Learn more about in-home care options for your loved ones

Given the choice, most of us want to stay in our homes. Sometimes, people need help to remain at home. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Personal Care Consultation

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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.
 In-Home Care South Kent, CT

How does In-home Senior Care in South Kent, CT work?

Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it's 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 ages, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

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 Senior Care South Kent, CT

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.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a unfamiliar assisted living community, 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:

Comfort
Comfort

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, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old. With the help of elderly care in South Kent, 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.

Healthy Living
Healthy Living

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.

Independence
Independence

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 an assisted living community. 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.

Cost and Convenience
Cost and Convenience

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 to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, can be 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 in South Kent, CT 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.

Empowers Seniors

Affordable Care Plans

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:

Veteran's Benefits
Veteran's Benefits

Aid and Attendance benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.

Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-Term Care Insurance

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.

Private Insurance
Private Insurance

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.

Life Insurance
Life Insurance

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.


Respite Care South Kent, CT

During your Care Plan consultation with Always Best Care, your Care Coordinator will speak with you about in-home care costs and what options there may be to help meet your budget needs.

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 South Kent,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.

 Caregivers South Kent, 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 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:

An assessment of your senior loved one

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An in-depth discussion of the needs of your senior loved one to remain in their own home

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Reviewing a detailed Care Plan that will meet your senior loved one's needs

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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.

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.

Latest News in South Kent, CT

Kent eatery named to New York Times best restaurants list

KENT, Conn. — An 18th-century farmhouse restaurant in Kent is getting national attention after it was named to the New York Times’ Best Restaurants in America list.Ore Hill, located in the idyllic landscape of western Connecticut, is the only restaurant from the Nutmeg State named on the list. This is the third an...

KENT, Conn. — An 18th-century farmhouse restaurant in Kent is getting national attention after it was named to the New York Times’ Best Restaurants in America list.

Ore Hill, located in the idyllic landscape of western Connecticut, is the only restaurant from the Nutmeg State named on the list. This is the third annual New York Times Restuarant List.

The eatery – located in the historic Swift-Bull House in the heart of Connecticut and opened in August 2022 – offers an intimate tasting menu anchored in local agriculture. The menu changes seasonally and the food is sourced primarily from Rock Cobble Farm in South Kent.

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The New York Times said the restaurant produces a “kaleidoscope of flavors, a warm cocoon of service, and lush produce, dairy and meat from the 1,000-acre estate nearby that belong to the philanthropist Anne Bass.”

“Its $95 prix fixe keeps the promise of farm-to-table that urban restaurants can’t, with fragrant green tomatoes, tiny raspberries, fresh beans, and burrata; even the minced chives on pea-filled agnolotti packs a punch,” the newspaper’s Julia Moskin wrote.

Ore Hill shares the building – and its wood-fired oven – with its tavern sibling, Swyft. According to the website, Swyft is a modern tavern in a historical setting serving pizzas, small plates, and entrees with local inspiration.

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GOLF COURSE RENOVATIONS UNDER WAY AT BULL’S BRIDGE GOLF CLUB

Fazio Design Oversees Refinement of Golf Course Bunkers, On-Course FeaturesConnecticut Architect Erik Furno Designs New “Golf House” and Renovates ClubhouseSouth Kent, CT – Bunker renovation has commenced at Bull’s Bridge Golf Club, under the watchful eye of Fazio Design and Golf Course Superintendent Stephen Hicks.The golf course master plan calls for new bunkers to be added to eight holes (1, 3, 6, 9, 10, 13, 17, and 18). On these and other holes, bunkers a...

Fazio Design Oversees Refinement of Golf Course Bunkers, On-Course Features

Connecticut Architect Erik Furno Designs New “Golf House” and Renovates Clubhouse

South Kent, CT – Bunker renovation has commenced at Bull’s Bridge Golf Club, under the watchful eye of Fazio Design and Golf Course Superintendent Stephen Hicks.

The golf course master plan calls for new bunkers to be added to eight holes (1, 3, 6, 9, 10, 13, 17, and 18). On these and other holes, bunkers also will be repositioned to improve visibility or removed to address changes in equipment and enhance course playability.

