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.
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 Robert M. Bashford House 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 Madison, CT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 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.
“Bessie has been an exceptional Health Care Provider. She takes such pride in her work”
“We used Always Best Care for my mother. They provided basically anything we needed a”
“Thank you again to you, Susan and the rest of the care-givers and staff of”
“Dear Rick, Over the past three plus years, my father Joseph Ceuch has lived at”
“Heather, I just wanted to thank Always Best Care in helping to provide care for”
“My mother was bedbound for months and had serious health related issues including kidney failure.”
“I am a past client of this provider My journey with Always Best Care began”
“Our sister, Barbara has early-onset dementia , and was in sudden need of a personal”
“I am a retired registered nurse, and for several years, I have been the primary”
“I had a very good experience ! I really appreciate the service that your company,”
“My journey with Always Best Care began with a visit from the owner and office”
“Dave and staff, thank you or consistently caring and comforting my Mom. Your quality of”
“I have a very good providers from this Company”
“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”
“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.”
“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.”
“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”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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!”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“I have a very good providers from this Company”
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.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
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.
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.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home 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:
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:
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 James Madison Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
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 The Statehouse or visit Harold C. Bradley House, 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.
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:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
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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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.
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 Madison, 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.
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:
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 Madison, 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.
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.
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:
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:
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.
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
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
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 Madison, 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.
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Technicolor Magic Kicks Off at Ivoryton Playhouse Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat opens this week!Technicolor Magic Kicks Off at Ivoryton PlayhouseJoseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat opens this week!Ivoryton, CT – June 22, 2025It’s a dazzling spectacle of song, color, and pure joy as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat opens this week at Ivoryton Playhouse! One of the most...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Technicolor Magic Kicks Off at Ivoryton PlayhouseJoseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat opens this week!
Ivoryton, CT – June 22, 2025
It’s a dazzling spectacle of song, color, and pure joy as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat opens this week at Ivoryton Playhouse! One of the most beloved musicals of all time, this high-energy production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s timeless hit promises to be a family-friendly celebration of music, imagination, and storytelling.
The show runs from June 26th through July 27th, and features a vibrant cast, an irresistible pop-rock score, and a fresh creative vision that brings new life to a classic favorite.
“It’s pure fun for everyone,” says Executive Producer Ben Hope. “This show is a burst of sunshine—visually stunning, musically thrilling, and deeply heartwarming. We wanted to give audiences something joyful this summer, and Joseph delivers”.
From "Any Dream Will Do" to "Go, Go, Go Joseph," this production features unforgettable songs and an irresistible ensemble of performers, including a dynamic children’s chorus from the local community. Whether you grew up with the story or are discovering it for the first time, this production invites audiences of all ages to come along for the ride.
Tickets are selling fast, and available seats are filling quickly. “We’re thrilled to see so much enthusiasm,” says Playhouse Executive Director Jacqui Hubbard. “This is the kind of show that brings people together, and that’s exactly what we hope to do.”
Don’t miss this incredible ensemble! Experience the joy, heart, and hilarity of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat—a musical event that’s as bold and brilliant as the coat itself.
SHOWTIMES:
· Wednesdays at 2 pm· Thursdays at 2 pm and 7:30 pm· Fridays at 7:30 pm· Saturdays at 2 pm and 7:30 pm (No matinee on Saturday of opening week)· Sundays at 2 pm
Tickets are available at ivorytonplayhouse.org or by calling the box office at (860) 767-7318Recommended for all ages. Run time approx. 90 minutes with a 15 minute intermission.
The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?
MADISON, CT — Madison Beach Hotel has been named the 2024 Year-End recipient of Hilton’s Connie Award, the hospitality company’s highest honor recognizing exceptional performance and guest satisfaction across its global portfolio, officials announced.The beachfront hotel, part of Hilton’s Curio Collection and operated by Di...
MADISON, CT — Madison Beach Hotel has been named the 2024 Year-End recipient of Hilton’s Connie Award, the hospitality company’s highest honor recognizing exceptional performance and guest satisfaction across its global portfolio, officials announced.
