If your parents are anything like ours, they've poured their hearts into creating a better life for you and their community. Now that they're in their golden years, they deserve to relax and savor the fruits of their labor.
However, as our loved ones age, the need for extra support around the home becomes evident, whether it's preparing meals or managing medications. When they can no longer care for themselves as they once did, worries about their safety and well-being arise. It's natural to think about their quality of life and how you can give back to them while balancing your own responsibilities.
Most seniors -94%, according to Forbes- prefer to remain in their homes as they age. If the senior in your life wants to stay at home as they get older, what's the best way to make that happen? For many families, non-medical home care offers a compassionate and affordable solution. In-home care is quickly becoming the first choice for older seniors because it supports your family while allowing your loved one to age gracefully in the familiar, safe surroundings they're used to.
If you're committed to keeping your mom, dad, or senior relative safe and happy at home, working with a home care agency might be the best way to achieve that goal.
When it comes to maintaining good senior health, early intervention is often key. Unfortunately, many adults with senior parents are stretched too thin to notice signs that their mom or dad needs help around the house. Wondering whether you really need to consider home care for you, your parents, or your loved ones? Keep these warning signs in mind.
As men and women get older, it's perfectly natural for them to have some aspects of mental decline. Age-related memory loss doesn't affect everyone, but when it involves your loved one, it can be a lot to digest. When forgetfulness begins to impact your parents' quality of life, it's time to take action.
Commonly referred to as mild cognitive impairment (MCI), this forgetfulness often arises from reduced blood flow to the brain, a phenomenon frequently associated with aging. Other contributing factors can include typical neural lapses and a decline in hippocampal function, which is a crucial area of the brain responsible for memory. These changes can lead to frustrating side effects, such as
Seniors showing any of these signs can greatly benefit from non-medical home care providers who can help them with their daily tasks. This support can include reminding them of scheduled appointments, preparing meals, light housekeeping, and assisting with reading and other essential activities. Professional caregivers can also incorporate healthy memory practices into your loved one's daily routine. Strategies may include social interaction, engaging in simple strategy games, maintaining a nutritious diet, and participating in light exercises like slow walks around the block.
As your parents or senior loved ones get older, they often have trouble completing dayto-day tasks that are fundamental to living a normal life. There are several activities of daily living, or ADLs, that senior citizens struggle with and include
A reliable caregiver from a trusted senior care agency in Phoenix, AZ, can help make daily life much easier for your elder relative. If they have trouble putting on or tying their shoes, your caregiver is there to help them choose their shoes and put them on correctly.
If your senior citizen isn't eating healthy food, your caregiver can help create a nutritious meal plan and assist them in preparing the food they need for energy and daily activities. When searching for a home care agency, make sure they offer tailored care plans that address your loved one's needs, not someone who has similar issues.
If you notice that your loved one can't keep themselves clean and groomed, it could be a sign that their health is on the decline. It could also be a red flag that your senior may be experiencing the early stages of dementia. Other signs include:
The best non-medical caregivers are trained to attend to your loved one's needs and quality of life as they move through the Functional Assessment Staging test of Alzheimer's Disease, also known as the FAST Scale. If you believe your parent or relative might be in the early stages of dementia, it's absolutely critical to work with a home care business like ameriCARE that specializes in dementia care.
There's a reason why almost 12 million people in the United States rely on some type of non-medical home care. Working with the right home care agency and team caregivers can be life-changing for seniors who need help but don't want to live in a nursing home. Here are just a few of the most effective services that help older adults stay happy, healthy, and active as they age.
If you notice that the senior in your life can't or won't maintain their hygiene and health, hiring an experienced caregiver can help. They'll assist with daily tasks like:
Companion home care is a unique type of in-home support tailored for individuals who require help with daily living tasks while also benefiting from meaningful social interaction and emotional support. Unlike other care options that primarily focus on medical or personal needs, companion and lifestyle home care helps form strong personal bonds and improves the overall quality of life.
People who benefit the most from companionship and lifestyle home care include:
Veterans are a special breed. They're service members who have made sacrifices for our country and deserve dignified, respectful attention. In-home care gives Veterans customized, compassionate care when they need it most. Whether they have new health challenges after returning from combat or need an extra hand throughout the day, home care can make a meaningful difference for those who deserve the utmost respect and compassion.
In-home care can be very helpful for Veterans suffering from:
Taking care of someone with Alzheimer's can be quite challenging, as it involves managing a mix of complex and changing needs. Those living with the disease may face memory problems, mood swings, and difficulties in communicating. Alzheimer's care includes various services aimed at providing a supportive environment that helps maintain both physical and emotional well-being, even as the disease evolves.
