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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 Bloomington, MN

Home Care Bloomington, MN

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 1880 Jabs Farmstead 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 Bloomington, MN is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Bloomington, MN

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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

“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care comes in to help my dad a shower at night. When the guy came out to interview, he was really good and helpful, but it was just hard to find someone to help with dad been a little bit bigger and heavier. They like the person that they had come out a couple of times. The caregiver is good.”

Gloria285054

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Bloomington, MN?

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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 Bloomington, MN

Types of Elderly Care in Bloomington, MN

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 Bloomington, MN
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 Bloomington, MN
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 West Bush Lake Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Bloomington, MN
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 Ciao Bella or visit Bloomington Historical Society, 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 Bloomington, MN

Benefits of Home Care in Bloomington, MN

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 Bloomington, MN, 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 Bloomington, MN

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 MN'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 Bloomington, MN

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 Bloomington, MN 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 Bloomington, MN

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 Bloomington, MN

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:

  • Hayden Grove Senior Living - Bloomington
  • Presbyterian Homes of Bloomington
  • Meadow Woods Assisted Living
  • Amira Choice Bloomington
  • The Geneva Suites
  • Wealshire of Bloomington
Home Care Bloomington, MN

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 Bloomington, MN

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 Bloomington, MN 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 Bloomington, MN

Latest News in Bloomington, MN

Minnesota town builds turtle tunnel to reduce road deaths

A Minnesota city is taking steps to protect its local turtle population by constructing a new tunnel under a busy road.Bloomington, Minnesota, which is around 10 miles south of Minneapolis, has expanded a storm drain to create a turtle-friendly passage, allowing the reptiles to cross safely without the risk of being hit by vehicles.The area near the Richardson Nature Center was identified in a Minnesota Zoo study as a hotspot for turtle fatalities, with hundreds of turtles struck by cars each year."With the wetlands...

A Minnesota city is taking steps to protect its local turtle population by constructing a new tunnel under a busy road.

Bloomington, Minnesota, which is around 10 miles south of Minneapolis, has expanded a storm drain to create a turtle-friendly passage, allowing the reptiles to cross safely without the risk of being hit by vehicles.

The area near the Richardson Nature Center was identified in a Minnesota Zoo study as a hotspot for turtle fatalities, with hundreds of turtles struck by cars each year.

"With the wetlands on both sides, just having bodies of water nearby each other, that's going to be the most common place for turtles to move back and forth," Jack Distel, a water resource specialist, told WCCO.

The new tunnel features expanded sizing and radial grates on top to allow sunlight in, making it more inviting for turtles.

Distel explained that the tunnel will typically contain water, providing a more appealing environment for the turtles.

The city seized the opportunity to implement this project while planning to resurface the road, aiming to save costs and protect the turtle population.

"If we don't have those primary egg layers, you start to get this kind of dip in the population, and that could get below a threshold of replacement value," Distel said.

While there’s no guarantee that turtles will use the tunnel, plans are in place to add barriers along the roadside to guide them toward the new passage.

WCCO reports that experts will monitor turtle activity over the coming months as they prepare for hibernation to see if the tunnel is effective.

See more in the video player above

Mayor’s memo: Many milestones ahead for Bloomington Forward projects

Now that summer is winding down, we’re at the precipice of quite a few milestones in the three Bloomington Forward projects. Bloomington voters approved a new half-percent sales tax in 2023 to provide $155 million for the enhancement and protection of the Nine Mile Creek corridor and Moir and Central parks, construction of a new community health and wellness center and renovations to the Bloomington Ice Garden. We’ve made a point to provide updates on these projects regularly. So here’s the latest.Bloomington Ice Ga...

Now that summer is winding down, we’re at the precipice of quite a few milestones in the three Bloomington Forward projects. Bloomington voters approved a new half-percent sales tax in 2023 to provide $155 million for the enhancement and protection of the Nine Mile Creek corridor and Moir and Central parks, construction of a new community health and wellness center and renovations to the Bloomington Ice Garden. We’ve made a point to provide updates on these projects regularly. So here’s the latest.

