It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Historic Stockton Chinatown 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 Stockton, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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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.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Buckley Cove Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Midgley's Public House or visit Reuel Colt Gridley Monument, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Stockton, CA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Stockton, CA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Stockton, CA 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.
MANTECA, Calif. —A tentative agreement has been reached in a strike involving Republic Services employees at the Forward Landfill in Manteca, the waste solution company confirmed to KCRA 3."Local 439 has informed us that picket lines are coming down across the Bay Area, and our employees are returning to work tomorrow," a statement from a Rep...
MANTECA, Calif. —
A tentative agreement has been reached in a strike involving Republic Services employees at the Forward Landfill in Manteca, the waste solution company confirmed to KCRA 3.
"Local 439 has informed us that picket lines are coming down across the Bay Area, and our employees are returning to work tomorrow," a statement from a Republic Services spokesperson said.
Mayor of Stockton, Christina Fugazi, took to social media to share and celebrate the agreement, calling it "the best news that you're going to get all week."
"Your trash is going to get picked up, the rats are going to go away, the maggots are going to go away, the smell is going to go away and we're going to be cleaning up the west side of Stockton," Fugazi said.
Beyond Stockton, the strike also affected other Northern California cities, including Lathrop, Fairfield, Suisun City and other municipalities in the Bay Area.
Earlier this week, the city of Fairfield threatened legal action against Republic Services due to the strike, as trash and waste piled up and overflowed across the area.
Fairfield on Friday shared an update on the waste collection service resuming, detailing the schedule for the days ahead:
Fairfield also noted that senior service routes will be prioritized this weekend, and the garbage drop-off boxes will remain in place through Tuesday, July 22.
"We appreciate the community’s patience throughout this situation," a spokesperson for Republic Services said. "We will work hard to catch up with needed recycling and waste collection as quickly as we can."
With trash continuing to pile up and dumpsters overflowing around the city, Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi has called on Republic Services to come to an agreement with the Teamsters.Fugazi took to social media on Wednesday to demand that Republic Services collect trash and work to end the strike. If not, she would consider terminating R...
With trash continuing to pile up and dumpsters overflowing around the city, Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi has called on Republic Services to come to an agreement with the Teamsters.
Fugazi took to social media on Wednesday to demand that Republic Services collect trash and work to end the strike. If not, she would consider terminating Republic Services' contract with the city.
"Their goals are straightforward: fair wages, pension, and healthcare. Our goals are to make sure that the residents of Stockton are able to live in clean and healthy spaces," Fugazi said. "We are communicating regularly with Republic to find a pathway to a successful and expedient resolution of this situation."
Fugazi said if Republic Services can't meet the obligations per their contract with the city of Stockton and restores services soon, the Stockton City Council "will consider all available options and take the necessary steps to ensure our community is protected and our neighborhoods are clean."
Fugazi has also called on Republic to issue refunds or credits to customers who have paid for services not received, according to city officials.
"This situation is urgent. Residents are paying for a service they are not receiving, and that’s simply unacceptable," Fugazi said. "I’ve continued pushing for a swift resolution because this is about more than just garbage, it's about accountability, public health, and safety."
While the exact structure isn't finalized, the mayor envisions prorated credits, city officials said.
Fugazi added that she believes "all workers deserve a fair contract that reflects the risks they take and the value they bring to our community." She urged both parties to come to an agreement soon.
In the video posted on Facebook, Fugazi said that Republic Services was offering a 30 cent raise to its employees. However, on Thursday afternoon, Fugazi said the latest offer she is aware of is a "$1.60 wage increase."
"Our local leadership team spoke with Mayor Fugazi today and shared the facts versus the inaccurate information the Teamsters provided," Republic Services officials told The Stockton Record in an email on Thursday afternoon. "Republic’s latest proposal included a 5.5% year-one increase, with a $1,000 signing bonus in each of the first two years upon ratification of a new contract. The 5.5% increase is significantly higher than the 30-cent raise the Teamsters claim."
Republic Services officials said they have been in negotiations with Teamsters since October to reach an agreement that would benefit its 35 union-represented Forward Landfill employees and their customers.
"We empathize with the community’s frustration and ask for their continued patience during this Teamsters-led work stoppage," Republic Services said. "We want nothing more than to welcome our employees back to work."
Republic Services officials said negotiations continue on Thursday. Adding, this is the third day of negotiations this week.
"These negotiations do not involve the majority of our employees in Northern California, but union representatives have intimidated and threatened them if they cross picket lines established at other operating locations," Republic Services officials said. "This tactic does not benefit our employees or the communities that are impacted."