The beachfront hotel, part of Hilton’s Curio Collection and operated by Distinctive Hospitality Group, is the only Curio property to win the award twice. The hotel first received the distinction in 2017.
"This recognition is so well deserved. Madison Beach Hotel has a way of making every guest feel like they’ve discovered something truly special on our shoreline," said Rachel Lenda, director of the Connecticut Office of Tourism, in a statement. "The Connie Award is a beautiful reflection of the care, heart, and hospitality their team pours into every stay. We’re incredibly proud to have them here in Connecticut, setting the standard for what meaningful travel experiences can be."
State and hospitality leaders recently gathered to mark the achievement, and during the ceremony, Lenda presented a proclamation from Gov. Ned Lamont, officially declaring May 20, 2025, as Madison Beach Hotel Day. The proclamation called the property a “world-class establishment” and cited its contributions to both the local economy and the cultural vibrancy of Connecticut’s shoreline.
Hilton Senior Vice President Jenna Hackett also attended the celebration. She described the Connie Award as a symbol of hospitality excellence, crediting the Madison Beach Hotel’s staff and service offerings as key to its recognition.
General Manager John Mathers accepted the award alongside Distinctive Hospitality Group President Lou Carrier, acknowledging the support of the hotel’s ownership, the Duques family, and the broader team.
"This recognition is a testament to the commitment of our owners, the Duques family; our management company, Distinctive Hospitality Group; and our entire team," Mathers said. "We're fortunate to be supported by an unparalleled team of hospitality professionals that deliver a level of product and service matched only by the beauty of our location. We’re honored to receive this recognition from our partner, Hilton Hotels, whose relationship and commitment to service excellence align with our own."
Named after Hilton founder Conrad “Connie” Hilton, the Connie Award is granted annually to a select number of hotels based on guest satisfaction surveys, quality assurance audits, and adherence to brand standards.
Located along the Connecticut shoreline, Madison Beach Hotel is a boutique resort and one of the few coastal properties in New England to hold a AAA Four Diamond Rating.
MADISON — It’s been a long road for restaurateur Francesco Lulaj, owner of Killingworth’s La Foresta, to achieve his dream and open Madison Prime Steakhouse.A suited Lulaj recently stood tall a few hours before the first official dinner service as the aroma of sizzling steaks teased the air. He glanced at his watch but beamed as town officials trick...
MADISON — It’s been a long road for restaurateur Francesco Lulaj, owner of Killingworth’s La Foresta, to achieve his dream and open Madison Prime Steakhouse.
A suited Lulaj recently stood tall a few hours before the first official dinner service as the aroma of sizzling steaks teased the air. He glanced at his watch but beamed as town officials trickled into the new high-end eatery, completely transformed from when it was the old Madison Winter Club at 251 Boston Post Road.
He said he wasn’t nervous, but was eager to open later in the evening after the years it took to get there.
“I feel now I need to open," he said. "I know everything is perfect."
The old New England décor of the Winter Club was replaced with bold design elements, including imposing 5-foot-tall brass wall sconces from Paris and lots of white Carrara marble, crystal and rich brown leatherette — “the best of the best,” Lulaj said.
“I want it to be perfect," he added. "I didn’t spare anything."
Some details aren’t obvious to the casual observer, such as the mother-of-pearl inlaid wallpaper in the ladies’ room at $10,000 a sheet. But patrons can’t miss the sweeping panoramic mural of a larger-than-life herd of cattle in the club’s former ballroom, now a vast bar area.
His wife, Cassandra Lulaj, had her doubts when her husband had met with a local painter to figure out what to do with the huge blank wall and decided to “do cows as wallpaper".
“And I said, ‘So two guys decided to do cows as wallpaper?’” she recalled laughing. “And I was like, ‘Let me see this thing. Oh my God, you're going to mess this up.’ He put it up and I love it.”
The bar area, with white marble tables for two and a plush banquette, is meant for both intimate and casual dining. Eating full-course meals or nibbling at the oversized bar is encouraged.
“You feel comfortable. It's not just for a drink," Cassandra Lulaj said. "You can come here on your own, by yourself. You can come with a date. That's our hope."