Bloomington Ice Garden

The Bloomington Ice Garden closed for construction in March. Since then, many improvements have been made, including updated rink viewing areas that are ADA accessible, a new concessions area, and new locker rooms and restrooms. The BIG team has also partnered with Creative Placemaking staff to begin work on a mural designed by Adam Turman that will be installed in the BIG entrance. BIG will reopen this fall before the hockey season begins. To learn more, visit bloomingtonforward.org/big.

Nine Mile Creek corridor and Moir/Central Park renewal

The Nine Mile project team continues to develop technical design details moving the design phase of the Nine Mile Creek restoration and Moir Park renewal forward. One notable addition to the project is the Bloomington Veterans Memorial being built at Harrison Park, 1701 West 100th St., which is being carried out by the nonprofit Bloomington Remembers Veterans. A community engagement event to share design information and request feedback on playground concepts for Moir Park is scheduled for August 12 at Moir Park. For more information, visit bloomingtonforward.org/9mile.

Community Health and Wellness Center

Creekside Community Center closed in June and senior programming has moved to Logan Lodge, 9930 Logan Ave. S. and Bloomington Civic Plaza. Since then, crews have been doing abatement work in the Creekside building. Demolition of the Creekside building is expected to begin in October. Learn more at bloomingtonforward.org/chwc.

News release: New segment of the Minnesota Valley State Trail now open in Bloomington

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has completed a 1.8-mile extension of the Minnesota Valley State Trail’s eastern segment in Bloomington, Minn., adding to a 1.7-mile segment completed in 2021.The now 3.5-mile eastern segment is open for walking, biking and in-line skating. Proximity to the Minnesota River also makes this trail a popular location for shore fishing and birding.The newest segment begins at the Minnesota River Bottoms Public Water Access parking lot off Lyndale Avenue and follows the Minnesota Ri...

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has completed a 1.8-mile extension of the Minnesota Valley State Trail’s eastern segment in Bloomington, Minn., adding to a 1.7-mile segment completed in 2021.

The now 3.5-mile eastern segment is open for walking, biking and in-line skating. Proximity to the Minnesota River also makes this trail a popular location for shore fishing and birding.

The newest segment begins at the Minnesota River Bottoms Public Water Access parking lot off Lyndale Avenue and follows the Minnesota River to Cedar Avenue. The trail can also be accessed from Old Cedar Avenue, and additional parking is available there.

The 10-foot-wide, paved trail traverses generally level land along the Minnesota River, providing an accessible experience for people with mobility disabilities. The new trail segment also connects to Dakota County Regional trails on the other side of the river and the National Wildlife Refuge lands via a gravel trail.

“It’s exciting to open another accessible outdoor recreation opportunity right in the midst of the Twin Cities metro area,” said Rachel Henzen, DNR Parks and Trails area supervisor. “The Minnesota Valley State Trail already serves many users each year, and this extension will provide folks more opportunity to spend time outdoors, enjoying nature.”

Funding for the new trail segment came from the Parks and Trails Legacy Fund and a federal Recreational Trail Grant.

The completed trail segment is part of a larger 13.5-mile project that will eventually extend the trail west to the Bloomington Ferry Bridge. Planning is currently underway to complete the next segment, from Lyndale Avenue to Nine Mile Creek. Construction of this section is anticipated during 2026 or 2027.

For more information on the Minnesota Valley State Trail or a trail map, visit mndnr.gov/mnvalleytrail.

Bloomington Selects its Next City Manager

The Bloomington City Council has selected Zach Walker to be its next city manager. Walker has nearly two decades of executive level local government experience, most recently serving as city manager of Independence, the fifth largest city in Missouri.“Independence shares a lot in common with Bloomington,” Mayor Tim Busse said. “Zach brings an impressive resume and a lot of accomplishments to the table. I’m excited for the community to get to know him.”In Independence, Walker oversees a full-service...

The Bloomington City Council has selected Zach Walker to be its next city manager. Walker has nearly two decades of executive level local government experience, most recently serving as city manager of Independence, the fifth largest city in Missouri.

