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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

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

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Home Care In Gladstone, NJ

Home Care Gladstone, NJ

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 Blairsden (house) gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Gladstone, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Gladstone, NJ

location Service Areas

The Always Best Care Difference

Since 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.

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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Pamela
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

LornaF
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

GLA22
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Gayle A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Alison S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Greg, Robin, and Clara have been such a gift to our family We are so grateful and highly recommend!”

Helen F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Greg and all of his staff always go above and beyond to provide my mother with professional, compassionate, individualized care and companionship.”

Anastasia F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

6daughters
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TESTIMONIALS

“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”

Carol H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

billbeaman
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Beth D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Beth Z.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

dan K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Kara-Leigh K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Jim G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Ruchu H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

MAureen C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

SB
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Kathy B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

S B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Susan B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Nnena N.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Sue L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Caroline S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

badknee08
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TESTIMONIALS

“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”

Ruthann H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Mike H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

NeedHelp27
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Jena F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Patty C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

C. H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

chenderson12
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

TonyMm
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TESTIMONIALS

“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”

John L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Effie M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Michelle T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Kelly B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Wonderful S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Tony C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Clang
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Carrie Z.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Kathryn B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Elizabeth
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Mike H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Very caring, reliable and Greg is there to address your every concern.”

Mallory C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Lenore P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Nikki does so much more than what is checked off. She talks to dad and gets him interested and responsive.”

Juan N.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Jody T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Donna C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Dan C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Robin B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Janet T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

ElizSH
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Jean G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Jean G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Cathleen P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Cathleen C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

cwag1689
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Mike D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Nikki does so much more than what is checked off. She talks to dad and gets him interested and responsive.”

Juan N.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Donna C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Very Caring , reliable and Greg is there to address your every concern.”

Mallory C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Jody T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Lenore P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Dan C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Anonymous

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Gladstone, NJ?

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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.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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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.

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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.

 Senior Care Gladstone, NJ

Types of Elderly Care in Gladstone, NJ

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal 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:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Gladstone, NJ
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

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:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Gladstone, NJ
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

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 Little Gully Park Gladstone MO with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Gladstone, NJ
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

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 Gladstone Market or visit Gladstone, 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.

 In-Home Care Gladstone, NJ

Benefits of Home Care in Gladstone, NJ

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:

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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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - 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.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

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 Gladstone, 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.

 Elderly Care Gladstone, NJ

Affordable 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:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your NJ's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Gladstone, NJ

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Gladstone, 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.

Assisted Living Referral Services

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.


Respite Care Gladstone, NJ

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:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Gladstone, NJ

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:

  • Linden Woods Village
  • Heritage Village of Gladstone
  • Assisted Living Solutions
  • The Grand Royale
  • We Care Senior Solutions
  • Benton House Woodland Ave
Home Care Gladstone, NJ

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.

 In-Home Care Gladstone, NJ

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced 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

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Gladstone, 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.

 Elderly Care Gladstone, NJ

Latest News in Gladstone, NJ

Winds in Bernardsville tornado may have reached 105 mph

BERNARDSVILLE - Winds may have reached 105 mph during the tornado that ripped through Bernardsville on Monday afternoon.As severe storms swept through northern Somerset County, the tornado first touched down at about 3:29 p.m. along the tracks of NJ Transit's Gladstone Branch just to the southwest of Minebrook and Old Quarry roads.According to the Mt. Holly office of the National Weather Service, the tornado received a 1 ranking on the Enhanced Fujita Scale based on estimated wind speeds of 86 to 110 mph.T...

BERNARDSVILLE - Winds may have reached 105 mph during the tornado that ripped through Bernardsville on Monday afternoon.

As severe storms swept through northern Somerset County, the tornado first touched down at about 3:29 p.m. along the tracks of NJ Transit's Gladstone Branch just to the southwest of Minebrook and Old Quarry roads.

According to the Mt. Holly office of the National Weather Service, the tornado received a 1 ranking on the Enhanced Fujita Scale based on estimated wind speeds of 86 to 110 mph.

The National Weather Service assigned the rating to the tornado based on the number of tree trunks snapped.

Numerous trees were dropped on the tracks and about 10 tree trunks snapped, according to the National Weather Service.

As of Wednesday afternoon Gladstone Branch rail service remained suspended in both directions between Gladstone and Bernardsville due to overhead wire issues near Bernardsville. Rail service will originate and terminate at Bernardsville. Substitute bus service is being provided at Gladstone, Peapack and Far Hills.

The tornado then moved northeast where it uprooted two maple trees along the Mine Brook behind the Rose Bowl fields.

The tornado then continued to tear northeast where it produced tree damage along Laurel Lane and snapped the trunk of another tree.

The twister then moved in a more northerly direction through town, producing damage from Timber Rock Trail to Anderson Hill Road where it snapped the trunk of a pine tree that then fell on a vehicle.

The National Weather Service estimates the peak width of the tornado was about 475 yards.

More:On the bright side? This week's rain could boost reservoirs and ease NJ drought concern

More damage was reported toward the intersection of Seney Drive and Anderson Hill Road where numerous trees were brought down and and at least two fell on power lines.

The tornado then began to weaken, but several more trees were damaged along Old Fort Road.

The tornado then dissipated as the storm moved to the northeast. The tornado ended about 3:34 p.m.

The National Weather Service also reported that in Monday's storms, close to four inches of rain fell near Peapack-Gladstone and more than two inches fell in Bernards.

Email: [email protected]

Mike Deak is a reporter for mycentraljersey.com. To get unlimited access to his articles on Somerset and Hunterdon counties, please subscribe or activate your digital account.

