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 The Deserted Village 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 Bernards, NJ 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.
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care provided us with two incredibly”
“The care I receive from Always Best Care is outstanding and invaluable in keeping me”
“I am a current client of this provider I am extremely satisfied with my caregiver, thanks”
“I am a past client of this provider When my mother found the day to day”
“I am a past client of this provider Best in Care helped our family during a”
“I am a current client of this provider What a relief to find Always Best Care.”
“What a relief to find Always Best Care. My 84 year old mom raves about”
“I am a past client of this provider My mother needed help after a fall in”
“Greg, Robin, and Clara have been such a gift to our family We are so”
“Greg and all of his staff always go above and beyond to provide my mother”
“I am a past client of this provider We have been caring for my mom since”
“I am a current client of this provider We are currently receiving services from Always Best”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care of Basking Ridge has been”
“My family needed help with my Mom for a family wedding. She lives in assisted”
“My son was getting married and we needed someone to help with my mom during”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care of Basking Ridge (ABCBR) has”
“Gregg was a pleasure to work with. His caring manner, as well as, understanding the”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care of Basking Ridge proved to”
“When I injured my ankle, ABC at Bernardsville, NJ provided one month services to help”
“I am a past client of this provider My husband had a series of illnesses and”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care owners Greg and Robin have”
“Greg and Robin LaVersa truly work hard to make sure they provide exceptional service! Their”
“Greg and his wife, Robin, have been providing care for my mother. All of the”
“I am a current client of this provider Greg, Robin and the staff at Always Best”
“Robin and Greg are hands down the best employers anyone can ever wish for, they”
“I am a past client of this provider Our experience with Greg & Robin was top”
“The service and care that Greg and Robin provide is outstanding! They really listened to”
“I am a current client of this provider All positive experience with Robin and Greg .”
“Our aunt needed care but all of us are out of state. We called Greg”
“Always Best Care provided aides who would come to my mother-in-law's apartment in an independent”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care provided aides who would come”
“A year ago it became clear that my 90 year-old father and 87 year-old mother”
“Greg and Robin have been a true gift to me in taking care of my”
“Greg and Robin have been a true gift to me in taking care of my”
“I am a current client of this provider Greg and Robin have been a true gift”
“I am a past client of this provider I needed a home health aide to care”
“Our brother a physician is a fully disabled Veteran . We considered ourselves lucky to”
“We couldn’t be happier with how Greg and Robin have helped us with our brother’s”
“I have been using Always Best Care for over a year to assist me with”
“Thanks for everything! I never feel like I can't call and discuss events or changes”
“I am a past client of this provider Although we where only in need of Always”
“The attention to detail by owners Robin and Greg cannot be matched. I made one”
“I am a current client of this provider The attention to detail by owners Robin and”
“Greg has been so amazing helping my family, let alone his amazing staff. They don't”
“Greg has been so amazing helping my family. Let alone his amazing staff. They don't”
“My mother has been a client since Feb 2017. Mother's aide, Alexandra, has become mom's”
“I would like to recommend the services of Always Best Care from personal experience through”
“Very caring, reliable and Greg is there to address your every concern.”
“I have known Robin LaVersa my whole life and Greg LaVersa for over 20 years.”
“Nikki does so much more than what is checked off. She talks to dad and”
“Robin and Greg are incredibly warm and engaging individuals. They clearly are in this business”
“Robin and Greg LaVersa of Always Best Care go above and beyond our expectations for”
“I have been very impressed by the attention this Always Best Care office pays to”
“We interviewed 3 different agencies before hiring Always Best Care in Basking Ridge. Greg made”
“My mother has been a client since Feb 2017. Mother's aide, Alexandra, has become mom's”
“I am a current client of this provider My mother has been a client since Feb”
“Always Best Care took away most of the stress I was having with the care”
“Always Best Care took away most of the stress I was having with the care”
“Robin and Greg have been and continue to be a great help to me whenever”
“I am a current client of this provider Robin and Greg have been and continue to”
“Other The owners Robin and Greg are exceptional. I highly recommend sending your loved one to”
“To Whom it may concern I would like to recommend the services of Always Best Care”
“Nikki does so much more than what is checked off. She talks to dad and”
“Robin and Greg LaVersa of Always Best Care go above and beyond our expectations for”
“Very Caring , reliable and Greg is there to address your every concern.”
“Robin and Greg are incredibly warm and engaging individuals. They clearly are in this business”
“I have known Robin LaVersa my whole life and Greg LaVersa for over 20 years.”
“I have been very impressed by the attention this Always Best Care office pays to”
“Greg and Robin have been a true gift to me in taking care of my”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care provided us with two incredibly caring companions which has made all the difference for our family member. We are grateful to have found Always Best Care of Basking Ridge.”
“The care I receive from Always Best Care is outstanding and invaluable in keeping me living independently. Robin and Greg are always responsive to my needs, whether it be basic household chores or assistance getting to places outside my home. They are always friendly, caring and concerned my needs are being met. I can’t say enough about how grateful I am having their assistance.”
