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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 Kent, WA

Home Care Kent, WA

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 Lincoln Memorial 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 Kent, WA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Kent, WA

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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

“Best dependable care organization”

Eric H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“My experience with ABC has been very positive... we needed to change hours of coverage and Eric was incredibly understanding and affected the changes exactly as requested... The care providers I've observed were very attentive to my Dad's needs...”

Douglas B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“This organization is amazing. We needed care for my dad and they provided support during an incredibly difficult time for our family. Silvia, Lucy and Michael were so kind and compassionate. We were able to adjust the care hours required very efficiently and had lots of support navigating these unfamiliar circumstances.”

Cynthia M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“My name is Tracy, and I’ve been a caregiver with this company since 2017. One of the biggest reasons I’m still with this company is because the owners are very supportive and respectful to their employees. The management works well with employees schedules. The management is very dedicated to make sure all clients receive the very best care possible. I cannot recommend this company enough to work for!!”

Tracy T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have been with Always Best Care for about 8 months. I couldn't be prouder to represent this company . It's so great to work in an environment where the members of the team have a strong sense of camaraderie and a great work ethic. It's important to me to be able to trust my team members to always do their best because I do.”

Melanie W.
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“When searching for Elderly Care Service providers I found that Always Best Care has the passion to support the growing community of elders.”

Mariea C.
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“Loving & caring staff. Honored to know these caregivers and see them in action!”

Tina C.
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“Great team, great clientele, available hours”

Joan K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The absolute best in home care services! Our family are so grateful for Phil, Deena and their entire home care team! We could not have cared for our mother at home without them!”

Lisa F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“There is no better agency than Steve and his team. We went through 4 different agencies until we found them and have thanked our lucky stars. Reliable, educated and experienced. They have our family’s best interest and heart in mind.”

Christina M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The greatest in home care ever!! The staff was very knowledgeable and very caring about our needs.”

Brian F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“They were caring, and did a good job when we finally got the right person. They were caring, efficient and they did a good job.”

Dwayne F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I felt confident that my mom was being taken care of and that she seemed happy with the caregivers. As far as her life she was well fed, her physical hygiene was taken care of, and she had company. I'd recommend them because the caregivers were well trained and they showed a lot of care for my mother and they also kept the family informed.”

Marie D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“It takes some of the burden off of me. When I need schedule changes, such as today with an early morning doctor's appointment, they easily change the schedule when we need. I already have. I like that they come and check and find out what our goals are, as well as working with the provider that comes to our home. They are well coordinated.”

Lynette C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The services are essential because they're always on time. I would recommend Always Best Care because I like the people who they send. They're just outstanding.”

Grace C.
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“The services have helped him the most by having no confusion about taking their pills. I want them to follow-up more often.”

Donna P.
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“They help with things that I can't do anymore. I like that they always have someone for you.”

Robert M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I work for an assisted living community in Tacoma and often come across potential residents and their family members who use Always Best Care for in-home caregiving, as well as senior advising to find long term care placement. Phil and Steve are fantastic care partners, and great advocates for seniors in our area!”

Theresa L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“They were proactive, nice, pleasant people. One thing I like about them is that they are very nice and professional, easy to work with.”

Richard A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I worked with Phil and Steve to try and find a memory care facility or possibly an adult family home for my mom who was in late stage Altzheimers disease. They were both so caring, empathetic, understanding and patient with us during the most difficult time for our family. Ultimately we were unable to move mom, but I never felt any frustration or impatience from them, only the utmost care and concern. I would recommend this place to anyone trying to find a care facility or home for a loved one.”

Jennifer W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The agency can make my life easier by communicating more. I like this agency because they are prompt.”

Danny J.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Kent, WA?

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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 Kent, WA

Types of Elderly Care in Kent, WA

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 Kent, WA
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 Kent, WA
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Lake Meridian Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Kent, WA
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 Hide and Fox Restaurant or visit Walmer Castle and Gardens, 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 Kent, WA

Benefits of Home Care in Kent, WA

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 Kent, WA, 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 Kent, WA

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 WA'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 Kent, WA

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 Kent, WA 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 Kent, WA

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 Kent, WA

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:

  • Farrington Court Assisted Senior Living
  • Cogir of Kent
  • Aegis Living Kent
  • Weatherly Inn Kent
  • Arbor Village Senior Living
  • Inn At Arbor Village
Home Care Kent, WA

