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 Stirling Home 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 La Verkin, UT 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.
“Emily and I (Nolan) are very grateful you all gave us the opportunity to work”
“I have used this company for a few of my residents. They take such good”
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“They were wonderful watching my husband why I had to work stayed right with him”
“I work with Always Best Care and it's been an amazing experience for me. I”
“Amazing staff! I am so glad to have found Always Best Care, it is a”
“I’m so glad we found Always Best Care to help our family take care of”
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“Always Best Care is amazing! All of the caregivers are professional and provide the best”
“Great staff. Working around my schedule and always there when I need them.”
“Always best care has the most genuine team I’ve ever seen. They go above and”
“Always best care has the most genuine team I’ve ever seen. They go above and”
“They really care about their clients and staff, fast turnaround and superb care”
“The owners and staff at Always Best Care are so professional and friendly! With aging”
“The staff are exceptional and truly have their patients best interest in mind. Grateful to”
“Always Best Care Senior Services have organized and caring faculty and staff. They genuinely care”
“Great place to work. They are very helpful and also fast to respond to any”
“I'm so happy to have Always Best Care as a resource for us when we”
“Great to work with, caring, compassionate and willing to work with different situations! They take”
“The caregivers and staff at Always Best Care of St George are top notch. I”
“I'm so happy to have Always Best Care as a resource for us when we”
“Friendly and knowledgeable staff!”
“Emily and I (Nolan) are very grateful you all gave us the opportunity to work here. We had excellent experiences with management, caregivers, and our clients. We are thankful for your patience with our schedules and experience. We have learned a lot from being here, and we hope that our experiences from being here can be for our future benefit. We’d recommend working at ABC to our friends because of the great experiences we’ve had her. Emily and Nolan”
“I have used this company for a few of my residents. They take such good care of their clients and do such a good job at taking the time with each and every one of them. They go above and beyond for their clients. I’d definitely recommend them!”
“I can’t say enough about Always Best Care. Henry and his staff was there from the start to help me find a sitter. I was in a position where I needed immediate help and they came through. His staff was caring and responsible. They helped me through a very difficult time.”
“They were wonderful watching my husband why I had to work stayed right with him so he didn’t fall”
“I work with Always Best Care and it's been an amazing experience for me. I have learned so much about not only our patients we help, but the compassionate hard working people that are behind it all. I'm so grateful to work with such a caring, kind and helpful company they really do treat you like family❤. Not only are they giving back each day to patients who need them they are kind and caring to their employees as well. I love working for this company!”
“Amazing staff! I am so glad to have found Always Best Care, it is a blessing. I live 300 miles away from my elderly parents and cannot always travel, it’s comforting to know that my parents are in great hands and that I don’t have to worry about them. The staff is well trained and the management goes above and beyond to meet your needs. I think of them as angels in disguise!”
“I’m so glad we found Always Best Care to help our family take care of my grandpa! They have been amazing to work with. It’s such a relief to find a company that has open communication and cares about their clients and the clients family, too!”
“I have used the services of Always Best Care since Sept. 2021. I have been very pleased with the attentive care they have given my husband. They have been flexible, accommodating, and gone the extra mile helping with my husband's needs. As an example, I was away for the day and I was called by the caregiver that my husband was not doing well. I came home and we decided to take him to the emergency room. The caregiver came with us and stayed at the hospital for hours. He was released with the medication he needed for his recovery and she helped bring him home and get him settled before she left. This was way into the night and passed her normal working hours. One of my requests before hiring on a Senior Service was that the caregivers enjoyed their job and enjoyed working with challenging patients. I use their service six days a week and every caregiver has been kind, compassionate, and hard working. I really have been pleased.”
“Always Best Care is amazing! All of the caregivers are professional and provide the best care. I have tried multiple different agencies in the area for help with my grandmother and none have been as attentive and helpful as ABC”
“Great staff. Working around my schedule and always there when I need them.”
“Always best care has the most genuine team I’ve ever seen. They go above and beyond providing amazing care for the elderly with the help of trustworthy caregivers! They work as a team which makes the environment of there company so unique. Thank you always best care you have been amazing.”
“Always best care has the most genuine team I’ve ever seen. They go above and beyond providing amazing care for the elderly with the help of trustworthy caregivers! They work as a team which makes the environment of there company so unique. Thank you always best care you have been amazing.”