Common Alzheimer's care services include:
Giving the older adult in your life the gift of in-home care can be a hugely positive decision on multiple levels. It not only gives them access to high-quality care in a place where they feel comfortable - it gives them the independence they crave and have earned over their lifetime.
Some of the most significant advantages of hiring a home care agency to help your senior loved one include:
Great in-home caregivers support your loved one's independence while providing the necessary assistance to ensure their safety and well-being. When you choose an agency that creates tailored care plans, your loved one can continue to live their lives on their terms, making choices about their daily activities and routines with the support of caregivers.
Receiving care at home offers a unique set of benefits that facility settings just can't match. Home care companies like ameriCARE offer personalized care services designed to cater to specific needs while allowing seniors to stay in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes.
Choosing non-medical home care in Phoenix, AZ, can be a cost-effective solution, especially when compared to long-term, residential options like nursing homes. Care provided in facilities typically incurs significant costs for lodging and extra services. On the other hand, home care enables clients to receive tailored support at a much lower price.
Having you and other members of your family involved in your loved one's care process is integral. If you're on the hunt for a home care agency to work with, make sure to choose one that encourages your involvement. This collaborative approach allows for care that aligns with your family values, expectations, and overall goals.
When you work with a senior care agency that carefully selects caregivers and provides ongoing training to provide a range of services, your parent or relative benefits greatly. ameriCARE caregivers are seasoned professionals, dedicated to serving others in ways that often go unnoticed.
We know that choosing the best senior care agency for your loved is a top priority. Some key factors to consider include:
The agency you choose should have a proven track record and should be transparent when talking about caregiver credentials, training, and programs.
Working with a home care company that pushes open communication, transparency, and responsiveness keeps everyone in your circle informed about care plan updates and adjustments.
Look for a company that offers a robust range of senior care services and provides custom care plans that meet your senior's unique needs.
Inquire about the agency's caregiver recruitment process, including background checks, screening procedures, and ongoing training.
By taking these factors into account, you can make a well-informed choice when selecting a home care agency that provides the quality, compassion, and support necessary to improve the well-being and comfort of yourself or your loved one.
At ameriCARE, we understand that in-home care should reflect the individuality of those we assist. Our guiding principle focuses on creating a caregiving experience that is tailored, uplifting, and impactful. We aim to broaden and strengthen your care circle.
Our dedication to conscientious in-home care has helped establish our reputation for outstanding service. We believe that non-medical in-home care holds the potential to sustain and enrich one's quality of life, regardless of the challenges a person faces. By adopting a holistic perspective on care, we ensure our services are thorough, nurturing, and beneficial to our clients' overall wellness.
At ameriCARE, our goal is to deliver caregiving that is reliable, compassionate, and respectful. We are committed to positively influencing the lives of those we assist by making certain that our care is more than just a service - it's a source of comfort and empowerment. We aim to foster an atmosphere where each person feels appreciated, supported, and honored, thereby enhancing their capacity to live while improving their quality of life.
Our agencies are at the forefront of a new kind of in-home care that extends beyond traditional services. Unlike some home care companies, we believe in addressing the needs of the whole person.
To that end, we see care as a collaborative effort. Our caregivers are dedicated professionals who serve others in often unrecognized ways. We honor their commitment by providing top-notch training and career opportunities, ensuring they have the skills and support necessary to deliver exceptional care.
By going above and beyond to provide care that exceeds your expectations, we help ensure the best possible outcomes for you and your family. Seniors, their adult children, and other relatives choose ameriCARE because we're committed to:
Our care plans are customized to address the specific requirements of every individual and their family. We consider personal preferences, health issues, and family relationships to deliver care that is both personal and impactful.
We utilize cutting-edge technology to enhance your home care experience. With straightforward booking and payment methods, along with real-time updates and feedback, our technological solutions simplify and optimize care management.
If you're looking for help after surgery, a break from caregiving, or just someone to keep you company, our trustworthy caregivers are here for you. We provide a free care assessment with no strings attached to help you develop a home care plan that's just right for you.
The first step to seeing your loved one happy at home is to call ameriCARE for a free, no-obligation care assessment. Let us help you create a home care plan that brings your family peace of mind, comfort, and support. Request More Info today, and by tomorrow, you'll be closer to keeping your loved one safe and comfortable, no matter how many miles you may be apart.
Ready to learn more or need personalized support? Contact ameriCARE today! Our dedicated team is here to answer your questions, provide expert advice, and guide you through every step of the homecare journey.
