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 Bentonville, AR, 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 Bentonville, AR, 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.
2026 Arkansas Activities Association 6A State Swimming and Diving ChampionshipsIt was a great eight for the girls and a fantastic four for the boys of Bentonville at the Arkansas Activities Association 6A State Swimming and Diving Championships.The girls’ team won its eighth straight state title, while the boys won their fourth straight crown, both in dominating fashion.Girls’ RecapWhile Bentonville dominated the team standings, the individual standouts were Little Rock Central senio...
It was a great eight for the girls and a fantastic four for the boys of Bentonville at the Arkansas Activities Association 6A State Swimming and Diving Championships.
The girls’ team won its eighth straight state title, while the boys won their fourth straight crown, both in dominating fashion.
Girls’ Recap
While Bentonville dominated the team standings, the individual standouts were Little Rock Central senior Zoe Smith, Har-Ber senior Hayden Gibson and Springdale junior Sofia McAfee.
An NC State commit, Smith made it seven individual titles for her high school career, winning her fourth straight title in the 100 free with a personal best time of 48.82. Smith also won the 50 free in a personal best time of 22.64. The lone individual event Smith hasn’t won in her state championship career came in the 100 back in 2024, when she was the runner-up.
Gibson, an Arkansas commit, repeated as champion in both the 200 IM (2:01.75) and the 100 back (54.57).
McAfee won the 100 fly in a personal best time of 56.03 after taking 2nd last year, and then repeated as champion in the 100 breast with a time of 1:07.31.
Gibson was also a part of two winning relay teams, first swimming the back (no final split times were recorded) leg for Har-Ber’s team that won the 200 medley relay in 1:50.08. Other team members were Aubrey Herden, Riley Gibson and Reese Waller.
Gibson later split 24.49 on the anchor leg for Har-Ber’s team in the 200 free relay that won with a time of 1:42.61. Other team members were Herden (26.01), Gibson (25.97) and Waller (26.14).
Other event winners were:
Girls’ Team Standings — Top 5
Boys’ Recap
Bentonville was led by senior Yofang Yu, a North Carolina commit. HeYu swept the sprint freestyle events, claiming the 50 free in 21.17 and the 100 free in 46.89. It was his third straight title in the 100 free.
Yu also split 46.40 on the anchor leg for Bentonville’s 400 free relay team that won with a time of 3:11.43. Other team members were Jackson Kees (46.77), Zach Lehmann (48.97) and Jack Wenglarski (49.29).
The other multi-event winner was Little Rock Central senior Joshua Smith, a Wisconsin commit.
Smith, who won the 100 back and 200 IM last year, captured the 200 free in a personal best 1:38.72 and the 100 breast in 55.45.
Smith also split 24.78 in the breast leg of Little Rock Central’s 200 medley relay team that won with a time of 1:35.23. The rest of the team was comprised of Brook Flagg (23.21), Win Milholland (24.76) and Akshay Shoban (22.48).
Other event winners were:
Boys’ Team Standings — Top 5
Arkansas has more than its fair share of old-timey general stores scattered across the Ozarks and beyond. Before paved roads and long before a Walmart appeared in every megamall, Walton's Five and Dime was the go-to spot in Bentonville for a pound of coffee and a bag of nails. Hollis Country Store still supplies rural communities in the Ouachita Mountains with everything from gas to fishing tackle, and Mellon's in Mountain View sells vintage goods and souvenirs and hosts live music on weekends. These seven stores and landmarks are as unique ...
Arkansas has more than its fair share of old-timey general stores scattered across the Ozarks and beyond. Before paved roads and long before a Walmart appeared in every megamall, Walton's Five and Dime was the go-to spot in Bentonville for a pound of coffee and a bag of nails. Hollis Country Store still supplies rural communities in the Ouachita Mountains with everything from gas to fishing tackle, and Mellon's in Mountain View sells vintage goods and souvenirs and hosts live music on weekends. These seven stores and landmarks are as unique as the communities they serve, but they all share a sense of place and community that no big box store will ever replicate or manufacture.
Before Sam Walton became the most famous retailer on the planet, he ran a modest little five-and-dime store on the town square in Bentonville. Walton's Five and Dime opened in 1950 and is where Walton first refined the philosophy that would eventually give birth to Walmart and transform global retail forever. The original storefront still stands on the Bentonville square and has been preserved as the Walmart Museum, a must-see tourist destination where you can learn about how the Waltons were able to create one of the world's biggest retail chains from humble beginnings. The store has been restored to its 1950s appearance, complete with original fixtures, merchandise, and plenty of artifacts from the early Walmart years. The museum is free and open to the public and is a must-see attraction if you're in the area.
