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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always

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Home Care In Canaan, CT

Home Care Canaan, CT

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Carl Great Barrington Memorial gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Canaan, CT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Canaan, CT

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“Bessie has been an exceptional Health Care Provider. She takes such pride in her work and truly cares about the people she is in contact with. She is dedicated, diligent, and is devoted to her job assignment. She not only takes care of my Mom, but she goes above and beyond her call of duty. Bessie has a unique ability to connect with every person she meets. No day goes by that my Mom is not pampered. Bessie make sure she's always comfortable. She makes exceptional meals for her 3 times a day, cleans her clothes, gives her showers, washes her hair and makes her look amazing every single day. Bessie is so beneficial to our family we can't imagine our family without her. I myself and my family members could never do what she does for our Mom. She has been with my mom and our family for almost 1 year and we don't know what we would do without her, she truly is a gift from God. She not only takes care of my Mom daily, nightly and weekly, she also takes care of her personal life and whatever life throws at her. She is a devoted caretaker and should be recognized with the utmost respect. Her dedication to improving the health and well-being of my Mom is commendable. You can't find anyone as special as she. Her life commitment has touched our lives through her delivery of exceptional care in a compassionate, respectful, and safe manner on a daily basis. She has become a member of our family and she has shown us the meaning of adaptability. Her strong faith in God, Forgiveness, and Believing in each other makes her the great person that she is. On behalf of our family, we would like to thank you for the extraordinary care and services your company has provided to us. Thank you for all you do”

Debra T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“We used Always Best Care for my mother. They provided basically anything we needed a few hours a week, they were very thorough in asking about my mother's condition, and what were the needs that were required. It's more like bathing, medication, and companionship. We used them for about a week.”

Anita
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TESTIMONIALS

“Thank you again to you, Susan and the rest of the care-givers and staff of Always Best Care for the outstanding service you have provided for our parents. ABC provided professional, first-class support that allowed our parents to remain in their home while relieving of us of concern for their care and is something we will never forget. You can be sure we will happily refer any family member or friend that is seeking care at home to Always Best Care.”

Madison R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Dear Rick, Over the past three plus years, my father Joseph Ceuch has lived at home assisted by the caregivers from your company Always Best Care of Greater Bristol. This letter is a personal thank you from my father and the entire Ceuch family on how your caregivers treated and attended to my father during this time. The caregivers became part of our extended family who shared in countless family events resulting in beautiful lasting memories. Caregivers Frances Boateng, Jeremy Turner, and Yanice Hernandez were awesome in their care of my father. I want to especially acknowledge Francis as a person who went above and beyond his responsibility and became part of the Ceuch inner circle. It was not uncommon for Francis on his off days to stop by during a family picnic to say hello...he is truly loved by my father. Again, I want to thank you for the loving care your caregivers provided my father. I would highly recommend your company to anyone interested in having a caregiver attend to a loved one. Thanks again”

Gregory C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Heather, I just wanted to thank Always Best Care in helping to provide care for my step father, Daryl. It's unbelievable how the progression of his illness happened so quickly, however, Always Best Care was always ready to provide the level of care he needed as it increased. Most importantly, I'd like to thank his aide, Sue Malasics. She was wonderful to Daryl and took great care of his needs. I knew I did not have to worry with Sue there with him. She was always cooking wonderful homemade meals and desserts and I was happy to see how happy she made Daryl. I think she is a wonderful asset to Always Best Care. Should I know of anyone needing help in the future, I would recommend Always Best Care and Sue Malasics.”

Milissa K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“My mother was bedbound for months and had serious health related issues including kidney failure. My mother was also very demanding about her care and who she would allow into her home. After several attempts with various in-home care agencies my mother really responded well to Always Best Care Senior Services of Greater Bristol and we cant thank them enough for the high level of compassionate care they were able to provide during my moms final months.”

Liam C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a past client of this provider My journey with Always Best Care began with a visit from the owner and office manager. Soon after, I was introduced to the caregiver who would provide care for me. All 3 persons seemed very knowledgeable, experienced anf caring. I was certainly provided with quality service and much respect and compassion.”