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Get ready for a hot week ahead with temperatures ranging 20-30 degrees above average statewide.Our First Alert Weather Days are Tuesday to Sunday to give you a heads up on this heat.Tuesday is Saint Patrick’s Day, and with temperatures in the upper 90s, if you do have any outdoor plans, you’ll want to make sure you’re staying hydrated and taking breaks from the sun.By Wednesday, we will likely see our first triple-digit day of the year in Phoenix, with a high of 102 deg...
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Get ready for a hot week ahead with temperatures ranging 20-30 degrees above average statewide.
Our First Alert Weather Days are Tuesday to Sunday to give you a heads up on this heat.
Tuesday is Saint Patrick’s Day, and with temperatures in the upper 90s, if you do have any outdoor plans, you’ll want to make sure you’re staying hydrated and taking breaks from the sun.
By Wednesday, we will likely see our first triple-digit day of the year in Phoenix, with a high of 102 degrees.
The National Weather Service has bumped the extreme heat watch to an extreme heat warning for the Valley, and southern and western Arizona, from Thursday to Sunday.
This is the earliest heat warning to go into effect, with the current earliest instance occurring between April 26 and April 30 of 2020.
This means popular hiking trails across Phoenix, like Piestewa, Camelback and parts of South Mountain, will close from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Temperatures will be around 102-106 Wednesday through the weekend. This means right now we are looking at a stretch of at least six days in a row where we will beat a high temperature record:
Keep in mind, we should be in the upper 70s this time of the year in Phoenix.
But even spots like Flagstaff will see temperatures close to 30 degrees above average this week, with highs there in the 80s, when they should be in the 50s.
This heat is coming from a ridge of high-pressure parking itself over the region, creating this abnormal heat wave in the month of March.
We’ve only hit 100 degrees once in the month of March, and that was on March 26, 1988, so we will achieve the title this week of having the earliest triple-digit day in Phoenix, and we will likely also see the earliest 105-degree day for Phoenix this week, too.
On average, we don’t get to 100 degrees until May 2, and not until May 22 for 105 degrees.
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SpaceX is planning a rocket launch today, but will you be able to see it from Arizona?SpaceX, the commercial spaceflight company founded by billionaire Elon Musk, is potentially hours away from launching its Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in Southern California. Ahead of the two-stage, 230-foot rocket would then be a short mission to deploy SpaceX's Starlink broadband internet satellites in orbit.Arizona may be California's neighbor, but a southern trajectory planned for the rocket may limit visibility fur...
SpaceX is planning a rocket launch today, but will you be able to see it from Arizona?
SpaceX, the commercial spaceflight company founded by billionaire Elon Musk, is potentially hours away from launching its Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in Southern California. Ahead of the two-stage, 230-foot rocket would then be a short mission to deploy SpaceX's Starlink broadband internet satellites in orbit.
Arizona may be California's neighbor, but a southern trajectory planned for the rocket may limit visibility further east from the launch site. Still, if you're really interested in watching the Falcon 9 get off the ground, you always can tune into a SpaceX livestream.
Keep in mind that postponements due to weather or issues with rockets are common with spaceflight. If you're going to try to spot the rocket launch, check back with azcentral.com for any updates on the mission.
In the meantime, here's what to know about the launch from neighboring California, as well as when and where to potentially see the rocket in Arizona.
SpaceX is working toward a Monday, March 16, launch from Southern California, with a four-hour launch window opening at 7:37 p.m. PT, according to a launch alert.
A Federal Aviation Administration operations plan advisory suggests a backup opportunity is available the next day if the launch were to be postponed.
The launch will take place from Space Launch Complex 4-East (SLC-4E) at the Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County.
Because the rocket is due to fly at a southern trajectory, it may not be visible from Arizona.
Fortunately for those in Arizona interested in watching the launch, SpaceX also provides a live webcast of its missions.
The launch will be available to stream on the company's website and its new X TV mobile app, beginning about five minutes before liftoff. SpaceX may also provide updates on social media site X.
SpaceX will launch its famous two-stage 230-foot Falcon 9 rocket, one of the world's most active, to deliver 25 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit, an altitude nearer Earth's atmosphere where they're able to circle the planet quickly.
Because of Arizona's proximity to the launch site, there's a good chance people there can see the spacecraft streak across the sky, especially at night or very early morning.
Here's a list of some possible viewing locations compiled by The Arizona Republic, a USA TODAY Network publication.
SpaceX is the commercial spaceflight company that billionaire Elon Musk, the world's richest man, founded in 2002 and leads as the CEO.
