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 Gilroy, CA, 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 Gilroy, CA, 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.
SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA - A preliminary 2.2 magnitude quake shook close to Gilroy on Wednesday morning, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.The tremor struck the area at 4:33 a.m. It occurred at a depth of 5 miles with the epicenter about 5 miles east-northeast of Gilroy.Did you feel it? If you noticed the earthquake, you can share your observations using the USGS Felt Report form.Tremors past week Over the last week, there have been four tremors of magnitude 2.5 or above centered nearby. T...
SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA - A preliminary 2.2 magnitude quake shook close to Gilroy on Wednesday morning, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
The tremor struck the area at 4:33 a.m. It occurred at a depth of 5 miles with the epicenter about 5 miles east-northeast of Gilroy.
Did you feel it?
If you noticed the earthquake, you can share your observations using the USGS Felt Report form.
Tremors past week
Over the last week, there have been four tremors of magnitude 2.5 or above centered nearby. The most significant was a 3.4 magnitude earthquake recorded in the same region one day ago.
The four largest earthquakes nearby in the last week:
What to know about earthquakes
Magnitude measures the energy released at the source of the earthquake, the U. S. Geological Survey says. It replaces the old Richter scale. Quakes between 2.5 and 5.4 magnitude are often felt but rarely cause much damage, according to Michigan Tech. Earthquakes below 2.5 magnitude are seldom felt by most people.
Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches. They can happen anywhere, but are most common in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Puerto Rico and Washington, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
It is estimated that there are 500,000 detectable earthquakes in the world each year. 100,000 of those can be felt, and 100 of them cause damage.
What to do during an earthquake
If an earthquake strikes, it's best to protect yourself right away. Here are tips from experts:
If you're in a car: Pull over and stop. Set your parking brake.
If you're in bed: Turn face-down and cover your head with a pillow.
If you're outdoors: Stay away from buildings. Don't go inside.
If you're inside: Stay and don't run outdoors. Stay away from doorways.
The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say. "Wherever you are, drop down to your hands and knees and hold onto something sturdy," officials say. "If you're using a wheelchair or walker with a seat, make sure your wheels are locked and remain seated until the shaking stops." Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible. If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows. Once under a table, officials say you should hold on with one hand and be ready to move with it.
"There can be serious hazards after an earthquake, such as damage to the building, leaking gas and water lines, or downed power lines," officials say. "Expect aftershocks to follow the main shock of an earthquake. Be ready to Drop, Cover, and Hold On if you feel an aftershock."
Source: The U.S. Geological Survey
This article was generated by the CA Earthquake Bot, software that analyzes structured information, such as data, and applies it to articles based on templates created by journalists in the newsroom. No human journalist was harmed in this experiment. You can report errors or bugs to [email protected].
City of Gilroy staff and San Jose Sharks officials will meet soon to talk about how to proceed with the 100,000-square-foot Sharks Ice Gilroy project in the face of rapidly increasing construction costs.Representatives from the two parties will meet March 6 as negotiations continue over the ice skating rink project, according to city officials. After that meeting, city staff will present the results of the discussion and a recommendation to a city council committee formed to oversee the project, for which negotiations began in 2019....
City of Gilroy staff and San Jose Sharks officials will meet soon to talk about how to proceed with the 100,000-square-foot Sharks Ice Gilroy project in the face of rapidly increasing construction costs.
Representatives from the two parties will meet March 6 as negotiations continue over the ice skating rink project, according to city officials. After that meeting, city staff will present the results of the discussion and a recommendation to a city council committee formed to oversee the project, for which negotiations began in 2019.
“Everyone has recognized that construction costs are much higher than anticipated, and now the Sharks are seeing if they can come up with a plan to figure out if there’s a way to bridge the gap,” Mayor Greg Bozzo said.
In 2022, when details about the Sharks Ice project began to materialize, the projected cost was about $30 million. In 2024, an architect for the project estimated the total cost had gone up to about $59 million, city staff said at a council meeting in June 2025.