“They really care about their clients and staff, fast turnaround and superb care”
“The owners and staff at Always Best Care are so professional and friendly! With aging parents, it’s so nice to have the staff here to step in and help with caring for them. They are able to set everything up so quickly and provide the care when we need it! We are so happy we found out about them!!”
“The staff are exceptional and truly have their patients best interest in mind. Grateful to have found a company that will care for my loved ones in a way I would myself. Thank you!!!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services have organized and caring faculty and staff. They genuinely care for their clients and want to help them in the best way possible. We are so happy with the services they provide.”
“Great place to work. They are very helpful and also fast to respond to any questions that I have. Thank you ABC!”
“I'm so happy to have Always Best Care as a resource for us when we need more help with our aging parents. The office staff and owners are very professional and kind and they seem to be extremely careful in hiring staff that reflect the same values. I feel safe in trusting the caregivers. It's a huge relief to know that we have someone else who can help fill in when we can't be there or our parents just need more help than we can give.”
“Great to work with, caring, compassionate and willing to work with different situations! They take time to understand needs to accommodate the best way to help! They are trustworthy, dependable and a business you can count on!!????”
“The caregivers and staff at Always Best Care of St George are top notch. I highly recommend them for in home senior care services!”
“I'm so happy to have Always Best Care as a resource for us when we need more help with our aging parents. The office staff and owners are very professional and kind and they seem to be extremely careful in hiring staff that reflect the same values. I feel safe in trusting the caregivers. It's a huge relief to know that we have someone else who can help fill in when we can't be there or our parents just need more help than we can give.”
“Friendly and knowledgeable staff!”
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 La Verkin Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Stage Coach Grille or visit La Verkin Overlook, 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 La Verkin, UT, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
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 La Verkin, UT understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
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 La Verkin, UT 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
The Landslide Blog is written by Dave Petley, who is widely recognized as a world leader in the study and management of landslides.In the city of LaVerkin in Utah, USA, a series of damaging landslides are destroying houses. The slope failures are occurring on a steep bluff on the edge of the city on a street called 560 West. At least two house...
The Landslide Blog is written by Dave Petley, who is widely recognized as a world leader in the study and management of landslides.
In the city of LaVerkin in Utah, USA, a series of damaging landslides are destroying houses. The slope failures are occurring on a steep bluff on the edge of the city on a street called 560 West. At least two houses have been lost to date, whilst another was evacuated last week. Google Street View shows the issue well:-
St George News has a good article about this interesting case study. The landslides are located at [37.20705, -113.28223]. Google Earth has good time series imagery that shows the evolution of the situation well. Initial issues were noted as long ago as 2005, when same damage was done to the land around one of the properties. The image below shows the situation in 2011, including the steep bluffs of the LaVerkin Bench and the houses at the top:-
By May 2013, the situation had deteriorated markedly, with a substantial slope failure starting to eat away at the edge of two of the properties:-
By April 2021, another part of the slope had become very active, and two properties had been demolished:-
The most recent image, from May 2023, shows the massive enlargement of the area of landsliding:-
The city council commissioned a geotechnical report into the site that was completed in January 2021. I think there are two key findings in the report. The first is that the geology consists of essentially impermeable basalts overlain by permeable stream flow deposits, with some made ground. This is the classic situation for a perched water table in weak materials, which often leads to slope failure. The second is that the source of the water that is driving the landslides is considered primarily to be the infiltration of unconsumed irrigation water from the field and lawns across LaVerkin Bench. The report considers that the contribution from unconsumed irrigation water is four times that of precipitation.
The report suggests that the first line of mitigation could be a drainage system to intercept the excess groundwater, but I suspect that the cost would be high.
For the homeowners, the situation is tragic. Insurance does not cover this situation in the USA (and indeed in many other countries), so the property owners bear the costs. A Gofundme has been set up to support them, but it has raised a only modest sum.
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Text © 2023. The authors. CC BY-NC-ND 3.0Except where otherwise noted, images are subject to copyright. Any reuse without express permission from the copyright owner is prohibited.
Hiking Southern Utah: Confluence Park is not your typical hike– By Don Gilman –Trails: Confluence Trail, Virgin River Trail Difficulty: Easy Distance: Approximately 4 miles Average Time: two hours Total elevation gain: Approximately 300 feet (virtually all of it on the initial trail down into the gorge) Kid friendly: Yes, but bring bug spray or wear long pantsTucked between La Verkin and Hurricane, down in ...