Other on-course work includes select bent grass fairway and short-cut approach expansion and the building of additional tees on select holes. New back tees will be added on holes 2, 9 and 18 and new forward tees on holes 3, 6, 10, and 17. The new gold tee distance will be about 7,200 yards.

This is the first major renovation of the golf course since it opened in 2004. McDonald and Sons is the construction contractor.

Bull’s Bridge Golf Club’s clubhouse expansion plan has been approved by the local zoning commission. AlA award-winning architect Erik Furno of Furno Architects, with offices in Old Greenwich and Westbrook, Connecticut, has redesigned the existing clubhouse and a new Golf House in a separate structure, connected by a breezeway. Furno’s firm is noted for using local artisans, craftsman, and materials, with a focus on sustainable design.

The kitchen and dining room in the existing building will be expanded. The Golf House will include well-appointed locker rooms and a new golf shop.

“This is an exciting time at Bull’s Bridge, with these significant upgrades being made to enhance overall member enjoyment of our facilities,” said Brian Freeswick, General Manager. Grow-in and full completion of the golf course project is expected this November. Ground was broken on the new Golf House in August.

One of the top golf courses in the state of Connecticut, Bull’s Bridge is noted for its natural beauty and challenging layout. The golf course is among Golfweek’s Top 200 Modern Courses and Best in State, and on Golf Digest’s “Best in State” ranking.

For additional information, access the club’s website at www.bullsbridgegolfclub.com.

About Bull’s Bridge

Nestled in northwestern Connecticut’s scenic Litchfield County, Bull’s Bridge Golf Club is a private club offering a unique golf and member experience. The Berkshire foothills provide an impressive panorama with spectacular views prominent throughout the property. The 18-hole, championship golf course was opened in 2004, and quickly commanded the attention of the golf community. Designed by Tom Fazio, one of America’s greatest living golf architects, the par 72 layout exemplifies his trademark design versatility. The golf course is currently ranked on the Best in State list compiled by Golf Digest magazine. With multiple sets of tees, two hybrid course layouts and yardages ranging from 5,300 to 7,200 yards, the course simultaneously appeals to and challenges players of all skill levels. The natural beauty and meticulous conditioning create a most memorable round for all who play. Bull’s Bridge was the first golf course in the northeast to be designated as a Certified Silver Audubon International Signature Sanctuary. For additional information, access the website at www.bullsbridgegolfclub.com.

Media Contact Karen Moraghan Hunter Public Relations [email protected] 908/963-6013

Towns in Litchfield County deal with aftermath of flooding

Towns across Litchfield County are dealing with the aftermath of some serious flooding.KENT, CT (WFSB) - Towns across Litchfield County are dealing with the aftermath of some serious flooding.A home in Kent needed to be evacuated due to flooding, according to fire officials.The home was evacuated on Preston Mountain Road on Monday morning.They also said that people in three other homes on the road were told to shelter in place.A fire official told Channel 3 that the flooding was the result of heavy rain tha...

Towns across Litchfield County are dealing with the aftermath of some serious flooding.

KENT, CT (WFSB) - Towns across Litchfield County are dealing with the aftermath of some serious flooding.

A home in Kent needed to be evacuated due to flooding, according to fire officials.

The home was evacuated on Preston Mountain Road on Monday morning.

They also said that people in three other homes on the road were told to shelter in place.

A fire official told Channel 3 that the flooding was the result of heavy rain that came down a mountain and into a brook. The brook became diverted into the neighborhood.

Channel 3 viewer Ingrid recorded flooding at Kent Falls on Monday.

Officials say the residents heeded warnings, and those who needed to evacuate did so by themselves. Otherwise, a water rescue would have been needed.

Residents say the flooding was something like they’ve never seen before.

“No I have not seen stuff like this it was pretty incredible last night,” said Cornwall resident Katya Winsser.

Crews noted that the rain stopped by late Monday morning and some of the water receded.

However, they said the Housatonic River was flooded and some town roads would be closed on Monday as a result.

The town of New Milford felt the impact of this flooding. Storm damage caused 9 roads to close and several bridges to be blocked off Monday.

New Milford Mayor Pete Bass said through the evening is when the worst of the flooding is expected. “[We’re] keeping our fingers crossed that it continues after that to dissipate,” said Bass.

As of right now, New Milford does not have water quality concerns. It’s not the same for nearby towns.