“I am a current client of this provider I am extremely satisfied with my caregiver, thanks to Greg and Robin. They made sure it was going to be a good fit for the both of us. It is such a relief to have her do light housekeeping and take care of the chores around my house which I have found too exhausting to do myself. It's been a positive experience in every way having her in my home and working with Greg.”
“I am a past client of this provider When my mother found the day to day chores of independent living challenging, we brought in a home health aid from Always Best Care 4 days a week. Little did we know we were growing our family. The service Greg and Robin provided us exceeded our expectations. They often went above and beyond to ensure my mom stayed happy and healthy living in her home and kept me in the loop via phone calls and texts when questions arose.. The home health aid was extremely conscientious and attentive The companionship she provided kept mom engaged and active. And when mom transitioned to assisted living, Sarah was there every step of the way to help the move go smoothly. We feel so lucky to have found Greg and Robin and certainly have benefitted from working with folks within and familiar with our community. We look forward to keeping in touch.”
“I am a past client of this provider Best in Care helped our family during a very difficult time. Mom had a broken neck and needed 24/7 care which my sister and I struggled to provide. We turned to Best in Care for a day time aid so that we could go home and sleep (Mom was up all night). My mom had always been resistant to anyone in the home, and I was worried she would be a problem. Much to my surprise and relief, she very quickly bonded with Ade. Ade was a great help to Mom and us. When my mom, shortly after, received a terminal cancer diagnosis, Ade continued to support my mom and the family with her compassionate presence and care. Greg and Robin worked closely with me to find a carer and then to be flexible with our needs and hours in my Mom's final days. I'm grateful to have found Best in Care at such a challenging and emotional time.”
“I am a current client of this provider What a relief to find Always Best Care. My 84 year old mom raves about Robin and Greg and the thoughtful, thorough and professional care they both give. Their years of experience have helped her- and my brothers and me- navigate the changes she is going through as her vision and balance decline. They really are the BEST!”
“What a relief to find Always Best Care. My 84 year old mom raves about Robin and Greg and the thoughtful, thorough and professional care they both give. Their years of experience have helped her- and my brothers and me- navigate the changes she is going through as her vision and balance decline. They really are the BEST!”
“I am a past client of this provider My mother needed help after a fall in her home and my friend referred me to Always Best Care. They walked me through the process and were very helpful in determining what level of care my mom needed. Her healthcare aide was wonderful and very caring and I was keep informed of my mothers progress. I would highly recommend Always Best Care.”
“Greg, Robin, and Clara have been such a gift to our family We are so grateful and highly recommend!”
“Greg and all of his staff always go above and beyond to provide my mother with professional, compassionate, individualized care and companionship.”
“I am a past client of this provider We have been caring for my mom since my dad died. She is pretty great for her age. Managing now trading between sisters and myself. Now comes an event all have to attend and she can not. I explored all options and decided to use best care of Basking Ridge. I work in healthcare for 42 years. I was extremely impressed by their care and the whole procedure of this time. Coming to explain coverage, with forms and info. Introducing the covering aide, making sure mom comfortable(me too). Accessible to any/all questions. The event was a wedding which we were do a live stream. The aide was the one(brother in law and other sister there), who finally got the connection so my mom can watch the wedding! So grateful for this service. Recommend to anyone to use this service.”
“I am a current client of this provider We are currently receiving services from Always Best Care. We are beyond pleased with the effective and responsive plan set up by both Robin and Greg. Greg has provided custom care to get me from my home to the doctor and Robin has been helping with personal and home service. We could not have asked for a better team and they have gone above and beyond all our expectations. We highly recommend Always Best Care”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care of Basking Ridge has been providing care for our mom for a couple years and have been very happy with care provided. The aides that come truly care about who they are helping. I also like how the firm sends in a nurse on occasions to provide an extra level of support for our mom. Would definitely recommend them to someone in need of aides in your home to help with a loved one.”
“My family needed help with my Mom for a family wedding. She lives in assisted living nearby. The wedding was not close by, and an evening event. It was not a typical ask of Always Best Care. We needed someone to (in car service we provided) pick up my Mom, travel with her, engage her (even though they had never met), assist her as needed, attend the wedding AND travel back home. Greg and Robin asked all the questions to make sure Mom would enjoy the experience as a grandmother should at her grandaughter's wedding. Needless to say, the evening was perfect. Although she can't remember most of the event, we have the memories and pictures of a wonderful night, thanks to Always Best Care. We have two more weddings coming up and will certainly be calling Robin and Greg again.”
“My son was getting married and we needed someone to help with my mom during the wedding and reception. We found Always Best Care of Basking Ridge and were very happy with the professional care that she received. Having someone to be there with my mom allowed everyone to enjoy the special occasion without any worries. My mom has commented to me about the wonderful lady who was with her at the wedding. We all have wonderful memories that will last forever thanks to Always Best Care.”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care of Basking Ridge (ABCBR) has been an excellent provider of companion services for my wife. Having worked with other providers, I believe ABCBR is unique in how they provide service. Things we liked best include their local focus, the highest quality of caregivers and superb communication. We always knew ABCBR cared deeply about the quality and performance of their business and their people.”
