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 Farmington, 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 Farmington, 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.
The Greenland School District and Farmington Public Schools are each requesting a 2.0 millage increase to fund facility improvements and construct new buildings.ARKANSAS, USA — Voters in Greenland and Farmington will decide in the March 3 election whether to approve proposed millage increases aimed at improving school facilities and supporting growing enrollment.Both the Greenland School District and Farmington Public Schools are asking voters to approve a 2-mill increase. State law requires districts to levy at least 25 ...
The Greenland School District and Farmington Public Schools are each requesting a 2.0 millage increase to fund facility improvements and construct new buildings.
ARKANSAS, USA — Voters in Greenland and Farmington will decide in the March 3 election whether to approve proposed millage increases aimed at improving school facilities and supporting growing enrollment.
Both the Greenland School District and Farmington Public Schools are asking voters to approve a 2-mill increase. State law requires districts to levy at least 25 mills in property taxes, but districts can request additional mills with voter approval to fund operations and improvements.
Greenland Superintendent Dr. Andrea Martin and Farmington Superintendent Jon Laffoon said if approved, the impact on taxpayers would be minimal.
"If you have $500,000 worth of property, it's $8 a month. That's a burger and a coke a month," Martin said. "If you had a property valued at $200,000 it's assessed about 20% of that in Arkansas, and so a 2-mill increase would cost about $80 a year," Laffoon explained.
Martin said the funding would go toward facility maintenance and upgrades, including plumbing and electrical improvements, roof repairs, and construction of a new academic center.
"One of our high school wings was built in 1925, our elementary was built in 1963. We have a lot of growing need as far as infrastructure," Martin said. "Also, we're going to be building a new [agriculture] science facility that's going to have open, flexible space for learning."
Farmington plans to use the funding to build a new junior high school to meet growing demand.
"We are one of the fastest growing districts in Arkansas over the last five or six years," Laffoon said. "It'd be an eighth-and ninth-grade [campus] with modern classrooms, science and STEM labs, fine arts spaces, a storm shelter, and it would be adjacent to our high school."
Both superintendents said the goal of the proposed increase is to ensure students have modern spaces that support learning.
“We're using our old gym right now all day long for classes, and those spaces aren't conditioned, and so just providing these updates will help kids have a better focus, love where they're at, and enjoy their spaces that they're learning in," Martin said.
"We've worked hard to keep our district in great condition ... We just want to continue to provide that for our students, provide them the best academic facilities in the region," Laffoon said.
Both districts proposed a millage rate increase to voters in 2025, but they failed to pass. Since then, both superintendents said they have made adjustments based on community feedback.
"Last time we were proposing a larger facility. This time, we've gone back to the drawing board, looking at really utilizing and being a good steward of those funds, to really focus on what's most needed and trying to maintain and improve our current facilities," Martin said.
"We got some feedback from our community after the millage election last year did not pass, that they wanted us to build it a little bigger, build for long-term growth, and then vet our construction companies and architects and get the cost down a little bit on what we were planning to build. We've done all those things, per our community feedback," Laffoon said.
Greenland will hold a public meeting on Feb. 23 for community members to ask questions or raise any concerns they may have.
FARMINGTON — While the Razorbacks continue their push toward March Madness, the best high schools around the state of Arkansas are looking for silverware this weekend.Farmington High, led by mercurial point guard Easton McCollough, defended home court and steamrolled its way through the 5A girls bracket, punching a ticket to Hot Springs for Saturday’s championship game against Mountain Home.There, the Cardinals will look to punctuate their fourth consecutive state title. After helping FHS win the cr...
FARMINGTON — While the Razorbacks continue their push toward March Madness, the best high schools around the state of Arkansas are looking for silverware this weekend.
Farmington High, led by mercurial point guard Easton McCollough, defended home court and steamrolled its way through the 5A girls bracket, punching a ticket to Hot Springs for Saturday’s championship game against Mountain Home.
There, the Cardinals will look to punctuate their fourth consecutive state title. After helping FHS win the crown as a freshman on last year’s varsity squad, McCollough is averaging 31.5 points, 6.7 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 3.0 steals this season. Alongside junior forward Sadie Morrison and senior Reese Thornton, Farmington has a formidable core.
The last three games are just the latest evidence that something very, very special is happening in the town of around 10,000 people just west of Fayetteville
In a 90-39 first-round win over Batesville last Tuesday, McCollough scored 54 points with a tournament-record 12 three-pointers. In the quarterfinals, the Cardinals eliminated four-star Arkansas signee Whitley Rogers and Little Rock Christian Academy.
The sophomore sensation’s shooting splits came back down to Earth, but she still grinded out 29 points, 11 assists and 6 rebounds thanks to a perfect 15 of 15 mark from the charity stripe. The Warriors face-guarded McCollough at all times, often sending double- and triple-teams to make her uncomfortable.
“She’s been getting defended like that since she was in seventh grade, so it’s just become part of how we play now,” Farmington head coach Jessica McCollough, Easton’s mother, told Best of Arkansas Sports. “We put her in those moments every day in practice, so not only does she know how to respond, but her teammates do, as well.”
