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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 Berkeley, CA

Home Care Berkeley, CA

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 Founders Rock 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 Berkeley, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Berkeley, CA

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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

“Excellent service. Bill explained all the details about in-home care thoroughly and accurately. My 2 main caregivers, Kangou and Beth, were very professional and competent and treated me well, and were very nice people to work with.”

Marvin
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TESTIMONIALS

“Very nice,friendly and professional. Fairly new with this care and will update after about a month”

Kat L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I live in Texas and my Mom was in California, so communication was key to me in knowing how my Mom was doing, and what she might need. ABC did all the right things; from setting up an online portal that would allow my siblings and I to see what each caregiver was doing during her in-home care, to billing questions, medication requirements, etc. Everything was transparent, and that's so important when it comes to caring for an older family member. Their office staff is outstanding as well. From billing questions to change requests, they never made me feel like I was asking for too much, or that they didn't have time to make sure my Mom was always taken care of. Always Best Care took the time and effort to make sure my mom was taken care of in the best possible way, and for that I will be eternally grateful. Highly recommend their service!”

Paul S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“My nickname for Bill is Clarence the Angel from "It's a Wonderful Life". At the worst possible time, in the middle of a pandemic, my elderly mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. I had 1 week to find a place for her to live and set up hospice care. In addition I had no other family support. That is when I found Bill/ABC. What a joy! He listened to my needs, concerns, budget and general stress all with great patience and concern. He guided me through the process, set up home tours and advised me what to look for while interviewing prospects. Within 1 week we were able to place my mom in a wonderful home where she can spend her remaining days happy and cared for. The relief I feel cannot be measured and I will be forever grateful to Bill and team.”

Cindy P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I would be more than happy to recommend the care services of Always Best Care to anyone looking for a good caregiver. They have the best team of caregivers who are trained, experienced, and highly knowledgeable in every aspect of senior care. I highly recommend Always Best Care to anyone who often feels overwhelmed while caring for a senior family member. I have been through this and know how difficult it can get at times. But thanks to Always Best Care, I am now able to better manage my time at work and home. I would still have been struggling with a lot of things if I didn’t have their amazing caregivers to help me take care of my ailing aunt.”

Mary Y.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am forever grateful for the compassionate care provided by Always Best Care to my grandparents. Their caregivers are experienced and can work under any situation. Both my grandparents had not been keeping well for a long time, especially my grandma who was recently diagnosed with dementia. The caregivers took care of all her needs, including her diet, exercise routine, etc. Thanks again to the whole team of Always Best Care.”

Nick J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“We chose Always Best Care because their staff is extremely personable, responsive, and caring. We know that we can call them anytime for anything. They are very flexible and always ready to make the required changes in the care plan.”

Felicia H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I would be more than happy to recommend the care services of Always Best Care to anyone looking for a good caregiver. They have the best team of caregivers who are trained, experienced, and highly knowledgeable in every aspect of senior care. I highly recommend Always Best Care to anyone who often feels overwhelmed while caring for a senior family member. I have been through this and know how difficult it can get at times. But thanks to Always Best Care, I am now able to better manage my time at work and home. I would still have been struggling with a lot of things if I didn’t have their amazing caregivers to help me take care of my ailing aunt.”

Ricky D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Bill is representative of his professional, reliable, kind-hearted staff. There is an over abundance of non-medical Homecare companies in the Contra Costa Area and Always Best Care makes my top three list because I trust them implicitly. Their hearts are in the right places when it comes to providing great care and truly helping people. They are very responsive, dependable, and I never worry about anything falling through the cracks. Absolutely recommend their services.”

Camalin J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider I have two aging family members that have currently needed some extra help. My wife and myself have full time jobs and cannot provide all the extra help that our loved ones need. Always Best has filled that need and has allow both family members to remain in their homes and still feel in control of their lives. Always Best is just that. They are flexible with their schedules and both relative's have enjoyed the extra help and company.”