Matt McQuaid, communications project manager at International Brotherhood of Teamsters told The Stockton Record via email on July 15, "the two parties are still very far apart."
Teamsters are on a national strike. Affecting residents outside of Stockton and Central Valley counties.
"Republic Teamsters are striking nationwide because this is a national fight," McQuaid said previously. "Whether it’s Stockton, Boston, Illinois, Georgia, or Washington State, this company consistently takes its workforce for granted."
Members of the Teamsters Local 439 employed by Republic Services went on strike Tuesday, July 8 in an effort to reach an agreement with Republic Services.
Fugazi's message to Stockton residents is: "I hear your frustration, this is unacceptable. Stay patient and attend city council meetings; your voices matter."
While negotiations are underway, waste collection delays will extend into the weekend.
The city of Stockton announced on Thursday a Republic Services service update with a new pickup schedule. Collection days have been moved by a day and a Saturday pickup date has been added.
"Republic Services is continuing to collect Friday customers today. Monday route collection will also begin," city officials said in a Facebook post. "If you are a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday customer and your trash cart has not been emptied, please notify Republic Services immediately at (209) 466-3604."
City officials said that additional trash bags will be picked up by Republic Services if they are placed inside or next to the trash cart.
Republic Services is currently only collecting waste. Recycling or organics carts will not be collected this week, city officials said. The blue and green lid carts should be removed from the curb until further notice.
Customers can also self-drop off their trash at the Republic Services Organics Facility at 9999 S. Austin Road in Manteca, a Republic Services flyer on the city's Facebook page states. Bagged trash, recyclables and organic materials may be dropped off.
"Staring today, July 17, 2025, we will have containers available at our Organics Facility (next to the landfill) for self-drop off," the Republic Services flyer states.
Republic Services officials said that employees from other areas are assisting with the collections. They ask for all residents to leave their containers out until they are serviced.
For Republic Services waste collection services updates, visit republicservices.com/municipality/stockton-ca or call (209) 466-3604 or visit the city of Stockton Facebook page at City of Stockton - Government.
Record reporter Angelaydet Rocha covers community news in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @AngelaydetRocha. To support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow
Republic Services and Teamsters Local 439 have reached a tentative agreement, ending a nearly two-week strike that disrupted trash pickup in Stockton."Local 439 has informed us that picket lines are coming down across the Bay Area, and our employees are returning to work tomorrow," Republic Services said in a statement Friday.Members of Teamsters Local 439 employed by Republic Services began striking in Stockton on July 8, demanding a living wage consistent with industry standards, affordable and accessible health car...
Republic Services and Teamsters Local 439 have reached a tentative agreement, ending a nearly two-week strike that disrupted trash pickup in Stockton.
"Local 439 has informed us that picket lines are coming down across the Bay Area, and our employees are returning to work tomorrow," Republic Services said in a statement Friday.
Members of Teamsters Local 439 employed by Republic Services began striking in Stockton on July 8, demanding a living wage consistent with industry standards, affordable and accessible health care and fair work rules.
Teamsters Local 439 said about 40 of its members were on strike in Stockton, with more than 600 members from other Teamsters locals honoring the picket lines.
The terms of the tentative agreement were unclear as of Friday. Republic Services did not provide additional details, including whether employees will receive raises or when the agreement will be voted on. The company also did not confirm whether customers who paid for services they did not receive will be issued credits or refunds.
City officials said an average of 37,704 customers in six Stockton City Council districts were affected by the Republic Services strike. Each district normally receives waste collection once a week.
Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi, who threatened to terminate Republic Services’ contract if it did not reach a deal with sanitation workers, celebrated the news on social media.
"Your trash is going to get picked up," Fugazi said. "The rats are going to go away. The maggots are going to go away. The smell is going to go away, and we're going to be cleaning up the west side of Stockton."
Outside Stockton, the strike affected other Northern California cities, including Daly City, Fremont, Half Moon Bay, Lathrop and San Jose.
Earlier this week, the city of Fairfield threatened legal action against Republic Services due to the strike and called the situation a public health emergency.
"We appreciate the community’s patience throughout this situation," Republic Services officials said. "We will work hard to catch up with needed recycling and waste collection as quickly as we can."
Record reporter Hannah Workman covers news in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @byhannahworkman. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.
Republic Services’ customers across San Joaquin County are not alone in grappling with the fallout from a massive trash workers strike.The work stoppage, now in its second week, is confounding residents and business owners on both the East and West coasts. In the last few days, the labor action has spread to Southern California.The International Brot...