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 Kent, WA

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 Kent, WA 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 Kent, WA

Latest News in Kent, WA

Fred Meyer stores in Kent, Everett to close, sparking concerns over food access

Kroger will close Fred Meyer stores in both Kent and Everett, affecting workers and customers alike.WASHINGTON, USA — Shock rippled through parts of the Puget Sound region Monday as Kroger announced it will close grocery stores in Everett and Kent, affecting both workers and local customers.The company plans to shutter Fred Meyer locations in Kent’s East Hill neighborhood, 10201 SE 240th St., and Everett’s Casino Corner, located 8530 Evergreen Way.On Tuesday, UFCW 300, a private-sector labor union repre...

Kroger will close Fred Meyer stores in both Kent and Everett, affecting workers and customers alike.

WASHINGTON, USA — Shock rippled through parts of the Puget Sound region Monday as Kroger announced it will close grocery stores in Everett and Kent, affecting both workers and local customers.

The company plans to shutter Fred Meyer locations in Kent’s East Hill neighborhood, 10201 SE 240th St., and Everett’s Casino Corner, located 8530 Evergreen Way.

On Tuesday, UFCW 300, a private-sector labor union representing workers at these stores, said the company also plans to close stores in Seattle's Lake City neighborhood and Redmond in October.

"Kroger’s closures put profit over people, plain and simple. This corporate strategy might please Wall Street investors, but we know it’ll create food deserts in our neighborhoods," said Faye Guenther, the president of the largest private-sector union in Washington State, UFCW3000.

The decision, shared with employees earlier in the day, came as a surprise to many.

“A lot of customers depend on us for their daily meals,” said longtime Fred Meyer employee Brian Gilderoy, who noted that the closures have left coworkers “scared” and “still in shock.”

Kroger cited ongoing challenges in an emailed statement, saying in part, "Due to a steady rise in theft and a challenging regulatory environment that adds significant costs, we can no longer make these stores financially viable."

"Despite doubling our safety and security investment over the past years, these challenges remain," the spokesperson said.

UFCW 3000 union members told KING 5 they worry the closures could have wider consequences for low-income families who rely on neighborhood grocery stores for accessible, affordable food. The soon-to-be-closed locations sit in ZIP codes where household incomes fall well below the average for their counties.

Gilderoy said he's concerned that his customers will "spend more time and money trying to get everything that they need."

The latest closures follow similar announcements of shutdowns planned for QFC in Mill Creek, which is also owned by Kroger, and another Fred Meyer in Tacoma. A spokesperson for Kroger told KING 5 that the Tacoma location on Pacific Avenue is targeted for closure around late September.

Outside the Mill Creek QFC, longtime shopper Jesse Jensen expressed frustration, saying, "Very disappointed. It’s been here for, like, 45 years I believe.”

Kroger revealed in June that more than 60 stores are expected to close nationwide.

“I’d rather not go to the Fred Meyer up the hill. It’s poor access, bad parking and all that. I don’t like going to Safeway either," Jensen said. "I have no choice. I’m kind of stuck."

Kroger said in a statement to KING 5 that all employees will be offered positions at other locations. The company added it remains committed to serving communities across Washington “where they can operate sustainably.”

2 Washington Fred Meyer stores permanently closing

Kroger announced its plans to permanently close two more grocery stores, one in Kent and one in Everett, according to a United Food and Commercial Workers Local 3000 (UFCW) news release.The two Fred Meyer closures are scheduled for October 17 and 18. The Everett location is on Evergreen Way, and the Kent location is on 240th.Kroger noted that the closures could affect approximately 360 workers from both stores.Fred Meyer closures due to theftA Fred Meyer spokesperson told KIRO Newsradio the closures are due to a...

Kroger announced its plans to permanently close two more grocery stores, one in Kent and one in Everett, according to a United Food and Commercial Workers Local 3000 (UFCW) news release.

The two Fred Meyer closures are scheduled for October 17 and 18. The Everett location is on Evergreen Way, and the Kent location is on 240th.

Kroger noted that the closures could affect approximately 360 workers from both stores.

Fred Meyer closures due to theft

A Fred Meyer spokesperson told KIRO Newsradio the closures are due to a rise in theft.

