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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 Laurel, DE

Home Care Laurel, DE

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 Laurel Historical Society, Inc. in Laurel, DE 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 Laurel, DE is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Laurel, DE

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“I've been with Always Best Care, Vacaville, about a year and a half and I am very pleased with the service. Their Caregivers are very kind and competent helpers. I would recommend this service to anyone and I have recommend this service to several of my friends.”

Linda B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Here's what I posted on Google and Facebook: Life would have been a lot harder without Always Best Care in my life, I have COPD and I am on oxygen full time at level 4 so doing daily chores are out question without my caregiver Ricci Anthony who has been taking tremendous care of me for 3 years this August 2022 and I thank God everyday for him. Every time he arrives he immediately says Hi checks in with me to see how I am doing. As well as, every time he departs I thank him for all that he does for me and I tell him I love him Ricci replies in same likeness. Ricci and I are incredible friends, it’s closer to a dad and son relationship. We’re both strong Christian me. As for Chelsea who does Intake and is the Schedules for Always Best Care equally an amazing individual. Don’t let her young age fool you on the contrary she is a powerhouse. She’s highly a professional, she’s industrious, highly intelligent, she’s a great friend and you can always depend on her to be in support for you. Always Best Care is always best care.”

Michael W.
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“ABC is absolutely amazing! The staff is very caring and very friendly. always go above and beyond. They have great communication between Clients and Staff.”

Rebecca G.
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“I couldn’t thank this Company enough for the services my Father had, it’s difficult to trust others yet Always Best Care of Philadelphia did it with ease. We happily recommend them to our family and friends. Bryant and Co. truly care as if it was their own family. God Bless and May all your Staff be safe, they are in my prayers.”

Barbara L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The highlights for me is The boss man Bryant Greene, and most of his awesome staff. Mr. Greene, his brother Al Billz and staff always looked out for me even when I was ill. I love them and Always Best Care to the moon and back!”

Kia M.
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“Kathy McClure is a problem solver. She assisted us on Long Term Care Reimbursement and took us thru the process smoothly.”

Patrick M.
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“Nate and Charlene are the best in their field. It has been a pleasure getting to know you and your company.”

Jesse S.
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“Always Best Care Senior Services of Philadelphia abides by the highest standards in the provision of in-home care.”

Sheila R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Dave and his staff go above and beyond with their care. They all take special interest with their clients. Also a very helpful resource in future planning and current ideas. Trust your parents to these people - they will not let you down.”

Bill H.
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“Always Best Care Senior Services are a group of compassionate care givers and professionals. Use them for all your personal needs Senior or younger. They get the job done!!!”

Sandra R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I appreciate ABC of Bristol. They served me and my friend, Helen, at very difficult time. The office staff, social workers, and the aides were professional, caring, and reliable. Donna you are awesome....keep up the great work!!!! I would recommend this service to anyone.”

Tanya R.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Laurel, DE?

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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 Laurel, DE

Types of Elderly Care in Laurel, DE

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 Laurel, DE
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 Laurel, DE
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 Janosik Park in Laurel, DE 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 Laurel, DE
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 Pasta Plus Restaurant or visit Laurel Heritage Museum, 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 Laurel, DE

Benefits of Home Care in Laurel, DE

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 Laurel, DE, 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 Laurel, DE

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 DE'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 Laurel, DE

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 Laurel, DE 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 Laurel, DE

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 Laurel, DE

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:

  • CRCare of Bond Mill - Assisted Living Facility
  • Morningside House of Laurel
  • Shanti Homes Inc
  • Humanity Assisted Living Services
  • CRcare of Laurel - Assisted Living
  • New Life Assisted Living Laurel
Home Care Laurel, DE

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 Laurel, DE

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 Laurel, DE 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 Laurel, DE

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Voting Alert: 10-Day Early Voting Period for the 2026 General Election Starts Thurs., October 22nd