Gilroy City Council member Zach Hilton said the negotiations are “going to get settled pretty quick.” Hilton is a member of the temporary Sharks Ice council committee, known as an “ad hoc” committee, along with Council members Tom Cline and Terence Fugazzi.
“We’re going to give (the Sharks) that space to find additional investors to fill the gap because the construction costs have escalated beyond” previous estimates, Hilton said. “We’re trying to come to a mutually beneficial solution.”
The project is proposed as part of the Gilroy Sports park on Monterey Road south of town. Construction of the ice rink will occupy about 100,000 square feet of land. Details include two NHL-sized ice rinks; a 65,000-square-foot “event level” on the first floor featuring a lobby, elevator, amenities, conference rooms, skate rental area and concessions; and a 15,000-square-foot gym on the second floor.
An architectural rendering from 2024 offered a 3,800-square-foot upper deck bar and lounge that would provide views of both rinks.
The Sharks Ice Gilroy project is a partnership between the professional hockey organization and the City of Gilroy. As of June, the Sharks agreed to pay for the project’s construction costs—possibly with the assistance of a taxable municipal revenue bond—and operate the facility when it opens.
Construction is expected to last 12-18 months, but there is not currently an estimated start date. Both city and Sharks officials were hopeful that construction could begin in late 2024, after artistic renderings of the structure were presented to the council; however, that start was delayed by the increasing construction costs.
City officials have hailed the proposal as a lucrative economic development opportunity that could serve as a bustling hub of community recreation as well as a destination for families, athletes and sports fans from throughout the region.
Through a spokesperson, the Sharks declined to comment before March 6.
Hilton added that while the Sharks have indicated they are still committed to the Sharks Ice Gilroy project, the continually rising construction costs present an air of uncertainty.
“We’ve got to figure out how we’re going to fund the difference, or we’re not going to fund the difference at all,” Hilton said. “An encouraging sign is (the Sharks) have finished their negotiations for the SAP Center and they still want to develop this project in the City of Gilroy.”
It’s that time of year. Our annual Best of Gilroy contest is in full swing with nomination voting now open and ready for you to make your selections.
There is a diverse mix of longtime local favorites and new shops, offices, restaurants and destinations that have made an immediate impression on the community’s consumers.
As we did last year, we expanded our Best of Gilroy published listings in more than 150 categories to include “Silver” and “Bronze” runner-up winners in the annual vote tally.
Conventional wisdom holds that although only one winner can gain the most votes in each category, there are still other favorites who may have fallen only a vote or two shy of the top spot. They too deserve recognition.
Go to gilroydispatch.com/best-of-ballot/#// to cast your votes.
Speaking of the best of the best, we got word from the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce that the 2026 Spice of Life Awards, honoring the individuals, businesses and organizations whose leadership and service continue to strengthen the Gilroy community, have been announced.
The award recipients will be recognized at the 2026 Spice of Life Awards Gala on Saturday, April 25 from 5-8pm, one of the chamber’s most anticipated annual events.
The 2026 Spice of Life award recipients are
Man of the Year: Dr. Pedro Avila, Gavilan College
Woman of the Year: Lisa Faria, Christie’s International Real Estate Sereno
Large Business of the Year: Performance Foodservice
Small Business of the Year: Banning’s Upholstery
Nonprofit of the Year: Gilroy Assistance League
Susan Valenta Youth Leadership Award: Madison Dutra and Chioma Okeke, Christopher High School
Educator of the Year: Bria de Lorenzo, Gilroy High School
Volunteer of the Year: Ed Sauceda
Heart of the Chamber Award: Barbara and Erwin Boggs
The Spice of Life Awards Gala brings together business leaders, community partners and elected officials for an evening dedicated to recognizing excellence and celebrating the people who help Gilroy thrive.
Tickets to the Spice of Life Awards gala are now on sale and available at gilroy.org/.
Attendance is limited, and the event traditionally sells out.
In addition, a limited number of sponsorship opportunities are also available for businesses seeking elevated visibility and meaningful alignment with the chamber’s mission to strengthen the local economy through advocacy, education, and community engagement.
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