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 Peterson Memorial Park 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 Wolcott, 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 Peterson Memorial 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 New Mill Restaurant or visit Wolcott State Grange 173, 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 Wolcott, 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 Wolcott, 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 Wolcott, 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.
After a rough 2024, Lewis Mills returns a majority of its starters, including all five offensive linemen. There's potential reinforcement with the addition of Wolcott Tech as a co-op partner.The Spartans lost incumbent quarterback Alex Weaver to the Kent School. They also graduated rushing leader Gianluca Dolzadelli and tackling leader Mateo Dolzadelli.Coach Jason Pace enters Year 2 with plenty of optimism for turning his program's fortunes around. He said the addition of Wolcott Tech players has added depth and new chal...
After a rough 2024, Lewis Mills returns a majority of its starters, including all five offensive linemen. There's potential reinforcement with the addition of Wolcott Tech as a co-op partner.
The Spartans lost incumbent quarterback Alex Weaver to the Kent School. They also graduated rushing leader Gianluca Dolzadelli and tackling leader Mateo Dolzadelli.
Coach Jason Pace enters Year 2 with plenty of optimism for turning his program's fortunes around. He said the addition of Wolcott Tech players has added depth and new challengers for starting spots.
"I'm excited about the opportunity we have with the new Wolcott-Tech co-op," he said. "I am also encouraged with the work the team has put in this offseason. Our summer workouts have been the most attended in the three years I've been part of the Mills program."
The Spartans are looking for new skill players to emerge in their spread offense and new linebackers to step up in their multiple 3-4 defense. The lines and defensive secondary appear to be a strength.
Led by 6-foot-1, 215-pound left tackle Nate Bertrand, many of the linemen are juniors who have been starting since freshman year. "The group was very committed to the weight room this offseason and have size and strength," Pace said.
In the wake of Weaver's departure, Jayce McDonald and Tyson Popovich are vying to be starting quarterback. Patryk Klonowski is the elder statesman in a young receiving corps. The ground game will feature a rotation of backs.
"Our 2025 expectation is that the climb continues in building a winning culture," Pace said. "We know that its a process that will take years and we're only in year two."
Mills' CCC schedule looks loaded with strong, small-school programs, particularly East Catholic, Tolland, Bloomfield and NWC — the last three coming during a four-week stretch in the season's second half.
The Wolcott Country Fair brought small-town charm with music, rides and local vendors.WOLCOTT, Conn. — The annual Wolcott Country Fair welcomed people this weekend, offering some small-town charm.With live music, carnival rides, blacksmith demonstrations, food vendors, arts and crafts, and family-friendly activities, the fair once again proved to be a highlight of the summer for the community.Long-time attendees Nancy and Roger Picard, who have made the event a yearly tradition, go to the fair because “You ge...
The Wolcott Country Fair brought small-town charm with music, rides and local vendors.
WOLCOTT, Conn. — The annual Wolcott Country Fair welcomed people this weekend, offering some small-town charm.
With live music, carnival rides, blacksmith demonstrations, food vendors, arts and crafts, and family-friendly activities, the fair once again proved to be a highlight of the summer for the community.
Long-time attendees Nancy and Roger Picard, who have made the event a yearly tradition, go to the fair because “You get to see everyone and support the businesses that are here so that they come back year to year,” Nancy said.
Roger added, “The food selection is unbelievable, it's just one of those fairs where you come here and you're bound to find something you like.”
The fair, one of the larger events in the Wolcott area, is organized and operated by the Wolcott Lions Club along with dozens of local volunteers. Proceeds from the fair go directly back into the community to support those in need.
Abbey Fogg, a fair goer from Burlington wants people to support these small-town events.
“I just encourage people to get out there and support local and go to these little, small-town fairs and really appreciate what they have to offer,” Fogg said.
For local artisans and small business owners, the fair also offers an important opportunity for exposure.
Sarah Austin, owner of By The Sea Shop, was among the many vendors showcasing handmade goods.
“It’s nice to have people come in, you get to show them the things you're making,” Austin said. "Knowing people like my stuff makes you feel really good, it makes me want to keep making them, that’s why I like coming to the fairs, so this one has been really good so far.”
Austin makes all kinds of custom glass and resin crafts, many beach themed.
Beyond the vendors and attractions, many say the fair is a beloved community tradition that brings people together.
“You see people that you haven’t seen all summer or maybe all year, and this is where they all come together. It’s definitely a nice warm family community,” Roger Picard said.
“That’s Wolcott haha,” Nancy Picard added.
The Wolcott Country Fair is held annually during the summer. If you missed the fair this year, you could catch it next year.
Joe Monte is a Multi-Skilled Journalist for FOX61 News. He can be reached at [email protected].
