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 Prairie Creek Covered Bridge 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 Prairie Creek, IN 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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“They offer a wide range of services with professional, organized individuals willing to help care”
“Exceptional staff and very caring. I know my loved ones are taken care of which”
“Mr. and Mrs. Beach are the owners of this location, and they are some of”
“best people at there”
“Great staff!! Caring people!”
“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!”
“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.”
“Very compassionate caregivers!”
“Great staff. Well trained and kind people.”
“The Beache’s Family are great people and I would trust my mom’s well- bean in their hands”
“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.”
“They offer a wide range of services with professional, organized individuals willing to help care for members of your family.”
“Exceptional staff and very caring. I know my loved ones are taken care of which gives me a peace of mind. Definitely recommend!”
“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.”
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 Prairie Creek Park Vigo County Parks and Recreation Department 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 Stone Creek Dining Company Plainfield, 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 Prairie Creek, 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.
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 Prairie Creek, 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.
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 Prairie Creek, 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.
LAFAYETTE, IN — Just after 8 a.m. on a Wednesday morning, cars are already trickling into the parking lot of the Old Buffalo's Outpost catering parking lot, but patrons aren't vying for barbecued ribs or breaded tenderloins.They're waiting for Prairie View Farms Produce's annual sweet corn crop.Earlier than most home garden crops, Prairie View Farm's sweet corn harvest began on July 2, kicking off an Indiana...
LAFAYETTE, IN — Just after 8 a.m. on a Wednesday morning, cars are already trickling into the parking lot of the Old Buffalo's Outpost catering parking lot, but patrons aren't vying for barbecued ribs or breaded tenderloins.
They're waiting for Prairie View Farms Produce's annual sweet corn crop.
Earlier than most home garden crops, Prairie View Farm's sweet corn harvest began on July 2, kicking off an Indiana summer tradition that will last through Labor Day.
Stephen Okos, owner of Prairie View Farms Produce, said the annual occurrence of big green carts of corn around Tippecanoe County began as a lesson in practicality from his father, Purdue University professor of agricultural and biological engineering Martin Okos.
"Dad was a part-time farmer, and in 1994 when I was in high school, I told him I wanted a pick-up truck," Okos recalled. "He told me he wouldn't get me one unless I had a reason for needing it, so the idea of selling sweet corn really came out of that finding a reason."
Okos said he doesn't have that same pick-up truck he did when he was a teenager in the '90s, but his operation of growing ears of sweet corn each summer has grown exponentially. Starting out, Okos said, his father gave him about five acres to start, hiring his friends to help him pick the produce to be delivered as whole sale around the Greater Lafayette area.
Today, that operation has grown to 75 acres of sweet corn, specifically a variety known as "Super Sweet SH2," picked early each morning about 4:30 a.m.
Seven locations can be found for the green wagons around the Greater Lafayette area each summer, including at the Prairie View Farms' roadside stand in Battleground, 4604 Pretty Prairie Road.
By 8:30 a.m., the corn cart arrives at Old Buffalo's Outpost, and the crew of Prairie View Farms Produce workers, all donning the same, matching yellow t-shirts, gets to work.
Maddie Swinford, a preschool teacher at Clinton Prairie Elementary School, said this is her second year working for the produce stand, initially hearing of the side-hustle opportunity from friends.
Katie Adamson, a paraprofessional at Linwood Elementary, said in her second year working the corn cart, too, she'd found it to be "the perfect summer job."
"It's a great company to work for, especially as a parent," Adamson said. "Every week, (the Okos) check in with us to see if there's anything they can do to help us, and they're always so accommodating. They know some of us have kids, or that some of the high schoolers who work for them have summer sports schedules. It's just one of the nicest companies I have ever worked for."
Combing through the never-ending ears of corn, Swinford said the employees of Prairie View Farms Produce are responsible for all of the bagging, which ensures customers are getting the highest quality produce.
Pulling back the husk and silk just enough for a peek at the kernels, Swinford said mushy-top produce is an automatic discard. If ears aren't quite at the highest maturity level, Adamson said, those are set aside for a discounted sale toward the end of the day.
A farmer's dozen, 14 total ears of corn, can be purchased for $8.
First in line for the kick-off of Prairie View Farms Produce corn season, Attica resident Dan Lee said he's been purchasing corn from the farm every year for over 30 years.
What keeps him coming back? Lee said it's simple: It's high quality produce.
"Well, it's early for number one, and it's always been good," Lee said, ahead of purchasing a few dozen ears. "I don't try to grow it myself anymore, but they do a good job."
Okos said that early crop can be credited to a trick he's picked up over the years, looking for ways to maintain moisture in the sandy, light soil up in Battle Ground.
