, new information developed by the U.S. Geological Survey casts doubt on how much water can be safely extracted from under Pine Valley. Its aquifers are fed by an arid region that receives only 6 inches of rain a year and are likely hydrologically connected to basins west into Nevada and as far north as Great Salt Lake, according to Beaver County Commission Chairman Mark Whitney.

“They had to monitor it. They had to manage it. And they had to mitigate their water usage in Iron County, and they’ve never done it. And the State Engineer has never enforced it,” said Whitney, who ranches near Milford.

Allied with Beaver County are Juab and Millard counties in Utah, Nevada’s White Pine County, the Great Basin Water Network and the Indian Peaks Band (IPB) of the Paiute Indian Tribe, which holds federally reserved water rights in Pine Valley. Tribal officials said they were not properly consulted by either the State Engineer or the water district.

“They are stealing our water for their project,” said Tamra Borchardt Slayton, the chairwoman of the Indian Peaks Band, or IPB. “This project is in direct violation of the federal government’s trust obligations to IPB. The state of Utah cannot allow this project to move forward.”

Beaver County officials have been contesting Iron County’s designs on Pine and Wah Wah valley groundwater for years — before the State Engineer and in court. The parties reached a 2019 legal settlement giving the water district the right to withdraw 26,500 acre-feet of water a year while reserving some for use in Beaver County.

This deal requires Iron County to submit a monitoring and mitigation plan, but the Beaver County letter alleges the plan falls short. Consequently, Beaver will sue the state and the water district as early as Jan. 5 unless the State Engineer initiates a public process to review the adequacy of the monitoring plan.

Christopher Cherrington | The Salt Lake Tribune

Behind the dispute is the Iron County district’s reliance on groundwater to meet the needs of fast-growing Cedar City. In past years, the district has been drawing more water from under Cedar Valley than is being replenished, a practice known as groundwater mining. The water deficit is so severe that land is sinking in places. The district’s controversial solution proposes a network of wells and pipelines that would extract water from Pine Valley and move it 66 miles south to Cedar City.

“They were wanting to mine our water to pipe it to Iron County when they had [other] sources,” Whitney said. “They could have went to Parowan and bought up farmland. … I don’t like to see the family farms go away, but with growth, you have to sacrifice something, like they’ve done in the Salt Lake Valley. If they want to continue to grow, they need to face those consequences basically do the same. Don’t come to your neighbor and steal their water.”

Iron County water officials, however, contend the Pine Valley proposal already features various safeguards to protect the interests of other stakeholders and they will likely get more protective as the project nears approval. Beaver’s objections are “misguided” and “premature,” said the water district’s general manager, Paul Monroe.

“We have to have this [monitoring] plan in place, before water is taken out,” he said. “There’s kind of a double layer of insurance. We have to reduce pumping if it proves that the [water] source is not there.”

And there’s the rub. How much groundwater is available for “safe” withdrawal under Pine Valley is not exactly known. Beaver County and its allies say new data indicate it may be far less than the amount that has been awarded. Accordingly, they insist the State Engineer reevaluate the volume of water Iron County may take.

“Once you start pumping water [from the ground], and once you start draining an aquifer, it’s like a train leaving the station. You don’t stop it,” Whitney said. “The thing is that before you can finally detect the real damage, the damage is already done and it’s irrevocable.”

But Monroe said his district has assembled a monitoring program involving a network of wells, meters to measure surface flows at springs and aerial photography.

Under an ongoing environmental impact statement, the Bureau of Land Management is analyzing this monitoring program along with a related mitigation plan to make sure problems are detected early and addressed before existing water users are affected, according to Monroe.

“And if we do impair or impact somebody, then there is state law, and there are things that we’re committed to doing to make people whole,” he said.

He noted that under Western water law, the right to water does not belong to the counties where it is found, but to whoever puts it to beneficial use first. In this case, he said, Iron County was the first to propose using Pine and Wah Wah valleys’ groundwater.

Beaver County ranchers, and Native Americans before them, however, have long relied on springs that are likely connected to groundwater sources. Officials fear if those springs disappear because of Iron’s project, they may never come back and the remote desert valleys could become uninhabitable for people and wildlife.

“We’ve got to protect that aquifer out there,” Whitney said. “We’re just making them live up to the agreement.”

[email protected]Follow @brianmaffly

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Washington County approves pending expansion of Dammeron Valley, Pine Valley fire districts

ST. GEORGE — The Washington County Commission approved the expansion of two fire districts along state Route 18 on Tuesday by annexing their neighboring fire districts. Commissioners say it is the latest step in a process meant to improve service and safety in the area.Two years ago, the County Commission proposed to dissolve the special service fir...

ST. GEORGE — The Washington County Commission approved the expansion of two fire districts along state Route 18 on Tuesday by annexing their neighboring fire districts. Commissioners say it is the latest step in a process meant to improve service and safety in the area.

Two years ago, the County Commission proposed to dissolve the special service fire districts that served the communities along and near SR-18 and consolidate them into two new fire districts. At the time, the commissioners voted to move ahead with that process that has since changed.

Commission Chair Adam Snow told St. George News that the commission decided not to dissolve the fire districts as previously planned as they learned that could make the process overly complicated. A factor that played into this decision to preserve the state-issued emergency medical services (ambulance) license held by Dammeron Valley Fire District.