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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider I am very appreciative of the amazing service Always Best Care has been providing to my grandmother. The caregiver assigned for her care is professional, honest, and patient. Thank you so much for everything.”

Allen B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“We are very happy with the service we have received from Always Best Care. They have the best aides with the all the knowledge, experience, and training needed for senior care. We would highly recommend them to anyone in need of professional care for a senior loved one.”

Carol H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I would happily recommend Always Best Care to anyone looking for quality in-home care for a senior loved one. I was very satisfied with the care provided to my dad. The caregivers easily adapted to his changing needs over time. Their team always kept in touch to check on how everything was going. They were always quick to respond to my concerns and kept me involved in the whole process.”

Santiago T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I always wanted my parents to live in their own house as they grow old. I am glad I found a reliable agency like Always Best Care that has been helping seniors age in place for so many years. Their excellent care services have greatly helped my parents live their senior years in the healthiest and happiest way. Thank you so much Always Best Care for referring Sarah to us. She is very sweet and knows her work. My mother enjoys her company and waits for her every morning. They are soon planning to start doing Yoga at home. I am sure it is going to be a lot of fun. Sarah is more like a family to us now.”

Cindy R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I really want to thank Always Best Care for dealing with my grandmother with great care and dedication when she needed it the most. The decision of sending her to a senior living facility was a quite difficult one to execute but then the team assured us about her security and safety in such a manner that we could not resist availing their services. I am so glad that we took the decision.”

Gus R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I would like to acknowledge the contributions to my father’s well being made by the wonderful staff of Always Best Care. Not only did they arrange for his care on a very short notice, but also sent the best caregiver to help him with difficult tasks.”

Lee H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“My mother was a very active senior, but when her back pain became too great, we were looking for a caregiver for her because her pain was getting out of control day by day. Then I called up Always Best Care and they helped me with everything. I am very satisfied with their work. Thank you Always Best Care!”

Robbie M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care supported me when I was in utmost need. They provided me & my family with the best care possible. Thank you Always Best Care!”

Kevin T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“We feel very fortunate to have Edwin Sterling as our caregiver. He is very dependable, courteous and has a lot of patience.”

Leta J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am very grateful to Always Best Care for providing such great In-Home Care services. My mom can remain in her home with dignity and respect – the way she always wanted. Things wouldn’t be this easy without the support of your wonderful caregivers. Thanks a lot.”

John G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I would like to recommend Always Best Care to all those looking for professional care giving services for their aging love done at home. They have the best team of caregivers who ensure to provide compassionate services. Well done guys!”

Jyotin G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I would happily recommend Always Best Care to anyone looking for quality in-home care for a senior loved one. I was very satisfied with the care provided to my dad. The caregivers easily adapted to his changing needs over time. Their team always kept in touch to check on how everything was going. They were always quick to respond to my concerns and kept me involved in the whole process.”

Soundman R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I would happily recommend Always Best Care to anyone looking for quality in-home care for a senior loved one. I was very satisfied with the care provided to my dad. The caregivers easily adapted to his changing needs over time. Their team always kept in touch to check on how everything was going. They were always quick to respond to my concerns and kept me involved in the whole process.”

Mike T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider I would happily recommend Always Best Care to anyone looking for quality in-home care for a senior loved one. I was very satisfied with the care provided to my dad. The caregivers easily adapted to his changing needs over time. Their team always kept in touch to check on how everything was going. They were always quick to respond to my concerns and kept me involved in the whole process.”

Santiago T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care has been a godsend. When I got sick I needed more care than my family could provide. The staff at the skilled nursing facility recommended Always Best Care. Bill Kammerer visited and explained how they could help me recover and stay safe and healthy. Bill is very easy to work with, extremely knowledgeable, and patient. He asked me questions, listened to my responses, suggested solutions, and developed a care plan that meets my needs perfectly. In addition, Always Best Care’s caregivers have been fantastic. They are polite, hardworking, reliable, professional, congenial, and well trained. I whole-heartedly recommend Always Best Care.”