“Gregg was a pleasure to work with. His caring manner, as well as, understanding the type of care my mom needed was spot on. The assigned caregiver was awesome! I wish I started with them sooner.”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care of Basking Ridge proved to be most helpful to our family and family member who needed the care. They were easy to work with to arrange the right individual to assist in our situation. The member of their team was terrific.”
“When I injured my ankle, ABC at Bernardsville, NJ provided one month services to help me go through the most difficult time. Services included transportation to the doctor's office and supermarkets. He provided protection when I walked up and down stairs with crutches. He has provided valuable safety advices.”
“I am a past client of this provider My husband had a series of illnesses and needed much attention during the night, which meant I didn't sleep. Caring for him during the day was exhausting and I was becoming irritable. Always Best Care arranged for 2 staff members who shared 6 12 hour night shifts. They were reliable, professional and caring. Greg checked in frequently to make sure all was well. It was a life-saver for me. I would recommend this agency without hesitation.”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care owners Greg and Robin have enabled me to give the best in home care possible to my significant other.Caregiving after sudden life altering injury creates not just one person with a progressive need for care, but also a caregiver with great ongoing needs for support. Respite care particularly, becomes a lifesaver when the caregiver needs time off. Greg and Robin stepped in and provided companionship and a high level of service that was, and still is, a great source of peace of mind for both of us. They are professional, very responsive, and committed to their client. I highly recommend them, and would want this level of care for any loved one.”
“Greg and Robin LaVersa truly work hard to make sure they provide exceptional service! Their aides have worked well with my mother, who has had difficulty in the past with aides from other companies. When a scheduling conflict arose, Robin herself went to my mother's house and helped out. Because they care not only for their clients but for their aides as well, the care is given in the best way possible. ABC Basking Ridge has been providing overnight care for my mother, but when a sudden loss of her daytime care (from another company) occurred, Greg and Robin worked tirelessly to help me find immediate coverage and then continuing day care. I don't know what I would have done without their assistance. It is a pleasure to deal with Greg on the phone (he is my contact person). He is always available, concerned and honest. I cannot recommend this company highly enough.”
“Greg and his wife, Robin, have been providing care for my mother. All of the aides that have worked with my mother have always arrived on time and have been wonderful. Greg and Robin have gone out of their way to always provide care and help me with any questions and figuring out how best to meet my mother's needs. They are warm and go above and beyond to be sure that my mother is happy and that all of her care is provided for. Because I do not live near my mother, I needed a service that I could rely on all of the time. I have found this with their services. I absolutely recommend using their services. You will not be disappointed.”
“I am a current client of this provider Greg, Robin and the staff at Always Best Care of Basking Ridge have been great. We reached out to them while looking for night care for our mother, My mother has had a great relationship with all of the aids that have worked with her as well as with Greg and Robin, the owners of this Best Care. Greg is always available when a question arose or we needed help with any aspect of caring for my mother who has a lot of needs. Greg and Robin have gone out of their way to be there and do everything possible and more to help us. And they continue to help us as my mother's needs change. I would high recommend using Greg and Robin. I highly doubt that you can find a more committed and warm couple to help you with caring for the elderly.”
“Robin and Greg are hands down the best employers anyone can ever wish for, they pay attention to what you need as a caregiver in order to carry out your duties effectively. They are open to work with you and are constantly training you to become the best version of yourself as a caregiver . I have no regrets working with this agency and I hope it continues this way.”
“I am a past client of this provider Our experience with Greg & Robin was top notch. They were professional, very knowledgeable and courteous and they made us feel like dear friends. My mother needed a short-term aide and we decided on a live-in for two weeks. My mother enjoyed her new friend and raved about the wonderful care she was receiving. Different family members witnessed the aide’s genuine caring and concern for our mother. I highly recommend Always Best Care of Basking Ridge.”
“The service and care that Greg and Robin provide is outstanding! They really listened to our needs and matched an aid that we would feel comfortable with! Also Greg and Robin truly care about their clients and go above and beyond with follow up calls and expertise advice! I highly recommend Always Best Care! Thanks Greg and Robin!”
“I am a current client of this provider All positive experience with Robin and Greg . They truly are like family. All the aides they have given us are very caring women.”
“Our aunt needed care but all of us are out of state. We called Greg and Robin and they took care of everything that needed to happen. Even when things went sideways they were right on top of it whether minor or emergecy. So caring and committed to her well being. Could not do it without you..Kudos to all and thanks Victoria”
“Always Best Care provided aides who would come to my mother-in-law's apartment in an independent living setting and help her with meals, organization and shopping, 3-5 times per week for 4 hours per day. Robin and Greg, who run the agency, made sure staff arrived on time and frequently checked in to provide us with information about my mother-in-law or seeking feedback about their staffing. The caregivers were great! They provided the nutritional, emotional and social support that my mother-in-law desperately needed. Always Best Care was always very responsive to requests, and Greg and Robin have become like extended family to us. If you are considering hiring aides for a family member, this agency will not disappoint. Just meet with them and you will see the difference between them and other agencies.”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care provided aides who would come to my mother-in-law's apartment in an independent living setting and help her with meals, organization and shopping, 3-5 times per week for 4 hours per day. Robin and Greg, who run the agency, made sure staff arrived on time and frequently checked in to provide us with information about my mother-in-law or seeking feedback about their staffing. The caregivers were great! They provided the nutritional, emotional and social support that my mother-in-law desperately needed. Always Best Care was always very responsive to requests, and Greg and Robin have become like extended family to us. If you are considering hiring aides for a family member, this agency will not disappoint. Just meet with them and you will see the difference between them and other agencies.”