SpaceX is headquartered at Starbase in South Texas near the U.S.-Mexico border. The site, which is where SpaceX has been conducting routine flight tests of its 400-foot megarocket known as Starship, was recently voted by residents to become its own city.
As a major government contractor, SpaceX serves as the launch service provider for a variety of government missions both civil and military.
For the Department of Defense, SpaceX's Falcon 9 helps launch classified satellites and other payloads into space. And for NASA, Falcon 9 most often helps propel astronauts to the International Space Station on SpaceX's Dragon crew capsule – the only U.S vehicle capable of carrying NASA astronauts to orbit.
Starlink is SpaceX's internet satellite business.
With nearly 10,000 satellites in its growing orbital constellation, Starlink has become a lucrative part of Musk's business empire, serving millions of customers around the world.
SpaceX, which bills itself as the only satellite internet provider with its own reusable rocket capable of deploying the technology, has spent years delivering the satellites to orbit with a regular cadence of rocket launches from Florida and California.
Starlink satellites operate from low-Earth orbit, about 341 miles up, which is much closer to Earth's atmosphere than other satellites. That not only allows Starlink satellites to offer high connection speeds than satellites further out in space, but to reach rural areas and regions where internet service is not readily accessible.
Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at [email protected]
Monday was a sunny and warm day for much of Arizona.The Phoenix area saw a high temperature of 93 degrees. There were some breezy winds in northern and western Arizona, especially along the Colorado River near Bullhead City. A Lake Wind Advisory will remain in effect for the Colorado River Valley from Lake Mead to Lake Havasu until 8 PM tonight for wind gusts over 45 mph, and the winds will lighten afterward.Tonight:Tonight will be a clear night, with a low around 65 degrees in the Valley.Tomorrow:Tuesday w...
Monday was a sunny and warm day for much of Arizona.
The Phoenix area saw a high temperature of 93 degrees. There were some breezy winds in northern and western Arizona, especially along the Colorado River near Bullhead City. A Lake Wind Advisory will remain in effect for the Colorado River Valley from Lake Mead to Lake Havasu until 8 PM tonight for wind gusts over 45 mph, and the winds will lighten afterward.
Tonight:
Tonight will be a clear night, with a low around 65 degrees in the Valley.
Tomorrow:
Tuesday will be sunny with a high around 97 degrees in Phoenix. The high country will start to warm up as well, with 70s and 80s along the Mogollon Rim and Colorado Plateau. Flagstaff and Prescott will reach record-tying warm temperatures.
Looking Ahead:
The rest of the state will start breaking record warm highs and lows from Wednesday through Sunday. The peak of the heat wave will be Thursday through Saturday. The Valley will hit high temperatures around 104 to 106 during that time.
This week, the Valley could see its earliest 100-degree day on record, and with a lot of people in town for spring break, now is an important time to remind everyone to take precautions when out on hiking trails. FOX 10's Irene Snyder reports.
The following heat safety information was provided by the Scottsdale Fire Department.
Heat Cramps: Profuse sweating, fatigue, extreme thirst, muscle cramps
Heat Exhaustion: Headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea/vomit, Cool/moist skin
Heat Stroke: Elevated temp. +103degrees, confusion/irrational behavior, dry/hot skin, rapid shallow breathing, rapid weak pulse (shock), seizures, unconscious
The Arizona Department of Health Services stated the following precautions can be taken to prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke:
The Source: Information for this story was gathered from the FOX 10 Weather Experts.
Phoenix remains Arizona’s leading economic engine, according to current Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler MSA (metropolitan statistical area) economic indicators.FOOD NEWS: 25 places for great patio dining in ArizonaTHINGS TO DO: Want more news like this? Get our free newsletter hereIn December, the non-seasonally adjusted civilian labor force in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler MSA (Phoenix MSA) grew 2.6% over the year to 2.8 million, continuing an upward trend. September and November recorded simil...
Phoenix remains Arizona’s leading economic engine, according to current Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler MSA (metropolitan statistical area) economic indicators.
FOOD NEWS: 25 places for great patio dining in Arizona
THINGS TO DO: Want more news like this? Get our free newsletter here
In December, the non-seasonally adjusted civilian labor force in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler MSA (Phoenix MSA) grew 2.6% over the year to 2.8 million, continuing an upward trend. September and November recorded similar year-over-year gains of 2.7% and 2.9%, respectively.
The Phoenix MSA’s labor market showed solid strength in December, as non-seasonally adjusted resident employment climbed 2.1% year-over-year to 2.7 million. September and November both posted similar gains of 1.9% and 2.4%, respectively. Statewide, Arizona employment grew 1.9% over the year to 3.7 million, with the Phoenix MSA accounting for approximately 73.0% of the state’s total employment.