“Her shots weren’t falling like they typically do, but she knows she has to find other ways to score when that happens or other ways to create for teammates,” she added.
The 5-foot-10 sharpshooter was back at it again against Greene County Tech on Saturday, putting up 36 points, 7 assists and 4 steals in a 64-56 win that clinched a spot in the finals. Forward Reese Thornton added 10 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks.
“I think [Easton’s] really proven her all-around game this year,” Coach McCollough said. “She’s always making the right decision and that’s really what separates her from a lot of players. … She put on about 10-15 pounds since last year, so her ability to take contact and get to the rim has really elevated this year.”
This success is nothing new for Farmington — or the McCollough family.
Usually, the story of a 10th-grade superstar is one of how the good times may only be starting — not so in this case.
Easton has taken the wheel of a well-oiled machine, considering the Cardinals (29-2, 14-0 in 5A West) are on the verge of a remarkable fourth consecutive state title. The previous three crowns were won by head coach Brad Johnson, who resigned last year to take an assistant job under Kelsi Musick at Arkansas.
Jenna Lawrence, a Farmington graduate who just finished her junior season on the Arkansas women’s team, is one of the stars from which McCollough is taking the torch. She returned home with a half dozen Razorbacks to watch McCollough in action against Little Rock Christian. The 6-foot-3 forward was an all-state selection and a top-100 prospect in the Class of 2023.
“I brought my teammates along with me and I’m just so excited to be back,” Lawrence told BoAS. “High school basketball was my favorite thing ever.”
Lawrence said she has trained with Easton a few times, helping to mentor the next great Cardinal: “I love her game. She’s so nonchalant.”
While this is her first year as head coach, Jessica McCollough is as experienced and decorated as they come. The Farmington native coached the Cardinals’ junior varsity team from 2005-24 and had served as an assistant varsity coach since 2009.
“I think we balance the mom-coach relationship well,” Easton told Varsity Vibe’s Alyssa Orange. “She’s ‘Coach’ on the court, but anywhere else she wants to be ‘Mom’ 100% of the time. She helps me a ton. She went through all of this, too, so she knows what it’s like.”
Jessica was a hell of a player herself. All it takes is a climb to the top of Cardinal Arena to see it. In the concourse, you’ll find her name enshrined in the school’s Hall of Honor. Easton is sure to join her there soon.
Her mother graduated from FHS in 2000 with three all-state selections to her name and went on to play four years at Mississippi State. In fact, it was her single-game scoring record that Easton snapped with a 56-point explosion back in December.
“I really didn’t even think about it until one of my teammates was like, ‘Dude, you’ve got like 40 points,’” Easton said. “But I don’t really focus on scoring points. It just comes throughout the game.”
“She’s in a long list of great Cardinals who have done the right thing the whole way through kindergarten up,” Farmington athletics director Beau Thompson told BoAS. “We’ve probably got 200 little girls from Farmington in here and all they ever want to be is Easton McCollough.”
The 16-year-old said she’s played basketball ever since she could pick one up: “I was just born into it. I play it with literally all my best friends. I’m surrounded by all the people I love.”
The community at large has rallied around the McColloughs, as evidenced by the state-of-the-art gymnasium being packed throughout the week.
McCollough has yet to reach the halfway point of her high school career, but is already garnering significant national attention. A consensus four-star prospect, she boasts more than a dozen offers from the likes of Arkansas, Mississippi State, Kentucky and Iowa. On3 ranks her 18th nationally, while ESPN slots her at No. 21.
She certainly looked the part against Little Rock Christian, outplaying a blue-chip Arkansas signee two years her senior. Whitley Rogers, a five-star according to the 247Sports Composite, finished with 24 points, 10 rebounds and 4 steals, but the Cardinals held her to just 8 of 22 from the floor.
The Razorbacks could use the help after going 12-20 in Musick’s first season with a 1-15 mark in league play. The Head Hog, with some assistance from a former Farmington head coach on staff, will hope to reel in McCollough in two years’ time.
For now, though, the record-setting mother-daughter duo will try to put the finishing touches on a four-peat in Hot Springs this weekend.
FARMINGTON — It wasn’t supposed to end like this for JJ Andrews.On Thursday night, Andrews ended one of the greatest high school basketball runs in Arkansas history in tears in a tunnel, sobbing with a towel over his head as coaches and teammates tried to console the two-time state champion.The final seconds of the five-star Arkansas signee’s prep career had just ticked away five miles down the road from where his college career will begin, as Little Rock Christian Academy suffered a shock qua...
FARMINGTON — It wasn’t supposed to end like this for JJ Andrews.
On Thursday night, Andrews ended one of the greatest high school basketball runs in Arkansas history in tears in a tunnel, sobbing with a towel over his head as coaches and teammates tried to console the two-time state champion.
The final seconds of the five-star Arkansas signee’s prep career had just ticked away five miles down the road from where his college career will begin, as Little Rock Christian Academy suffered a shock quarterfinal loss to host Farmington High in the 5A state playoffs Thursday night.