“Fred Meyer is proud to serve communities across Washington. Unfortunately, due to a steady rise in theft and a challenging regulatory environment that adds significant costs, we can no longer make these stores financially viable,” the spokesperson wrote in a statement. “Despite doubling our safety and security investment over the past years, these challenges remain. Every associate will be offered a position at another location, and we remain committed to serving communities across Washington where we can operate sustainably.”

However, UFCW, a union representing grocery and retail workers, claimed Kroger’s plan to close two stores was due to the company’s decision to prioritize profits over its workforce.

“Kroger’s closures put profit over people, plain and simple,” UFCW President Faye Guenther said. “This corporate strategy might please Wall Street investors, but we know it’ll create food deserts in our neighborhoods and disrupt the lives of hundreds of workers already displaced by a housing affordability crisis now ten years in the making.”

John Curley unloads on Governor Bob Ferguson's press conference addressing Pam Bondi's letter on Washington's status as a sanctuary jurisdiction. Listen to The John Curley Show every weekday at 3pm on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM. Listen to KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM, or visit MyNorthwest.com to learn more!

Kroger announced in June that the company plans to permanently close approximately 60 stores nationwide over the next 18 months.

Shortly after the announcement, Kroger confirmed a QFC in the Mill Creek Square shopping center would close in the fall. This closure will affect approximately 76 employees.

In July, Kroger also announced the closure of a Fred Meyer in Tacoma. This closure was met with community backlash toward the company, and a petition for Kroger to reconsider the closure gathered nearly 1,700 signatures.

“Without a doubt, these issues will lead our agenda when [UFCW] returns to the table with Kroger and Albertsons in 2027,” Guenther said. “In the meantime, our union strongly encourages elected leaders to prioritize policies that increase access to fresh, affordable food for all.”

Contributing: Julia Dallas, MyNorthwest

Kroger to close Fred Meyer grocery stores in Kent, Everett

SEATTLE — Two Fred Meyer stores are closing permanently in western Washington in mid-October.Kroger, the company that owns both Fred Meyer and QFC, confirmed to KOMO News that it will close stores at 10201 SE 240th St. in Kent and 8530 Evergreen Way in Everett.UFCW 3000, the union that represents the workers in the stores, said 360 employees will be affected.Kroger blamed the closures on "a steady rise in theft and a challenging regulatory environment that adds significant costs.""We can no lo...

SEATTLE — Two Fred Meyer stores are closing permanently in western Washington in mid-October.

Kroger, the company that owns both Fred Meyer and QFC, confirmed to KOMO News that it will close stores at 10201 SE 240th St. in Kent and 8530 Evergreen Way in Everett.

UFCW 3000, the union that represents the workers in the stores, said 360 employees will be affected.

Kroger blamed the closures on "a steady rise in theft and a challenging regulatory environment that adds significant costs."

"We can no longer make these stores financially viable," Kroger told KOMO News in a statement. "Despite doubling our safety and security investment over the past years, these challenges remain."

UFCW 3000, the union that represents the workers in the stores, said the closures of stores in low-income areas threaten food access for working-class communities. The union also said Kroger is opening stores in "potentially high-sales areas," despite the company experiencing rising revenue.

"Kroger’s closures put profit over people, plain and simple," said UFCW 3000 President Faye Guenther. "This corporate strategy might please Wall Street investors, but we know it’ll create food deserts in our neighborhoods and disrupt the lives of hundreds of workers already displaced by a housing affordability crisis now ten years in the making."

"Without a doubt, these issues will lead our agenda when we return to the table with Kroger and Albertsons in 2027," Guenther added. "In the meantime, our union strongly encourages elected leaders to prioritize policies that increase access to fresh, affordable food for all.”

UFCW 3000 also said it plans to meet with Kroger at the bargaining table soon.

The contract between the union and Kroger stipulates that Kroger must offer placement in "equivalent positions at nearby stores" for workers, according to UFCW 3000.

Kroger confirmed to KOMO News that "every associate will be offered a position at another location," but employees may see increased commuting times to new stores.

Kroger and Albertsons attempted a nearly $25 billion merger between 2022 and 2024. After Washington sued to block what was described as an "illegal" merger, the deal was halted by state and federal judges.

Albertsons eventually gave up on the merger—much to the delight of shoppers—and sued Kroger, saying the latter didn't do enough to secure regulatory approval.

Kroger pushed the blame back onto Albertsons and accused the company of undermining the merger by working with a secret partner to try and force Kroger to divest more stores.

Albertsons also owns the Safeway brand.

