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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 Moraga, CA

Home Care Moraga, 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 Joaquin Moraga Adobe (California Historical Landmark No. 509) 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 Moraga, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Moraga, 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 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.”

Portified
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TESTIMONIALS

“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 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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“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 Moraga, 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 Moraga, CA

Types of Elderly Care in Moraga, 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 Moraga, 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 Moraga, 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 Moraga Commons 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 Moraga, 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 Michael's Ristorante Italiano or visit Moraga History Center, 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 Moraga, CA

Benefits of Home Care in Moraga, 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 Moraga, 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 Moraga, 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 Moraga, 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 Moraga, 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 Moraga, 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 Moraga, 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:

  • Aegis Living Moraga
  • Moraga Retreat Care on Woodford
  • Moraga Retreat Care
  • Moraga Post Acute
  • Moraga Royale
  • Merrill Gardens at Lafayette
Home Care Moraga, 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 Moraga, 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 Moraga, 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 Moraga, CA

Latest News in Moraga, CA

Don't miss these festive Lamorinda holiday events

Lamorinda organizations will once again be hosting a wide variety of festive events and activities during the month of December, starting off at the end of November with an open house at Orinda's History Museum from 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 30, featuring home-baked cookies, soft drinks, wine and lilting guitar music. Pick up a unique woven throw showing Orinda's old landmarks or a signed copy of Arcadia's "Images of A...

Lamorinda organizations will once again be hosting a wide variety of festive events and activities during the month of December, starting off at the end of November with an open house at Orinda's History Museum from 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 30, featuring home-baked cookies, soft drinks, wine and lilting guitar music. Pick up a unique woven throw showing Orinda's old landmarks or a signed copy of Arcadia's "Images of America: Orinda." The free annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will also be held Nov. 30 at Moraga Commons Park, starting at 6:30 p.m. with cookies, cocoa and carols, followed by the lighting at 7 p.m. and a very special appearance by Santa. The Second Annual Orinda Tree Lighting event will begin at 6 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Orinda Community Center, held in conjunction with the annual Gingerbread House Making Contest, sponsored by the Orinda/Tabor Sister City Foundation, and Winterfest, which will include a performance by the Orinda Intermediate School Choir, led by Choir Director Christina Holling, the Orinda PD "Stuff a Cruiser" Toy Drive, a craft for children led by the Orinda Teen Advisory Council, as well as a seasonal-themed photo opportunity - families will need to bring their own camera/phone. Light refreshments will also be provided. The Hospice East Bay Tree of Lights, which offers members a way to honor the lives of friends and loved ones, will be held in Lafayette at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at 21 Lafayette Circle (by the big tree at the Roundup parking lot), in Moraga at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Moraga Country Club (1600 St. Andrew's Dr.), and in Orinda on Dec. 2 at 4:30 p.m. in Village Square by McCaulou's. All events will be livestreamed on Zoom. Donations directly support end-of-life patient care. www.hospiceeastbay.org/community-event/tree-of-lights/ "A Christmas Story" at Town Hall Theatre in Lafayette opens Dec. 2 and runs through Dec. 17. The classic story of Ralphie Parker's mission to own a "Red Ryder 220-Shot Carbine Action Range Model Air Rifle, with a compass and a thing which tells the time built right into the stock!" Audiences will delight in both the familiar and unexpected in this stage adaptation of the beloved movie. A romping tale of the joys and woes of childhood (and adulthood!) around the holidays, "A Christmas Story" is a play for the whole family. Info at www.townhalltheatre.com/christmas-story "It's a Wonderful Life in Lafayette" returns to Plaza Park on Dec. 3, presented by the Lafayette Chamber, and sponsored by The Dana Green Team, Branagh Development and the city of Lafayette, and includes Santa sightings, free train rides on the Lafayette Express, official holiday tree lighting ceremony, one-of-a-kind photo ops, live musical entertainment, kid's activities, holiday treats and more. The free festivities begin at 4:30 p.m. when Santa is scheduled to parade along Golden Gate Way starting at the Lafayette Historical Society and arriving at Lafayette Plaza (corner of Mt. Diablo Blvd. and Moraga Road) at 5 p.m. Santa will also be headed to the Rheem Shopping Center, right outside the Moraga Art Gallery at 432 Center Street in Moraga, for "Mingle and Jingle" on Sunday, Dec. 3 from 1 to 3 p.m. The local branch of AAUW-OML (American Association of University Women - Orinda, Moraga, Lafayette) is offering an opportunity for families to bring their children to meet Santa. "Mingle and Jingle" will benefit many community outreach projects, including scholarships for local graduating high school young women and a day-long STEM Conference for middle school girls at Saint Mary's College. Want to hear directly from Santa? The town of Moraga has made arrangements with the elves at the North Pole to accept mail for delivery to Santa. Drop a note to Santa and receive a letter in return! Letters can be dropped off from Dec. 1 to Dec. 15 in the North Pole Mailbox located at Moraga Commons Park near the Holiday Tree. Letters must be in an envelope and have a name and return address. And there's another opportunity to connect with "the big guy" at the Breakfast with Santa in Moraga on Dec. 16 and Dec. 17. Seatings where a hot breakfast will be served are at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. for approximately one hour at the Hacienda de las Flores. Tickets are $40/adult; $15/child over 2 years old; and free for ages 0-2. (Pre-registration is required, no tickets will be sold at the door.) Bring your own camera for individual photo opportunities with Santa. Finally, are you looking for more unique holiday gifts? The Orinda Village Holiday Market is bringing together a lot of local boutiques and vendors from Orinda and the surrounding area from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Paymun building, including ReChic, Garden Nest, GCD Provisions, Camino Brands, Bush Poppy Farm, Biinu Studios, and St. Anthony's. Additional vendors from the surrounding areas will be offering up original art, vintage home decor and decorations, handmade soaps, candles, ceramics, leather goods, holiday goodies and more. A local Orinda DJ (and Orinda dad) will be spinning some quirky holiday music, and there will be complimentary treats and cocktails, entertainment for the kiddos and a food truck. We hope you have a happy and healthy holiday season!