The 6-foot-7, 228-pounder went down giving it his all in a 61-54 slugfest. Fighting through constant triple teams and rough defensive play, Andrews finished with 29 points, 14 rebounds and 2 blocks.
From the get go, Farmington essentially had the Warriors in a vise-grip. Thanks to the hot shooting of point guard Eli Schwartzman (28 points), the Cardinals built a double-digit advantage in the first quarter and then played some old-fashioned stall ball to cling onto the lead for dear life. Andrews’ corner three cut the deficit down to one possession in the final minute, but LRCA wasn’t able to complete the comeback.
The pressure was through the roof for Andrews, as Arkansas basketball coach John Calipari and assistants Kenny Payne and Chin Coleman were courtside. The Farmington student section supplied a constant barrage of jeers — calling Andrews a “p***y,” “overrated” and “sorry,” among other pejoratives — spewing so much vitriol that spit was consistently precipitating down onto the floor from the railing above.
Things had already taken a downward turn even before the game tipped off during the Lady Warriors’ tussle with Easton McCollough and Farmington. Andrews had to stomach watching his girlfriend and classmate, four-star Arkansas signee Whitley Rogers, getting knocked out of the playoffs.
Despite the onslaught of slings and arrows, Andrews kept his composure to the end, leading his team in points and rebounds and helping to keep the Warriors within arm’s reach until the final buzzer. Once the result became official, though, the Little Rock native couldn’t hold back the emotions anymore.
The unfortunate ending doesn’t take anything away from his truly storybook high school career.
The son of Arkansas legend and NFL Pro Bowler Shawn Andrews, JJ was always destined to be great.
He wasted no time announcing his presence at the high school level, helping LRCA to back-to-back state titles in his underclassman seasons, alongside standouts like Landren Blocker, and winning playoff MVP as a sophomore. While he wasn’t able to deliver a third trophy for the Warriors, Andrews garnered countless accolades during his upperclassman years.
The consensus five-star prospect won two Peach Jam titles with Brad Beal Elite on the Nike EYBL circuit, taking home MVP honors last summer. Andrews was also named the Arkansas boys basketball Gatorade Player of the Year twice. He was a Max Preps All-American and will play in the McDonald’s All-American Game at the end of the month.
As of Feb. 2, Andrews was averaging 31.5 points, 15.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists this season while shooting 68% from the field and 39% from behind the arc. Those are even more impressive numbers than the great Corliss Williamson, who averaged 28 points and 9 rebounds as a senior at Russellville High en route to Gatorade National Player of the Year honors.
Well before the Farmington loss, though, Andrews suffered during his farewell tour with Little Rock Christian Academy. The uber-athletic forward broke his wrist and sustained a concussion in Fayetteville in early December after a hard fall left him unconscious for 10 minutes. That sidelined him for six weeks.
Even in the hospital, Andrews’ smile continued to light up the room.
Off the court, the 17-year-old has volunteered at the Arkansas Food Bank and served as a counselor and coach at a number of youth basketball camps, including events associated with the Special Olympics.
Andrews told THV11’s Nick Luttrell that above all else, he wants to be remembered as “a great person. A person that no matter where I go, no matter what accolades I have, I’m always going to be a solid person and take care of the people I love.”
Above all the honors, that’s exactly what Andrews will be remembered for as he moves from the state’s capital up to Fayetteville this year. The fact he got to reach these great heights with his girlfriend Whitley Rogers alongside him starring for LRCA’s girls team made it all the more sweet.
“I mean, it is kind of like a movie,” Andrews told Ethan Westerman. “Some people say it’s Love & Basketball in real life. It’s definitely a blessing just to be able to be in the same environment, be able to play in the same school and be able to be both Gatorade Players of the Year in Arkansas.”
The two stars were used to the roughhousing tactics Farmington deployed in both games Thursday: “Out here, we both get fouled a lot. Sometimes they don’t get called. But, like I told Whit, it’s only going to prepare us for the SEC, because that’s a really physical league. It looks like football out there sometimes.”
As is often the case in high school playoff games, Thursday’s contest was much more akin to football or rugby than basketball. When the clock hit triple zeroes after a two-hour war of attrition, the physical, mental and emotional exhaustion poured over Andrews as reality set in.
Don’t mistake those postgame tears for weakness, though.
Andrews’ fierce competitiveness needed a release after helping to carry the weight of a school and community on his shoulders for so long. That sense of responsibility is a big reason why John Calipari and so many other coaches around the country wanted him.
This fall, that passion will make Arkansas fans — including many of the Farmington students who heckled him all night — quickly fall in love with Andrews for laying it all on the line like that in a Razorback uniform.
Nick Smith Jr. — North Little Rock
Kel’el Ware — North Little Rock
Jaylin Williams — Fort Smith Northside
Isaiah Joe — Fort Smith Northside
Daniel Gafford — El Dorado
Malik Monk — Bentonville
Kevaughn Allen — North Little Rock
Bobby Portis — Little Rock Hall
Archie Goodwin — Sylvan Hills
(Includes the stat lines of Austin Reaves, Joe Johnson, Corliss Williams and Ronnie Brewer)
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