Dorothy W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Our sister, Barbara has early-onset dementia , and was in sudden need of a personal care assistant until placement in a quality skilled nursing facility became available. We reached out to home health care agencies in her local area but, by this point, had already worked with several agencies for med reminders for Barbara (and 24/7 care for our Mom in another area of CT) and were a bit skeptical that that we’d find one that could provide consistent quality of care.When I spoke with Rick Downey of Always Best Care Senior Services in Bristol, he conveyed both confidence in his knowledge of health care and empathy in understanding the frustrations that families experience when seeking quality care for their loved ones. We were next contacted by their care coordinator,Heather Kozikowski, who came to our sister’s home to conduct an assessment and further explain the services offered by Always Best Care.A further testament to the exceptional quality of Always Best Care is the service and care we’ve received after Barbara is no longer a client; our thanks to Always Best Care for the excellent care of our sister, and the peace-of-mind it afforded our family knowing that she was in such kind and competent hands!”

Susan W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a retired registered nurse, and for several years, I have been the primary caregiver for my husbamd/ My husband suffers from dementia and is aphasic. On a Saturday morning in October of 2015, a sudden change in my health required an emergent hospitilization, which late resulted in an extensive rehabilitation stay. Upon my hospitalization, my son reached out to Always Best Care Senior Services of greater Bristol. The Always Best Care team assessed my husband, his needs, and had his care staffed within hours of my son's call. The care provided to my husband has been exceptional. The caregivers as well as the office staff have been attentive to our needs and have met all of our expectations. I would highly recommend Always Best Care to you and anyone who is in need of care for their loved one.”

Pope A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I had a very good experience ! I really appreciate the service that your company, Always Best Care, offered our family and especially the caring, loving attitude that Amber and Natalie displayed to Carol at all times. They were outstanding and you should be proud to place them in any situation with the full expectation they will represent your firm in a most professional manner. Thanks again for all your help.”

Kevin N.
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TESTIMONIALS

“My journey with Always Best Care began with a visit from the owner and office manager. Soon after, I was introduced to the caregiver who would provide care for me. All 3 persons seemed very knowledgeable, experienced anf caring. I was certainly provided with quality service and much respect and compassion.”

Dorothy29
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TESTIMONIALS

“Dave and staff, thank you or consistently caring and comforting my Mom. Your quality of care will be recommended to others. You went above and beyond what was expected.”

Caring5863
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have a very good providers from this Company”

elizabeth S.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Canaan, CT?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Canaan, CT

Types of Elderly Care in Canaan, CT

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Canaan, CT
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Canaan, CT
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Waveny Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Canaan, CT
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local South End or visit Beckley Iron Furnace State Park, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Canaan, CT

Benefits of Home Care in Canaan, CT

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Canaan, CT, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Canaan, CT

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your CT's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Canaan, CT

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Canaan, CT understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Canaan, CT

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Canaan, CT

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • The Village at Waveny
  • The Inn - Part of Waveny LifeCare Network
  • Geer Village Lodge
  • Waveny LifeCare Network
  • Brightview on New Canaan - Senior Assisted Living & Memory Care
  • Geer Village Beckley House
Home Care Canaan, CT

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Canaan, CT

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Canaan, CT 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Canaan, CT

Latest News in Canaan, CT

Defending Class L champ New Canaan football romps over Killingly in quarterfinals

NEW CANAAN — Miles Chishom smiled while talking about the latest defensive gem for the New Canaan football team. He glanced back at the Dunning Field scoreboard and although by that point the final score had been taken down, the feeling remained the same.“Nothing makes me smile more than that scoreboard at the end of the day,” Chisholm said.Second-seeded New Canaan had plenty to smile about while delivering a dominating performance on both sides of the ball and defeating No. 7 Killingly 49-14 in the CIAC Class...

NEW CANAAN — Miles Chishom smiled while talking about the latest defensive gem for the New Canaan football team. He glanced back at the Dunning Field scoreboard and although by that point the final score had been taken down, the feeling remained the same.

“Nothing makes me smile more than that scoreboard at the end of the day,” Chisholm said.