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | October 19, 2026MEDIA CONTACTDelaware Department of ElectionsCathleen Hartsky-CarterCommunity Relations Officer(302) [email protected] Alert: The 10-Day Early Voting Period for the 2026 General Election Starts Thursday, October 22nd, ahead of the Tuesday, November 3rd Election DayDOVER, DE – The Delaware Department of Elections (DOE) is issuing a vo...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | October 19, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT

Delaware Department of Elections

Cathleen Hartsky-Carter

Community Relations Officer

(302) 484-0392

[email protected]

Voting Alert: The 10-Day Early Voting Period for the 2026 General Election Starts Thursday, October 22nd, ahead of the Tuesday, November 3rd Election Day

DOVER, DE – The Delaware Department of Elections (DOE) is issuing a voting alert informing Delaware registered voters that Early Voting for the 2026 General Election starts this Thursday, October 22, 2026.

General Election voters may vote at any Early Voting Site for their county of residence during the 10 day early voting period before General Election Day. Early voting hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the first 5 days of early voting and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the last 5 days of early voting.

General Election Early Voting Sites and Schedule are listed below and at https://de.gov/evsites:

General Election Early Voting Dates & Times:

General Election Early Voting Sites:

Any Delaware resident who has registered to vote by the October 10th voter registration deadline may vote in the General Election regardless of political party affiliation. To check your registration, visit https://ivote.de.gov.

Early voting is nearly identical to voting on election day, except that voters may vote at any early voting site for their county of residence. On Election Day, November 3, 2026, voters must vote at their assigned polling place.

At the check-in table at an early voting site, voters may show one form of ID, which may any one of the following items: Delaware Driver’s License or State ID Card, or a Department of Elections polling place card or Department of Elections voter information mailer, or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government document that shows their name and address.

If a voter does not present identification, election officers will verify their voter registration information. When their voter registration is confirmed, they will be permitted to vote after completing an Affidavit of Affirmation of Voter Identity.

More information about Delaware’s 2026 General Election is available at https://de.gov/gen. Voters may view their voter registration record at https://ivote.de.gov. To find a conveniently located early voting site, or their assigned polling place, voters may use the Department’s GIS Lookup Tool https://de.gov/voteplaces.

DOE Information

For more information, visit the Department of Elections website at elections.delaware.gov and connect with the Department on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube.

[Universal Health Services Q3 2026 Earnings Call] UHS Misses Internal EBITDA Target as De Novo Ramp Sputters and Surgeries Slide, Flags $175M-$200M 2027 Medicaid Headwind

Universal Health Services reported third-quarter 2026 adjusted EPS of $5.22, down 8% year over year, and adjusted EBITDA less noncontrolling interests of $625 million versus $671 million a year earlier. Results included $12 million of net favorable items—$47 million in supplemental Medicaid benefits offset by $26 million in additional liability reserves tied to a tentative Cumberland litigation settlement and $8.5 million in Talkspace transaction costs—that were not in July guidance. Stripping those out, CFO Steve Filton said adj...

Universal Health Services reported third-quarter 2026 adjusted EPS of $5.22, down 8% year over year, and adjusted EBITDA less noncontrolling interests of $625 million versus $671 million a year earlier. Results included $12 million of net favorable items—$47 million in supplemental Medicaid benefits offset by $26 million in additional liability reserves tied to a tentative Cumberland litigation settlement and $8.5 million in Talkspace transaction costs—that were not in July guidance. Stripping those out, CFO Steve Filton said adjusted EBITDA came in below internal expectations, driven by slower-than-expected ramp-ups at the Cedar Hill (D.C.) and Palm Beach Gardens (Fla.) de novo hospitals and a 0.7% decline in same-facility surgeries. Management reiterated full-year 2026 ranges but pointed to the lower end. The bigger focus was 2027: Filton estimated a $175 million-$200 million Medicaid supplemental payment headwind, plus $15 million from annualizing exchange declines, offset partially by recovering $80 million-$100 million of losses at Laurel Ridge and the two de novos. Talkspace synergies won't materialize until the back half of 2027.

