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 Waterford Historic Bridge gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Northfield, MN 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.
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care comes in to help my”
“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.”
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 Riverside Lions 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 Ole Store Restaurant or visit Historic Ames Mill, 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 Northfield, 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.
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 Northfield, 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.
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 Northfield, 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.
Earlier this month, the Northfield City Council approved a resolution to make Northfield an LGBTQIA+ Sanctuary City. The resolution was brought forward by the city’s Human Rights Commission. Chair of the commission, Schuler Vogel, stated the reason behind the statement:“It is such an important resolution in this kind of climate in this time when so many people across the country feel uncertain are worrying about their safety, worrying about their loved ones. And although a resolution on sanctuary could feel per...
Earlier this month, the Northfield City Council approved a resolution to make Northfield an LGBTQIA+ Sanctuary City. The resolution was brought forward by the city’s Human Rights Commission. Chair of the commission, Schuler Vogel, stated the reason behind the statement:
“It is such an important resolution in this kind of climate in this time when so many people across the country feel uncertain are worrying about their safety, worrying about their loved ones. And although a resolution on sanctuary could feel performative, what it does is sends a clear signal to all those in Northfield.” – Schuyler Vogel, Chair of the Northfield Human Rights Commission at the 8/4/2025 City Council Meeting
The proposal aligns with actions already taken by other Minnesota cities, such as Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Duluth, and supports the state’s existing “Trans Refuge” legislation.
Councilor Brad Ness initially raised some concerns about the term sanctuary and its relation to the federal government. However, city staff addressed how the resolution was in line with Minnesota law. After discussion, and the rest of the Council backing the motion, Ness agreed to the language.
Several members of the public spoke in support of the measure, including Executive Director of the Northfield Union of Youth, Keli Podracky:
“It wasn’t our intention originally to move here. We were destined for the city because we knew the city was safe and we stumbled upon Northfield. But if it was loud and proud and clear, it would have been a city we sought out.” – Keli Podracky, Executive Director of the Northfield Union of Youth at the 8/4/2025 City Council Meeting
Councilor Kathleen Holmes shared why she supported the measure:
“I want to borrow some words from a past colleague who said something earlier in a public open comment: that the government exists to protect its people and I believe that’s what we need to do tonight.” – Kathleen Holmes, Northfield City Councilor at the 8/4/2025 City Council Meeting
The measure passed unanimously by the council.
Newscasts on KYMN air on weekdays at 6am, 7am, 8:30am, Noon, 3pm, and 5pm. If you miss it live, you can subscribe on your preferred podcast app:> > Do you have a news tip or press release? Send it to us email: [email protected]
The Dundas Dukes and Northfield Knights facing off at their annual Memorial Day game. Pictures by Logan Wells/KYMN NewsThe Northfield Knights have this evening off.The Dukes are at home this evening against the Metro Knights. That game gets underway at Bill Nelson Field at Memorial Park at 7:30pm.Here’s a look a the two teams schedules as they near the end of the season:Northfield Knights: Dundas Dukes: Northfield Vs Dundas For The Las...
The Dundas Dukes and Northfield Knights facing off at their annual Memorial Day game. Pictures by Logan Wells/KYMN News
The Northfield Knights have this evening off.
The Dukes are at home this evening against the Metro Knights. That game gets underway at Bill Nelson Field at Memorial Park at 7:30pm.
Here’s a look a the two teams schedules as they near the end of the season:
Northfield Knights:
Dundas Dukes:
Northfield Vs Dundas For The Last Game:
Next Tuesday, the two teams face off in their last regular game of the season, with Dukes and Knights facing off again in Dundas. That game takes place at 7:30pm.
Newscasts on KYMN air on weekdays at 6am, 7am, 8:30am, Noon, 3pm, and 5pm. If you miss it live, you can subscribe on your preferred podcast app:> > Do you have a news tip or press release? Send it to us email: [email protected]
After a busy spring for the City Council, which included items like the Comprehensive Plan and Strategic Plan, the Ice Arena Project, the Water Treatment Plant, and the start of the discussion regarding the 1% for the Arts. All of these major projects and ordinances raise the question: how exactly does the City Council and Government work? Mayor Erica Zweifel stated that Northfield chose a unique layout for its government.
To answer some of these questions, KYMN’s Maya Betti talks with Northfield Mayor Erica Zweifel about the roles of the mayor and city council members, the process of proposing a project or ordinance, and other aspects of city government.
With many questions raised this past spring about the Northfield Public Schools’ budget reductions and recent conversations by the Trump Administration regarding the Federal government’s budget and the Department of Education. School District Director of Finance Val Mertesdorf admitted that there were some concerns with funding from the Federal Government:
“There are some federal funding streams that we are concerned about at this point, even prior to dismantling that, they’ve already kind of restricted. We saw a 10% reduction in our Title 1 funding already for this coming year.” – Val Mertesdorf, Schools Director of Finance on KYMN In The Morning
Mertesdorf noted that the district is far more reliant on state funding, which consists of about 70% of the district’s budget and local property tax levies, and that federal funds is only about 3% of the budget. She stated that while it would be difficult to lose any funding, it would be “manageable.” Her main concern was regarding future regulations and requirements:
“In my opinion, it’s really more of what. Laws and regulations would still exist, and where would they be housed, and how would that affect us? That’s really the unknown in my opinion.” – Val Mertesdorf, Schools Director of Finance on KYMN In The Morning
For now, Mertesdorf indicated that the district remains in good financial standing. Will continue to provide more updates to this story as we get the information.