In Middlebury, Hop Brook Lake is closed due to potentially high bacteria levels.

No swimming signs were seen posted around the lake Monday evening.

Updates to the forecast from Channel 3′s meteorologists can be read in their technical discussion here.

Flood damage in Cornwall and Kent

Floods wash out roads and property in Kent

Flooding closes major road in Kent and Cornwall

The aftermath of rainfall in Kent.

Copyright 2023 WFSB. All rights reserved.

Camp Investigation Finds Serious Health, Safety Issues

A youth camp in South Kent that voluntarily surrendered its license in August failed to ensure the health and safety of its campers, according to a state investigation. The operator was also fined $1,500 for opening without the proper license.NBC Connecticut Investigates spoke exclusively with concerned parents and a camp employee about the problems.In July, parents...

A youth camp in South Kent that voluntarily surrendered its license in August failed to ensure the health and safety of its campers, according to a state investigation. The operator was also fined $1,500 for opening without the proper license.

NBC Connecticut Investigates spoke exclusively with concerned parents and a camp employee about the problems.

In July, parents were trying to bring their kids home from Camp Shane in South Kent after being informed the camp was shutting down just weeks into the summer session. It was those campers’ alleged experiences at camp that prompted a joint investigation by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC) and the Department of Children and Families (DCF).

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Camp Closes Amid State Investigation

A camp in Kent closed abruptly Tuesday as two state agencies stepped in to investigate it.

“If you look at their website and look at the staff that was supposed to be there. I feel so negligent even sending my child there,” said Megan Thompson, who lives in Plymouth, Mass.

For decades, Camp Shane has prided itself as a fun, family-owned, one-of-a-kind medically supervised weight loss camp for kids with locations around the country. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the camp opened only one location for summer 2021, at the South Kent School.

But Thompson and other parents told NBC Connecticut the camp did not live up to its promises.

“I thought it was (staffed by) medical professionals,” said Ramona Schwartz from Ashville, NC. “I sent him with needles (for his medication) and everything.”

Thompson said what she witnessed when she picked up her 16-year-old was startling.

“There wasn't an adult to be seen. All these medications that were just out in the bathrooms, someone's medications just sitting around, all these things that should not be around children,” she said.

Thompson said she took a photo of pill bottles on a bathroom sink, which she shared with state investigators.

In its final investigation report, the OEC noted “multiple violations relate to medications,” including “four prescriptions of controlled substances” left unattended.

Investigators also found campers were not properly supervised at all times.

When Camp Shane closed in July, NBC Connecticut spoke with camp founder and director David Ettenberg, who blamed the early closure on lack of staff. Ettenberg said staff members kept quitting due to the camp’s Covid-19 protocols, which didn’t allow them to leave the grounds.

“Devastating, really devastating. I love this camp. I love the kids. I know that parents are really, really relying on us,” he said then.

NBC Connecticut followed up with Ettenberg several times since then about the allegations made by parents. He responded in an email writing, “Wow! All wrong,” but did not elaborate or return further requests for comment.

Pamela Artigas of Florida was the first parent to reach out to NBC Connecticut Investigates. She picked her daughter up after she said an overwhelmed camp counselor called her about a medical issue her daughter experienced after hours of exercise.

Artigas said her daughter told her she did not feel safe at camp.

Bella D’Ambrosio is the employee who called Artigas.

“There is no doctor, no nurse,” she said. “It was heartbreaking to ask for the simplest requirements of safety and protocol for these children from my staff.”

D’Ambrosio said she was hired as a camp director just days before camp opened this summer, and said she quit within days of witnessing the disorder. She contacted the Office of Early Childhood with her concerns.

“If I stayed, I was condoning the treatment at which camp was being run for these children,” she said.

A state inspector made an unannounced visit to Camp Shane on July 8 in response to a complaint. Five days and a dozen complaints later, the OEC announced a joint investigation with DCF. The camp shut its doors that same day.

During its investigation, the state learned an 8-year-old girl received serious injuries while at camp.

When asked by NBC Connecticut about the incident, Ettenberg said four adults were present when the camper fell and an athletic goal post fell on her. But the state’s report said, “staff could not identify what exactly occurred.”

Camp Shane relocated to Pomfret, Conn. in 2019, after decades of operating in New York. Camp Shane previously operated in other locations around the country as well. For the 2021 session, the camp moved to the South Kent School.