Second-seeded New Canaan had plenty to smile about while delivering a dominating performance on both sides of the ball and defeating No. 7 Killingly 49-14 in the CIAC Class L quarterfinals on Tuesday night.

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New Canaan (10-1) will face No. 3 Maloney (10-1) in the semifinals at 12:30 p.m., Sunday, at Dunning Field. The game is a rematch of last year's Class L final, won by the Rams 16-13.

With its win on Tuesday, New Canaan is now 12-0 in the state quarterfinals since 2010 and has reached the semifinals in 18 consecutive years.

The Rams started Tuesday’s game with a near replay of their Turkey Bowl win against Darien. Alex Benevento began that game by returning the opening kickoff 88 yards for a touchdown. Against Killingly, it was 81 yards and a 7-0 lead just 14 seconds in.

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While the offense found the end zone seven times, including on the Rams first six possessions, the defense was the key, with New Canaan slowing down Killingly senior running back Soren Rief, who was averaging 236 rushing yards per game. He had 119 yards in the quarterfinal, but was held to 30 on 19 carries in the first half while the Rams took a 42-7 lead.

"We had to work as a unit which is what we’ve been doing so well all year," Chisholm said. "We were getting hats on the ball every play, at least two or three guys on him. That’s what we knew we had to do coming into this one. He’s a hell of a player, hard runner, strong kid and a good football player. We had a lot of respect for him and we knew we had to stop him. That was the core of our game plan."

For Killingly, it was a tough ending to a season which started slow with a 3-3 record through six games, but included a four-game win streak and a state tournament bid.

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“I just think we were a little overmatched.” Killingly coach Chad Neal said. “Especially with the speed, but also with the physicality. We were just overmatched today. That’s what it comes down to today.”

New Canaan picked up big chunks of yards to keep the offense motoring in the first half, with Benevento in the middle of it all.

After the opening kickoff return, Benevento had a 56-yard run to set up a four-yard touchdown run by Luke Reed. He then returned a punt 40 yards to the Killingly 20, and two plays later, quarterback Luke Robinson hit Alex Russey for a seven-yard touchdown and a 21-0 lead less than six minutes in.

Benevento also had a 65-yard pick six in the second half to finish New Canaan’s scoring.

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“The offensive line played amazing today,” Benevento said. “Same with our perimeter blocking as well. Our receivers did a really good job linking up on their defensive backs. But really, those big plays are really helpful and they boost the confidence. The offensive line played absolutely amazing today.”

For Killingly, Rief finished a storied career with unofficial rushing numbers of 5,563 career yards and 2,481 yards this season.

“He’s a legend,” Neal said. “He has given everything to this program on and off the field. He is the standard of what we look for in a football player.”

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Player of the game

Alex Benevento, New Canaan: The senior continues to be the key cog in the Rams’ engine and kicked off the postseason with two TDs on a kickoff return and a pick six, while also setting up two other scores.

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“It was just like Darien. It feels really good to go up early and eases the nerves for everybody. We knew we could have a tough time defensively running a new defense against a new type of defense we were going to face., So it was good to settle the nerves early.” - Alex Benevento on New Canaan’s early touchdowns

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New Canaan 49, Killingly 14

Where To Celebrate New Year's Eve 2023 In New Canaan

NEW CANAAN, CT — As the holiday season begins to wind down, New Year's Eve is right around the corner.While some might opt to head to New York City for a big celebration, others might be more tempted to stay close to home as they ring in 2024.Here is a look at a few New Year's Eve events happening in New Canaan or a nearby community:In the United States, one of the most popular New Year’s Eve traditions is the dropping of the giant ball in New York City’s Times Squar...

NEW CANAAN, CT — As the holiday season begins to wind down, New Year's Eve is right around the corner.

While some might opt to head to New York City for a big celebration, others might be more tempted to stay close to home as they ring in 2024.

Here is a look at a few New Year's Eve events happening in New Canaan or a nearby community:

In the United States, one of the most popular New Year’s Eve traditions is the dropping of the giant ball in New York City’s Times Square. Other U.S. cities have adopted iterations of the ball drop — the Chick Drop in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and the giant Potato Drop in Boise, Idaho, for example.

