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 Fort Smith, 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 Fort Smith, 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 St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl and Scavenger Hunt begins at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 14, in Fort Smith's Entertainment District. FORT SMITH, Ark. —The sound of Irish music and a sea of green will take over Fort Smith on Saturday, March 14, for the city's annual St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl and Scavenger Hunt.It's organized by the Fort Smith Downtown Business Association in partnership with The RiverBoy Foundation.The pub crawl starts at 3 p.m. in Fort Smith's entertainment district an...
The St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl and Scavenger Hunt begins at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 14, in Fort Smith's Entertainment District.
FORT SMITH, Ark. —
The sound of Irish music and a sea of green will take over Fort Smith on Saturday, March 14, for the city's annual St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl and Scavenger Hunt.
It's organized by the Fort Smith Downtown Business Association in partnership with The RiverBoy Foundation.
The pub crawl starts at 3 p.m. in Fort Smith's entertainment district and includes 18 bars and restaurants along Garrison Avenue and in Fort Smith's Bakery District.
The Fort Smith Fire Department Pipe and Drum Corps will march along Garrison Avenue, stopping into bars and restaurants for pop-up concerts.
"In the past few years, I feel like it's become a little bit more anticipated and exciting," said Rachel Testa with the RiverBoy Foundation. "I think we have some new bars over the past few years as well, like Amigos and Back Porch and Digs. I think that's bringing a really fun and fresh kind of perspective to downtown."
In order to participate in the pub crawl, you must purchase an entertainment cup for $5 and pick up a free wristband. Both are available at any of the participating bars and restaurants.
This year's entertainment cups were designed by two Fort Smith natives and NBA players with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Isaiah Joe and Jaylin Williams.
A scavenger hunt will also take place during the pub crawl. As you stop into the bars and restaurants, keep an eye out for hidden gold coins. You can download the Actionbound app to record the coins you find. The two people who find the most coins will win prizes such as concert tickets and gift cards.
Bars and restaurants will have specials on certain food and drinks, including the classic Irish dish, bangers and mash. The pub crawl will continue late Saturday night and into Sunday morning, with some bars open until 5 a.m.
City officials say the combined water output could total 60 million gallons of water per day, enough to fill 91 Olympic swimming pools every day.FORT SMITH, Ark. — According to Fort Smith officials, the city may soon be contracted with a company owned by Elon Musk to install a water line under the Arkansas River.City Director Neil Martin says Musk's The Boring Company has selected Fort Smith as a top 16 finalist for a project that could bring 42 million additional gallons of water to the city every day.The "Tu...
City officials say the combined water output could total 60 million gallons of water per day, enough to fill 91 Olympic swimming pools every day.
FORT SMITH, Ark. — According to Fort Smith officials, the city may soon be contracted with a company owned by Elon Musk to install a water line under the Arkansas River.
City Director Neil Martin says Musk's The Boring Company has selected Fort Smith as a top 16 finalist for a project that could bring 42 million additional gallons of water to the city every day.
The "Tunnel Vision" project by The Boring Company aims to build a project chosen from a list of applicants, free of charge.
Martin says there were over 480 applications for the project, and that the construction would be huge for the city, and how they transport water.
A video posted by Fort Smith proposes building a 4' water transmission pipe around 70' underground to take water from the Fort Smith Water Treatment Plant to neighboring communities
City officials say the combined water output could total 60 million gallons of water per day, enough to fill 91 Olympic swimming pools every day.
The current water infrastructure, built between the 1930s and 1950s, no longer meets the city’s growing demands. The new pipeline would improve water pressure across the city, reach areas like Chaffee Crossing, and support future expansion.
Josh Buchfink, Fort Smith’s Director of Communications, emphasized the project's broader impact.
“This water transmission line not only will service the city of Fort Smith, of course, but five other counties,” Buchfink said.
He also noted that the pipeline would support local manufacturing, industry, and military bases such as Ebbing Air National Guard and Fort Chaffee.
“This is not only about getting drinking water, but also public safety with fire flows,” Mittge added.
Winning the competition could save the city an estimated $20 million, making it a financially advantageous option as well.
A winner will reportedly be announced on March 23.
The Great American Conference Basketball Championships are returning to Fort Smith this week, bringing an estimated half-million-dollar boost to the local economy.The four-day tournament, which tips off Thursday at Northside Arena, is expected to draw approximately 1,300 attendees, with about 500 staying overnight, according to the Fort Smith Convention and Visitors Bureau. The projected economic impact is $568,138, up from an estimated $500,000 generated by the 2025 tournament, which drew just over 1,000 attendees.The event ma...
The Great American Conference Basketball Championships are returning to Fort Smith this week, bringing an estimated half-million-dollar boost to the local economy.