Betty F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Many Thanks for the compassionate care and attention your caregivers provided us at a very difficult time-period in our lives.  I would recommend your services to anyone in need of care for a loved one.”

Susan S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Many Thanks for the compassionate care and attention your caregivers provided us at a very difficult time-period in our lives.  I would recommend your services to anyone in need of care for a loved one.”

Aaron S.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Berkeley, CA?

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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 Berkeley, CA

Types of Elderly Care in Berkeley, CA

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 Berkeley, CA
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 Berkeley, CA
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 Codornices 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 Berkeley, CA
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 Julia's Restaurant or visit Sather Gate, 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 Berkeley, CA

Benefits of Home Care in Berkeley, CA

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 Berkeley, CA, 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 Berkeley, CA

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 CA'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 Berkeley, CA

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 Berkeley, CA 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 Berkeley, CA

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 Berkeley, CA

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:

  • Elegance Berkeley
  • Silverado Berkeley Memory Care Community
  • MorningStar Senior Living of Berkeley
  • Angeleon Care Home
  • A Windsor House
  • Stuart Pratt Manor
Home Care Berkeley, CA

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 Berkeley, CA

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 Berkeley, CA 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 Berkeley, CA

Latest News in Berkeley, CA

Full-Time Work-From-Home Drops In The Bay Area

BAY AREA — The number of Bay Area employees who work from home full-time post-pandemic has dropped considerably, while so-called hybrid schedules that combine work-from-home with in-office work has risen, according to a survey sponsored by the Bay Area Council and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.Just 11% of employers surveyed reported full-time employees working from home in February, down from 32% in October 2021.The Return to Office Survey also examined so-called hybrid employment, where an employee shares th...

BAY AREA — The number of Bay Area employees who work from home full-time post-pandemic has dropped considerably, while so-called hybrid schedules that combine work-from-home with in-office work has risen, according to a survey sponsored by the Bay Area Council and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.

Just 11% of employers surveyed reported full-time employees working from home in February, down from 32% in October 2021.

The Return to Office Survey also examined so-called hybrid employment, where an employee shares their time in the office and at home. According to the survey, in October 2021, 44% of workers were on hybrid schedules, but by February of this year, that number had risen to 63%. Most workers come into the office Tuesdays through Thursdays.

"While hybrid work has become the new norm, there continues to be a shift back to in-person work," Jim Wunderman, president of the Bay Area Council, said in a statement.

Both the Bay Area Council, a business-sponsored public policy organization, and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, which regulates transportation across the region's nine counties, have a stake in knowing how many workers are commuting on a daily basis.

Find out what's happening in Berkeleyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

According to the council, traffic across some Bay Area bridges has returned or exceeded pre-pandemic levels "on days when workers leave their home offices behind."

In February, employers said that over 46% of their employees take transit to get to work at least some of the time, compared to 35% in January 2024.

"Hybrid work ... has become a dominant model in the post-pandemic world," said the Bay Area Council, "but the average number of days workers are doing their work from home has decreased from almost three per week in 2021 to two in 2025, with many more working at home just one day a week."

The exact number of employers surveyed was not released by the council, which said it numbered in the hundreds. The survey itself was carried out by Oakland public opinion research firm EMC Research, with an analysis of the data by the Bay Area Council Economic Institute think tank.

The study seems to show that many of the current trends will be permanent without much fluctuation. The council said the survey showed that in February, 84% of businesses reported adopting permanent, long-term attendance policies. For those who anticipate more changes, 40% of them were companies with more than 10,000 employees. For those employing less than 25 people, only 10% are planning more in-person days in the coming months. Employers with between 25 and 100 employees said they are aiming for fewer fully remote or hybrid days, the survey found.

Copyright © 2025 Bay City News, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication, rebroadcast or redistribution without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Bay City News is a 24/7 news service covering the greater Bay Area.