Town Council authorizes Phase 2 of Laguna Creek Restoration Project

The ongoing Laguna Creek Restoration Project, located at the Hacienda de las Flores, is entering Phase 2 which involves removing the existing, undersized culvert near the Pavilion and restoring a natural channel for improved flood protection for the Pavilion and other facilities in the area. In October 2020, the Town council awarded BKF Engineers a contract to complete the Phase 1 design plans (up to 65%). Acco...

The ongoing Laguna Creek Restoration Project, located at the Hacienda de las Flores, is entering Phase 2 which involves removing the existing, undersized culvert near the Pavilion and restoring a natural channel for improved flood protection for the Pavilion and other facilities in the area. In October 2020, the Town council awarded BKF Engineers a contract to complete the Phase 1 design plans (up to 65%). According to the Nov. 8 staff report by Public Works Director/Town Engineer Shawn Knapp, Senior Civil Engineer Bret Swain, and Associate Civil Engineer Edrianne Aguilar, "The 65% Plans display how the proposed design will restore the natural stream channel and expand capacity to accommodate a 100-year flood, including the 30-foot-wide vehicular bridge, decomposed granite trail, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) parking stall relocated to the front of the building." Additionally, "the 65% plan set includes details for the grading and striping of the relocated ADA parking stall; cross-sections of the proposed new creek channel; structural plans for the proposed bridge; and an erosion control plan." In August, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had approved a revised Phase 2 federal share of funds of up to nearly $1,681,995 for the town to proceed with 100% design, bid support, and construction engineering. The total federal share has now increased to $1,808,810, and the non-federal share for all phases is $999,723. The total estimated project cost by FEMA is $2,808,533. Phase 2's project scope includes obtaining necessary environmental permits; coordinating with utility agencies for any needed relocation work; completing 100% plans, specifications, and estimates; providing technical support during bidding; and providing technical support during construction. If this coming winter's El Nino weather predictions are correct, the Hacienda can ill-afford to go through yet another flood damaging episode such as last season. "The drainage culvert interfaces with other assets in the area," according to the staff report. "Failure of the culvert to adequately convey storm runoff waters induces flooding of those other assets, such as the adjacent roadway, trails, hardscapes, and buildings. The flooding can then lead to a cascade of other failures and damage to other assets." As a worst-case scenario, if the Hacienda facilities required shutting down due to flood related damages, the town could risk losing nearly $25,000 in monthly rental income. The Town Council voted 4-0, with one recusal (Kerry Hillis), in favor of amending BKF's services agreement to increase their contract by $60,170 due to their indication that costs have risen due to project delays related to obtaining FEMA Phase 2 approval, in addition to high inflation. The council also authorized Phase 2 (100% design, bid support, and construction engineering support) to proceed.