Deep in the Ouachita Mountains sits the Hollis Country Store in Scott County. Hollis is very remote, so the store has always been a lifeline for residents who can't travel an hour each way just for supplies. With roots going back well over a century, it has served as a community cornerstore through good times and bad. The building retains much of its original character with creaky wood, modest shelving, and a layout that prioritizes practicality over aesthetics. It continues to operate as a country store to this day, carrying a mix of groceries, snacks, and basic goods that keep the community fed and functioning. Visiting the store feels less like a tourist activity and more like getting a true glimpse into life in rural Arkansas.
Tucked away in the hills by the Arkansas River Valley, the Oark General Store sits in the tiny community of Oark. The store has been serving the community since 1890, making it one of the oldest operating general stores in the entire state. Oark General Store is perched along the Mulberry River, and the scenery alone is worth the winding drive through Ozark National Forest. The store has seen generations of families pass through its doors and was originally built to serve the area's farming community. Today, it still operates as a working general store and deli, serving up delicious home-cooked burgers and sandwiches that are famous with the many hikers and road-trippers visiting the Ozarks.
The C.E. Thompson General Store and House in Arkadelphia is a well-preserved reminder of what small-town commerce looked like in the late 19th century. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the store was built in 1936 and operated as a combined family residence and retail store. The building served as a community focal point for decades until the business closed in the 1980s. Rather than letting it disappear, the Thompson family chose to restore it. They converted the space into a restaurant, now called Allen's Barbeque, preserving its original character and its significance as a historical and community hub. It was formally recognized on the National Register in 2001 and has since become a must-visit landmark in the region.
Located in the small community of Osage, Arkansas, this historic building was completed in 1901 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For 78 years, the Stamps family operated a general store in the building, serving generations of local residents. In 1990, the building was purchased and carefully preserved, maintaining its original form along with many of the original fixtures and display cases, which are now filled with artifacts from the store’s early days. Today, the building is home to Osage Clayworks, a family-run pottery studio that creates handmade functional and decorative stoneware. Visitors can watch the pottery-making process, explore the historic store, and experience a piece of Ozark heritage inside the 118-year-old building.
In the tiny Ozark community of Mountain View, Mellon's Country Store has quietly been a community institution for decades. Mellon's carries the hallmarks of a genuine country store. It has a little bit of everything, including Arkansas-made crafts, furniture, and art, handmade soaps, old-fashioned candy, and classic sodas. It's been a stop for locals and for visitors exploring the Buffalo National River area and the broader Ozark highlands. Visitors are invited to bring instruments and play on the porch any day of the week, and on Friday and Saturday evenings, the Hole in the Wall Theater in the back of the store comes alive with folk, bluegrass, country, and gospel performances.
Hankins Country Store sits at the intersection of Arkansas Highways 7, 123, and 16, making it an important stop for both locals and travellers driving through the Ozark National Forest. The store is listed on the Arkansas Register of Historic Places as the only surviving historic commercial building in the Pelsor community. Tom Hankins purchased the original store from his brother Rubin in 1922, and the current building went up around 1930. For years, it functioned as a Forest Service Information Center, with the owner volunteering to help hikers, hunters, and fishermen navigate the surrounding Ozark National Forest. Today, the store still offers goods and services to anyone passing through on Highway 7.
These stores aren't just nostalgic tourist locations. They're living museums connecting Arkansas communities to their past. Whether you're a history lover, a road-tripper with a soft spot for the backroads, or just someone who appreciates a good home-cooked meal in the middle of nowhere, these old-timey general stores are worth seeking out. So the next time you're planning a route through the Natural State, let one of these stores be your destination or, at the very least, a location that's worth the detour.
Live Nation announced today that it is exploring plans for a new music venue in the heart of downtown Bentonville. In collaboration with the Momentary, the Bentonville Ballroom would be located adjacent to the beloved arts institution and would attract national touring acts, community events, and local performances. With a capacity of 2,500, it would add a much-needed midsize performance space to the city and complement the venue landscape in Northwest Arkansas. It would open in 2028.Bentonville Ballroom would represent a meaningful i...
Live Nation announced today that it is exploring plans for a new music venue in the heart of downtown Bentonville. In collaboration with the Momentary, the Bentonville Ballroom would be located adjacent to the beloved arts institution and would attract national touring acts, community events, and local performances. With a capacity of 2,500, it would add a much-needed midsize performance space to the city and complement the venue landscape in Northwest Arkansas. It would open in 2028.
Bentonville Ballroom would represent a meaningful investment in the local community and the city’s long-term future. It would provide a significant boost to nearby small and local businesses, particularly restaurants and hotels, by driving increased tourist and economic activity. It is estimated to generate $46.3 million in economic impact every year. The venue would support approximately 280 jobs, including venue employees earning starting wages of $20 per hour. In addition, the project is expected to generate approximately $4.9 million annually in state and local tax revenue.