At UC Berkeley’s campuswide commencement, grads were grateful for their personal growth — and four Big Game wins in a row

Saturday’s sun-filled ceremony at California Memorial Stadium was attended by 7,000 new graduates and 23,000 of their loved ones.On Saturday morning, the mood outside UC Berkeley’s California Memorial Stadium was effervescent. Some students blew soap bubbles into the air as they paraded, in a river of blue and gold, toward their 2025 campuswide commencement ceremony. Others sported sparkly stilettos, and some wore mortarboards with crocheted or bedazzled adornments. As they approached the amphitheater from Witter ...

Saturday’s sun-filled ceremony at California Memorial Stadium was attended by 7,000 new graduates and 23,000 of their loved ones.

On Saturday morning, the mood outside UC Berkeley’s California Memorial Stadium was effervescent. Some students blew soap bubbles into the air as they paraded, in a river of blue and gold, toward their 2025 campuswide commencement ceremony. Others sported sparkly stilettos, and some wore mortarboards with crocheted or bedazzled adornments. As they approached the amphitheater from Witter Rugby Field, many hugged and crowded together for photos.

The annual celebration, attended this year by more than 7,000 new graduates and 23,000 family members, was a joyous send-off for a graduating class that — in large part — first arrived on campus as the COVID-19 emergency lifted and in-person, masked education resumed.

The event’s speakers, however, didn’t dwell on this less-than-ideal beginning; instead, they focused on how Berkeley empowered these students to become changemakers and, crucially, how this year’s seniors got to witness four years in a row of Cal victories over Stanford at Big Game.

In his first spring campuswide commencement address as chancellor, an energized Richard K. Lyons harkened back to his own time as a Berkeley undergraduate. “Berkeley has strived to help you to see the potential and promise in yourself that was not visible before,” he said, adding, “I know that was the case for me when I graduated.”

Before the ceremony, several graduates expressed similar sentiments about having confidently come into their own while at Berkeley.

“Being able to come to a school that’s so diverse, it’s made me learn a lot about people [whom] I hadn’t been able to surround myself with” growing up in predominantly white Chester County, Pennsylvania, said Archana Kulkarni, a cognitive science major who will work as a behavioral technician after graduation. “I feel like I’ve become a lot more comfortable with myself.”

Standing beside her, her friend Ariana Quintana lamented that their friend group was spreading to all corners of the country, from a banking job in Chicago to graduate school in New York City. But she expressed optimism about starting a new phase of life with a “world-class education” that had allowed her to chart her own path by pairing business classes with environment- and sustainability-focused coursework.

Later, standing at the podium, Shrinidhi Gopal, the ASUC president, mirrored those friends’ feelings of growth, gratitude and purpose: “Each of us [is] taking a different path, but all of us [are] carrying the same legacy of intellectual fire, relentless drive and a refusal to settle for the world as it is. And though we may be walking out through Sather Gate for one last time, the light we found here — the light we became here — will never stop walking with us.”

Regents’ and Chancellor’s Scholar Marlo de la Mora had a front-row seat to take in Gopal’s words. Sitting with her fellow transfer students and with Einstein, her Chihuahua-toy poodle mix, on her lap, de la Mora was jubilant to be graduating with a degree in anthropology after she’d had to drop out of college decades ago due to recurring medical issues following her lupus diagnosis.

After a marriage, two children and a divorce, not to mention forming a chronic illness support group and a related business, de la Mora decided to return to school when she was bedridden, recuperating from a spinal surgery.

“There’s only so much Netflix you can watch. There’s only so many games you can play. I was getting bored,” she said. So she took inspiration from her nieces, who were preparing for a new school year, and returned to community college for her associate degree before transferring to Berkeley. Einstein, a well-behaved therapy pup, accompanied her to classes where she learned about disability studies and how different cultures approach health and traditional medicine.

Twenty-five years after she’d first started college, de la Mora was cheered on in the stands by her children and some 20 other relatives, who were wearing shirts with her face stamped proudly on them.

Media studies major Gavriel Curameng’s route to Berkeley also wasn’t what he’d once expected. On a whim, he’d applied to be one of the students who anonymously bring Oski the Bear to life. To his surprise, he got the job and traveled across the country, waving and hyping up crowds in a fuzzy costume. Yesterday, he was finally allowed to reveal his double life as the campus mascot on Instagram.