NBC Connecticut Investigates looked at the camp’s licensing records from 2019, which showed Camp Shane was required to come up with a corrective action plan in response to several violations. Ettenberg attributed this to getting accustomed to operating in a new state.

In July, NBC Connecticut asked Ettenberg if he thought opening camp this summer was in the best interest of the campers.

“They were missing activities yes, but they were always, always, always safe. And really not until the last bunch of days, the kids were happy,” he said.

State investigators concluded, ”Overall, the operator of this camp opened and accepted campers without preparing for the camp season. There was no leadership, minimum staffing, no specialists, and no preparation for the needs of the campers. Serious medical needs of the campers were not met when the operator failed to provide anyone trained to provide the necessary medications, failed to prepare the staff for emergency situations, and failed to seek medical assistance from trained professionals in a timely manner.”

According to OEC’s investigation report, at the time he surrendered his license, Ettenberg denied any wrongdoing.

State Investigating Youth Weight Loss Camp in Kent After Abrupt Closure

This week, parents from around the country had to scramble to pick up campers right here in Connecticut.Camp Shane, which is described on its website as a medically supervised weight loss camp, closed its doors in Kent Tuesday.The overnight camp had scheduled to run more sessions of camp throughout the summer at The South Kent School, but camp owner David Ettenberg said he just didn’t have enough staffing to keep it open.He said staff members kept quitting because they didn’t want to stay on-campus per camp C...

This week, parents from around the country had to scramble to pick up campers right here in Connecticut.

Camp Shane, which is described on its website as a medically supervised weight loss camp, closed its doors in Kent Tuesday.

The overnight camp had scheduled to run more sessions of camp throughout the summer at The South Kent School, but camp owner David Ettenberg said he just didn’t have enough staffing to keep it open.

He said staff members kept quitting because they didn’t want to stay on-campus per camp COVID-19 safety procedures.

“Devastating, really devastating. I love this camp. I love the kids. I know that parents are really, really relying on us,” said Ettenberg, who says he let parents and guardians know about the camp closure a couple of days ago.

Meanwhile, the Office of Early Childhood and Department of Children and Families say they’re investigating “the health, safety, and well being of children” who were enrolled at the weight loss camp.

While the state wouldn’t release more details of the investigation involving minors, in a statement, they confirmed the closure. Loved ones we spoke to said they complained to the state.

“She says, ‘Mom. I don’t feel safe here anymore. I can’t stay here,” described Pamela Artigas of Vero Beach, Florida.

Artigas said when her 14-year-old started sharing concerning stories from Camp Shane and an overwhelmed counselor called her about a medical issue with her daughter at camp too, she hopped on a plane from Florida to pick up her daughter.

“Our kids have looked forward to an experience for six to nine weeks and their experience was a nightmare.”

She said her daughter's heart condition wasn't being handled properly, as promised, and when she went to pick her up, no one on staff thought to check if she was in fact her daughter's legal guardian.

"You pick a medically supervised camp for all of these reasons to know that they’re safe and monitored and yet they weren’t from day one. They weren’t."

Family members of other campers say their loved ones shared similar chaotic stories.

After one family picked up their camper, they showed NBC Connecticut a note they say was from the camp that said their loved one’s medication was stolen.

Others told us an 8-year-old was severely injured Saturday on an athletic field, which NBC Connecticut confirmed with first responders. Ettenberg said there were four adults present when the girl fell and an athletic goal post fell on her.

“He never told us, never told us there was a staffing shortage in the first place. He should have not opened the camp. I mean he didn’t have the right staffing,” said Artigas.

“I don't think that's really true. They were missing activities, yes, but they were always, always, always safe and really not until the last bunch of days the kids were happy,” said Ettenberg.

As an investigation continues, families we spoke to are also concerned about the pretty penny they already paid to keep their kids at camp a lot longer this summer.

"The camp's $10,000. It’s a lot of money for a lot of people. We take out loans, we save all year. And that’s not including the airfare and doctors appointments to get us clear to go there," said Aritgas, whose daughter was set to attend camp for a couple more weeks.

“We're getting all those people that money back right after that and the big hit for me financially but emotionally you know I’m very, I’m very sad about this,” said Ettenberg.

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