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WOLCOTT — By the time Wolcott’s Cam Maldonado finished his senior baseball season at Hamden Hall, he knew he had the potential to get drafted. Then after his All-America freshman season at Northeastern University, it became a certainty in his mind that one day he would play professionally.When he finished his spectacular junior season with the Huskies this year, he knew that time had come.It was just a matter of negotiations at that point to determine which major league organization was going to show enough respect ...
WOLCOTT — By the time Wolcott’s Cam Maldonado finished his senior baseball season at Hamden Hall, he knew he had the potential to get drafted. Then after his All-America freshman season at Northeastern University, it became a certainty in his mind that one day he would play professionally.
When he finished his spectacular junior season with the Huskies this year, he knew that time had come.
It was just a matter of negotiations at that point to determine which major league organization was going to show enough respect for his five-tool skillset by paying him enough money to sacrifice his senior year of college eligibility.
“I had a lot of calls and offers from a lot of other teams throughout the 4th and 5th rounds, but they weren’t offering a great amount of money,” Maldonado said. “I wasn’t nervous, because my agent was saying, ‘You are 100% going to get drafted. It is going to happen, so don’t worry about anything.’
“I was really just waiting on the right offer and the right team. When I talked to the Giants, everything they talked about sounded great, including a great offer, so I took it.”
According to MLB.com’s draft tracker, San Francisco paid Maldonado a $287,000 signing bonus right in line with round and making him the 206th pick overall three weeks ago.
Obviously, the Giants liked what Maldonado and his agent were saying, too, because they wasted no time picking him after their conversation.
“It was funny, because I was on the phone with my agent and the Giants like 15 seconds before they picked me,” Maldonado said. “I was on the phone while my name was getting called on the TV. I came outside and I heard my name. My family officially knew even before I did because they saw it on TV. It happens quick.”
Within days, Maldonado was in Arizona working out at the Giants’ player development center in Phoenix.
Maldonado and the team’s other draft picks were at the facility by 10:30 each morning for meetings, and then they would practice 5-6 hours until early evening. They finished off their days by watching Arizona Complex League playoffs together.
Between great facilities, the baseball and all the food and supplements and nutritional training to keep their bodies in peak condition, he said it was a first-class, exciting and fun initial taste of pro ball.
He came home for about a week to spend time with his family, and now he is headed back.
“I am going back there for instruction for about a week or a week and a half, and then they will send me out an affiliate for playoffs,” Maldonado said. “It is pretty exciting. Instructs give you a little feeling for the game-like speed. You face pitchers a little bit just to get you ready for affiliates.”
The 6-foot-3, 200-pound, fleet-footed center fielder expects to get assigned either to the Giants’ low-A team in San Jose, Calif. or to their high-A team in Eugene, Ore.
“It honestly hasn’t set in yet,” Maldonado said. “I am still in awe right now. It is exciting that I get to play baseball for a job. That is pretty crazy to me. I love it, and I am so happy that I am doing it.”
He’s been happy for a long time, thanks to the support his parents, Juan and Joanne Maldonado, have provided in nurturing his love for baseball. He played for elite travel teams growing up, has been working with a hitting instructor since he was 13, and when they saw his potential, they made it possible for him to go to Hamden Hall.
“I was told by a bunch of coaches and even my parents, ‘You can make it. You have the skills. You have the tools and everything it takes for a baseball player to make it in the pros. You have the talent, you work hard and you have that passion,’” Maldonado said.
“I knew going to Hamden Hall, because they were telling me, ‘Dude, we see you making a great impact here.’ The same with Northeastern when I committed there, the coach was like, ‘You are going to make an instant impact when you come here, too.’”
He did. His first season he hit a team-best .353, set the program record for home runs by a freshman with 13, led the team in runs scored with 45 and led the conference with 31 stolen bases in 32 attempts. He was named the conference, New England and ECAC rookie of the year and earned Collegiate Baseball Freshman All-America honors.
Although he took a step back his sophomore season (.265, 8 HRs, 23 RBIs), he looked at it as a blessing in disguise. After struggling for the first half of the season, he learned to stay mentally strong, battle through his adversity and turn his season around.
“Going into my sophomore year, I felt like I just had a lot of stress and pressure on my shoulders,” Maldonado said. “When I was on the field with a lot of scouts in the stands watching me, filming me and everything, every time I stepped into the batter’s box, I was thinking about that stuff instead of what was going on inside the baseball diamond.”
He said he had conversations with his coaches and with his family about relaxing, having fun and believing in his abilities.
He also went home during the season to his hitting coach, Matt Burns from MVP New England, who quickly discovered and fixed the flaw in his swing that was causing him to get too jumpy and be late on fastballs.
“We fixed it by bringing my hands closer to my body when I load, an Aaron Judge-type of swing and load,” Maldonado said. “Once I did that, I got to every single ball.
