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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 Central, UT

Home Care Central, UT

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 Crandall Building in Central, UT 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 Central, UT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Central, UT

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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 ever. Always very great service. Whitney is awesome.”

george N.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Working for Always Best Care has been a wonderful experience. They genuinely care about their clients and go above and beyond to make sure that the employees and the clients are valued and important. They are so great to focus on compassion, quality care, and teamwork.”

Shelly G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I've been a caregiver for ABC clients for just over 6 months. I absolutely love what I do, I love all of the clients, I love the feedback I get from my team! I love my manager shelly!! she is so amazing with communication and so focused on how to help me succeed and grow with this company, and so attentive to our clients! I am so happy to be able to help our clients each day and have such an amazing team!”

reckell R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Lea, Brent and the staff are great. Because I live in a different city, the staff takes care of my father’s needs where he lives. Maria is wonderful with my dad. I’ve not personally met the staff, except Maria, but I’m very grateful for all they do for my dad and me. Appreciate them.”

Sherry F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“My experience with Always Best Care was hands down amazing! Their staff is super attentive and kind. I always felt like I was their first priority and that they really cared about me. 10/10 would recommend!!”

Ashlee Y.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I cannot express enough how grateful I am for the exceptional care Siale provided for my dad. He was committed to delivering the highest quality of care and truly valued my dad as a patient. Siale, he goes over and beyond to make a positive impact on the lives of his patients.”

Angie L.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Central, UT?

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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 Central, UT

Types of Elderly Care in Central, UT

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 Central, UT
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 Central, UT
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 Memory Grove Park in Central, UT 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 Central, UT
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 Bambara Salt Lake City or visit Anderson Tower Monument, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Central, UT

Benefits of Home Care in Central, UT

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 Central, 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.

 Elderly Care Central, UT

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 UT'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 Central, UT

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 Central, 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.

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 Central, UT

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 Central, UT

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:

  • Capitol Hill Assisted Living Memory Care
  • The Senior Living Institute
  • Park Lane Senior Living
  • Emeritus at Salt Lake City
  • Kristi Lawrence
  • Sarah Daft Home
Home Care Central, UT

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 Central, UT

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 Central, 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.

 Elderly Care Central, UT

Latest News in Central, UT

UT Martin, Central Arkansas schedule four-game football series

The UT Martin Skyhawks and Central Arkansas Bears have scheduled a four-game, home-and-home football series beginning in 2026, FBSchedules.com has learned. A copy of the football game contract with the University of Central Arkansas was obtained from the University of Tennessee at Martin via a state public records request.In the first game of the series, UT Martin will host Central Arkansas at Graham Stadium in Martin, Tenn., on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026. The series will shift to Central Arkansas’s Estes Stadium in Conway, Ark., t...

The UT Martin Skyhawks and Central Arkansas Bears have scheduled a four-game, home-and-home football series beginning in 2026, FBSchedules.com has learned. A copy of the football game contract with the University of Central Arkansas was obtained from the University of Tennessee at Martin via a state public records request.

In the first game of the series, UT Martin will host Central Arkansas at Graham Stadium in Martin, Tenn., on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026. The series will shift to Central Arkansas’s Estes Stadium in Conway, Ark., the following season on Thursday, Aug. 26, 2027.

The Skyhawks will visit the Bears in Conway for the third contest of the series on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2028 before the four-game series concludes in Martin on Thursday, Aug. 23, 2029.

All four games of the UT Martin-Central Arkansas series will be played in what is currently referred to as Week Zero, which will become the first available playing week for all Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) schools next season. That change was made to allow FCS schools to play a maximum of 12 games every year.

UT Martin, a member of the Big South-OVC Association, and Central Arkansas, a member of the United Athletic Conference (UAC), have met a total of 14 times in a series that dates back to 1958. The Bears defeated the Skyhawks 26-24 in their most recent contest in 2014 in Conway to extend their advantage in the overall series to 9-5.

With the addition of Central Arkansas, UT Martin now has three non-conference opponents scheduled for the 2026 season. The Skyhawks are scheduled to play two Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) opponents on the road, first at the West Virginia Mountaineers on Sept. 12 and then at the Memphis Tigers two weeks later on Sept. 26.