– By Don Gilman –
Trails: Confluence Trail, Virgin River Trail Difficulty: Easy Distance: Approximately 4 miles Average Time: two hours Total elevation gain: Approximately 300 feet (virtually all of it on the initial trail down into the gorge) Kid friendly: Yes, but bring bug spray or wear long pants
Tucked between La Verkin and Hurricane, down in the bottom of a rocky gorge, Confluence Park combines scenic beauty with history and biology in a quiet setting just a short distance from Utah State Route 9. A nearly 100-year-old power station, an equally old grain storage structure, and an ancient Native American site beneath a low rocky overhang are all found in the first 1 ¼ miles of the hike. Beyond are two barns in distinct states of decay. Across the river lies a tortoise rehabilitation pen with razor wire atop the fence and smiley faces informing the hiker that they are on camera. This is not your typical hike.
There are multiple ways to reach this unique and historically important area.
To arrive via the Hurricane Trailhead, drive north on Main Street until the road ends at the parking area. Alternatively, take 200 North to its end, and follow the Tortoise Track trail down into the park.
From SR-9 in La Verkin, take a left on Center Street and follow it to its end at the trailhead. Follow the Cactus Cliffs Trail down into the gorge.
From State Street in La Verkin, take a left on 900 North, following it until it turns into a gravel road and eventually ends at a parking area.
To find the trailhead for the Confluence Trail, drive on SR-9 through Hurricane, then north as the road heads into La Verkin. Shortly after crossing the Virgin River bridge, look for a pullout on the left side (just south of the River Rock Roasting Company). Park here. A gated road with a step-over leads steeply down into the canyon.
The old road switchbacks down to the river, where numerous large cottonwoods and other flora have created a riparian, oasis-like feel to the canyon. The Virgin River flows noisily beside the trail. After approximately half a mile, the old power station is reached. Built in 1916, the ruined structure still houses the turbine and machinery once used to generate electricity.
Continuing down the trail, several routes branch to the right. Take any of these branches, and in about another half-mile, the tall grain storage building appears beneath the basalt cliffs. A short distance beyond, the cliff band bends back to the east, and a trail junction appears (where the Confluence Trail meets the Cactus Cliffs Trail). At the very bottom of the basalt, the Anasazi overhang can be seen. Scrambling up to it reveals the fire-blackened roof where, hundreds of years ago, Native Americans sought shelter and warmth from the elements.
At the junction, take the lower left-hand fork, and follow the old road grade as it contours in a northerly direction. A sign for the Virgin River Trail is soon passed, but keep heading north on the Confluence Trail. In another quarter mile of hiking, the remains of the old barns are reached. The Confluence Trail continues northward, but this is a good spot to turn around. Head back to the sign for the Virgin River Trail and follow it west across the river to the far bank.
A short walk of another quarter mile brings travelers to the tortoise rehabilitation pens: a large fenced area topped with razor wire. Smiley-face signs inform visitors that they are on camera. Just north of this spot is where Ash and La Verkin creeks meet the river, giving the park its name. The Virgin River Trail continues on for another quarter mile before ending at the banks of its namesake river. (The trail in actuality continues for some ways further, but not for the purposes of this hike.) When ready, return east on the Virgin River trail, cross the river, and head back into the gorge towards the trailhead.
LA VERKIN, Utah — When Denise and Reese Poulsen moved into their home in the 560 West subdivision, they thought it would be their forever home."Ever since it's our to-die house, we were here to die in it," Denise Poulsen said.Their next-door neighbor, Joslyn Smith, also thought her home in the 560 West Overlook community would be where she, her husband, and seven kids would live forever."This was our first house, our first house, I'd rented all my life and we finally had bought a house, and we were g...
LA VERKIN, Utah — When Denise and Reese Poulsen moved into their home in the 560 West subdivision, they thought it would be their forever home.
"Ever since it's our to-die house, we were here to die in it," Denise Poulsen said.
Their next-door neighbor, Joslyn Smith, also thought her home in the 560 West Overlook community would be where she, her husband, and seven kids would live forever.
"This was our first house, our first house, I'd rented all my life and we finally had bought a house, and we were going to stay here forever," Smith said.
Four weeks ago, both the Poulsen's and Smith, started noticing cracks in their homes and backyards. Each day the cracks started getting bigger and bigger.
"We started noticing separations and my very helpful husband would go in the daytime and patch holes in the walls and then paint them and then about two or three days later he'd have to go do it again," Denise said.
Walking through their home you can see signs of obvious separation between the foundation and the wall. When you walk from east to west in parts of the home it feels like walking on a slight incline. They believe groundwater seeping throughout the neighborhood has caused the ground above to shift.