While Curameng lifted the energy of countless crowds at athletic events with his Oski antics, he said he was buoyed personally at Berkeley by the Filipino community. Many of his peers walked beside him before the ceremony as they headed to their seats on the bleachers.

“The Filipino community made me feel seen, which is not too easy at a large public university,” he said. A few steps ahead of him, a friend smiled and snapped his fingers in agreement.

Not everyone wearing regalia was at the stadium as an undergraduate. Sydney Lister and Chelle Davies had participated in Berkeley’s mostly remote, top-ranked master of information and data science program. The classmates flew in from Seattle and Boston, respectively, to receive their master’s degrees this week.

In addition to tasseled caps and honor cords, students customized their regalia to reflect their heritages, beliefs, campus activities and the loved ones who had encouraged them.

Tora Hoar Vea wore a tapa cloth made of beaten bark, a nod to her Tongan culture, as well as a women’s rugby stole. Maddy Fukuda’s neck was draped with multiple leis and two giant, faux-candy necklaces that relatives had bestowed upon her. Elizabeth Moore’s cousin, who wasn’t able to watch her relative graduate, decked out Moore’s mortarboard in flowers, gears to allude to her mechanical engineering degree and red letters that stood for Santa Barbara City College, where Moore began her collegiate journey.

Estefania Lopez, who grew up in Lancaster, California, had put flowers and 3D golden butterflies on one side of her mortarboard. On the other side, in matching gold lettering that reflected the sunlight, was a message in Spanish that translated to: “Dedicated to my parents for being the wind beneath my wings and my source of inspiration.” Lopez, who majored in psychology, said she was deeply thankful for the sacrifices that her parents, immigrants from El Salvador and Guatemala, had made for her education — including offering to sell their house to pay for her tuition. With her degree, Lopez said, “I want to help people in my community with mental health, because it is very stigmatized.”

Outreach was also emphasized by keynote speaker Daniel Lubetzky, the KIND snack company founder and a new Shark Tank judge. After talking about the “superpowers” of youth — grit, fearlessness, creativity and love — he told the graduates that two KIND bars would be waiting for each of them upon exiting the stadium. He encouraged them to share one with someone who’d supported them on their academic journey and the other with someone they’d had disagreements or differences with, to “rebuild a bridge.”

Before the graduates reunited with their families for celebratory hugs and picked up their KIND bars, the California Victory Cannon fired from above the stadium and, before the smoke had fully cleared, the students moved their tassels from the right side of their caps to the left.

Berkeley Fire Department Offers Free Help For Homeowners To Create Defensible Space

The department is working to secure additional grant funding. Bea Karnes, Patch StaffBERKELEY, CA — The Berkeley Fire Department is stepping up wildfire prevention efforts with its Resident Assistance Program (RAP), designed to help property owners comply with defensible space regulations.The program provides financial and logistical support to resident...

The department is working to secure additional grant funding.

Bea Karnes, Patch Staff

BERKELEY, CA — The Berkeley Fire Department is stepping up wildfire prevention efforts with its Resident Assistance Program (RAP), designed to help property owners comply with defensible space regulations.

The program provides financial and logistical support to residents who are physically unable or financially unable to clear vegetation and meet safety standards.

Defensible space—the buffer between a building and the surrounding grass, trees, shrubs, or wildland—is critical to slowing or stopping the spread of wildfire.

Through RAP, the Berkeley Fire Department will fund contractors to complete vegetation management work for eligible homeowners, helping to protect both individual properties and surrounding neighborhoods. “When residents can’t create defensible space due to age, disability, or financial hardship, they face higher fire risks and possible penalties,” a fire department spokesperson said.

“The Resident Assistance Program helps make wildfire safety more accessible and achievable for everyone.”

Find out what's happening in Berkeleyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The program is not currently accepting applications as the department works to secure additional grant funding. Contact the program administrator by email to make a donation or for more information: [email protected].