Central Arkansas now has a total of four non-conference opponents docketed for 2026. The Bears are scheduled to host the North Dakota State Bison in Conway on Sept. 12 before traveling to face the Southeast Missouri Redhawks on Sept. 19 and the Florida State Seminoles on Sept. 26.

Football Schedules

Future UT Martin Football Schedules

Future Central Arkansas Football Schedules

MATCH CENTRAL: #3/5 Tennessee vs. Texas A&M

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - The No. 3/5 Tennessee soccer team is set to host Texas A&M in a Friday night SEC matchup under the lights at Regal Soccer Stadium.Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET and will be streamed on SEC Network+ with Tori Beeler Watson and Andy Brock on the call.Admission is free for all preseason and regular-season soccer matches. For fans planning to attend, note that Tennessee's clear bag policy will be in effect again this season. Regal Soccer Stadium will be a cashless venue for both concessions and...

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - The No. 3/5 Tennessee soccer team is set to host Texas A&M in a Friday night SEC matchup under the lights at Regal Soccer Stadium.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET and will be streamed on SEC Network+ with Tori Beeler Watson and Andy Brock on the call.

Admission is free for all preseason and regular-season soccer matches. For fans planning to attend, note that Tennessee's clear bag policy will be in effect again this season. Regal Soccer Stadium will be a cashless venue for both concessions and the VolShop this season as well.

Last time out, the Big Orange earned its second straight conference win with a 2-1 victory over LSU. Leah Klurman scored her first career goal with a rocket from well beyond the 18-yard box. Kate Runyon netted the game-winner—her third goal in two games. Cayden Norris made four saves in the final 20 minutes, while the defense held strong, fending off six corners during that stretch.

MATCHUP HISTORY: Tennessee holds a 7-3-0 all-time record against Texas A&M, including six shutouts and three 1-0 victories. The most recent meeting — a 4-3 loss on Oct. 22, 2023 in Knoxville — featured the highest combined goal total in the series history.

LOCKDOWN DEFENSE: The Tennessee backline has become a consistent force combined with Sophomore goalie Cayden Norris. Defenders Ally Brown, Leah Klurman, Kennedy Price and Sydney Miller have helped secure seven consecutive shutouts to start the season. Additionally, throughout ten matches, the UT defense has secured eight clean sheets.

FIRING ON ALL CYLINDERS: Through ten matches, UT has ten goal-scorers, including four Lady Vols who have scored two or more goals in a single match. Shae O'Rourke, Anaiyah Robinson and Kate Runyon have registered braces for the Big Orange as Alivia Stott fired five goals against EKU--the stretch marked the most goals ever scored in one half in program history and the shortest span in which a Tennessee player has tallied five goals. Each of her five goals was assisted by a different Lady Vol.

HOME SWEET HOME: Tennessee is unbeaten at Regal Soccer Stadium in 2025, posting a 4-0-0 record and outscoring opponents 14-1 in Knoxville. Under head coach Joe Kirt, Tennessee holds a 20-8-7 record on Rocky Top.

SCOUTING THE AGGIES: Texas A&M (3-4-3) enters Friday's matchup following a pair of close SEC losses, falling 1-0 to both Auburn and No. 7 Arkansas. The Aggies limited Arkansas to just four shots while taking 10 of their own. On the season, they average 16 shots per game. Junior Leah Diaz leads the team with 10 points, tallying three goals and four assists.

NSA on Sonam Wangchuk: Supreme Court issues notice to Centre, UT on wife's plea

The Supreme Court issued a notice to the Centre and Ladakh UT regarding Sonam Wangchuk's wife's plea challenging his NSA detention. While refusing an interim order for the grounds of arrest to the wife, the court questioned why they should be withheld. The hearing is scheduled for October 14.NEW DELHI: Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to Centre and Ladakh UT on a petition filed by Sonam Wangchuk’s wife Gitanjali J Angmo, challenging his detention under the stringent National Security Act, but refused to pass interim order t...

The Supreme Court issued a notice to the Centre and Ladakh UT regarding Sonam Wangchuk's wife's plea challenging his NSA detention. While refusing an interim order for the grounds of arrest to the wife, the court questioned why they should be withheld. The hearing is scheduled for October 14.

