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 Fort Nathan Hale 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 New Haven, 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 East Rock 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 ZINC New Haven or visit James Dwight Dana 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 New Haven, 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 New Haven, 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 New Haven, 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.
The legendary singer-songwriter and record producer revealed she took a train to Yale University in New Haven and visited a nearby museum.RJ Scofield, Patch StaffNEW HAVEN, CT — New Haven must feel like a "lucky star" after receiving a visit from the Queen of Pop herself, Madonna, earlier this month.The legendary singer-songwriter ...
RJ Scofield, Patch Staff
NEW HAVEN, CT — New Haven must feel like a "lucky star" after receiving a visit from the Queen of Pop herself, Madonna, earlier this month.
The legendary singer-songwriter revealed in an Instagram post Thursday she took a train to New Haven, specifically to Yale University, last week to see a new exhibit currently on display at the Yale Center for British Art on Chapel Street.
The post noted she had visited the museum to see "Tracey Emin: I Loved You Until The Morning," a new exhibit featuring contemporary artist Emin's work as a painter.
In addition to noting her love for trains, Madonna spoke highly of Emin as an artist and person.
"I love Tracey," Madonna said on Instagram. "I've known her since [her daughter] Lola [Ciccone Leon] was 4 years old. I have enormous respect and admiration for her. She's the 21st century Frida Kahlo."
The pop star also noted she loved being "surrounded by so many great minds" at Yale.
"I didn't want to leave," she wrote. "I wanted to stay and get my PhD. Can you guess in what subject?"
According to the Yale Center for British Art, "Tracey Emin: I Loved You Until The Morning" is the first presentation of Emin's work in a North American museum and the first ever solo museum exhibition to focus on her work as a painter.
A legendary singer, songwriter and record producer, Madonna is a cultural icon whose many hits include famous songs such as "Like a Prayer," "Material Girl," "La Isla Bonita," "Like a Virgin," "Lucky Star" and "Vogue" among many others.
In addition to her stamp on music, Madonna has also starred in a number of famous films as an actress, including "A League of their Own," "Dick Tracy," "Desperately Seeking Susan" and "Evita."
Tom Brockett, one of the most successful high school football coaches in Connecticut history, announced his resignation Thursday, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable, 19-year run at the small Naugatuck Valley school.Winner of 215 games against just 18 losses over 18 seasons, Brockett retires as the most efficient winner in state history with a .922 career winning percentage, which is also the third-highest in the histo...
Tom Brockett, one of the most successful high school football coaches in Connecticut history, announced his resignation Thursday, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable, 19-year run at the small Naugatuck Valley school.
Winner of 215 games against just 18 losses over 18 seasons, Brockett retires as the most efficient winner in state history with a .922 career winning percentage, which is also the third-highest in the history of high school football in the United States.
Perhaps more important to his city and school, Brockett also won a school-record eight state championships — which is one more than his mentor and predecessor, Jack Hunt, for whom Brockett took over as head coach in 2006. Overall, Brockett's program played in 13 state finals.
He made what he called a "gut-wrenching" decision for family reasons, namely a promise to himself that he would step down when his daughter, Taylor, reached high school. She's currently a freshman lacrosse player at Lyman Hall of Wallingford. His younger son, Michael, is a hockey and lacrosse player in 6th grade.
"I was able push it and make it work for one more year," Brockett said, referring to Ansonia's 2024 Class S championship season. "But you don't want to miss these moments with your kids. ...I know everybody always says that. It's not so much spending time with them, it's being present for your kids. And it's real hard now to be present for them."
With the support of his wife, Nicole — "Who's done everything anyone could possibly do for our kids and for myself," Brockett said — he finalized the decision this week. He informed the coaching staff on Wednesday before what was described as a "tearful and emotional" meeting with his players at school on Thursday.
"It's the hardest decision I've ever made in my life," said Brockett, 47, who will remain in his role as athletic director and a school administrator. "We've lost just 18 games in my career and they were all hard, but this was harder than any one of those losses.
"I've been so fortunate and it has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as the head coach of this program alongside some unbelievable administrators, assistant coaches, and players," he continued. "It was a storybook career for me, from the way I was treated and supported by the community and the school. I've never been in trouble with my board of education, I've never had any parent complaints... I just can't thank the people of Ansonia enough. I mean, I've had great support from the mayor, to the superintendent and principals and teachers and coaches.
"No coach in America is luckier than me."
In a letter to the school district, Ansonia Superintendent Joseph DiBacco, lamented Brockett's decision to leave, if only of what he's meant to the community.