On the outside of both homes, there are also visible signs of movement. The wall of the home is disconnected from the foundation in many places and a crack visible from the outside of Smith's house goes all the way through her home. Smith says she first noticed the separation near the entrance of her home.
"We tried to fill it in because we weren't sure what was going on at first," Smith said.
This La Verkin neighborhood has lost homes because of a landslide before. In 2021 two homes to the left of the Poulsen's were demolished after they became unsafe to live in.
In a 2021 Slope Stability Evaluation prepared for the city, Sunrise Engineering found groundwater seeping in several locations near the demolished homes. They determined a potential cause for the landslide could be groundwater without an adequate drainage system noting "an adequate drain system did not appear to have been installed in the foundation soils during the construction of the houses." They also recommended the groundwater flowing near the area be properly drained.
In drone footage captured by FOX 13 News water is also visible coming down the ground on the backside of the Poulsen's home.
"The drainage problem should've been addressed before any homes were built here or should have been addressed two years ago and that would've stopped the water coming through," Denise said.
FOX 13 News reached out to La Verkin City and the city said they can't identify the source of the water but continue to monitor the situation. They also hope for the safety of the residents.
The Poulsen's say their home is set to have a soft demolishment on November 20 and Joslyn and her family have since moved in with her mom. Both families say they've been left without the help of insurance.
"The insurance put a block on this neighborhood that you can't insure for specific damage to the house from land movement caused by water under the house," Denise said.
"My children joke they wish an earthquake would happen because if it happened, they would cover it," Smith said.
Both families wish these overlook homes would've never been built.
"We wish we could've built it anywhere else without the gorgeous view safely, in the middle of a field someplace so that the house would've stayed, and we could've enjoyed it," Denise said.
Two GoFundMe's have been set up for the Poulsen's and Joslyn's family.
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In the small city of La Verkin, Utah, Witch Hazel has quickly made a name for herself. This year marks the 4th year she has returned to the quaint town for the fall season.Starting every September 1st, she first enthralls the public with her Facebook page which brings Halloween spirit to the community including posts of holiday treats, quotes and jokes. This fictional character brings a charm that radiates through her quirky sense of humor, sarcasm and friendly online banter.During the month of October, La Verkin res...
In the small city of La Verkin, Utah, Witch Hazel has quickly made a name for herself. This year marks the 4th year she has returned to the quaint town for the fall season.
Starting every September 1st, she first enthralls the public with her Facebook page which brings Halloween spirit to the community including posts of holiday treats, quotes and jokes. This fictional character brings a charm that radiates through her quirky sense of humor, sarcasm and friendly online banter.
During the month of October, La Verkin residents prepare for the Annual Halloween Decoration Contest. Residents who choose to participate decorate their homes with giant spiders, graveyards, skeletons, lights and fog machines. Many include sound effects to add an extra flare to the spookiness. A judging date is set, and residents are asked to keep their lights and decorations aglow on judging night to be considered for the contest. Winners of the contest are notified and their addresses are posted online as part of Witch Hazel’s “Witch Hunt” route. Winning homes can expect a visit from Witch Hazel herself on awards night as she flies around delivering contest winnings. This is when a “Witch Hunt” ensues! Children of all ages search the city in hopes of catching a glimpse of her; knowing she’ll be at one of the winning homes helps narrow down their search. If a child is lucky enough to spot her and yell out her name, she will owe the child a treat from her cauldron. On rare occasions, she’ll try to make a getaway and swiftly fly to her next destination with children and families pursuing to receive a treat.
All residents are asked to keep their decorations lit on the awards night during La Verkin’s Awards Night & Witch Hunt to help create the spookiest town in southern Utah. In previous years, 3 houses were selected as winners of the contest. With growing community interest and an outpouring of support from our local businesses, we are thrilled to announce we will be awarding 6 lucky winners this year!
How was Witch Hazel started?
In 2020, Witch Hazel made her debut in the cute town of LaVerkin, Utah. With her true identity unknown, Witch Hazel is a whimsical character created by a La Verkin resident who donates her time to amusing the community. During the height of Covid, things were rapidly closing and Halloween activities were quickly shutting down. This is when the idea of Witch Hazel was born. With approval from city officials, the idea was quickly supported and a safe and Covid-friendly event was created. The occasion had become a way of providing the children in the area a fun Halloween event without the need to leave the safety of their vehicles! Over the past 3 years the event has doubled in interest and Witch Hazel is becoming a household name. This year she is preparing to be sought out by hundreds of children in the community and surrounding areas.