Kroger also navigated a scandal earlier this year when the company's chairman and CEO, Rodney McMullen, resigned after an internal investigation into his personal conduct.

Shoppers have been bracing for price hikes at supermarkets as President Donald Trump has rolled out his tariffs on foreign countries.

UFCW 3000 said grocery store workers in the region ratified a new contract in July after a strike authorization the month before.

The union said it is the largest private-sector union in Washington state and that it represents more than 55,000 workers in grocery, healthcare, cannabis, retail, and other industries. UFCW 3000 said it represents nearly 30,000 grocery workers in Washington, eastern Oregon, and north Idaho.

UFCW said the two stores will close on Oct. 17 and 18.

Fred Meyer to close Everett, Kent stores over theft, regulatory issues

Fred Meyer’s parent company Kroger is closing two locations in Kent and Everett, citing concerns over theft and regulations, as part of a national effort to cut costs following the company’s failed merger with rival Albertsons.“Unfortunately, due to a steady rise in theft and a challenging regulatory environment that adds significant costs, we can no longer make these stores financially viable,” a Fred Meyer spokesperson said Monday in an emailed statement about the Everett and Kent closures.The Everett ...

Fred Meyer’s parent company Kroger is closing two locations in Kent and Everett, citing concerns over theft and regulations, as part of a national effort to cut costs following the company’s failed merger with rival Albertsons.

“Unfortunately, due to a steady rise in theft and a challenging regulatory environment that adds significant costs, we can no longer make these stores financially viable,” a Fred Meyer spokesperson said Monday in an emailed statement about the Everett and Kent closures.

The Everett location is at 8530 Evergreen Way. The Kent store is at 10201 S.E. 240th St. Both will close in mid-October, according to the union representing workers at the affected stores.

Monday’s announcement, which follows several other recent Kroger closures in Washington, sparked concerns in Kent and Everett, where locals worry over declining access to grocery stores, especially in underserved neighborhoods.

“It’s taking away another resource from a neighborhood that’s already hurting,” warned Everett City Councilmember Paula Rhyne, who describes the area around the closing Everett Fred Meyer as among the city’s most diverse and lowest income. News of the closure “is devastating.”

Cincinnati-based Kroger, whose websites list 59 Fred Meyer locations and 55 QFC locations in Washington, said in June it would close 60 underperforming stores nationally over the next year and a half and reinvest the savings in other locations.

“Unfortunately, today, not all of our stores are delivering the sustainable results we need,” Ronald Sargent, Kroger’s interim CEO, said during a June 20 earnings call.

Kroger didn’t release the specific locations at that time, but since then has announced closures in Washington and other states.

In July, Kroger said it would shutter a Fred Meyer in Tacoma along with the Mill Creek location of the QFC chain, which Kroger also owns. Those closures are set for September, according to layoff notices filed with the state.

Kroger didn’t offer any specific data for theft incidents at the Everett or Kent stores, beyond noting that, “[d]espite doubling our safety and security investment over the past years, these challenges remain.”

It also didn’t elaborate on what it meant by “challenging regulatory environment,” according to Monday’s statement, which noted that affected workers will be offered positions at other company locations

Bryan Gilderoy, a produce clerk at the closing Kent store, said the company’s explanations for the closures didn’t square with what he is seeing in his store.

Gilderoy, who worked at the location for 15 years, said the store had been effective in curbing shoplifting and is typically quite busy.

“Like, right now, it’s a full parking lot — the store is full of customers,” said Gilderoy, who is 43 and a member of United Food & Commercial Workers local 3000, which represents workers at the Everett and Kent stores.

The decision to shutter the store “literally feels like it comes out of nowhere,” he said.

Kroger’s “corporate strategy might please Wall Street investors, but we know it’ll create food deserts in our neighborhoods and disrupt the lives of hundreds of workers already displaced by a housing affordability crisis,” added UFCW 3000 president Faye Guenther.

Kroger paused its normal store performance review and closure process during the several years it was attempting to win government approval for a merger with Albertsons, which ultimately failed in December.

“We usually evaluate individual store performance on an annual basis, and we continue to do that, but we deferred closing any stores due to the merger process,” Sargent said during the earnings call.

Kroger didn’t indicate whether the characterization of “challenging regulatory environment” applied only to Washington or also to the several other states where Kroger closures have been announced.