Bears Claw Way To Moraga Quarterfinals

MORAGA – The California women's tennis team saw four Golden Bears reach the top-flight singles quarterfinals and one pair advance to the top-flight doubles quarterfinals on the first day of the Saint Mary's Fall Invitational on Friday at the Korth Tennis Complex. Cal's Berta Passola Folch, the top seed in singles, had a first-round bye and then won in the round of 16 – beating the Gaels' Tian ...

MORAGA – The California women's tennis team saw four Golden Bears reach the top-flight singles quarterfinals and one pair advance to the top-flight doubles quarterfinals on the first day of the Saint Mary's Fall Invitational on Friday at the Korth Tennis Complex. Cal's Berta Passola Folch, the top seed in singles, had a first-round bye and then won in the round of 16 – beating the Gaels' Tian Yu Dong, 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, to reach Saturday's third round.

The Golden Bears joining Passola Folch in the Blue singles quarterfinals Saturday are second-seeded Lan Mi, sixth-seeded Makenna Thiel and eighth-seeded Tiziana-Marie Schomburg.

In the Red singles flight, Cal's second-seeded Cami Brown had a round of 32 bye and then bested Cal Poly's Eliza Bates, 7-5, 5-7, 6-4, to move into the quarterfinals.

In Blue doubles, the pair of Mi and Schomburg defeated the Academy of Art's Amelija Supulniece and Erica Hellbe, 6-4, in the opening round of 16 to advance to Saturday.

Saturday's matches at the Gaels' annual tournament begin at 9 a.m. PT.

Saint Mary's Fall Invitational Oct. 27, 2023, in Moraga, Calif. Korth Tennis Complex

Cal Results

Blue Doubles Round of 16 [4] Lan Mi/Tiziana-Marie Schomburg (Cal) def. Amelija Supulniece/Erica Hellbe (Aca. of Art), 6-4 Eliza Bates/Kennedy Buntrock (Cal Poly) def. [3] Berta Passola Folch/Makenna Thiel (Cal), 6-4

Red Doubles Round of 16 Cami Brown (Cal)/Claire Galerkin (UC Davis) def. [2] Azaria Hayes/Alicia Yue (USF), 6-1

Blue Draw Singles Round of 32 [1] Berta Passola Folch (Cal), Bye [2] Lan Mi (Cal), Bye [6] Makenna Thiel (Cal) def. Gabriel Tevez (SCU), 6-1, 6-1 [8] Tiziana-Marie Schomburg (Cal) def. Sofia Daryaie (SMC), 7-6(2), 6-3