"I truly wish Tom well...yet, I don't want him to retire from coaching," DiBacco wrote. "I know that is wrong and selfish to feel that way. In life, you should appreciate the time you have with people — tell them what they mean to you and wish them well.
"I need to take that advice and thank Coach Brockett for his years of dedication to Ansonia. On behalf of the entire Ansonia community, I want to express our deepest gratitude for his years of dedication, leadership, and excellence as the head coach of the Ansonia Chargers. His retirement marks the end of an incredible era — one defined by championships, tradition, and most importantly, the positive impact he has had on generations of young men."
As for Brockett's future, he says this is it. "I'm not coaching anywhere else," he said. "This is the place that I love. This is home."
As for his successor, Brockett said he will be involved in the hiring process, but declined to say if he had someone in mind. "We have an unbelievable staff at Ansonia that's going to do great things going forward."
Brockett leaves a profound legacy of success for his successor.
Twenty-seven-years old when he was promoted from defensive coordinator to head football coach in 2006, Ansonia's football fans might have wondered if this kid, who stood about 5-foot-6, could ever measure up to towering presence of the 6-foot-7 Hunt, who'd set the bar for Ansonia greatness with 193 victories and seven titles in 19 seasons.
Despite the enormous pressure to live up to both Hunt's record and his enthusiastic endorsement, Brockett said it wasn't any worse than the pressure he put on himself -- especially as Ansonia continued to win. He described sleepless hours mapping out Ansonia's strategies and coaching up his players, 23 of whom became New Haven Register All-State First Team selections. "You became obsessed with it," Brockett said. "It was my drug. I was obsessed with it. I gave it my all."
In his first-two seasons, Ansonia won back-to-back, unbeaten Class S championship seasons and the Register's final No. 1 ranking. He presided over seven undefeated seasons and his teams finished No. 1 in the New Haven Register's Top 10 football poll three times.
Behind a tight-knit staff of longtime Ansonia natives, including decades-long stalwarts Bob Lisi and John Sponheimer, Brockett coached Ansonia to 34-consecutive victories before losing his first, to Crosby, 18-14, on Nov. 7, 2008. Ansonia later lost to Cromwell, 14-12, in that year's Class S final and, the following season, failed to reach a final for the first time in Brockett's tenure.
However, the Chargers went on to reach the finals in each of the next eight seasons, winning four titles.
After losing to St. Joseph in a 2010 Class S shootout, Ansonia — behind Parade All-American back Arkeel Newsome — embarked on one of the most dominant runs in Connecticut sports history. The Chargers won 48-consecutive games and three-consecutive state championships (including a No. 1 ranking in 2013) and came within one game of tying Cheshire's all-time mark of 49-consecutive wins.
But on Oct. 17, 2014, in front of a packed house at Blue and Gold Stadium, the Chargers came up short against Newtown, 14-8. Ansonia also lost that year's state final to Valley Regional/Old Lyme, 21-20, and to Bloomfield in 2015.
Ansonia returned to the pinnacle in 2016, defeating Rocky Hill for the championship. The program's next great milestone was a 103-game win streak against opponents from the Naugatuck Valley League, which began at the start of the 2011 season and ended more than 10 years later: when Ansonia lost to Naugatuck, 14-7, on Thanksgiving Day, 2021.
Ansonia went on to play in two more state finals from 2021 onward, winning twice, in 2022 and — finally — in 2024, making him the first coach in Connecticut to win a title in his first and last season. "You couldn't write a better script for a coach," he said.
Brockett wasn't quite sure what he would do on game nights in autumn except be "as far away from everybody else, possibly,"
"I don't have any hobbies. My wife will tell you I can't fix a thing. Sports has been everything to me," Brockett said. "I don't know what I'll do next, I do worry about having to reinvent yourself. But I'll definitely find things to do. I'm still an administrator and athletic director, so I have plenty on my plate."
April 10, 2025|Updated April 10, 2025 5:03 p.m.
Assistant Sports Editor
A fishing boat rescued the three people on the "Hot Chocolate" sailboat that was found Tuesday hundreds of miles from its destination and four days after departing from New Haven, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.The 32-foot recreational sailboat, ...
A fishing boat rescued the three people on the "Hot Chocolate" sailboat that was found Tuesday hundreds of miles from its destination and four days after departing from New Haven, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
The 32-foot recreational sailboat, "Hot Chocolate," departed New Haven on April 4 intending to sail to Ocracoke in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, the Coast Guard's public affairs office in New York said.
