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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 Darlington, IN

Home Care Darlington, IN

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 Raby Castle, Park and Gardens 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 Darlington, IN is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Darlington, IN

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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 people at there”

Shelly L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Great staff!! Caring people!”

Lissa W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I think it’s one of the best companies there’s always someone ready and willing to go help people with great attitudes! Anyone that wants to live at home but needs a little extra help should definitely get someone from this company at your home to help out!”

Brandi S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Working for Always Best Care has been very rewarding for me to help others in need. Whatever my questions may be or any help I need as a health care provider for my client they have always came through with help.”

Diana W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Very compassionate caregivers!”

Kendall A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Great staff. Well trained and kind people.”

Amanda N.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The Beache’s Family are great people and I would trust my mom’s well- bean in their hands”

Isabella G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Natalia has experience taking care of people with Alzheimer and I would be very trust my dad’s safety if they taking care of him.”

Eugene K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“They offer a wide range of services with professional, organized individuals willing to help care for members of your family.”

Nathan E.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Exceptional staff and very caring. I know my loved ones are taken care of which gives me a peace of mind. Definitely recommend!”

Robin
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TESTIMONIALS

“Mr. and Mrs. Beach are the owners of this location, and they are some of the most caring and dedicated people I have ever met. They truly want to help people get the best care for their loved ones. My grandmother would have loved to have care like this.”

Thomas H.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Darlington, IN?

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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 Darlington, IN

Types of Elderly Care in Darlington, IN

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 Darlington, IN
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 Darlington, IN
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 Old School 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 Darlington, IN
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 The Bay Horse or visit Lafayette County Historical, 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 Darlington, IN

Benefits of Home Care in Darlington, IN

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 Darlington, IN, 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 Darlington, IN

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 IN'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 Darlington, IN

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 Darlington, IN 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 Darlington, IN

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 Darlington, IN

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:

  • Sienna Crest Assisted Living Darlington
  • Bethea Retirement Community
  • Darlington Community Center
  • Oakhaven Nursing Center
  • Lafayette Manor
  • Darlington Assisted Living
Home Care Darlington, IN

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 Darlington, IN

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 Darlington, IN 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 Darlington, IN

Latest News in Darlington, IN

River Island confirms closing date of Stockton store

River Island has confirmed the closing date of one of its North East stores.Earlier this year, the high street retailer announced plans to pull down the shutters in Stockton and Hartlepool as part of a radical restructuring plan.It meant 33 underperforming shops across the UK were earmarked for closure - including sites in Wellington Square and Middleton Grange Shopping Centre.Now, in an email seen by The Northern Echo, River Island has confirmed that it will be closing its Stockton town centre store on Sunday, September...

River Island has confirmed the closing date of one of its North East stores.

Earlier this year, the high street retailer announced plans to pull down the shutters in Stockton and Hartlepool as part of a radical restructuring plan.

It meant 33 underperforming shops across the UK were earmarked for closure - including sites in Wellington Square and Middleton Grange Shopping Centre.

Now, in an email seen by The Northern Echo, River Island has confirmed that it will be closing its Stockton town centre store on Sunday, September 14.

The email states: "Stockton, it's been a blast! We're sad to be saying goodbye to our Stockton store. You can shop with us until Sunday, September 14, 2025."

The store was initially understood to be closing next January. It is not yet known when the Hartlepool shop will close.

Last month, a restructuring plan aimed at preventing the firm from collapsing into administration was approved by a High Court judge.

The rescue plan included the closure of 33 stores and would see reduced rents on another 71 shops.

Landlords are being asked to cut rents for three years and potentially stop payments completely on some sites in a bid to stem losses.

River Island currently boasts several shops across the region, including in Darlington, Middlesbrough, Durham, Sunderland, Washington, and at Teesside Park.

The Gateshead Metrocentre store, which was recently revamped, is not among the list of closures, despite being listed by some news outlets earlier this year.

River Island chiefs previously blamed the closures on the “migration of shoppers from the high street to online” and higher costs to run stores.