UHS Misses Internal EBITDA Target as De Novo Ramp Sputters and Surgeries Slide, Flags $175M-$200M 2027 Medicaid Headwind

Universal Health Services closed its third quarter with adjusted EBITDA below its own internal expectations, as two flagship acute care de novo hospitals ramped more slowly than planned and surgical volumes decelerated more sharply than the company anticipated—a stumble that overshadowed broader demand strength and pushed management to the low end of its 2026 guidance range.

"Excluding these items, adjusted EBITDA less NCI was below our internal expectations despite modest sequential improvement," CFO Steve Filton told analysts on the call, referencing $12 million in net favorable items that were not in July guidance. "The shortfall primarily reflected a slower than expected ramp-up at our de novo hospitals and softer than expected surgical trends."

MetricQ3 2026Q3 2025Change
Adjusted EPS$5.22—-8%
Adjusted EBITDA less NCI$625M$671M-6.9%
Net favorable items (not in July guide)+$12M——
Cash from operations$637M$381M+67%
CapEx$214M——
Share repurchases$242M (1.35M shares)——
Total debt$5.7B——
Leverage2.17x——
Cash$169M——

The $12 million net favorable impact comprised $47 million of supplemental Medicaid benefits—which management had not contemplated in its July forecast—partially offset by $26 million of additional professional and general liability reserves, "primarily associated with the tentative settlement of a litigation matter related to our Cumberland facility in Virginia," Filton said, and $8.5 million of Talkspace transaction costs.

On a same-facility basis, acute care adjusted admissions rose 4.9% year over year, with emergency department visits up 4.6%—both characterized by management as broad-based geographically. But same-facility surgeries declined 0.7%, with inpatient and outpatient surgical cases falling at similar rates.

The divergence between medical and surgical volumes became the central analytical thread of the call. Inpatient medical admissions significantly outpaced surgical admissions, skewing pricing metrics: same-facility revenue per adjusted admission fell 1.7% on a reported basis. Filton estimated the medical-surgical mix shift accounted for roughly 100 basis points of drag, and that adjusting for exchange impacts, out-of-period Medicaid supplemental benefits, and the mix effect would put revenue per admission up approximately 3%—within the company's sustainable pricing range.

What is causing the surgical exodus? Filton attributed it to an acceleration of procedures moving to ambulatory surgery centers and physician offices, particularly in gastroenterology and orthopedics—not, he emphasized, to inpatient-only regulations. "I don't know that I have a great explanation for exactly why we, and I think the industry in general, has seen this acceleration in certain procedures to outpatient," he conceded under questioning from BofA's Kevin Fischbeck.

He described a compounding effect in gastroenterology: as more GI procedures migrate to outpatient settings, UHS has found it difficult to secure GI coverage for its emergency rooms. "Even our emergency room visits that are GI-related are being diverted to someplace else because we just don't have the coverage," Filton said.

The two acute care de novos, combined with the decertified Laurel Ridge Treatment Center in Texas, are expected to lose $80 million-$100 million in 2026—a figure that makes them simultaneously the year's biggest drag and potentially 2027's biggest tailwind.

Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center in Washington, D.C. opened in April 2025 with a busy emergency department, but surgical and procedural schedules have lagged because of a lack of physician infrastructure in Wards 7 and 8. "For years... there was really a lack of quality healthcare, and patients were leaving Ward 7 and 8 to get their healthcare elsewhere in the city," Filton said. "As a consequence, doctors really were not locating in Ward 7 and 8." UHS is now working with physician groups to establish practices in the area, but those practices remain at varying stages of development. The company pushed Cedar Hill's expected operational break-even to the first half of 2027, from prior expectations of the fourth quarter of 2026. The facility is losing roughly $10 million a month.

Palm Beach Gardens in Florida opened at the start of summer—not the company's original plan—after construction delays pushed the opening past the busy Florida season. It lost about $15 million in the quarter, though startup losses improved each month. "Structurally, I think everything we believed about the potential success of that hospital is still consistent with our original views, just taking a little bit longer to ramp up than we originally anticipated," Filton said.