Updates on program availability will be shared through the department’s website and direct community outreach.

In its most recent cycle, RAP successfully helped dozens of households reduce fire hazards and improve safety compliance. Residents are encouraged to check the Berkeley Fire Department’s announcement page for updates and application details once the program reopens.

With wildfire season approaching, the department emphasizes the importance of early preparation and community-wide participation in fire prevention efforts.

Berkeley Eatery Makes Best Sandwiches List

BERKELEY, CA — Sometimes we treat a sandwich as if we are settling for a meager meal, when the opposite can be true. An amazing sandwich can be an elevated dining experience, both delicious and filling.The Bay Area News Group recently came up with a list of 10 sandwich spots to try now, including Saul’s Restaurant & Delicatessen in Berkeley.Saul’s was picked for its "comforting the belly and soul with Jewish grub like liver and onions and pastrami on rye." While the favorites are continuing under...

BERKELEY, CA — Sometimes we treat a sandwich as if we are settling for a meager meal, when the opposite can be true. An amazing sandwich can be an elevated dining experience, both delicious and filling.

The Bay Area News Group recently came up with a list of 10 sandwich spots to try now, including Saul’s Restaurant & Delicatessen in Berkeley.

Saul’s was picked for its "comforting the belly and soul with Jewish grub like liver and onions and pastrami on rye." While the favorites are continuing under new ownership at the 40-year-old restaurant, the reviewer also praised a vegetarian offering, "Saul’s pita sabich ($13.50). It starts with housemade pita that’s not paper-thin but puffy and doughy. The chefs stuff it with discs of fried eggplant and hard-boiled eggs. Onto that goes a potato latke and tabbouleh with fresh parsley and dill, and you dunk it in two sauces – creamy tahini and amba, a tangy-sweet concoction with fenugreek and pickled mango." Saul's Deli is at 1475 Shattuck Ave. in Berkeley.

The East Bay is well represented on the list, snagging six of the 10 slots.

Read the full 10 terrific Bay Area sandwiches to try right now at the Bay Area News Group website.

Find out what's happening in Berkeleyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Also read:

Water Deliveries Increase, Reflecting Wet Winter

Allocations range from 50 to 100 percent, depending on the state or federal agency. See what's happening in NorCal.CALIFORNIA — Water agencies up and down California will be getting larger allocations from the state and federal delivery systems this year, water managers announced this week.On Tuesday, the California Department of Water Resources announced it would be increasing deliveries to 50 percent of requested supplies from the State Water Project — that's up from 40 percent in March.Also, officials wi...

Allocations range from 50 to 100 percent, depending on the state or federal agency. See what's happening in NorCal.

CALIFORNIA — Water agencies up and down California will be getting larger allocations from the state and federal delivery systems this year, water managers announced this week.

On Tuesday, the California Department of Water Resources announced it would be increasing deliveries to 50 percent of requested supplies from the State Water Project — that's up from 40 percent in March.

Also, officials with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation announced that deliveries to irrigation systems and other water contractors south of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta are being increased from 40 percent of requested supplies to 50 percent.

Meanwhile, farms north of the Delta, and within the Delta itself, will receive 100 percent of their requested supplies from the federal Central Valley Project.

The increased deliveries were announced on the heels of a relatively wet rainy season that resulted in 100 percent of the historical average for precipitation statewide, according to data from DWR.

Find out what's happening in Berkeleyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Currently, nearly all of the state's major reservoirs are at or above historical averages, including Butte County's Lake Oroville, which is at 120 percent of average for this date and 95 percent full, and San Luis Reservoir in Merced County, a critical reservoir for Southern California water, which is at 101 percent of average and 83 percent full.

DWR operates the State Water Project, which provides water to 29 public agencies that serve 27 million Californians and 750,000 acres of farmland across the state.

The Bureau of Reclamation operates the Central Valley Project, which delivers irrigation water to 3 million acres of farmland and drinking water to more than 6 million people in the state.

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