The store closures will lead to job losses, but there will also be a consultation with employees and the firm will look at redeploying staff across the business.

The retailer, which employs around 5,500 people, was founded in 1948 under the Lewis and Chelsea Girl brand before being renamed in the 1980s.

Ben Lewis, CEO of River Island, previously said: “River Island is a much-loved retailer, with a decades-long history on the British high street.

“However the well-documented migration of shoppers from the high street to online has left the business with a large portfolio of stores that is no longer aligned to our customers’ needs.

“The sharp rise in the cost of doing business over the last few years has only added to the financial burden.

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“We have a clear strategy to transform the business to ensure its long-term viability.

“Recent improvements in our fashion offer and in-store shopping experience are already showing very positive results, but it is only with a restructuring plan that we will be able to see this strategy through and secure River Island’s future as a profitable retail business.

“We regret any job losses as a result of store closures, and we will try to keep these to a minimum.”

EastEnders star sensationally axed from the BBC soap opera

An iconic EastEnders star has been sensationally axed from the popular BBC soap opera.Jamie Borthwick, who has played the role of Jay Brown since 2006, is one of the longest-serving cast members still around.Beyond EastEnders, the 31-year-old famously took part in the 2024 series of Strictly Come Dancing. BBC sensationally axes Jamie Borthwick from EastEnders after 20 years Confirming the news that Jamie Borthwick would be leaving EastEnders, the BBC said: “We can confirm that Jamie Borthwick will not be r...

An iconic EastEnders star has been sensationally axed from the popular BBC soap opera.

Jamie Borthwick, who has played the role of Jay Brown since 2006, is one of the longest-serving cast members still around.

Beyond EastEnders, the 31-year-old famously took part in the 2024 series of Strictly Come Dancing.

BBC sensationally axes Jamie Borthwick from EastEnders after 20 years

Confirming the news that Jamie Borthwick would be leaving EastEnders, the BBC said: “We can confirm that Jamie Borthwick will not be returning to EastEnders. We do not comment on individual matters.”

This comes after it emerged the actor had been "suspended" from the show after reportedly using a derogatory term.

Jamie apologised for this at the time, saying: “I want to apologise sincerely and wholeheartedly for the words I used in the video showing my reaction to making it through Blackpool week on Strictly.

“I am deeply sorry for any offence and upset my words and actions have caused.

“It is no excuse, but I did not fully understand the derogatory term I used and its meaning. That is on me completely.

“Now I am aware, I am deeply embarrassed to have used the term and directed it in the way I did. It was wrong."

Discussing his absence from the show, the source told The Sun: “Jamie is well thought of, but Jay hasn’t played a central role in the show for a while.

“The character hasn’t had a major storyline recently - he’s been very much a supporting character of late.

“Meanwhile, Jamie has been kept busy outside of EastEnders by being given the Strictly Christmas special in 2023 and then the full series last year.

“But consequently, on EastEnders, he’s barely been seen with about 30 appearances on screen since last summer.

“And with a new boss in Ben Wadey, who only recently took the helm and with the scandal taking place so soon into his tenure feeling is that Jamie’s place on the show could be at serious risk.”

Newsquest has approached the BBC for comment.

Douglas Alexander ‘looking forward to being Scotland’s voice’

The new Scottish Secretary says he is “looking forward to being Scotland’s voice” in Westminster after his predecessor lost his position in Friday’s reshuffle.The changes, which followed Angela Rayner’s departure from her role as deputy prime minister, saw Ian Murray’s sacking from his Scottish secretary role, in which he served from July 2024.His replacement Douglas Alexander spoke on BBC One’s The Sunday Show, where he discussed his new role and his plans.He told host Martin Ge...

The new Scottish Secretary says he is “looking forward to being Scotland’s voice” in Westminster after his predecessor lost his position in Friday’s reshuffle.

The changes, which followed Angela Rayner’s departure from her role as deputy prime minister, saw Ian Murray’s sacking from his Scottish secretary role, in which he served from July 2024.

His replacement Douglas Alexander spoke on BBC One’s The Sunday Show, where he discussed his new role and his plans.