“Independence shares a lot in common with Bloomington,” Mayor Tim Busse said. “Zach brings an impressive resume and a lot of accomplishments to the table. I’m excited for the community to get to know him.”

In Independence, Walker oversees a full-service city of more than 1,200 employees and a $454 million budget. He has led major initiatives focused on strategic planning, fiscal discipline, organizational modernization and inclusive community development.

Walker has championed transformational projects including a $1 billion industrial development, a $36 million commercial redevelopment, and the first Comprehensive Development Plan update in 25 years. He led the creation of the City’s first Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and implemented its inaugural Tourism Master Plan. Other major accomplishments include completing more than $70 million in capital improvements, launching a citywide housing study, and expanding mental health and homelessness outreach services through innovative partnerships.

“I’m honored to join the City of Bloomington as its next city manager. This is a vibrant, forward-thinking community with a strong sense of civic pride and shared purpose,” Walker said. “I look forward to working alongside the City Council, dedicated City staff, and engaged residents to build on Bloomington’s many strengths, foster inclusive growth, and deliver high-quality services that support a thriving, welcoming city for all. I’m excited to get started and to become part of a community that clearly cares deeply about its future.”

Walker began his career in the Missouri House of Representatives and the Mid-Missouri Regional Planning Commission before completing the Cookingham-Noll Fellowship with the City of Kansas City, Missouri. He joined Independence in 2012, rising from internal auditor to assistant city manager before becoming city manager in 2016. He holds a master of public affairs from the University of Missouri, is an ICMA-Credentialed Manager, and currently serves as President of the Missouri City/County Management Association.

Zach Walker will begin as Bloomington’s city manager this fall.

Bloomington builds tunnel under East Bush Lake Road to help turtles cross street safely

A newly finished road project in Bloomington, Minnesota, is making the way more safe for drivers — and reptiles.You'll notice driving down East Bush Lake Road is a lot smoother, but you won't notice what's under the pavement."With the wetlands on both sides, just having bodies of water nearby each other, that's going to be the most common place for turtles to move back and forth," said Jack Distel, water resource specialist for Bloomington.A study from the Minnesota Zoo found this segment of the road near...

A newly finished road project in Bloomington, Minnesota, is making the way more safe for drivers — and reptiles.

You'll notice driving down East Bush Lake Road is a lot smoother, but you won't notice what's under the pavement.

"With the wetlands on both sides, just having bodies of water nearby each other, that's going to be the most common place for turtles to move back and forth," said Jack Distel, water resource specialist for Bloomington.

A study from the Minnesota Zoo found this segment of the road near the Richardson Nature Center was the worst for turtles, with hundreds hit by cars each year. Instead of crossing on the road, now they have a better option to cross under with a new turtle tunnel, an animal-friendly storm drain.

"Expanded sizing and adding the radial grates on top for sunlight to enter the tunnel. It's always going to be kind of full of water, unless we're in a big drought, and it drops down, but they'll swim through it. So they don't want to go into a really dark tunnel that they can't see the end of," Distel said.

With the county already planning to resurface the road, he said the city saw the opportunity to help, and rushed to make it happen — saving money and the metro turtle population in the process.

"If we don't have those primary egg layers, you start to get this kind of dip in the population, and that could get below a threshold of replacement value," Distel said.

Right now, there's no guarantee the turtles will opt for the tunnel, but the city's work isn't done.

"The future project is going to be adding barriers along the roadside. And that'll direct them, because they'll kind of hit that and turn, and that'll take them to the tunnel itself," Distel said.

As they get ready for hibernation in the coming months, turtles will be on the move again. Drivers are urged to be on the lookout and to slow down and only help them cross if it won't impede traffic.

Adam Del Rosso

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, weather has been a passion for Adam for as long as he can remember! Whether it was thunderstorms or winter storms, Adam has always been geeking out. After earning his meteorology degree from Penn State, he made his way to the Ohio Valley to forecast for WTOV.

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