The end of one year and beginning of another is often celebrated with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne,” a Scottish folk song whose title roughly translates to “days gone by,” according to Encyclopedia Britannica and History.com.

Find out what's happening in New Canaanwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The history of New Year’s resolutions dates back 8,000 years to ancient Babylonians, who would make promises to return borrowed objects and pay outstanding debts at the beginning of the new year, in mid-March when they planted their crops.

According to legend, if they kept their word, pagan gods would grant them favor in the coming year. If they broke the promise, they would fall out of God’s favor, according to a history of New Year’s resolutions compiled by North Hampton Community College New Center in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Many secular New Year’s resolutions focus on imagining new, improved versions of ourselves.

The failure rate of New Year’s resolutions is about 80 percent, according to U.S. News & World Report. There are myriad reasons, but a big one is they’re made out of remorse — for gaining weight, for example — and aren’t accompanied by a shift in attitude and a plan to meet the stress and discomfort of changing a habit or condition.

New Canaan Restaurants Open Christmas Day, Christmas Eve 2023

NEW CANAAN, CT — Many restaurants in New Canaan will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but some will remain open to serve people who don't want to fuss with a big meal, are traveling or who don't celebrate the holiday.The following restaurants in and around New Canaan will be open on Christmas Day, according to ...

NEW CANAAN, CT — Many restaurants in New Canaan will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but some will remain open to serve people who don't want to fuss with a big meal, are traveling or who don't celebrate the holiday.

The following restaurants in and around New Canaan will be open on Christmas Day, according to Open Table:

The following New Canaan restaurants will be open on Christmas Eve, according to Open Table:

Additionally, a number of nearby restaurants in Stamford, Norwalk and Westport will be open Christmas Eve.

We’ve also curated a list of national chains in and around New Canaan — ranging from formal sit-down restaurants to coffee shops and fast food businesses for people who are on the road for the holidays — that are open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, unless otherwise noted.

Make sure you call ahead for a reservation and to confirm hours at locations near New Canaan. Some restaurants may offer limited hours, and not all locations of chains are open for the holidays.

The list below includes information compiled by Good Housekeeping, Pioneer Woman and Travellers Quest.

Applebee’s (Christmas Eve only)Benihana Bon AppetiteBonefish Grill (Christmas Eve only)Boston MarketBuffalo Wild WingsBurger KingChili’s (Christmas Eve only)Cracker Barrel (Christmas Eve only)Dave & Buster’sDenny’sDomino’s Pizza DeliveryDunkin’Five Guys Burgers and FriesGolden CorralHard Rock CafeIHOPKona GrillLegal Sea FoodsMargaritaville RestaurantsMcDonald’sMorton’s The SteakhouseOld Country Buffet Olive Garden (Christmas Eve only)Outback Steakhouse (Christmas Eve only)Panda ExpressRomano’s Macaroni GrillRuby Tuesday (New York locations only)Ruth’s Chris Steak HouseSTK SteakhouseShake ShackSonic (Christmas Eve only)StarbucksSteak ‘n ShakeTGI FridaysTaco Bell (Christmas Eve only)Waffle HouseWendy’s

Understanding New Canaan's Revaluation, Impact On Property Taxes

NEW CANAAN, CT — The town has provided a detailed release to help New Canaan residents understand its recent property revaluations and their impact on residents' property taxes.The following information was provided Tuesday by Board of Finance Chairman Todd Lavieri:The Town of New Canaan has completed our latest property revaluations. New assessments have been mailed out to property owners.Mandated every 10 years, this most recent revaluation saw an estimated 25% surge in the total value o...

NEW CANAAN, CT — The town has provided a detailed release to help New Canaan residents understand its recent property revaluations and their impact on residents' property taxes.

The following information was provided Tuesday by Board of Finance Chairman Todd Lavieri:

The Town of New Canaan has completed our latest property revaluations. New assessments have been mailed out to property owners.

Mandated every 10 years, this most recent revaluation saw an estimated 25% surge in the total value of properties in New Canaan, known as the grand list, from $8 billion to $10 billion. This level of increase is unprecedented.