Behavioral Health MetricQ3 2026
Same-facility net revenue+4.0%
Same-facility adjusted patient days+2.1%
Same-facility revenue per adjusted patient day+2.1%
Same-facility SWB per adjusted patient day+3.6%
Headcount growth~1.5%

Same-facility behavioral EBITDA was roughly flat despite the 4% revenue growth, a disconnect that Guggenheim's Jason Cassorla pressed management on. Filton acknowledged Laurel Ridge was "probably the single biggest drag." The facility, which earned $20 million-$25 million in pre-tax income annually before losing certification, is now losing $5 million-$10 million per quarter and is not expected to be recertified until 2027.

Wage inflation has moderated to roughly 3%-3.5% across both segments. Behavioral headcount growth decelerated to about 1.5%, which Filton said should now align with volume growth. In acute care, temporary and traveling labor rose just 3% in the most recent quarter—well controlled.

The company completed its acquisition of Talkspace on August 17; the contribution to third-quarter earnings was immaterial. CEO Marc Miller outlined three integration workstreams: deploying technology to smooth care transitions, establishing referral pathways between UHS facilities and Talkspace, and developing virtual intensive outpatient programs. "Those opportunities did not exist on either end previously. They exist now," Miller said. "We're just starting to see some of that come to fruition."

Filton said revenue synergies would begin materializing in the back half of 2027 and build over 12 to 24 months, with more detail to come in February.

The forward-looking conversation dominated the Q&A, with UBS's AJ Rice opening the questioning on 2027 puts and takes. Filton quantified what investors had been bracing for:

2027 ItemEstimated Impact
Medicaid supplemental payment reduction$175M-$200M headwind
Exchange annualization (2H 2026 run rate)$15M headwind
OB3 provider tax (Q4 2027 portion)~$10M included above
Loss-making facilities recovery (Laurel Ridge + 2 de novos)$80M-$100M potential offset

The Medicaid supplemental headwind primarily reflects prior-year amounts recorded in 2026 for DPP programs in Florida, Nevada, Ohio, California, and Washington, D.C. — benefits that will not repeat. Medicaid work requirements add another layer of uncertainty; Filton noted implementation could lag up to six months in certain states and that medical frailty exceptions remain a key open item. Medicaid represents approximately 15% of acute care adjusted admissions and 30% of behavioral patient days in expansion states.

The exchange headwind is built on annualizing the $50 million second-half 2026 run rate from an $85 million full-year negative impact. Exchange volumes fell 17% year over year, with a roughly one-for-one shift to self-pay. "Further changes in exchange enrollment could increase that number, and we'll have greater insight into that following the open enrollment period," Filton said.

Beyond the de novo ramp, analysts focused on three themes:

The health plan. The Medicare Advantage-focused plan, roughly 90% MA and 10% commercial, saw revenue growth of about 25% and is tracking to a ~$25 million tailwind in 2026. Filton said margins have moved from low negative single digits to low positive single digits and expects no material earnings impact up or down in 2027.

Capital allocation. Cash flow from operations of $637 million dwarfed the $381 million generated a year earlier. UHS repurchased 1.35 million shares for $242 million in the quarter, bringing year-to-date buybacks to $690 million, with $735 million remaining under authorization. CapEx is expected slightly below $1 billion for 2026 and to moderate toward $800 million beyond 2026 as large de novo projects conclude. Filton pushed back on characterizing that as maintenance-level: "I think that's a bit of an exaggeration. We sort of consider maybe 2% of our revenues to be devoted to maintenance capital. So something in that $250 million-$300 million range. So there's another $400 million, $500 million, $550 million of expansionary capital."