If the Dammeron Valley Fire District were dissolved, the EMS license also would go away and would need to be reapplied for. It would also leave the Fire District’s paid firefighters in limbo while also possibly complicating matters related to the many federal grants the Fire District used for additional funding.

In short, keeping Dammeron Valley together and adding to it kept the EMS license and overall process simpler by comparison.

“Those are some reasons to have continuity moving forward,” Snow said.

During Tuesday’s meeting, Deputy Washington County Attorney Devin Snow said that Dammeron Valley would annex the Brookside, Veyo Gunlock and Diamond Valley special service districts while the Pine Valley Fire Special Service District would annex its neighboring district covering Central and northern areas up to Enterprise.

The commissioners voted unanimously to approve the annexations, or more specifically, initiate the next step. State law requires a public hearing on the matter that will take place sometime in December. The County Commission will go on to make a final decision on the annexations in early 2024.

“This is not the final process of annexation,” Devin Snow said. “This just starts the clock.”

Among the reasons given for the proposed consolidation of the six fire districts has been a need to share the costs of fire and EMS services more equally while also providing additional resources, Snow said.

An example Snow gave was the Dammeron Valley Fire District, which transitioned from a volunteer firefighting agency to paid professionals. They also held the state-issued EMS license for the area of SR-18 between Baker Dam Road and Diamond Valley and have paid firefighters on call at their fire station ready to respond at any time.

In contrast, neighboring service districts manned by volunteer firefighters may either not have enough crew available or have enough volunteers immediately on hand to respond when an emergency is called in.

In cases like this, Dammeron Valley Fire has responded via its mutual aid agreement with the other fire districts and covered the incident, whether it be fire or medical or both, Snow said.

“Dammeron has been kind of supplementing the other (districts),” Snow said. “Their cost is very high and the other communities around are receiving the benefit without paying the cost.”

Special service districts like Dammeron Valley Fire or Hurricane Valley Fire on the eastern part of the county are creations of the county proper and are run by boards with members who are either elected or appointed by the County Commission. In order to fund and maintain their operations, these districts are able to impose taxes and fees within their boundaries and propose annual rates and budgets that are either accepted or rejected by the commission.

Annexing three other special service districts into Dammeron Valley’s own will provide additional resources and funding for firefighting and emergency needs.

“We’re hoping to have a professional force that is complimented by volunteers,” Snow said.

As far as the various governing boards, Snow said those will be dissolved and replaced with a new board composed of people who live within the expanded fire district.

While the cost of running and maintaining the expanded fire districts will be more dispersed, Snow said there will likely be tax and fee rate increases within those districts due to inflation. The County Commission hopes to keep any proposed increase brought before it as low as possible without sacrificing the safety of the firefighters or the people they serve, he said.

Concerning the potentially expanding Pine Valley Fire District, Snow said it will be working in conjunction with Enterprise Fire and Rescue. Enterprise holds EMS and medical transport licenses that cover that city and run down SR-18 to Baker Dam.

Gold Cross Ambulance holds the state licenses for medical transport from Baker Dam Road south and the EMS service from Diamond Valley south.

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

Small wildfire breaks out on Gardner Peak in Pine Valley above St. George

A new fire has started on Gardner Peak in the popular Pine Valley Recreation Area just north of St. George.No residential areas have yet been evacuated, though the fire is within two miles of the town of Pine Valley so inhabitants of this area should remain alert and ready to leave.As of Thursday evening, the fire was estimated at 41 acres and had been zero percent contained. For now the Canal, Gardner Peak, Water Canyon and Cemetery trails have been closed.The fire is thought to have started early Wednesd...

A new fire has started on Gardner Peak in the popular Pine Valley Recreation Area just north of St. George.

No residential areas have yet been evacuated, though the fire is within two miles of the town of Pine Valley so inhabitants of this area should remain alert and ready to leave.

As of Thursday evening, the fire was estimated at 41 acres and had been zero percent contained. For now the Canal, Gardner Peak, Water Canyon and Cemetery trails have been closed.

The fire is thought to have started early Wednesday morning and was first publicized by Utah Fire Info on Thursday evening. According to the Bureau of Land Management's Incident Contact Rachel Carnahan, the fire has been determined to be human-caused. It joins a long list of wildfires that have taken place throughout Utah already this year, 80 percent of which are thought to be human-caused.

"Fire managers would like to remind the public that fire restrictions on the Dixie National Forest are still in place," Carnahan said.

Southern Utah currently has one other active fire, the Cougar Fire, which is now 90 percent contained at 476 acres in Hamlin Valley within Beaver County. Throughout Utah, there are now a total of seven active wildfires burning.

MORE:Cougar Fire growing slowly in Beaver County's Hamlin Valley

The fire behavior was described as "torching, running and spotting." Suppression is being managed via both ground and aerial approaches.

"Conditions are unseasonably hot and dry, leading to extreme fire behavior and fire suppression difficulties," Carnahan said. "Nationally we are at a Preparedness Level of 5, so firefighting resources are limited nation-wide."

At nearly 7,000 feet of elevation, the Pine Valley Recreation Area is a popular destination for Washington County residents seeking to escape triple digit summer temperatures down below.

Situated within the Dixie National Forest, it features several campgrounds, nearby fishing opportunities and an extensive trail network for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.

Joan Meiners is an Environment Reporter for The Spectrum & Daily News through the Report for America initiative by The GroundTruth Project. Follow her on Twitter at @beecycles or email her at [email protected].

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