Republic Services’ customers across San Joaquin County are not alone in grappling with the fallout from a massive trash workers strike.
The work stoppage, now in its second week, is confounding residents and business owners on both the East and West coasts. In the last few days, the labor action has spread to Southern California.
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the labor union that represents thousands of Republic employees, says the strike has gone nationwide, with 2,000 workers walking off the job.
“We will flood the streets and shut down garbage collection in state after state,” Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien said in a statement. “Workers are uniting nationwide, and we will get the wages and benefits we’ve earned, come hell or high water.”
In Stockton, the strike is centered around workers at the Forward Landfill in Manteca. Throughout San Joaquin County, trash has not been picked up on scheduled days because other Republic employees are refusing to cross Teamsters picket lines.
Phoenix-based Republic Services said Tuesday that talks with the union have gone nowhere.
“We have been negotiating with the Teamsters since October to reach an agreement that is beneficial to our Forward Landfill employees and our customers,” the company said in an email to Stocktonia. “Unfortunately, we were unable to reach a deal during today’s negotiations. No new date is scheduled at this time.”
Stockton is one of many cities ensnared by the strike. Other municipalities across California and the U.S. are also feeling the effects.
The latest update on the strike from Stockton city official says that trash is being picked up with a two-day delay – not including customers whose garbage was supposed to have been collected last week. According to the updated service schedule, those whose trash barrels would normally go out on Monday can expect a pickup on Wednesday. Tuesday customers should see the trucks roll up on Thursday, and customers with normal pickups on Wednesday should expect service on Friday.
Republic Services is not collecting any recycling or green waste containers, only refuse destined for the landfill.
San Joaquin County issued a statement Wednesday noting that trash pickup delays have reached into some rural areas surrounding Stockton. Lathrop has also been affected. But Manteca officials say service is normal because the city doesn’t rely on Republic Services for its collection.
STOCKTON, Calif. —A big sigh of relief for residents in Stockton and some Bay Area cities, as workers have voted to approve a five-year contract with Republic Services. The contract approval ends a two-week-long strike.But the garbage is still piling up."I have four kids, so, yeah, so much trash," said Esmerelda Duarte.The sights and smells on the streets still aren't so pleasant."Animals and cats, dogs, people taking trash from, that's too much," Duarte said....
STOCKTON, Calif. —
A big sigh of relief for residents in Stockton and some Bay Area cities, as workers have voted to approve a five-year contract with Republic Services. The contract approval ends a two-week-long strike.
But the garbage is still piling up.
"I have four kids, so, yeah, so much trash," said Esmerelda Duarte.
The sights and smells on the streets still aren't so pleasant.
"Animals and cats, dogs, people taking trash from, that's too much," Duarte said.
She said her husband has been taking their trash to Livermore, where he works.
"The maggots really aren't something that are very attractive, but the smell on top of that," said Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi.
But residents will soon get a break from plugging their noses.
"It was 100% yes. Everything was great overall," said Gilbert Gomez with Teamsters Local 439.
Gomez said members approved a five-year contract Sunday with Republic Services, focusing on better pay and health benefits.
Part of the agreement said employees would receive union medical benefits at the much cheaper cost of $10 a week.
"Medical benefits was big for them because a lot of them are paying anywhere from four to $1,200 a month," Gomez said. "When you're not making that much, you sometimes got to make a choice whether to go to the doctor or not."
Gomez said after a year of stalled negotiations, the 35 Manteca landfill workers took a stand and went on strike in early July, leading to trash trouble in several cities, like Stockton.
"People don't realize how important garbage is until it's not there, then it's like, 'Oh, my garbage,'" Gomez said.
Fugazi said her trash has not been picked up yet.
"But I am looking forward to my regular pickup day, which is Thursday," she said.
Fugazi stepped in during negotiations to remind Republic Services that the city can use another business in the battle of the bins.
She said it's time the city gets cleaned up.
"I actually had somebody call me crying because they saw a truck go by and they didn't pick up their trash, and they went running out and saying, 'Please, please pick up my trash.' People were at their wits' end," she said.
Duarte is ready for a fresh start.
"So really happy, really, really happy," she said.
Some employees went back to work on Saturday, and the company says it will resume the normal pick-up schedule on Monday.
As for customers getting a refund, Republic Services said right now it's focusing on trash pickup and will address things like billing in the near future.
Fugazi said she plans to stay on top of it and get that refund for customers.
209-613-4604