The non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in the Phoenix MSA has fallen in recent months but remains above the low rates of 2024. In November and December, unemployment rates increased year over year by 0.5 and 0.4 percentage points to 3.8% and 3.5% respectively. However, these unemployment rates are significantly below the highs of 4.1% in July and September and 4.2% in August. At the state level, the non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased by 0.4 percentage points over the year to 4.0% in December.
Seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs in the Phoenix MSA rose 0.1% in December, adding approximately 6,400 jobs to reach 2.7 million. Recent months have shown straight gains, with employment rising by 3,000 in September, 7,300 in October, and 800 in November. Statewide, Arizona added 6,400 jobs to reach 3.3 million, with the Phoenix MSA accounting for 75.7% of the state’s total seasonally-adjusted jobs.
Non-seasonally adjusted nonfarm employment in the Phoenix MSA rose by 0.9% year-over-year in December, reaching 2.5 million jobs. This rise follows year-over-year gains of 1.3% in October and 0.8% in November. Among major industries, Mining and Logging posted the largest year-over-year percentage increase, rising 8.1% to 4,000. Other notable growth also occurred in Professional and Business Services (2.9%), Other Services (2.3%), Construction (2.0%), and Financial Activities (1.0%), On the other hand, the Government sector experienced the steepest decline, falling 3.0% to 253,200. Losses were also noted in Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (-1.0%), Manufacturing (-0.9%), and Information (-0.5%).
Non-seasonally adjusted average hourly earnings in the Phoenix MSA continued to rise through 2025, increasing by 4.5% over the year in December to $36.99. Growth remained consistent with prior months, as wages were up 6.1% in October and 6.8% in November. At December’s rate, average full-time annual earnings equate to roughly $76,939.
Retail sales excluding food and gasoline rose 4.3% over the year in December, reaching $8.4 million. All taxable sales saw increases over the year in December, with Restaurant and Bars sales rising 5.2% to $1.5 million, Gasoline increasing 5.9% to $534,400, Hotel/ Motel growing 5.7% to 280,500, and Amusements jumping 5.8% to 163,700.
In October 2025, Phoenix MSA housing permits declined 12.3% over the year, posting their third consecutive significant decline. Single-family permits drove the over-the-year decrease in October. Overall, Phoenix housing permits are on track to post a significant decline in 2025.
Phoenix MSA house sales and house prices are temporarily unavailable.
Author: Delaney O’Kray-Murphy is a research economist with the Economic and Business Research Center.
Phoenix, Arizona — A surge of unusually strong high pressure is expected to bring historic early-season heat to parts of the Desert Southwest beginning late this week and intensifying into next week.Meteorologists say temperatures across southern Arizona and southeast California could climb 15 to 25 degrees above normal, pushing many desert communities into the 90s by the end of the week.By early to mid-next week, the region could see its first tr...
Phoenix, Arizona — A surge of unusually strong high pressure is expected to bring historic early-season heat to parts of the Desert Southwest beginning late this week and intensifying into next week.
Meteorologists say temperatures across southern Arizona and southeast California could climb 15 to 25 degrees above normal, pushing many desert communities into the 90s by the end of the week.
By early to mid-next week, the region could see its first triple-digit temperatures of the year, an event that would arrive much earlier than typical.
In Phoenix, forecasters say temperatures may approach or exceed 100 degrees, potentially breaking records for the earliest occurrence of triple-digit heat in the city. Normally, the first 100-degree day occurs later in spring.
Other desert communities including Yuma, Casa Grande, and parts of the lower Colorado River Valley could also experience extreme heat during this stretch.
The early arrival of such intense heat could have greater impacts than usual, since residents and visitors may not yet be acclimated to summer-like temperatures.
Travelers along major corridors including Interstate 10, Interstate 8, and Loop 101 should prepare for hot conditions, especially during the afternoon hours when pavement and vehicle interiors can heat rapidly.
Health officials recommend taking precautions as temperatures climb. Residents should drink plenty of water, limit outdoor activity during peak heat, and check on vulnerable neighbors, including the elderly and pets.
Even short periods outdoors can become dangerous when temperatures climb rapidly early in the season.
While the heat is expected to build late this week, the most extreme temperatures are likely during the middle of next week, when record-breaking conditions become possible across the lower deserts.
Forecasters say the stretch of heat could last several days, making it one of the earliest significant heat events of the year in the Southwest.
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Each ameriCARE location is an independently owned and operated franchise.
The franchisor, ameriCARE, does not control or manage the day-to-day business operations of any ameriCARE franchised agency.