"That sandy soil dries out, so basically what we do is we place clear plastic over the early corn, which works like a mini green house," Okos said. "As long as the sun is hitting it, it'll keep growing, and it retains that necessary moisture."
The annual sweet corn crop is just one aspect of Okos' farming operation, working an additional 6,500 acres of corn and soybeans into the fall. But his sweet corn operation, Okos said, is something he's always viewed as a challenge.
"It's become a part of me," Okos said. "I have a lot of passion for it, and we've gained a good following. The only way you keep something like that is by continuing to improve."
Quickly moving about the piles of ears, Adamson said the other reason working for Prairie View Farms Produce is the perfect summer job is due to the customers.
"Everyone is so nice, and so understanding, and as someone who's working in restaurants, I know it's not typically that way," Adamson said. "Even when we run out, they'll come up and just say, 'Oh well, maybe tomorrow.' I have never once had bad experience with a customer."
Okos said he's fortunate to have such great customers, but he thinks the secret to a happy business stems a little deeper than the brace roots of a corn stalk.
"It takes our whole family to make this business run, along with all of our employees, but I think it's about surrounding yourself with good people," Okos said. "When you're surrounded by the right people, it brings in the right customers, and that just makes everything grow."
Jillian Ellison is a reporter for the Journal & Courier. She can be reached via email at [email protected].
MUNCIE, Ind. — The beach at Prairie Creek Reservoir will reopen just in time for the Fourth of July following a test that found improved water quality.According to officials with the city of Muncie, recent water quality tests were conducted by Indiana American Water. A news release said that tests confirmed that the levels cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, have dropped to 5.5 micrograms per liter, within the U.S. EPA’s threshold of eight.This comes after the city of Muncie announced that the beach was temporarily ...
MUNCIE, Ind. — The beach at Prairie Creek Reservoir will reopen just in time for the Fourth of July following a test that found improved water quality.
According to officials with the city of Muncie, recent water quality tests were conducted by Indiana American Water. A news release said that tests confirmed that the levels cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, have dropped to 5.5 micrograms per liter, within the U.S. EPA’s threshold of eight.
This comes after the city of Muncie announced that the beach was temporarily closed because of elevated algae levels late last month. According to , officials found a level of 9.9 micrograms per liter on June 27.
In the release, officials said that the improvement to the beach was achieved “without chemical treatment, due in part to the proactive decision to temporarily close the beach.” The treatment plan using the EPA-approved Cutrine Plus product is expected to occur early next week.
“Swimming will remain safe both before and during the treatment process,” the release said.
Officials also stressed that the drinking water source from the Prairie Creek Reservoir has not been impacted. The release said that the drinking water supply is monitored separately and “there has been no detection of contaminants or risk to public health.”
“We are thrilled to welcome residents and visitors back to Prairie Creek Beach for the holiday weekend,” Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour said in the release. “The safety of our community and those who travel to enjoy this incredible natural resource is always our top priority. We are also focused on ensuring Prairie Creek is in peak condition as we prepare to host the Ironman 70.3 triathlon on July 12. It’s important that we showcase the very best of Muncie.”
MUNCIE, IN — The beach at Prairie Creek Reservoir has reopened to swimmers in time for the July 4 holiday weekend.City officials had closed the beach on June 26 as a result of "elevated levels of microcystins, a toxin produced by blue-green algae."In a news release issued on Thursday, July 3, officials said that...
MUNCIE, IN — The beach at Prairie Creek Reservoir has reopened to swimmers in time for the July 4 holiday weekend.
City officials had closed the beach on June 26 as a result of "elevated levels of microcystins, a toxin produced by blue-green algae."
In a news release issued on Thursday, July 3, officials said that cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) levels "have dropped to 5.5 micrograms per liter — well within the U.S. (Environmental Protection Agency's) safe threshold of 8."
"This improvement was achieved without chemical treatment, due in part to the proactive decision to temporarily close the beach last week," the release said.
While a treatment plan using Cutrine Plus — a product approved by the EPA — remains in place, its application was delayed due to permitting requirements from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
The treatment is now expected to occur early in the week of July 6, and poses no risk to public health. Swimming will remain safe both before and during the treatment process.
The city's release noted the situation had no impact on "the quality or safety of the drinking water sourced from Prairie Creek Reservoir."
"The drinking water supply is treated and monitored separately under stringent state and federal guidelines, and there has been no detection of contaminants or risk to public health," the release said.
“We are thrilled to welcome residents and visitors back to Prairie Creek Beach for the holiday weekend,” Mayor Dan Ridenour said. “The safety of our community and those who travel to enjoy this incredible natural resource is always our top priority."
The city will host the Ironman 70.3 triathlon at and near the reservoir on July 12.