The proposed concept by Blueprint Studio, Live Nation’s in-house design and development group, and BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group and Polk Stanley Wilcox, reflects Bentonville’s deep connection to nature. Early concepts feature natural materials, warm wood tones, and a layout that brings the Ozarks’ textures and light into the performance space. The vision is a venue that feels both modern and rooted, where art, architecture, and landscape work together to create an unforgettable setting for live music.
“Bentonville is a destination for arts and culture, and food, and the Momentary ignited the city’s music scene,” said Tom Walton, chair of the Momentary Council. “The Bentonville Ballroom will be a beautiful new cultural landmark. We’re happy to invite Live Nation to our campus. Their experience connecting artists and fans will accelerate our city’s momentum with year-round, quality music experiences for residents and visitors.”
“We’re honored to work with the Momentary to bring more music to Northwest Arkansas,” said Anthony Nicolaidis, Live Nation’s Arkansas Market President. “This is going to be a special room that brings major artists to Bentonville, and creates a permanent cultural asset for the city – a place where local fans can see their favorite acts without having to travel.”
Every detail will be crafted with both artists and fans in mind, from state-of-the-art acoustics and clear sightlines to comfortable gathering spaces and thoughtful amenities and premium hospitality. Premium options will be available for those seeking an elevated experience. The space will also be available for private and corporate events. The venue, including ticketing and programming, will be operated by Live Nation.
Live Nation will work with neighbors and city officials to review the proposal and share input. Priorities include a parking plan that utilizes the Momentary’s garage spaces and connects the venue to Bentonville’s strong cycling infrastructure.
“We’re excited to see this investment in Bentonville’s live music infrastructure and enthusiastically support the Bentonville Ballroom project,” said Kalene Griffith, president and CEO of Visit Bentonville. “Live music delivers real economic value for Bentonville and attracts audiences from our community, the region, and beyond. In addition to music, the Bentonville Ballroom will also strengthen our unconventional convention offerings and expand our capacity to host high-impact cultural and business events.”
ABOUT LIVE NATION ENTERTAINMENT
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit livenationentertainment.com.
A multistory, mixed-use development planned to encompass two blocks on the north side of the Bentonville Square will be called . The name was inspired by a painter and a U.S. senator for whom Bentonville and Benton County were named.The project, located on Northwest Second Street between North Main and Northeast A streets, was in April 2025. An investment amount for the project was not disclosed., and Austin, Texas-based real estate firm announced the project name Thursday (Feb. 12). Blue Crane is Runway Group’s real e...
A multistory, mixed-use development planned to encompass two blocks on the north side of the Bentonville Square will be called . The name was inspired by a painter and a U.S. senator for whom Bentonville and Benton County were named.
The project, located on Northwest Second Street between North Main and Northeast A streets, was in April 2025. An investment amount for the project was not disclosed.
, and Austin, Texas-based real estate firm announced the project name Thursday (Feb. 12). Blue Crane is Runway Group’s real estate acquisition and development arm. Runway Group is a diversified holding company based in Bentonville and led by Tom Walton and Steuart Walton, who are grandsons of Walmart founders Helen and Sam Walton.
New project renderings show a six-story building on the north side of the square and a seven-story building to its north. Preliminary plans for the development include 184 apartments, 17 condos, about 50,000 square feet of retail and food and beverage space, and about 45,000 square feet of office space. It will also have underground parking.
The project is in the design and planning phase. Groundbreaking is slated for this summer. The project will be completed over multiple years. Over the next several months, the project team will share updates and seek resident feedback to help shape the project’s experiences and uses.
According to a news release, the project design is expected to bring together old and new. The project’s aim is “to enhance walkable downtown living while contributing to vibrant experiences, welcoming public spaces and stronger connections across the city’s historic core.”
The historic Benton County Jail will be restored as part of the project, the release shows. The jail is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and “its history will remain visible and connected to everyday downtown life.”
The project’s name was inspired by acclaimed painter Thomas Hart Benton and his great-granduncle, Thomas Benton, a U.S. senator from Missouri who was influential in Arkansas’ statehood and for whom Bentonville and Benton County were named. The project team has worked with area historians to ensure that the development’s identity reflects and respects these legacies, according to the release.
“The Hart reflects the spirit and history of Bentonville,” said Brian Shaw, development partner for Blue Crane. “In addition to its location on the town square, it acknowledges where this community began and honors the people and stories that continue to shape it. We imagined an identity that feels timeless and grounded, a reflection of both our community’s heritage and what’s next.”
The north side of the Bentonville Square was previously renovated in the 1980s, when most of the original buildings were torn down and rebuilt. The Hart is expected to meet the needs of a growing downtown and honor its historic foundations by returning to the inspiration of the building’s original 1880s facade design and the brick commercial architecture that was once prominent in the square.
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