Property taxes are calculated through the use of a mill rate. As many of you are aware, the mill rate is applied to each $1,000 of the assessed value of the property. To avoid being over-valued in a down market, the assessed value represents 70% of the presumed market value of the property. The current mill rate is 18.94. For example, the property taxes on an assessed value of $1.5M today would be 18.94 times 1,500 or $28,410. You can multiply this current mill rate times your current assessed value to confirm your current property taxes.

Find out what's happening in New Canaanwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

With the grand list going up, the corresponding mill rate will decline. The new mill rate will be set by the Board of Finance in May 2024. All things equal, the mill rate will decline approximately the same percentage amount as the grand list value increased. Don't multiply your new assessed value times the current mill rate! That will overstate your projected property taxes.

Using the example above, if the new assessed value increased from $1.5M to $2M, up 33%, and the mill rate declines to 14.50 (an example only), the new property tax will be 14.50 times 2,000 or $29,000; a 2% increase from the current $28,410. The expected lower mill rate next year should have a positive impact on automobile taxes.

Assessment questions should be directed to Sebastian Caldarella (Town Assessor). His email is sebastian.caldarella@newcanaanct.gov.

As always, the Board of Finance, working with the Board of Selectman, the Town Council, and all of the town departments, will work hard to keep our expenses in check while delivering the excellent schools and services we all would like.

The new mill rate with the new assessments will take effect July 1, 2024.

New Canaan 2023 football preview: Alex Benevento returns to lead inexperienced Rams in title defense

[Vitals][They're Here][Reason to Cheer]Key playmaker Alex Benevento returns after missing most of last season due to an injury.[Reason to Fear]Not a lot of experience around him. Former all-state kicker Ty Groff is starting at University of Rhode Island.[The Bottom Line]Last season’s N...

[Vitals]

[They're Here]

[Reason to Cheer]

Key playmaker Alex Benevento returns after missing most of last season due to an injury.

[Reason to Fear]

Not a lot of experience around him. Former all-state kicker Ty Groff is starting at University of Rhode Island.

[The Bottom Line]

Last season’s New Canaan championship team wasn’t your father’s New Canaan championship team, nor was it your older brother's.

The Rams had one of the best defenses in the state, which carried them to the title despite an offense that scored a mere 18.6 points a game in the playoffs.

But it was a championship team, the 13th of New Canaan coach Lou Marinelli's exceptional career.

One of the missing pieces of last year's offense was receiver Alex Benevento. He started as a sophomore and was expected to be the go-to playmaker, until he was lost for the season when he was injured during the first half of the season opener.

This year, Benevento returns, giving the offense an instant boost. “He’s an exciting guy to watch, he really is,” Marinell said.

He and the Rams face a tall task, however: retooling just about every other position on the offense.

Juniors Alex Russey and Luke Robinson are competing for the quarterback spot.

Last season, when Groff sat out the season's first six games with a hand injury, Russey started in his place. He threw for 236 yards and one touchdown and rushed for 109 yards and five touchdowns. Robinson saw time in two games, completing six of seven pass attempts.

Marinelli said each one has stood out on different days.

The offensive line returns just two starters, and both are seniors. Ben Reagan returns at left tackle and Benji SIbbett at center.

The running game was the strength of the offense last year. But Hunter Telesco has graduated after rushing for 1,341 yards and 17 touchdowns. Marnielli said his team has a handful of backs ready to fill the void, led by junior Hudson Kenny. As a sophomore he rushed for 233 yards, including a 72-yard game against Norwalk.

The team’s defense was lights out last season, allowing just 9.6 points per game and shutting out four teams. Now, seven of the team's eight leading tacklers have graduated, including Register first-teamer selection Matt Salmini. Only three starters return.

Owen Lydon finished with the fourth most tackles and will lead the linebackers. Charlie O’Conner (seven sacks). Miles Chisholm will lead the defensive line and Benevento will play in the secondary.

New Canaan opens the season with Shelton, a fellow Class L semifinalist and plays St. Joseph and Wilton in the middle of the year. Those are the only three playoff teams from last year on the Rams’ schedule.

[2023 Schedule]

** Division game * Conference game @ CT HS Alliance game

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