Blue Draw Singles Round of 16 [1] Berta Passola Folch (Cal) def. Tian Yu Dong (SMC), 6-4, 3-6, 6-1 [2] Lan Mi (Cal) def. Stefanie Silva (SMC), 7-5, 6-3 [6] Makenna Thiel (Cal) def. Kaia Wolfe (UC Davis), 6-0, 6-0 [8] Tiziana-Marie Schomburg (Cal) def. Michelle Zell (UC Davis), 6-4, 7-6(3)

Red Singles Round of 32 [2] Cami Brown (Cal), Bye

Red Singles Round of 16 [2] Cami Brown (Cal) def. Eliza Bates (Cal Poly), 7-5, 5-7, 6-4

Stay Posted For further coverage of the Bears, follow them on Twitter (@CalWomensTennis), Instagram (@CalWomensTennis) and Facebook (/CalWomensTennis/).

Major 2022 Pavement Rehabilitation Project work involves several Moraga street closures

The phrase "Your tax dollars at work" couldn't be truer as evidenced around parts of Moraga this summer. Thanks to the 2012 Measure K sales tax initiative, along with funding from the Gas Tax and Refuge Vehicle Impact Fees, the town is able to supplement its pavement management program. "The Town is responsible for the maintenance and repair of 58.6 centerline miles of paved streets," according to a statement from D...

The phrase "Your tax dollars at work" couldn't be truer as evidenced around parts of Moraga this summer. Thanks to the 2012 Measure K sales tax initiative, along with funding from the Gas Tax and Refuge Vehicle Impact Fees, the town is able to supplement its pavement management program. "The Town is responsible for the maintenance and repair of 58.6 centerline miles of paved streets," according to a statement from Director of Public Works/Town Engineer Shawn Knapp. "This includes 13.8 miles of arterial, 15.8 miles of collector, 26.3 miles of residential streets, and 2.6 miles of bike paths or service roads." Knapp added, "In 2013, the Town leveraged $600,000 annual repayment loan of Measure K funds to yield an upfront funds of $7.7 million to spend on a three-year intensive pavement program, which significantly increased the Town's Pavement Condition Index (PCI)." In 2015, the PCI went from 49 to 67, and by 2020, had climbed to 74, putting Moraga in the top 25% of all 109 municipalities within the San Francisco Bay Area. The Pavement Rehabilitation Project, also known as the "Worst First Approach," is expected to take three years to complete, beginning with streets ranked as Very Poor and Poor. The Town is currently budgeting $13.5 million for this three-year project without bonding/borrowing any funds. "We had to save a bit of monies in the previous years and have benefited with additional Pavement Management Program funding sources," Knapp said. As an example, he mentioned that "Measure K sales tax revenues have increased from approximately $1 million to $3.6 million per year, not accounting for annual $0.6 million bond repayment." The current project involves rehabilitating 22 streets throughout Moraga. This phase of the project was expected to begin June 19 and should be completed June 29, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday with some variances. Moraga's contractor, DeSilva Gates Construction, will begin a process called Rubberized Chip and finish the project with a Microsurface Seal. This will entail lane and street closures. Approximately 1,600 affected residents have been mailed construction work notices, and "No Parking" barricades have been placed. The Town also requests that residents keep children and pets away from the street while the treatments are being done as large equipment is involved; drive slowly - the new cape seal treatments can be slippery because of the loose rock prior to removal; do not drive on the treatments until the lanes are reopened to traffic and obey the posted "Loose Gravel" and "15 MPH" signs; warn your children to be careful while riding bicycles or have them refrain from riding altogether until the loose rock is swept up; continue to park your car(s) off the road or cover them as necessary until the initial sweeping is completed; check your shoes before walking into your house - the loose rocks can track onto carpets or scratch wooden floors; respect construction areas and workers - do not drive on the treatments or cross over closed lanes to access or exit your driveway to avoid damage to your car; and make sure that your sprinklers are turned off during the Chip Seal and Microsurfacing Seal treatment hours. "The Town very much appreciates your patience during this important project," stated Knapp. "We apologize to residents in advance for any inconvenience." For continuous updates to the project visit the town website: www.moraga.ca.us/2022pavementrehabilitation. To reach Town of Moraga Construction Manager Sunny Jhutti call (415) 246-4920 or email: [email protected]. For additional info contact Moraga Assistant Engineer Yao Miao (925) 888-7028 or email: [email protected]. Moraga Director of Public Works/Town Engineer Shawn Knapp (925) 888-7027 or email: [email protected].