NEW DELHI: Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to Centre and Ladakh UT on a petition filed by Sonam Wangchuk’s wife Gitanjali J Angmo, challenging his detention under the stringent National Security Act, but refused to pass interim order to the authorities to give her the grounds of arrest after it was alleged they had been “served on the detenue (Wangchuk)”.Posting hearing on October 14, SC asked why she too shouldn’t be given grounds of arrest.Not being allowed to meet Wangchuk, wife tells Supreme CourtSolicitor General Tushar Mehta assured a bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and N V Anjaria that he would examine the feasibility of providing grounds of detention to Sonam Wangchuk’s family.Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Angmo, contended that she was not being allowed to meet him. SC asked her to approach the authority concerned and allowed her to move court if denied. Sibal argued that detention could not be challenged if the grounds of arrest were not provided.Mehta refuted the allegation, stating that 12 people had already been permitted to meet Wangchuk. The bench remarked, “Grounds have to be supplied as per judgments of this court. Why withhold it from his wife?” Mehta said the law requires grounds of arrest to be served on the detenue, not the wife, but added, “We will examine it. No issues as such, but we don’t want them to create a new ground to challenge the detention order.”The SG also claimed a hype was being created in the media, which Sibal strongly rebutted. The two got entangled in counter-allegations until the bench intervened, asking both not to make emotional arguments. In a lighter vein, Sibal said, “The SG kept provoking me and I fell into his trap.”Justice Aravind Kumar, smiling, remarked, “We do not know what is going on,” to which Sibal replied, “You should know what is going on.”Wangchuk was detained under NSA on September 26, days after protests demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh left four dead. Angmo has sought President Droupadi Murmu’s intervention for his release.

UT expands partnership with YMCA of Central Texas to help improve literacy

AUSTIN, Texas — The University of Texas’ College of Education is partnering with the YMCA of Central Texas to improve children’s literacy skills. Two years after launching the Reading Buddies program across dozens of elementary campuses, the program is now expanding.It is widely known that reading with young children improves their literacy skills. New research from UT shows that upper elementary students who are the ones tutoring younger kids also grow in their skills.Third-grade student Bonnie Briggs partici...

AUSTIN, Texas — The University of Texas’ College of Education is partnering with the YMCA of Central Texas to improve children’s literacy skills. Two years after launching the Reading Buddies program across dozens of elementary campuses, the program is now expanding.

It is widely known that reading with young children improves their literacy skills. New research from UT shows that upper elementary students who are the ones tutoring younger kids also grow in their skills.

Third-grade student Bonnie Briggs participates in the YMCA of Central Texas’ after-school program and is a tutor in the organization’s Reading Buddies initiative.

“It makes me happy to help others and make them learn,” Briggs said.

This initiative is a partnership with UT’s College of Education and is showing signs of success in improving students’ literacy skills. It’s a 17-week program that’s expanding across Central Texas. Third through fifth graders tutor kindergarten through second grade students three times a week.

“We found that our kids were able to provide that instruction for each other just as well as our adult tutors were,” said Wendy Greinke with the YMCA of Central Texas, who has served as the reading coach for this program.

During its first two years in the Leander and Round Rock Independent School Districts, researchers with UT saw improvement with the younger children in oral reading fluency and basic reading skills.

“We learn sight words and all this stuff,” said Leah Phillips, a kindergartener who is participating in the program.

The upper elementary students doing the tutoring were also tested on their literacy skills, and researchers were pleased with the results.

“They made improvements in oral reading fluency and reading comprehension, so these are fourth and fifth graders and the fact that they made improvements at all was just a delightful finding from our research,” said Elizabeth Swanson, a research professor at UT’s College of Education.

It wasn’t only their literacy skills that improved.

“We think that that is so important as they are developing is just to be able to learn communication skills and leadership skills and be able to grow together rather than being separated at the Y, so this was a great structured environment in which to do that,” Greinke said.

Fifty YMCA sites across Central Texas, including in Hutto, Liberty Hill and Waco, have adopted or will continue the program.

“The YMCA of Central Texas has adopted the practice, and they’re working to spread it widely across their after-school programs,” Swanson said.

The program expansion will give more children like third-grader Khylee Maynard access to a program researchers say is effective.

“I’m looking forward to teaching little girls that don’t know their ABCs properly or that don’t know how to read that good,” Khylee said.

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