He told host Martin Geissler: “I’m looking forward to being Scotland’s voice at the Cabinet table, making sure not just that I’m speaking up for Scotland, but that my Cabinet colleagues understand the importance of Scotland to their work.”

Mr Geissler said he had heard Mr Murray was “very angry” about the decision to remove him from his post, and that the Labour Party is “furious” about it.

Mr Alexander said: “Genuinely, I don’t know.”

He added: “The truth is, it’s the manager who chooses the players on the pitch. Sometimes there are more players than you’re able to field.

“That’s not always a problem for every football team, but it is often the case that the manager wants more people on the pitch, and in that sense, these judgments ultimately rest with the Prime Minister.”

He recalled previous reshuffles throughout his time in politics, adding that Ms Rayner’s resignation “wasn’t expected” by him or his peers.

His interview with Mr Geissler drew attention from a number of oppositional parties.

Scottish Conservatives deputy leader Rachael Hamilton said: “Labour are in complete meltdown and their integrity is in tatters after only 14 months in government.

“Ian Murray’s sacking was entirely in keeping with the chaos that surrounds Keir Starmer’s shambolic Government.

“The fact Ian Murray has now had to be shoehorned into a junior ministerial role after such backlash is systematic of the weakness of Keir Starmer and his long list of U-turns.

“The uninspiring appointment of Douglas Alexander, who is nothing more than a yes man for Labour, will mean more of the same broken promises.”

She added: “Just like Ian Murray, he wants to shut down our oil and gas industry and supports inflicting a heartless family farm tax on our agriculture sector.

“The shameful goings-on within Labour expose how disconnected Keir Starmer is with Anas Sarwar, who has blindsided Scottish Labour with this desperate reshuffle.”

Meanwhile, the SNP slammed Mr Alexander for seemingly being unable to explain the democratic route to a second independence referendum.

The party says Mr Geissler asked him a number of times about how Scots can cast their vote again on the issue, and said he failed to give a proper answer each time.

He ultimately concluded: “The Scottish people ultimately can make their choice in the Holyrood elections in 2026.”

SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson said: “Scotland has a right to decide our own future – it really is time for unionist politicians to stop denying democracy, and outline under which circumstances a referendum could take place.

“But what Douglas was right about is that the people of Scotland will have the chance to have their say in 2026 – and as recent opinion polls show, it won’t be a good showing for Labour, if they continue to deny Scottish democracy.”

Thomas Tuchel confident England are ‘on the right path’ ahead of Serbia test

Thomas Tuchel is convinced England are on the right track ahead of the World Cup but stressed there can be no complacency about qualification as they seek to take “another step” in Serbia.The back-to-back European Championship runners-up are among the favourites to win next summer’s tournament and on course to qualify, having won their first four Group K matches without conceding.Saturday’s 2-0 win against minnows Andorra was the latest in that run, with Elliot Anderson named man of the match after impre...

Thomas Tuchel is convinced England are on the right track ahead of the World Cup but stressed there can be no complacency about qualification as they seek to take “another step” in Serbia.

The back-to-back European Championship runners-up are among the favourites to win next summer’s tournament and on course to qualify, having won their first four Group K matches without conceding.

Saturday’s 2-0 win against minnows Andorra was the latest in that run, with Elliot Anderson named man of the match after impressing on his England debut at Villa Park.

Tuchel says other players have the chance to break into the squad right up until next May, but he is not taking qualification for granted as attention turns to Tuesday’s tough trip to Serbia.

“It’s always a possibility,” the England boss said. “If you show the quality and the attitude in your club, you have always (a chance). The door is always open for young players, old players, whatever. Every age.

“If the quality is right, the mentality is right and if it’s a fit to our squad, everyone has the chance until the last day.

“The thing is I know the focus, like the goal, is the World Cup, but the goal right now is the qualification first.

“We always think we are already qualified and we are not, so we are first in the group and we have to make another step on Tuesday.

“We want to make another step on Tuesday and this is where the focus is at the moment.”