Growth algorithm credibility. Filton reaffirmed the long-term algorithms—acute care adjusted admission growth of 1.5%-2.5% (running about 2.6% for the year) and pricing of 2%-3% (running around 3%); behavioral patient day growth of 1%-2% (running about 1.7%) and pricing of 2%-3%. On the behavioral side, he acknowledged pricing is "towards the lower end of our range" after several years of robust increases, partly because the company is anniversarying prior DPP benefits and contractual increases from Managed Medicaid payers. Comparisons should ease next year.

UHS enters 2027 with a familiar healthcare-sector story: strong demand and disciplined labor costs, offset by regulatory pressure and capital projects that are taking longer to pay off. The $80 million-$100 million of losses at three facilities represents the clearest swing factor in either direction—recovery would provide a meaningful earnings cushion against the Medicaid supplemental roll-off, but the timing depends on regulatory recertification in Texas and physician recruitment in two underserved markets. Management will issue full 2027 guidance in February, when the market will learn whether the de novo maturation story is a timing issue or something more structural.

Borrow from banks, lend interest-free to owners’ firm: Lorenzo-Cojuangco’s CAT profits crash 76%

Business Bilyonaryo Martin Lorenzo and Fernando Cojuangco's Central Azucarera de Tarlac (CAT) is borrowing more from banks while keeping hundreds of millions of pesos tied up in interest-free advances and land deposits involving its controlling shareholder.By Bilyonaryo staffBilyonaryo Martin Lorenzo and Fernando Cojuangco’s Central Azucarera de Tarlac (CAT) is borrowing more from banks while keeping hundreds of millions of pesos tied up in interest-free advances and land deposits involving its controlling shareh...

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Bilyonaryo Martin Lorenzo and Fernando Cojuangco's Central Azucarera de Tarlac (CAT) is borrowing more from banks while keeping hundreds of millions of pesos tied up in interest-free advances and land deposits involving its controlling shareholder.

By Bilyonaryo staff

Bilyonaryo Martin Lorenzo and Fernando Cojuangco’s Central Azucarera de Tarlac (CAT) is borrowing more from banks while keeping hundreds of millions of pesos tied up in interest-free advances and land deposits involving its controlling shareholder.

According to its latest annual financial statements, the sugar producer’s net profit plunged 76 percent to ?121.7 million in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2026, despite a 27 percent increase in revenue to ?1.81 billion.

Operating profit fell 63 percent to ?81.1 million, not enough to cover ?111.9 million in interest costs. CAT cited weaker sugar prices, inventory adjustments and smaller gains from property valuations for the earnings decline.

As profits plunged, CAT’s short-term bank borrowings jumped 63 percent to ?1.37 billion from ?838 million. The company also advanced a net ?506 million in cash to related companies during the year.

CAT said the additional borrowings were needed for working capital. Its financial statements do not establish that the bank loans were used to fund advances to affiliates.

The company generated ?404.5 million in operating cash flow, less than the amount it advanced to related parties.

Much of CAT’s outstanding exposure involves CAT Resource & Asset Holdings Inc. (CRAHI), its controlling shareholder, which owns 84.58 percent of the listed sugar producer. Lorenzo and Cojuangco are the beneficial owners of the controlling stake.

According to CAT, the advances to CRAHI were intended to meet its liquidity needs and settle a promissory note owed to previous shareholders.

As of June 30, CRAHI owed CAT ?553.4 million in unsecured, interest-free advances payable on demand.

Another ?493 million remained tied up in refundable deposits for proposed land acquisitions from CRAHI. The deposits were also unsecured and interest-free, and the amount remained unchanged from the previous year.

CAT also held ?213.2 million in interest-bearing notes receivable from CRAHI. After accounting adjustments, its total noncurrent receivables from related parties stood at ?1.16 billion.

CAT’s financial exposure extended to other affiliates, including First Lucky Holdings Corporation, the group’s ultimate parent, and Green Future Innovations Inc., contributing to a sharp increase in current receivables.

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Lorenzo-Cojuangco drove Central Azucarera de Tarlac to 900% profit spike but 2025 looks even sweeter: Rising demand, short supply

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