“A year ago it became clear that my 90 year-old father and 87 year-old mother could no longer remain in their home of 53 years without assistance. They lived in an area where caregivers are very hard to find. After much searching, I found Always Best Care Basking Ridge. While Mom and Dad did not like the idea of having anyone come into their home to care for them, Greg LaVersa was patient and understanding and helped me convince them that they would be well cared for. The caregiver that Always Best Care provided cared for Mom and Dad for a year, always caring and showing compassion. But most of all, she treated Mom and Dad with dignity. The amount of care increased with time, my brother moved in to assist with the care and eventually both of my parents went on home hospice. But throughout it all, Always Best Care Basking Ridge was there caring for Mom and Dad and granting them their wish to die at home. I promised Mom and Dad that they would remain at home until the end and that promise was fulfilled thanks to Greg, Robin and their wonderful caregiver. I would not hesitate a moment to recommend them to anyone in the Somerset Hills area of New Jersey who is looking for home care.”
“Greg and Robin have been a true gift to me in taking care of my father for the last 2 years. I don’t know where I would be without them and I don’t say that lightly. They have provided top notch service, are amazingly responsive and provided an amazing aide for my father. My father’s aide is always arrives on time and they get along very well. Whenever I need to switch a shift, they answer me immediately. They go above and beyond whenever something is needed. Can’t recommend enough!”
“Greg and Robin have been a true gift to me in taking care of my father for the last 2 years. I don’t know where I would be without them and I don’t say that lightly. They have provided top notch service, are amazingly responsive and provided an amazing aide for my father. My father’s aide is always arrives on time and they get along very well. Whenever I need to switch a shift, they answer me immediately. They go above and beyond whenever something is needed. Can’t recommend enough!”
“I am a current client of this provider Greg and Robin have been a true gift to me in taking care of my father for the last 2 years. I don’t know where I would be without them and I don’t say that lightly. They have provided top notch service, are amazingly responsive and provided an amazing aide for my father. My father’s aide is always arrives on time and they get along very well. Whenever I need to switch a shift, they answer me immediately. They go above and beyond whenever something is needed. Can’t recommend enough!”
“I am a past client of this provider I needed a home health aide to care for my wife while I was at work. What I found was a caring and knowledgeable partner. Greg and Robin not only provided the aide but helped me better understand the progression of the disease; what I needed to make house safer and most importantly, I felt supported emotionally. When the aide called EMS because my wife had fallen, Greg got to the house before I did. When the aide had an emergency and couldn’t show up, Robin came to house. So, I would strongly recommend Always Best Care.”
“Our brother a physician is a fully disabled Veteran . We considered ourselves lucky to have found Always Best Care to help us with his care. Simply put .....they are good and honest people. Thank you Greg and Staff. With our sincere gratitude, Dr. John Lampidis and family”
“We couldn’t be happier with how Greg and Robin have helped us with our brother’s care. It’s been only a few months that we have been associated with them but it’s been such a huge difference and benefit to my brothers life! Greg is such a caring and thoughtful person and is making sure everything is going right for our brother. We feel really lucky to have found them! They really do go the extra mile! Really Great people!”
“I have been using Always Best Care for over a year to assist me with my mother’s care. My mom has advanced dementia and requires full care as well as individualized one on one assistance with tasks and activities Her caregivers are gentle, patient and caring and I couldn’t be more pleased.”
“Thanks for everything! I never feel like I can't call and discuss events or changes with you. You are all very caring and responsive and my mother is happy (or at least accepting) of the help and company of Victoria.”
“I am a past client of this provider Although we where only in need of Always Best Care's services for just a short period of time. We where extremely happy and confident in the service providers sent to care for our loved one. The owners, Robin and Greg love what they do and it shows in all that they do. Have confidence that your needs will be completely met by the Care Providers, and the Owners, they all go above and beyond to provide it.”
“The attention to detail by owners Robin and Greg cannot be matched. I made one call to them, and they just handled everything that my father in law needed. The line of communication was consistently open, and our family was informed every step of the way with every detail of their service. They made a 90 year old man happy and that is all that I can ask for!”
“I am a current client of this provider The attention to detail by owners Robin and Greg cannot be matched. I made one call to them, and they just handled everything that my father in law needed. The line of communication was consistently open, and our family was informed every step of the way with every detail of their service. They made a 90 year old man happy and that is all that I can ask for!”
“Greg has been so amazing helping my family, let alone his amazing staff. They don't just meet expectations they go above and beyond. We would have been lost without them.”