The four-day tournament, which tips off Thursday at Northside Arena, is expected to draw approximately 1,300 attendees, with about 500 staying overnight, according to the Fort Smith Convention and Visitors Bureau. The projected economic impact is $568,138, up from an estimated $500,000 generated by the 2025 tournament, which drew just over 1,000 attendees.
The event marks the first time the GAC Championships will be hosted at the $14.5 million Northside Arena after Southside hosted the tournament last season. Both facilities were first used in early 2022. They were funded through a voter-approved millage increase in 2018 that generated roughly $120 million for districtwide facility and program improvements.
A total of 14 games will be played from Thursday through Sunday, culminating in championship matchups on Sunday afternoon.
The tournament opens Thursday with four quarterfinal contests, beginning with the top two seeds.
At noon, the men’s No. 2 seed, Ouachita Baptist, faces Southwestern Oklahoma State. The Tigers secured a top-two seed for the second consecutive year and swept the Bulldogs during the regular season.
At 2:15 p.m., Northwestern Oklahoma State opens the women’s bracket against East Central. The Rangers’ No. 2 seed is their best finish in the GAC era. They won their first GAC Championship game last season and split regular-season momentum with ECU.
In the evening session, the regular-season champions take center stage. Oklahoma Baptist, which claimed its first-ever men’s regular-season title and enters on a 17-game win streak, the third-longest active streak in Division II, faces Henderson State at 5:45 p.m. The Bison won both regular-season meetings.
At 8 p.m., Harding’s Lady Bisons, the women’s No. 1 seed, play Southern Nazarene. Harding has reached the finals in each of its previous three appearances as the top seed, winning titles in 2015 and 2017.
Friday opens with a men’s doubleheader. Southern Nazarene (No. 4) meets East Central (No. 5) at noon, followed by No. 3 Harding against No. 6 Southeastern Oklahoma State.
Southern Nazarene has reached the finals in each of the past two seasons, while Harding, the 2025 GAC champion, enters on an eight-game win streak.
The women’s quarterfinals take the floor in the evening. Henderson State (No. 4) plays Southeastern Oklahoma State (No. 5) at 5:45 p.m., followed by Arkansas Tech (No. 3) against Ouachita Baptist (No. 6).
Arkansas Tech’s appearance carries added significance. This tournament marks the final GAC Championship for head coach Dave Wilbers, who announced his retirement in November. Wilbers led the Golden Suns to three GAC Championship titles during his tenure.
Semifinal Saturday begins at noon with the two men’s semifinals, followed by the women’s semifinals at 5:45 p.m.
Championship Sunday features the men’s final at 1 p.m. and the women’s title game at 3:30 p.m.
All 14 contests will be broadcast by the GAC Sports Network, with Joey McWilliams and Luke McConnell on play-by-play and Alyssa Orange providing sideline coverage and postgame interviews.
Session passes are available for $12 each.
Thursday, March 5 - Quarterfinals
Friday, March 6 - Quarterfinals
Saturday, March 7 - Semifinals
Sunday, March 8 - Finals
Men's Final: Winner Game 9 vs. Winner Game 10, 1 p.m.
Women’s Final: Winner Game 11 vs. Winner Game 12, 3:30 p.m.
FORT SMITH, Ark. – The Pittsburg State University baseball team completed the three-game series sweep of the University of Arkansas Fort Smith with a 16-3 win Sunday (Mar. 1).The win helped the Gorillas, ranked No. 2 by the baseball writers (NCBWA) and No. 7 by the coaches (ABCA), improve to 17-0 on the season (7-0 MIAA). Pitt State is off to its best start to a season in program history and the Gorillas continue to extend their school record winning streak as well.Isaac Webb went 3-for-5 at the plate with a double and f...
FORT SMITH, Ark. – The Pittsburg State University baseball team completed the three-game series sweep of the University of Arkansas Fort Smith with a 16-3 win Sunday (Mar. 1).
The win helped the Gorillas, ranked No. 2 by the baseball writers (NCBWA) and No. 7 by the coaches (ABCA), improve to 17-0 on the season (7-0 MIAA). Pitt State is off to its best start to a season in program history and the Gorillas continue to extend their school record winning streak as well.
Isaac Webb went 3-for-5 at the plate with a double and five RBI on the afternoon. Landin Midgett homered for a second straight game and drove in four runs. Dagen Brewer extended his MIAA record consecutive games hitting streak to 37 games with a second-inning single. He went 1-for-2, was intentionally walked twice and scored three runs.
Elijah Seitz (3-0) earned the win in relief for the Gorillas. He limited UAFS to one hit over 2.0 innings of work and registered two strikeouts. Ty Blecha made his first start of the season. He allowed one run and four hits over 3.0 innings of work. Cason Long tossed the final two innings for Pitt State, allowing two runs and fanning four batters.
The Gorillas will travel to Emporia, Kan., for a three-game MIAA series against Emporia State University starting next Friday (Mar. 6).
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