A new mayor and vice mayor for Moraga in 2022

Every new year in Moraga brings a reorganization to the town council. This year is no exception. At the helm of the town council is new mayor Renata Sos, with the vice mayoral duties belonging to Sona Makker. Sos first began her work on the council in 2018, when she was appointed to replace a resigning Jeanette Fritzky. When her term was up, Sos ran for office and was elected to a four-year term in 2020. Prior service to the town ...

Every new year in Moraga brings a reorganization to the town council. This year is no exception. At the helm of the town council is new mayor Renata Sos, with the vice mayoral duties belonging to Sona Makker. Sos first began her work on the council in 2018, when she was appointed to replace a resigning Jeanette Fritzky. When her term was up, Sos ran for office and was elected to a four-year term in 2020. Prior service to the town was a 2005-07 tenure with the Planning Commission. A graduate of Princeton University with a degree in mechanical/aerospace engineering, Sos went on to obtain her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Chicago Law School, after which she spent 12 years in private practice as a litigator of complex commercial cases. When asked how the various council member differences can be set aside in order to have productive and constructive council meetings, Sos replied that the new year "will bring both challenges and opportunities to the town council. We have been elected by the voters to set aside our differences and make decisions that are in the best interests of the town as a whole. I believe that we are up to the task, and that we will address the issues before us in a collegial and respectful manner." Three top priorities during Sos' 2020 campaign included exercising fiscal discipline; the preservation of Moraga's open spaces; and an investment in public safety, infrastructure and community service. She points out that last year's council collectively did much to focus on those priorities, "and made decisions in a deliberative and transparent way. I am confident that this approach will carry forward through 2022." Sos has volunteered her time in various other ways to the town, either through coaching various youth sports over the years or serving on the board of the Moraga Community Foundation. "My family has shared with me that they are proud of my decades of service to this community and proud that I continue to be willing to give of myself to the residents of our town." Looking ahead to the coming year, Sos said, "My hope for 2022 is that our residents will continue the tradition of public service, civic engagement, and respectful discourse about the substantive matters that come before the town council." Sos added, "In addition, I'd love to find ways to reach a broader cross-section of our community, particularly parents of young children, and help them get connected with the council." Makker had very recently endured a torturous appointment process in October in order to fill the seat vacated by resigning council member David Stromberg. In the space of a month, she finds herself as Moraga's new vice mayor. "When I was nominated, I emphasized that I would be ready to roll up my sleeves and take on the role," she stated. "I continue to stand by that and feel really energized about volunteering my time on the council." Born and raised in Tracy, California, Makker served in local government as Chair of the Youth Advisory Commission and later in her hometown's Parks and Recreation Department. Earning a BA in sociology from the University of California at Berkeley, Makker went on to receive her Juris Doctorate from Santa Clara University School of Law. "My family is proud to see me get involved and put my training in public policy into practice. My husband and I love soaking in everything this town has to offer, and we are committed to giving back however we can." Makker is looking forward to whatever 2022 goals the council sets. "I am also looking forward to continuing to build bridges and ties in the community, especially amongst individuals and groups of diverse backgrounds that the council has not always heard from." Reflecting on the challenges the world currently faces, Makker said, "Life and work are changing and evolving as we live in these unprecedented times. Engagement with residents, retail business owners, and volunteers is even more crucial right now to understand and have a firm grasp on the pulse of the community. This is all of our jobs as council members."

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