“Greg has been so amazing helping my family. Let alone his amazing staff. They don't just meet expectations, they go above and beyond. We would have been lost without them.”
“My mother has been a client since Feb 2017. Mother's aide, Alexandra, has become mom's friend, not just her daytime caregiver. Greg and Robin have gone way beyond expectations of their service to assure that mom gets to her appointments on time and that Alexandra has enough instructional support to be able to do her job w/my mother. Knowing that mom is safely cared for during the day while we, her children are at work, has eased our family's worries greatly.”
“I would like to recommend the services of Always Best Care from personal experience through the tremendous care that our Father received during the last few months of his life. Greg and his team understood my Father's needs at a time when the caregivers we employed before Always Best Care were struggling to meet our expectations. Greg and my family had numerous conversations and follow up concerning schedules, specific caregiver personalities comparable with our Father, assistance during rehabilitation, and homebound assistance with our families primary caregiver. We were grateful for the patience the caregivers showed for our Father. Greg's ability to connect with our father was extraordinary. Frequent visits and personal check ins to his home made our care for him that much easier in what can be an overwhelming experience. Frequent long distance conversations kept me in touch with his care, progress of his health, and his personal needs. Greg is a unique businessman in that his connection with his clients is personal. Greg shared with us the progress of a close personal relative that was going through the same medical challenges as our Father. This foresite gave us a perspective into our eventual preparations and transitional stages that helped us cope a bit better till the end of Dad's life. Greg's upbeat personality was encouraging to my Father. He had many conversations about Baseball.my Dad's favorite pastime. Greg and his team attended our Dad's funeral which we thought was a kind gesture to our family. There were challenges along the way since this was a unique situation for all of us. Greg's team as well as his wife were very involved from the beginning. I hope this gives sheds some light on the culture of this small business.”
“Very caring, reliable and Greg is there to address your every concern.”
“I have known Robin LaVersa my whole life and Greg LaVersa for over 20 years. As individuals they are amazingly kind hearted and dedicated family people. Together their integrity and loyalty is overwhelming. I would trust them with the care of any family member as I have seen them take care of others in their lives without hesitation or complaint. To say you are in good hands with them is an understatement.”
“Nikki does so much more than what is checked off. She talks to dad and gets him interested and responsive.”
“Robin and Greg are incredibly warm and engaging individuals. They clearly are in this business because they truly care about people. I've seen them both work with the elderly eliciting smiles and laughs and, more importantly, trust. Robin manages the office. She is very organized and never misses a beat. If she has committed to something, it is as good as done. I highly recommend their business because I recommend them as individuals. You and your loved one will be in good hands!”
“Robin and Greg LaVersa of Always Best Care go above and beyond our expectations for our family. The home health aides they have provided have been wonderful. The care and assistance that they provide for your family member give you peace of mind as you go about your day. The caregivers that we have had treat my mother as they would their own mother or grandmother. Would highly recommend their services.”
“I have been very impressed by the attention this Always Best Care office pays to ensuring their clients receive the best possible care. They are very selective with the caregivers they hire. They do a very thorough job of monitoring their cases to ensure that the needs of the client are being met. If your family member needs care to help them get safely through the day, you should contact Always Best Care.”
“We interviewed 3 different agencies before hiring Always Best Care in Basking Ridge. Greg made us feel comfortable, and we knew our parents would be in good hands. Our fabulous caretaker has been with our family for 7 months. She has become an important part of our family.”
“My mother has been a client since Feb 2017. Mother's aide, Alexandra, has become mom's friend, not just her daytime caregiver. Greg and Robin have gone way beyond expectations of their service to assure that mom gets to her appointments on time and that Alexandra has enough instructional support to be able to do her job w/my mother. Knowing that mom is safely cared for during the day while we, her children are at work, has eased our family's worries greatly.”
“I am a current client of this provider My mother has been a client since Feb 2017. Mother's aide, Alexandra, has become mom's friend, not just her daytime caregiver. Greg and Robin have gone way beyond expectations of their service to assure that mom gets to her appointments on time and that Alexandra has enough instructional support to be able to do her job w/my mother. Knowing that mom is safely cared for during the day while we, her children are at work, has eased our family's worries greatly.”
“Always Best Care took away most of the stress I was having with the care of my 98 year old mother. They got to know my mother. This meant that they just didn't send someone to watch her, but someone who would understand her likes and dislikes. At 98 she is very set in her ways but they did a great job finding someone who took the time to understand her quirks, but also keep me informed of any changes. I can't thank Greg and Robin enough for being so understanding and for the care they have given to my mother. I highly recommend Always Best Care if you need any assistants in the care of someone you love.”
“Always Best Care took away most of the stress I was having with the care of my 98 year old mother. They got to know my mother. This meant that they just didn't send someone to watch her, but someone who would understand her likes and dislikes. At 98 she is very set in her ways but they did a great job finding someone who took the time to understand her quirks, but also keep me informed of any changes. I can't thank Greg and Robin enough for being so understanding and for the care they have given to my mother. I highly recommend Always Best Care if you need any assistants in the care of someone you love.”