Newscasts on KYMN air on weekdays at 6am, 7am, 8:30am, Noon, 3pm, and 5pm. If you miss it live, you can subscribe on your preferred podcast app:> > Do you have a news tip or press release? Send it to us email: [email protected]
The Northfield City Council meets tonight at 6 p.m. at City Hall for both a regular session and a work session.Key Votes and ApprovalsOn the agenda: Council members will consider approving nearly $4 million in disbursements, temporary liquor licenses for upcoming events, including the Defeat of Jesse James Days, as well as a partnership with the City of Dundas for building inspection services.St. Olaf Parking Expansion ProposalOne item on the agenda is a permit request from St. Ol...
The Northfield City Council meets tonight at 6 p.m. at City Hall for both a regular session and a work session.
Key Votes and Approvals
On the agenda: Council members will consider approving nearly $4 million in disbursements, temporary liquor licenses for upcoming events, including the Defeat of Jesse James Days, as well as a partnership with the City of Dundas for building inspection services.
St. Olaf Parking Expansion Proposal
One item on the agenda is a permit request from St. Olaf College to add 26 parking stalls to its Lincoln Street lot, part of a broader effort to ease on-campus parking shortages. The college cites rising enrollment and demand to lead to a need for more parking, while neighbors have voiced concerns about student cars filling residential streets.
Work Session: 2026 election planning
The council will also hold a brief work session, focusing on planning for absentee balloting and election services ahead of the 2026 election cycle.
Staff will brief the council on expected needs and potential changes to improve voter access and administrative efficiency.
Public Comment & Attending A City Council Meeting
The public is welcome to attend in person or watch online. To watch online, go to northfieldmn.gov and click the “Agenda & Minutes” button in the middle of the home page. From there, find tonight’s meeting date to watch, as well as a copy of the agenda and other meeting documents.
After a busy spring for the City Council, which included items like the Comprehensive Plan and Strategic Plan, the Ice Arena Project, the Water Treatment Plant, and the start of the discussion regarding the 1% for the Arts. All of these major projects and ordinances raise the question: how exactly does the City Council and Government work? Mayor Erica Zweifel stated that Northfield chose a unique layout for its government:
“Northfield is a charter city. So they wrote their own rules long, long ago. And then, in true Northfield fashion, there are what’s called weak mayors and strong mayors, weak mayors who are members of the Council and facilitate the meeting. Strong mayors can have a veto.. And you see those around the state well of. Northfield didn’t do either of those. They did a hybrid.” – Erica Zweifel, Northfield Mayor on Something I Have Always Wondered About
Tune in today for this week’s edition of Something I Have Always Wondered About, where we talk with Zwiefel about how exactly city government works. Topics include the roles of the mayor and city council members, the process of proposing a project or ordinance, and other aspects of city government.
If you miss it live, find it wherever you get your podcasts.
Newscasts on KYMN air on weekdays at 6am, 7am, 8:30am, Noon, 3pm, and 5pm. If you miss it live, you can subscribe on your preferred podcast app:> > Do you have a news tip or press release? Send it to us email: [email protected]
Head to Northfield the first weekend after Labor Day for the Annual Defeat of Jesse JamesHave you visited Northfield yet? It’s a super cute town less than an hour south of the Twin Cities. There’s so much to do over September 3rd through September 7th for the Defeat of Jesse James Days, but a big highlight of the festival is the Bank Raid Reenactment.The Bank Raid Reenactment takes place on Friday, September 5th at 6pm and 7pm. The event takes about 30 minutes. It’s a narrative description to honor the townspe...
Head to Northfield the first weekend after Labor Day for the Annual Defeat of Jesse James
Have you visited Northfield yet? It’s a super cute town less than an hour south of the Twin Cities. There’s so much to do over September 3rd through September 7th for the Defeat of Jesse James Days, but a big highlight of the festival is the Bank Raid Reenactment.
The Bank Raid Reenactment takes place on Friday, September 5th at 6pm and 7pm. The event takes about 30 minutes. It’s a narrative description to honor the townspeople who defeated the James / Younger gang. Up to this historical day on September 7th, 1876, no one had stood up to or fought back when the James-Younger gang, but this would be the last time they would team up and rob a bank!
All the actors in the reenactment are volunteers and many wear authentic 1876 costumes! Please note: there will be discharging blank rounds of ammunition during the raid reenactments. Please take the necessary precautions to protect your hearing.
In addition to the reenactment, there are a lot of other events going on in Northfield! There’s carnival rides, live music, a car show, art fair, professional rodeo, bike tour, kiddie parade and more. You can see the full list of events and locations on the event website.
Defeat of Jesse James buttons are required for several events during the festival. Buttons are $5 and can be purchased at the event. Kids under the age of 5 do not need their own button to participate!
Hannah is a married mom of 3 kiddos in the Twin Cities. Born and raised here in MN, she loves finding deals and special events to share with others.
Hannah enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading books, going on road trips up north, singing along with the radio and finding new thrift stores to shop! Hannah is also a fierce advocate for people with disabilities and is always on the lookout for more sensory friendly opportunities in the Twin Cities.
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