She describes Madison Prime’s décor as “masculine, modern steakhouse” with coastal elements.
Francesco Lulaj spent about $4 million on the project, including the $1.2 million purchase, legal costs for the town approval process, and extensive renovations with a state-of-the-art stainless steel kitchen, he said.
He discovered a nasty surprise as he renovated the kitchen and interior: blackened joists under floor boards, six levels deep in the kitchen, and beneath wall board, charred studs from a fire in the 1950s, which required a complete rebuild inside.
But he kept the Winter Club’s original bar and fireplace mantelpiece, in addition to the plaque honoring club members on one wall.
Outside, Francesco Lulaj installed a new septic system, redid the parking lots and landscaping.
It took several years to get here with Francesco Lulaj going to a dozen or so town meetings to get approvals.
Once he had the go ahead, he acted as his own general contractor, directing tradespeople and making purchases. For the past several months, his wife said he was working every day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“We’re both built like that — very just driven and hardworking,” Cassandra Lulaj said.
Despite being turned down by the town in 2021, Francesco Lulaj was determined and repeatedly returned with his plans. Just two months before opening, he made his last appearance before the Planning and Zoning Commission.
“That's him. That's who he is,” said his wife. “I think part of it is his culture. He comes from Albania. He was born in a very rough upbringing with what's going on in government politics and communism. It made him a fighter from the beginning.”
Francesco Lulaj's journey from his homeland in Albania to Connecticut turned out to be a lucky one.
After the communist regime failed in Albania, Francesco Lulaj and several others from his hometown, fled to Italy where he started working as a dishwasher in a restaurant also called La Foresta.
“Leaving Albania was more anxious than hard," he said. "It was the same as when I left Italy."
In Rome, the chef-owner took the young Francesco Lulaj under his wing, promoting him to waiter, then teaching him by his side.
“I loved the way people felt about eating out and enjoying each other’s company," Francesco Lulaj said. "It was there that I got to love the food service industry. It is an amazing satisfaction when you serve people with great food and service, and they are happy."
Francesco moved to the U.S. and worked at Il Molino, Ninos, San Pietro’s in New York before teaming up with two cousins to buy Adriana’s in New Haven.
He never forgot his experience in Italy though.
“It was a longtime dream of mine to open a restaurant with the same name as the first restaurant that I learned everything,” he said.
When Lulaj bought the “empty run-down building in Killingworth,” which he turned into La Foresta, he called his mentor Gino Ferri, who owned La Foresta in Rome. He asked Ferri if he could use the name of his restaurant for his new venture.
“He was amazed and so happy to hear about my success,” Francesco Lulaj said.
Though he is thrilled to open Madison Prime, he said, “La Foresta has a special place in my heart no matter how many restaurants I had or have now.”
Opportunity struck again when the Winter Club closed in 2021. He saw the vacant building and immediately thought it would be the perfect spot for steakhouse.
His wife also has strong ties to restaurants. Cassandra Lulaj said she’s been working in them for the past 29 years since she was 13.
She met her husband while a waitress at Adriana’s where she started as a “little bus girl” and ended up working her way through grad school.
Now, a school psychologist at Middletown’s Xavier High School and Mercy High School, and mother of four boys, she's also managed La Foresta while he focused on the Madison eatery.
Francesco Lulaj is especially proud of the 32-ounce tomahawk steak on the menu. He said all the beef he serves is prime grade from the Allen Brothers in Chicago.
He said he tries to price the steaks reasonably and not just for the summer crowd.
“I want the locals to be able to afford all,” he said and for Madison Prime “to be their restaurant.”
First Selectman Peggy Lyons said Madison Prime will be a destination for people all over Connecticut.
MADISON, CT — Voters in Madison's Referendums Tuesday overwhelmingly approved the 2025-26operating budgets for the town and school system, but rejected a measure that would increase the budget for the Academy Community Center renovation.The town's operating budget of $35,307,161 was approved with 3,076 votes in favor, compared to 1,991, according to the unofficial results from Town Clerk Nancy Martucci and Head Moderator Laura Downes.For the vote on the education budget of $64,837,672, it was approved 3,174 to 1,892....