“Robin and Greg have been and continue to be a great help to me whenever I have questions about my mothers care. They go above and beyond on a regular basis!”
“I am a current client of this provider Robin and Greg have been and continue to be a great help to me whenever I have questions about my mothers care. They go above and beyond on a regular basis!”
“Other The owners Robin and Greg are exceptional. I highly recommend sending your loved one to them. They provide excellent caregivers and are willing to bend over backwards to make sure that your family member's needs are met.”
“To Whom it may concern I would like to recommend the services of Always Best Care from personal experience through the tremendous care that our Father received during the last few months of his life. Greg and his team understood my Father’s needs at a time when the caregivers we employed before Always Best Care were struggling to meet our expectations. Greg and my family had numerous conversations and follow up concerning schedules, specific caregiver personalities comparable with our Father, assistance during rehabilitation, and homebound assistance with our families primary caregiver. We were grateful for the patience the caregivers showed for our Father. Greg’s ability to connect with our father was extraordinary. Frequent visits and personal ”check ins” to his home made our care for him that much easier in what can be an overwhelming experience. Frequent long distance conversations kept me in touch with his care, progress of his health, and his personal needs. Greg is a unique businessman in that his connection with his clients is personal. Greg shared with us the progress of a close personal relative that was going through the same medical challenges as our Father. This foresite gave us a perspective into our eventual preparations and transitional stages that helped us cope a bit better till the end of Dad's life. Greg’s upbeat personality was encouraging to my Father. He had many conversations about Baseball….my Dad’s favorite pastime. Greg and his team attended our Dad’s funeral which we thought was a kind gesture to our family. There were challenges along the way since this was a unique situation for all of us. Greg’s team as well as his wife were very involved from the beginning. I hope this gives sheds some light on the culture of this small business.”
“Nikki does so much more than what is checked off. She talks to dad and gets him interested and responsive.”
“Robin and Greg LaVersa of Always Best Care go above and beyond our expectations for our family. The home health aides they have provided have been wonderful. The care and assistance that they provide for your family member give you peace of mind as you go about your day. The caregivers that we have had treat my mother as they would their own mother or grandmother. Would highly recommend their services.”
“Very Caring , reliable and Greg is there to address your every concern.”
“Robin and Greg are incredibly warm and engaging individuals. They clearly are in this business because they truly care about people. I've seen them both work with the elderly eliciting smiles and laughs and, more importantly, trust. Robin manages the office. She is very organized and never misses a beat. If she has committed to something, it is as good as done. I highly recommend their business because I recommend them as individuals. You and your loved one will be in good hands!”
“I have known Robin LaVersa my whole life and Greg LaVersa for over 20 years. As individuals they are amazingly kind hearted and dedicated family people. Together their integrity and loyalty is overwhelming. I would trust them with the care of any family member as I have seen them take care of others in their lives without hesitation or complaint. To say you are in good hands with them is an understatement.”
“I have been very impressed by the attention this Always Best Care office pays to ensuring their clients receive the best possible care. They are very selective with the caregivers they hire. They do a very thorough job of monitoring their cases to ensure that the needs of the client are being met. If your family member needs care to help them get safely through the day, you should contact Always Best Care.”
“Greg and Robin have been a true gift to me in taking care of my father for the last 2 years. I don’t know where I would be without them and I don’t say that lightly. They have provided top notch service, are amazingly responsive and provided an amazing aide for my father. My father’s aide is always arrives on time and they get along very well. Whenever I need to switch a shift, they answer me immediately. They go above and beyond whenever something is needed. Can’t recommend enough!”
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 Mountain 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 Ninety Acres or visit Lord Stirling Manor Site, 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 Bernards, NJ, 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 Bernards, NJ 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 Bernards, NJ 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.
BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Budget woes continue to plague the Bernards Township School District, with the Board of Education(BOE) hinting at the possibility of holding a special election for residents to vote on a question to help balance the budget."Our budget difficulties are not going away," said Board member Keith Molinari. "Taxes are going to go up again."Molinari pointed to the increases in healthcare, inflation, and unionized vendors."There is just no way [taxes] are not going to go up,&quo...
BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Budget woes continue to plague the Bernards Township School District, with the Board of Education(BOE) hinting at the possibility of holding a special election for residents to vote on a question to help balance the budget.
"Our budget difficulties are not going away," said Board member Keith Molinari. "Taxes are going to go up again."
Molinari pointed to the increases in healthcare, inflation, and unionized vendors.
"There is just no way [taxes] are not going to go up," said Molinari. "Staying under the 2 percent is likely not going to be possible unless we have further consolidation within the district. What that looks like is something to be discussed, whether that’s personnel, whether that's some programming that doesn’t affect the quality of our education."
Board President Jennifer White noted that if the Board chooses to go forward with a question, they "would have to have a special election in January."
The Board has asked the school administration to present options as to what the district would like if they make more cuts to stay under the cap, or go above the cap with a question.
Board member David Shaw noted that the Board will have a better idea of the fund balance next month to help make decisions.
"It's going to be another tough year. Our goal is not to go out to vote. No one wants to do that so that's the hope. We will do everything we can to try and stay away from that. We are asking the district to look into every possibility of what there is out there. They have to come to us with a plan of what they can cut and why before we do anything with this."