Sioux Falls East & Brandon Valley split, RC Post 22 wins a pair of extra inning games at YanktonUpdated: 6 hours agoEast takes first game of Legion Baseball doubleheader 6-2 before host Brandon Valley wins nightcap 5-3, Rapid City Post 22 wins 7-6 & 7-4 at Yankton...
Updated: 6 hours ago
East takes first game of Legion Baseball doubleheader 6-2 before host Brandon Valley wins nightcap 5-3, Rapid City Post 22 wins 7-6 & 7-4 at Yankton
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Kids ages 6-16 come out of drills, instruction and to hear words of inspiration from Minnesota's feature back
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Attendees enjoyed cuisines from around the world, animal and zookeeper meet-and-greets, adult beverages, and exclusive zoo experiences.
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The kids were able to develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy and then open for customers at a one-day marketplace.
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We are one-third of the way through with our 2025 Dream 18, and few holes are more picturesque than this par 3 at The Country Club of Sioux Falls.
Wendy ThienesLocal Journalism Initiative ReporterThe Shaunavon StandardThis spring’s Age-Friendly Shaunavon Wellness Day included a presentation on elder abuse by local Counsellor, Cindy Willms.June 15 was National Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The information she shared shed some light on the issues impacting elder abuse including social isolation.“Caregiving can turn unhealthy, leading to elder abuse, caregiver burnout and codependency,” Wilms says. “People can slide into that with...
Wendy ThienesLocal Journalism Initiative ReporterThe Shaunavon Standard
This spring’s Age-Friendly Shaunavon Wellness Day included a presentation on elder abuse by local Counsellor, Cindy Willms.
June 15 was National Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The information she shared shed some light on the issues impacting elder abuse including social isolation.
“Caregiving can turn unhealthy, leading to elder abuse, caregiver burnout and codependency,” Wilms says. “People can slide into that without intending to. There may be a false sense of comfort and safety. Community and connection are key. There is a need for support for caregivers, too, which can help prevent circumstances where elder abuse occurs.”
Willms has been practicing from her Prairie Creek Counseling office in Shaunavon since August of 2024. She obtained her Master of Counselling from Briercrest College and is a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC), registered with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
Caregiver support and elder abuse are just two of the issues that may impact mental health.
“Anxiety is so prevalent now,” Wilms says. “When we have anxiety, we try to control our environment which makes our circle smaller and smaller. This leads to even more anxiety when we are outside of that ‘bubble’.”
Anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship issues and grief are the most prevalent mental health issues that Willms has seen. She is taking additional training in ADHD to be able to provide more specialized services.
“ADHD affects adults, too. We need more work in recognizing it and ways to address it at home, work/school, and to build support around those who have ADHD.”
An education degree and years of teaching experience led her to Shaunavon in 2011 when she began teaching at-risk youth at Rock Solid Refuge. Through teaching, she realized that the part she loved most was the one-on-one opportunity to work with struggling students.
“Journeying with someone to find their value and potential is so rewarding,” she says.
After 7.5 years at Rock Solid, she became the Associate for Family Ministries with Shaunavon Alliance Church.
“I loved that role and it really confirmed that my calling was in counselling. At Briercrest I was also able to do my practicum through a project they were doing, counselling people in ministry.”
Most of that project was conducted virtually. Willms does offer both in-person and virtual counselling and provides services for some Employee Assistance Plans through insurance companies.
“Virtual and telephone counselling can be more effective than I once thought, “ says Willms.
She also travels to Frontier every couple of weeks to provide in-person services in that community.
Willms is literally taking her services one step further by introducing ‘Walk & Talk’, an in-person counselling opportunity in nature at Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. Through a vendor license with SaskParks, Willms will be offering one-on-one sessions in nature.
“I first saw this idea on a poster in Austin, Texas while I visited there as part of my internship. There is therapeutic value in walking, with less formality and intimidation. Just being in nature creates mindfulness.”
These sessions began in June with openings on most Fridays and Saturdays. Sessions are one hour in length.
“I will have lawn chairs so that we can sit and take a break along the way, or maybe we end up sitting for the whole session. I’m also open to the idea of ‘Walk & Talk’ in other locations, based on clients’ requests,” Wilms says.
“Counselling is relationship-based. People can have a safe, supportive, non-judgmental environment to process what might be going on in their life.”
She stresses again that it’s all about community and connection.
“Community helps us find value and purpose and sustains some of the one-on-one benefits that professional counselling provides. There is a lot of social isolation and, despite its name, social media actually intensifies division and isolation. When we don’t have community and connection, then we have mental health struggles.”
She adds that she has observed and experienced that Shaunavon, generally speaking, does a great job of providing that support for its residents.
Prairie Creek Counselling is located at 420 Centre Street in Shaunavon and Willms can be reached by telephone at 306-910-3649 or visit the website at prairiecreekcounselling.com to learn more.
574-232-8487