Washington state was the first government entity to file a lawsuit seeking to block the proposed merger between Kroger and Albertsons, and a state ruling against the merger in December contributed to the deal being canceled.

Paul Roberts: [email protected]. Paul Roberts covers business and economics for The Seattle Times.

Kroger to permanently close Kent Fred Meyer on East Hill

Ohio-based Kroger plans to permanently close the Kent Fred Meyer store in October on the East Hill.“It’s big news and it’s tough news,” said Rich Smith, spokesperson for Seattle-based United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) 3000, the union for the Kroger employees, which announced the closing of stores in Kent and Everett in a Monday, Aug. 22 press release.The store, 10201 SE 240th St., employs 2o3, Smith said. Fred Meyer also has a Kent store at 25250 Pacific Highway S., on the West Hill.&ldquo...

Ohio-based Kroger plans to permanently close the Kent Fred Meyer store in October on the East Hill.

“It’s big news and it’s tough news,” said Rich Smith, spokesperson for Seattle-based United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) 3000, the union for the Kroger employees, which announced the closing of stores in Kent and Everett in a Monday, Aug. 22 press release.

The store, 10201 SE 240th St., employs 2o3, Smith said. Fred Meyer also has a Kent store at 25250 Pacific Highway S., on the West Hill.

“Our union will sit down with the company to bargain over these changes in the coming days,” according to UFCW 3000. “Our union contracts stipulate that Kroger must offer workers placement in equivalent positions at nearby stores, in accordance with their union seniority.”

A Kroger spokesperson emailed the following statement when asked for comment from the Kent Reporter.

“Unfortunately, due to a steady rise in theft and a challenging regulatory environment that adds significant costs, we can no longer make the store at 10201 SE 240th in Kent financially viable,” according to the statement. “Despite doubling our safety and security investment over the past years, these challenges remain.

“Every associate will be offered a position at another location, and we remain committed to serving communities across Washington where we can operate sustainably.”

According to UFCW 3000, Kroger “claims that those facilities (Kent and Everett) represent some of the region’s lowest performers in terms of sales.”

The two store closures, planned for Oct. 17 and Oct. 18, will impact about 360 workers, according to the union.

Kroger in July announced closure coming in September of a Fred Meyer store in Tacoma and a QFC store in Mill Creek. Kroger in June announced plans to close more than 60 stores nationwide.

The union said the closures are part of a company “plan to shutter stores in low-sales areas and open stores in potentially high-sales areas.”

According to the union, this strategy raises serious concerns about food access for working class communities. Both stores (Kent, Everett) slated for closure are located in zip codes whose incomes rank below their county’s respective median household incomes.

“Kroger’s closures put profit over people, plain and simple,” said Faye Guenther, UFCW 3000 president, in the press release. “This corporate strategy might please Wall Street investors, but we know it’ll create food deserts in our neighborhoods and disrupt the lives of hundreds of workers already displaced by a housing affordability crisis now ten years in the making. Without a doubt, these issues will lead our agenda when we return to the table with Kroger and Albertsons in 2027. In the meantime, our union strongly encourages elected leaders to prioritize policies that increase access to fresh, affordable food for all.”

Kroger operates more than 2,700 stores across the nation under a variety of banner names, according to the company website.

Background

Provided by UFCW 3000:

• In 2024, Kroger saw a 77% higher net income and 63% higher operating income than they did in 2019, according to company filings (London Stock Exchange Group).

• Between 2022 and 2024, Kroger spent more than $1 billion in an attempt to merge with Albertsons, which owns Safeway and Haggen, among other banners.

• After UFCW 3000 grocery store workers launched a campaign to stop that merger, judges blocked the $25 billion deal in December 2024. That same month, Kroger announced $7.5 billion in stock buybacks.

• Following the failed merger, C&S Wholesalers sued Kroger, claiming Kroger owed the company $125 million. Kroger settled that suit last week on Aug. 11.

• After authorizing a strike in June of 2025, grocery store workers in July in the Puget Sound region ratified a new contract that won first-in-the-nation language to address staffing issues, secured union health care and pensions, and gained some of the largest average annual wage increases the union has seen.

• UFCW 3000 is the largest private-sector union in Washington state, representing more than 55,000 workers in grocery, health care, cannabis, retail, food packing and processing, and textiles and laundry, among other industries. It represents nearly 30,000 grocery workers in Washington, Eastern Oregon and north Idaho.

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