Budget woes have been building for many districts in New Jersey, including Bernards Township.
In May, the BOE unanimously approved a budget of $128,523,243 for the 2025-26 school year. This is an increase of 3.97 percent or roughly $3.7 million in the local tax levy, or 4.22 percent in total over the 2024-25 budget. Read More: Tax Increase, Staff Cuts Approved In Bernards Township School Budget
Under the approved budget, the tax impact on the average home property in Bernards Township valued at $871,769.11 will pay $9,542.89 or an increase of $405.97 for the year.
The budget also included cutting 28 school staff positions and program reductions to close a $2.5 million gap in the district's budget.
In May 2024, the BOE approved a tax increase, reduced staff, and made changes to transportation to save money. The Board approved the final budget of $123,317,081 for the 2024-25 school year with an increase of 3.6 percent. Read More: Staff Reduction, Transportation Savings In Bernards School Budget
The district cut $845,000 in salary and benefits and approved a later school start time and triple-tier bussing schedule for the district on March 11, 2024.
The Board will discuss possible options for the 2026-27 budget at upcoming meetings.
Superintendent Nick Markarian noted that if the Board chooses to move forward with a question to raise more funds in January, then the language would need to be approved in October.
The next Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Aug. 25 at Ridge High School PAC.
Students on the Green Team completed a checklist of actions to help protect rivers, water quality, wildlife habitats, and educate students.Students Claire Taylor and Nicholas Kapel are removing invasive plants at the Fairview Farm Wildlife Preserve in Bedminster. (Raritan Headwaters)BERNARDSVILLE, NJ — Everyone needs friends – even rivers. The good news for local rivers and streams is that many devoted friends can be found in the halls of Bernards High School (BHS) in Bernardsville.In June, Bernards High wa...
Students Claire Taylor and Nicholas Kapel are removing invasive plants at the Fairview Farm Wildlife Preserve in Bedminster. (Raritan Headwaters)
BERNARDSVILLE, NJ — Everyone needs friends – even rivers. The good news for local rivers and streams is that many devoted friends can be found in the halls of Bernards High School (BHS) in Bernardsville.
In June, Bernards High was officially certified as a "River-Friendly School" after students on the Green Team completed a comprehensive checklist of actions to help protect rivers, water quality, wildlife habitats, and educate fellow students.
"We were very happy to be certified as River-Friendly," said Claire Taylor, who just graduated from BHS after serving as president of the Green Team for the 2024-25 school year. "It definitely recognizes that Bernards High School was doing something amazing for the environment."
Lauren Theis, education director of the nonprofit Raritan Headwaters Association (RHA), said the students should be applauded for their hard work.
"It was a big undertaking, so it’s a real feather in the cap of the school to achieve this certification," said Theis, who assisted students with project ideas.
Green Team projects included testing the quality of drinking water in school water fountains, cleaning up and enhancing the rain garden in the school’s courtyard, installing bluebird nest boxes on the BHS campus, building and installing devices to help American eels with their upstream migration, removing invasive plants from RHA’s Fairview Farm campus in Bedminster, and improving bird and pollinator habitat at New Jersey Audubon’s Scherman-Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary in Bernardsville.
In addition, Green Team students presented a program to fellow students about "upcycling" - turning used clothing into new products instead of throwing them away, and prepared a classroom lesson for advanced biology students on "Disruptions to Ecosystems," such as weather events, human impacts, and invasive species. They also organized an event last fall to collect plastic film and packaging for recycling, as well as a poster contest to raise awareness about natural habitats.
Joseph Young, biology teacher at BHS and advisor to the Green Team, said he is proud of the students for taking on and completing such a large challenge. “It helped them feel as if they were making an impact and setting up for future success,” he said.
Taylor said she learned about the River-Friendly program through her volunteer work with Raritan Headwaters. The summer before her senior year, she became acquainted with Theis and other staff while weeding and watering the bird and butterfly garden at Fairview Farm.
What is River-Friendly?
The River-Friendly program is a voluntary initiative focused on protecting clean water and environmental health through sustainable land stewardship practices. The program was established in the 1990s by a partnership of Raritan Headwaters, the New Jersey Water Supply Authority, and the Watershed Institute. The program works with residents, businesses, schools and golf courses to reduce pollution, conserve water, restore wildlife habitats, and educate the public.
According to Theis, anyone wanting to officially become River-Friendly must complete a set of projects to gain points toward certification.
Bernards High is only the 39th school in New Jersey to be certified as River-Friendly, Theis said. BHS students achieved the first level of certification, known as the "Stream" level. The two higher levels are "River" and "Watershed."
"The Stream level is a great start and gives students in future classes the opportunity to build on this foundation and achieve a higher level of certification," said Theis.
Young said he expects that the Green Team in the upcoming school year will work toward higher levels.
"There are definitely more things we can do to increase the points," he said. "Fortunately, some of the kids who were on the Green Team executive board will be returning."
To learn more about the River-Friendly program and how to become certified, go to njriverfriendly.org.