“I feel like it was a gift that I went through failure and flipped things around. Not a lot of people can do that. They give up or don’t know what to do. I got out of it, kept going with a successful Cape Cod season that summer and carried it into my junior year.”
This past season, Maldonado drew all the scouts back and impressed them by hitting .351 with career highs of 78 hits, 76 runs, 17 homers, 15 doubles and 59 RBIs. He also set the Northeastern career record for stolen bases with 86.
“I would say I am a five-tool player,” Maldonado said. “I have power, contact, a great arm, and my speed plays a big role in my defense and baserunning. I feel my hitting is my biggest strength. That’s what teams were looking at the most.”
The fact that he was able to put it all together for two and a half seasons allowed him to fulfill at least the first part of a childhood dream by getting drafted.
“I was dreaming about that moment for my whole life, and I worked hard for it,” Maldonado said. “I was so excited and so happy, but I am definitely not finished yet. What I have accomplished is definitely a dream, but my ultimate goal is to make the majors and stay in the majors for a long, long time.”
CONNECTICUT — Connecticut is rolling into the second weekend of August with a packed calendar full of fine art, family fun, historic flair, and even a touch of the Bard. Whether you're in the mood for fried dough at a classic country fair, a scenic historical boat ride, or live performances along the coast, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the dog days of summer. Here’s your roundup of must-see events for the weekend of August 8–10 across the Nutmeg State.Get Your Fair Fix in Wolcott...
CONNECTICUT — Connecticut is rolling into the second weekend of August with a packed calendar full of fine art, family fun, historic flair, and even a touch of the Bard. Whether you're in the mood for fried dough at a classic country fair, a scenic historical boat ride, or live performances along the coast, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the dog days of summer. Here’s your roundup of must-see events for the weekend of August 8–10 across the Nutmeg State.
Get Your Fair Fix in Wolcott
Start the weekend with some old-fashioned fun at the Wolcott Country Fair, running Friday through Sunday. One of the largest agricultural fairs in the state, this three-day celebration has it all: carnival rides, truck pulls, live music, a demolition derby, livestock shows, and more fried food than your doctor would recommend. Don’t miss the fireworks show Friday night or the tractor pulls that draw cheering crowds all weekend long. Get the full schedule.
Mystic Becomes an Outdoor Museum
The coastal town of Mystic transforms into a vibrant open-air gallery this Saturday and Sunday with the 67th Mystic Outdoor Art Festival, Connecticut’s oldest and largest art festival. More than 200 artists from across the country will line the streets with everything from paintings and pottery to jewelry and sculpture. Admission is free, and the views of the Mystic River aren’t bad either. Explore the festival.
Bonus: Live Performances on the Garde Arts Center Stage
As part of the Mystic Art Fest, stop by the Garde Arts Center Performing Arts Stage in Mystic River Park on Saturday for a lineup of music, dance, and live entertainment presented by local and regional performers. Think of it as a soundtrack to your artistic stroll.
Hike, Picnic, Repeat
Looking for something a little more laid back? Bring the whole crew to the Family Hike and Picnic at the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center in Mystic on Friday, Aug. 8. The gentle walk through the woods is perfect for little legs, and the staff provides nature activities and picnic ideas. Reserve your spot.
Nature Meets Music at I-Park
On Saturday, head to East Haddam for August Open Trails + Music, a monthly event at I-Park where visitors can explore miles of artist-designed trails, outdoor installations, and—this weekend—live music scattered across the landscape. It’s art and nature in harmony, and it’s one of Connecticut’s best-kept cultural secrets. Grab tickets, they're free.
Cruise Into the Gilded Age
Step back in time with the Gilded Age on the Thames Historical Boat Tour in New London on Sunday, Aug. 10. This narrated cruise explores the opulent mansions, steamboat ports, and wealthy summer homes that once dotted the Thames River during the late 19th century. It’s part history lesson, part scenic escape, and 100 percent Connecticut charm.
To Be or Not to Be… Outdoors
Wethersfield is channeling Shakespeare under the stars this week with performances of Hamlet, running through Aug. 16. The production is part of the town’s summer arts programming and offers a unique twist on the classic tragedy—with the added bonus of a warm summer breeze and no ticket required. Just bring a blanket or lawn chair and settle in on the Keeney Memorial Center lawn for an evening of betrayal, monologues, and ghostly intrigue. Admission is free.
Art Indoors, Too
For those who prefer their art with air conditioning, don’t miss “Likeness and Light” exhibit at the Geary Gallery in Darien by Ridgefield artist Steve Wolf, on display through Aug. 16. The collection features luminous oil portraits and landscapes that celebrate light in all its forms. It’s a quiet but compelling stop for art lovers looking to escape the heat.
Whether you’re taking in world-class art by the sea, cheering on tractors at the fairgrounds, or getting lost in Shakespeare’s Denmark, this weekend in Connecticut is all about soaking up summer before it slips away.
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