We invite the public to join us in roaming the streets of La Verkin in search of the spookiest house displays of 2023! Be on the lookout for Witch Hazel and refer to her Facebook page for the addresses where she can found!
Judging Night: Friday, October 20th 7-9pm
Halloween Decoration Awards Night & Witch Hunt: Monday, October 23rd 7-9pm
LAVERKIN — Ground was broken for the much-anticipated Zion Canyon Hot Springs resort in LaVerkin Monday morning. Local civic leaders, water managers and others involved with the project gathered to commemorate the moment by turning dirt for the $60 million resort that is estimated to be ready for business by the fall of 2025.“We’re really excited about bringing this amenity to the community and the visitors that come to Zion (National Park) every year and can’t wait for this facility to be open...
LAVERKIN — Ground was broken for the much-anticipated Zion Canyon Hot Springs resort in LaVerkin Monday morning. Local civic leaders, water managers and others involved with the project gathered to commemorate the moment by turning dirt for the $60 million resort that is estimated to be ready for business by the fall of 2025.
“We’re really excited about bringing this amenity to the community and the visitors that come to Zion (National Park) every year and can’t wait for this facility to be open and show people what we’re about,” Christian Henny, president and general manager of the incoming resort, told reporters.
The resort will feature 53 bodies of water that include natural hot spring pools, barrel saunas, plunge pools, a fresh water pool and a whirlpool. These water features will be separated between family and adult use. The resort will also feature food and beverage options, retail offerings and lockers for visitors.
The new resort has been in the works for many years ever since the Pah Tempe Hot Spring resort was closed by the Washington County Water Conservancy District in 2013 due to environmental and safety concerns related to the original resort being located in a flood plain and canyon prone to rockfalls.
Despite those issues, the public still wanted access to the hot springs that had been a local recreation site since the late 1800s, according the Washington County Historical Society.
“When the water district got a lot of responses from people wanting to go down there and enjoy the hot springs, we started looking at how we could make that happen,” said Zach Renstrom, general manager of the Washington County Water Conservancy District.
The water district sent out requests for proposals from various groups interested in doing something recreation-related with the hot springs and eventually settled on WorldSprings. The group operates the Iron Mountain Hot Springs resort in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, which served as an example of that WorldSprings wanted to build around the LaVerkin hot springs.
WorldSprings officials met with members of the water district, elected officials in LaVerkin and Hurricane and others to hash out contracts and concerns. They also met with the LaVerkin Hot Springs Recreation Opportunity Exploratory Committee in June 2019. It was announced in August 2022 that plans for the resort were moving forward with 15 acres being contracted for the project, with 3 acres of those being leased from the water district.
Hashing out contracts, addressing local concerns and the interruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic were among the big challenges the project faced in getting off the ground, Renstrom said.
“This is finally the day when we’ve worked through all of that paperwork and all of the things we needed to do, to where we actually break ground and they can start building,” Renstrom said.
LaVerkin Mayor Kelly Wilson said he was excited for the day as the resort is anticipated to become a great economic benefit to the city and county overall as an estimated 5.5 million people travel through Hurricane and LaVerkin annually on their way to Zion National Park.
“We’re excited to see them come, and it’s going to be a big thing for LaVerkin and Washington County,” Wilson said. “This is going to be good for the city and all the businesses that are a part of LaVerkin and Hurricane as well.”
The hot springs – which has been called the Pah Tempe hot springs, Sulphur Springs, LaVerkin hot springs and Dixie hot springs throughout the years – produces approximately 5,000 gallons of water per minute — more than 7 million gallons daily, according to the Washington County Water Conservancy District website.
Water that flows from the spring is around 107 degrees and also dumps over 100,000 tons of salt into the Virgin River annually. It is considered the second largest source of salt contamination for the Colorado River, Renstrom said.
The resort will be taking water from the hot spring through a half-mile-long pipeline to the facility proper where it will be temperature controlled to between 90 and 104 degrees and treated to eliminate the sulfurous, rotten-egg smell common to hot springs. Mineral water taken from the hot spring for the resort’s pools will also ultimately pass through the system and return to the Virgin River.
“That water goes right back to the river,” Henny said, adding that they won’t be adding chemicals to the pools and will be asking people to shower beforehand.
“By removing those things we’re actually improving the water quality of what will be returning to the Virgin River,” he said.
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