MADISON, CT — Voters in Madison's Referendums Tuesday overwhelmingly approved the 2025-26operating budgets for the town and school system, but rejected a measure that would increase the budget for the Academy Community Center renovation.
The town's operating budget of $35,307,161 was approved with 3,076 votes in favor, compared to 1,991, according to the unofficial results from Town Clerk Nancy Martucci and Head Moderator Laura Downes.
For the vote on the education budget of $64,837,672, it was approved 3,174 to 1,892.
First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons thanked voters for their participation.
"I’m grateful for their support for both the Town and School budgets, which I believe reflect our community priorities and focus on long-term financial planning," Lyons wrote in a statement on Facebook.
The long-gestating renovation of the Academy Community Center did not fare as well.
The project's proposed budget had ballooned by more than $8 million to $24 million, and voters rejected it.
According to Martucci and Downes, the vote tally was 3,670 against, compared to 1,413 in favor of the renovation.
"While I am truly disappointed that the public chose not to proceed with the Academy Community Center project, I am sympathetic to their many concerns during these tumultuous times," Lyons wrote. "From day one, this project has always been community driven, and now the community has determined its outcome. I have always felt strongly that the future of major Town assets, such as this, should be decided by the public, not by elected officials.
"When the Academy referendum passed the first time in early 2022, we were emerging from COVID and voters saw the wisdom in creating a facility that celebrates togetherness rather than sows division. Now, we are in a different time. Many are in a very pessimistic mood – they are worried about the direction of our country, nervous about their economic future, and exhausted by a barrage of negative rhetoric. The Academy vote offered people a chance to voice their opinion on the only realistic way for us to proceed given the headwinds we faced, and now we as Town leaders need to listen to them. I want to give my heartfelt thanks to the Academy volunteers over the years, including the current building committee. Your dedication and perseverance was notable, and we are grateful for your service.
"With this very definitive vote, we can now turn the page on the community center project and find a new path forward, one that we can all walk together."
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.The Darling Divas Return for Bingo Night Fundraiser Supporting Madison & GuilfordMadison, CT /Guilford, CT– May 21, 2025 — Get ready for a night of glamour, giggles, and good old-fashioned Bingo! The Madison and Guilford Democratic Town Committees proudly present “The Darling Divas Bingo Night” on Wednesday, June 26, 2025, at VFW Po...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
The Darling Divas Return for Bingo Night Fundraiser Supporting Madison & Guilford
Madison, CT /Guilford, CT– May 21, 2025 — Get ready for a night of glamour, giggles, and good old-fashioned Bingo! The Madison and Guilford Democratic Town Committees proudly present “The Darling Divas Bingo Night” on Wednesday, June 26, 2025, at VFW Post 7666, 104 Mill Road, Guilford.
Doors open at 6:00 PM with games and the Diva-fueled show kicking off at 6:30 PM sharp.
This is no ordinary game night—this is Bingo with attitude.
“You bring the snacks—we’ll bring the sass,” said Andrea Aron, Chair of the Madison Democratic Town Committee.
“It’s going to be a joyful, outrageous night with friends, laughter, and a little healthy competition on the bingo cards,” said Tara Hunt Melvin, Chair of the Guilford Democratic Town Committee.
The event will feature a full evening of bingo games and entertainment hosted by the larger-than-life Darling Divas, a cash bar, and plenty of razzle-dazzle. Attendees are invited to bring their own dinner or snacks to enjoy at their tables.
Tickets are $40 per person and go on sale starting May 21, 2025. Space is limited and the event is expected to sell out quickly.
“Whether you’re coming for the bingo, the bar, or the boas—we promise you won’t leave without a smile,” said Bob Donahue, Chair of the Events Committee, MDTC. “It’s an unforgettable way to support the local Democratic committees of Madison and Guilford while having a fabulous time.”
Proceeds from the event will benefit the ongoing voter engagement, outreach, and community advocacy efforts of both town committees.
To purchase tickets, visit: https://secure.anedot.com/mdtc/darlingdivas2025
860-261-4405