A "be on the lookout" message published on boatwatch.org said the three people onboard the sailboat were in their 30s. The trip to North Carolina was expected to take five days and cover some 575 miles.
During the period of time that the boat was missing April 4-8, a series of fronts brought unsettled weather to the area. Gusty winds and rapid changes in weather conditions led to rough seas and decreased visibility, especially on Saturday, April 5. The conditions the survivors experienced likely were rough.
At the time of their rescue, a Gale Warning was in effect for the waters off Long Island and New Jersey for wind gusting to 30 knots (35 mph) and seas up to 11 feet. The water temperature was roughly 45 degrees Fahrenheit in those waters.
A person reported the boat didn't arrive on time on Tuesday, the Coast Guard said. In an alert posted to X, the agency said the boat was sailing off the continental shelf, an area well offshore of the coast.
The Coast Guard said its New York, Long Island Sound, Delaware Bay and North Carolina sectors issued broadcasts in their areas. Around 1:55 p.m. Tuesday, the Coast Guard in New York heard radio communications from the "Hot Chocolate," which confirmed "the vessel was disabled and adrift," the Coast Guard said.
It was unclear exactly how the vessel became disabled. The BOLO message said the boat's outboard motor failed on the first day.
A Coast Guard HC-144 airplane out of Cape Cod was able to establish communication with the boat, the Coast Guard said. A larger Coast Guard aircraft then helped to locate the missing boat, which was found around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday about 46 miles south of Fire Island.
The Melissa K, a fishing boat that was in the area, picked up the three people onboard. The Coast Guard said there were no injuries reported.
A Coast Guard Cutter arrived to pick up the three people "however, due to reported 30-knot winds and 10-foot seas, it was deemed unsafe to conduct the transfer," the Coast Guard said.
The three people rescued off the "Hot Chocolate" agreed to stay aboard the Melissa K fishing vessel, which was due to return Wednesday to Point Pleasant, N.J., the Coast Guard said.
The agency said it had no "further involvement" in the incident. It was unclear from the Coast Guard statement what happened to the sailboat after the rescue.
Meteorologist Dan Amarante contributed to this report
Partnership provides guaranteed admissions to the University of New Haven for graduates of CT State Community College who meet certain academic requirements.University of New Haven and Connecticut State Community College (CT State) leaders gathered today to sign a partnership that will offer guaranteed admissions and merit-based scholarships to graduates of CT State Community College who meet certain academic requirements.“As a private university with a pu...
Partnership provides guaranteed admissions to the University of New Haven for graduates of CT State Community College who meet certain academic requirements.
University of New Haven and Connecticut State Community College (CT State) leaders gathered today to sign a partnership that will offer guaranteed admissions and merit-based scholarships to graduates of CT State Community College who meet certain academic requirements.
“As a private university with a public mission, we are deeply committed to increasing access to college for deserving students,” said Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., president of the University of New Haven. “We embrace the responsibility we have to maximize the investment of our students and create transformative outcomes for our graduates. We look forward to helping graduates of CT State as they pursue their goals and dreams.”
“This agreement represents an incredible opportunity for our students to continue their academic journeys with greater ease and support,” said CT State President John Maduko, M.D. “By streamlining the transfer process and providing access to meaningful scholarships, we're opening new doors for our students to pursue their goals and achieve long-term success. We’re proud to partner with University of New Haven in creating pathways that empower students and strengthen our communities."
Graduates of CT State who earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 will be guaranteed by UNewHaven entry into its transfer program and a consistent and smooth transfer of up to 90 credits, provided they satisfy degree requirements.
Merit-based transfer scholarships will be provided, up to $30,000 annually, for CT State graduates who meet certain academic requirements.
CT State students whose ultimate interest is in transferring to the University of New Haven through the new articulation agreement are encouraged to enroll in the UNewHaven/CT State Dual Enrollment program, which enables participants to take one UNewHaven on-campus course per year tuition-free while enrolled as a student at CT State. Students in this dual enrollment program will also receive UNewHaven student IDs and have access to campus events and the university’s Peterson Library.
The University of New Haven is one of just more than 200 colleges and universities in the country, and the only one in Connecticut to earn a spot on Phi Theta Kappa’s 2024 Transfer Honor Roll, which recognizes institutions for creating pathways that lead to success for community college transfer students.
CT State was launched in 2023, following the consolidation of Connecticut’s 12 community colleges. It features campuses and satellite locations in 17 cities and towns across Connecticut.
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