The trip to the cavernous Rajko Mitic Stadium is set to be England’s toughest group assignment, with Tuchel ready to face some top players and a hostile atmosphere in Belgrade.

The German coach is also expecting to have to break down a low block in Serbia as they had to against Andorra, who restricted the hosts to a Declan Rice header after Christian Garcia’s own goal.

But Tuchel saw more positives than negatives in Birmingham, with England performing better than in June’s unconvincing 1-0 win in the reverse fixture and the 3-1 home friendly loss to Senegal.

“We’re getting there,” the England boss said. “We’re getting there. It was a lot of learning, for me also. International football so different from club football, but we’re getting there.

“I’m very positive about the group that was in camp now and how they presented themselves, how they behaved, how they trained and how we played (on Saturday).

“I’m absolutely convinced that we are on the right way and on the right path. It’s always on us to prove it of course.

“We have now three camps, very condensed, to show that we are on a way to create an identity and who has a good connection with whom.

“And that we make it more clear for the players how our game should look like, that we have clarity. Intensity will come, accuracy will come. This will follow.

“But, first of all, it’s important that it’s clear how we want to attack, it’s clear how we want to defend and this was a very good first step.”

Adam Idah believes he can ‘make a difference’ after late equaliser

Adam Idah is hoping he has persuaded Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson he has a major role to play in World Cup qualification after coming off the bench to avert an early disaster.Ireland were within minutes of launching their Group F campaign with a damaging 2-1 home defeat by 10-man Hungary on Saturday evening when substitute Idah headed them level to snatch a point.Hallgrimsson’s men had been trailing 2-0 after just 15 minutes at the Aviva Stadium, but headed for Armenia on Sunday in positive mood and with t...

Adam Idah is hoping he has persuaded Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson he has a major role to play in World Cup qualification after coming off the bench to avert an early disaster.

Ireland were within minutes of launching their Group F campaign with a damaging 2-1 home defeat by 10-man Hungary on Saturday evening when substitute Idah headed them level to snatch a point.

Hallgrimsson’s men had been trailing 2-0 after just 15 minutes at the Aviva Stadium, but headed for Armenia on Sunday in positive mood and with their saviour having staked his claim for a start in Yerevan.

Idah, who endured a difficult conclusion to his time at Celtic before making a summer move to Swansea, said: “I want to play as many games as I can.

“If I can’t, that’s what I’ve got to do. I’ve got to come on and make a difference and prove to the manager why I should be playing the games. If he doesn’t start me, then I’ve got to keep coming on and trying to do that.

“It’s a team game. We want to win as many games as possible. We want to go to the World Cup. However I can help, I’m happy to do so.”

Ireland’s hopes of opening their account with victory over a side ranked 22 places above them by FIFA looked forlorn when they conceded to Barnabas Varga inside two minutes and then Roland Sallai 13 minutes later.

Evan Ferguson’s first goal for club or country since March gave them hope and Sallai’s 52nd-minute dismissal for a crude challenge on Dara O’Shea boosted it further.

But it was not until the third minute of stoppage time that 24-year-old Idah rose to power home Ryan Manning’s cross and raise the roof at the Aviva.

He said: “It’s a bit of a strange one, mixed emotions. It’s obviously great to score for Ireland and to get such an important goal, but at the same time, I want to win the game regardless if I score or someone else.

“We just want to win the game. It’s a bit of a strange one.”

If Ireland’s resilience was commendable, their early capitulation was worrying for Hallgrimsson, whose efforts to make his team more difficult to beat counted for little during the opening quarter of an hour.

Idah said: “The first half was a poor first half. To go 2-0 down quite early on was tough.

“We looked to come back in the second half and turn it around, and I think the most disappointing part is we had all the chances and couldn’t put it to bed.

“I know we got the draw, but I think we’ve got a home game with the crowd behind you, they’re down to 10 – man, you’ve got to take advantage.”

The squad left for Yerevan without injured Ipswich wide man Sammie Szmodics, who started against Hungary, and with Shamrock Rovers defender Josh Honohan having been added to the party.

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