— Submitted by Raritan Headwaters
As members of Congregation B'nai Israel (CBI) in Bernards lovingly passed their Torah from one to the next, members of Rutgers Hillel in the circle took the Torah gently and lovingly in their arms. The unbroken circle continued, signifying the end of one home for the Torah to another.CBI held its last Shabbat service on Dec. 13 last year, and now their Torah has a new home."We burst into tears," said CBI Board Trustee Nancy Frank Cook. "We had no idea it was going to affect us like that. But to know that we're pa...
As members of Congregation B'nai Israel (CBI) in Bernards lovingly passed their Torah from one to the next, members of Rutgers Hillel in the circle took the Torah gently and lovingly in their arms. The unbroken circle continued, signifying the end of one home for the Torah to another.
CBI held its last Shabbat service on Dec. 13 last year, and now their Torah has a new home.
"We burst into tears," said CBI Board Trustee Nancy Frank Cook. "We had no idea it was going to affect us like that. But to know that we're passing it on for a legacy is fantastic."
Due to a change in demographics, with fewer Jews living in and moving into the area, declining membership, as well as fewer Jews putting a priority on joining a synagogue, CBI could no longer continue. The synagogue closed as a Jewish institution in December, selling the property for $4.65 million to New Testament Ministries.
The 35-year-old synagogue's building at 40 Whitenack Road in the Basking Ridge section is now the home of New Testament Church.
It's all very bittersweet, said Cook, who was a member for 25 years and served in a variety of positions at the synagogue. But she is happy that the facility still serves as a religious institution.
"It's extremely sad − I considered CBI my home, my second home and I've lost my home," Cook said. "But, as far as I am concerned, there is only one God. So, I couldn't have been happier that our blood, sweat and tears of opening that building and spending that money is going to continue to be a house of worship. It doesn't matter that it's a different denomination. It makes me sad that my family is no longer there, but it makes me happy that it's still a place of worship."
CBI, also known as the Somerset Hills Jewish Center, was an egalitarian conservative synagogue established in 1990. Part of the Jewish Federation of Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren counties, CBI offered a variety of programs and services including religious services, religious school, adult education, social action and social events. It also had a strong focus on connecting with Israel.
CBI members came from across the Somerset Hills, from Bernards in Somerset County to Chester in Morris.
According to Cook, CBI began as a grassroots effort when a few families realized there wasn't a Jewish synagogue right in the Somerset Hills area. After an effort to enlist more, 10 families got together and started the synagogue in homes. It soon grew to 35 families and members rented out space in churches, such as St. Marks in Basking Ridge, for services and celebrations, and held religious school at Bernard High School.
As more Jews moved into the area and new construction in the Somerset Hills began, membership grew and grew, Cook said. With a capital fund and a building fund, enough money was raised to have their own space. In 1988, they received Planning Board approval to build a 27,700-square-foot facility with a synagogue, social hall, religious and nursery school. The synagogue was dedicated on Dec. 3, 2000, with the sanctuary's dedication taking place on Sept. 21, 2008.
At its height, CBI boasted a membership of 285 families.
Then, around the time of the Great Recession, things changed, and membership began to decline. CBI had a $3.9 million mortgage and were down to about 100 families. The preschool closed in 2015.
"I think religion took on a secondary role in priorities of young families," Cook said. "And new Jews were not moving into the area. Kids getting Bar/Bat Mitzvah were not continuing. Families were dropping. I guess they felt they could use their money elsewhere. My feeling is religion is not that important in society today. And we just couldn't sustain the expenses of the building. In the last three to five years, we started seeing it, and we started really aggressively trying to get new members, but it just wasn't happening."
While the pandemic "didn't help matters" when it came to raising membership, Cook said they did thrive socially during that period, with well-attended services on Zoom. They held Bingo and other social events online and outside. Even in the last few months, CBI was holding services and hosting well-attended events and activities.
"People were there," she said. "We just weren't attracting new members."
About three years ago, CBI brought in an expert from the Jewish Federation to discuss different options. As a board, Cook said they went through a variety of scenarios. Ultimately, they decided CBI probably had about a year left. They alerted the members in June 2024 at the annual membership meeting that CBI would be ceasing operations.
"We didn't want to hide anything," Cook said. "We promised to stay through at least the High Holidays of September. In October of 2024 we put our building on the market to sell. And surprisingly, we sold it. We do have a surplus of money because we sold the building, and we are in the process of figuring out what we're going to do with it. We know it's going to be in some type of a legacy foundation."
CBI's prayer books and Judaica objects have been donated to other congregations and all records have been archived, Cook said.
Some members have moved to other nearby synagogues such as Temple Shalom in Bridgewater, Morristown Jewish Center and Temple Har Shalom in Warren. Rabbi Robert Green, who was the clergy for CBI for eight years, has founded Yetzirah, a "synagogue without walls," Cook said. While it is not affiliated with CBI, several former members are attending programs and services with Green every other week at the Fellowship Village retirement community.
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Cheryl Makin is an award-winning feature, news and education reporter forMyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. Contact: [email protected] or@CherylMakin. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
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