Get to know Peapack-Gladstone Candidate for Somerset Hills BOE: Robert Weible Closing Statement

PEAPACK/GLADSTONE, NJ - Want to know more about the candidates running for Somerset Hills Board of Education? Each week leading to the November 7 election, the candidates running for Somerset Hills Board of Education will answer question(s) that will be run in a series on TAPinto Bernardsville & Bedminster.The Peapack Gladstone candidates for the one three-year seat for Somerset Hills Board of Education are incumbent Heather Santoro and Robert Weible.Robert Weible provides his closing statement....

PEAPACK/GLADSTONE, NJ - Want to know more about the candidates running for Somerset Hills Board of Education? Each week leading to the November 7 election, the candidates running for Somerset Hills Board of Education will answer question(s) that will be run in a series on TAPinto Bernardsville & Bedminster.

The Peapack Gladstone candidates for the one three-year seat for Somerset Hills Board of Education are incumbent Heather Santoro and Robert Weible.

Robert Weible provides his closing statement.

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Why should the community vote for you?

It has been great reaching out to the readers of TAPinto and I hope you have learned a bit about me. In walking the streets of Peapack and Gladstone, I have learned about what our residents are looking for in their representative. I am that representative.

There are some that seek this seat for popularity, their own vanity or as a surrogate on behalf of the state. I am not that person. I am running to represent the parents with children in the district who want a quality education in an inclusive environment that nurtures their child's full potential. I am running to represent the residents of Peapack and Gladstone that pay taxes for the school. Most importantly, I am running because the children deserve more than a representative of the state. Thank you to the readers of TAPinto for taking the time to learn about me and I hope you have learned I will not be a yes man for the state of NJ. I will work hard for you to review all of the policies, regulations and curriculum that our current representative has not questioned. In closing, our residents in Peapack and Gladstone are great people, the parents, teachers and staff in our school district make the school phenomenal and I hope I have earned your vote to be a new voice for you Peapack and Gladstone.

Thank you,

Bob Weible

Related articles: Get to Know the Somerset Hills Board of Education Candidates Series: Peapack-Gladstone Candidate Robert Weible; Get to Know the Somerset Hills Board of Education Candidates Series: Peapack-Gladstone Candidate Robert Weible Answers Week 2 Questions; Week 3 Questions; Week 4 Questions.

Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in the answer are the candidate's alone, and do not reflect the opinions of TAPinto.net or anyone who works for TAPinto.net. TAPinto.net is not responsible for the accuracy of the information supplied by the candidate. Email [email protected] with inquiries.

By TAPinto Bernardsville & Bedminster Staff

PublishedOctober 6, 2023 at 8:00 AM

PEAPACK/GLADSTONE, NJ - Want to know more about the candidates running for Somerset Hills Board of Education? Each week leading to the November 7 election, the candidates running for Somerset Hills Board of Education will answer question(s) that will be run in a series on TAPinto Bernardsville & Bedminster

The Peapack Gladstone candidates for the one three-year seat for Somerset Hills Board of Education are incumbent Heather Santoro and Robert Weible.

Week 3 Questions:

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Which three infrastructure projects should be prioritized and addressed?

Finding the funds for these projects: what's the best approach for the district?

Are you in favor of a tax referendum to secure community approval for funding these major capital projects?

Robert Weible responds:

Which three infrastructure projects should be prioritized and addressed?

I am currently not on the board and not in a position to say what capital (infrastructure) projects are recommended. I can only glean from what has been discussed at the board meetings that what is being discussed is what is recommended. However, I served on cooperative board that was a 35-story building with a pool constructed over a five-level garage constructed into the side of the Palisades in West New York. We used a capital reserve study that was prepared by an engineer to determine future capital projects. I am not sure the SHSD has a similar report for all of its building, fields and parking lots. Thus, I cannot completely comment on something without having a complete understanding of what is happening at each of the schools. Further, I would recommend if such an assessment or report does not exist, one should be completed.

Finding the funds for these projects: what's the best approach for the district?

The question should not always be about finding funding after the fact but should be about planning for future capital projects so the school is not scrambling to replace a roof that may lead to an increase in taxes to the residents. The current capital reserve funding is roughly $3,100,000 with a proposed budget of $50,000,000, or 6% of the budget. This may or may not be adequate to cover the costs of capital projects now, but what about in the future. The point is that with proper planning the residents should not be ladened with finding the funds to complete major capital projects if proper planning is implemented now.

Are you in favor of a tax referendum to secure community approval for funding these major capital projects?

No.

Related articles: Get to Know the Somerset Hills Board of Education Candidates Series: Peapack-Gladstone Candidate Robert Weible; Get to Know the Somerset Hills Board of Education Candidates Series: Peapack-Gladstone Candidate Robert Weible Answers Week 2 Questions

Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in the answer are the candidate's alone, and do not reflect the opinions of TAPinto.net or anyone who works for TAPinto.net. TAPinto.net is not responsible for the accuracy of the information supplied by the candidate. Email [email protected] with inquiries.

Get to Know the Somerset Hills Board of Education Candidates Series: Peapack-Gladstone Candidate Heather Santoro Answers Week 2 Questions

By TAPinto Bernardsville & Bedminster StaffPublishedSeptember 29, 2023 at 7:00 AMPEASPACK GLADSTONE, NJ - Want to know more about the candidates running for Somerset Hills Board of Education? Each week leading to the November 7 election, the candidates running for Somerset Hills Board of Education will answer question(s) that will be run in a series on TAPinto Bernardsville & BedminsterThe Peapack Gladstone candidates for the one three-year seats for Somerset Hi...

By TAPinto Bernardsville & Bedminster Staff

PublishedSeptember 29, 2023 at 7:00 AM

PEASPACK GLADSTONE, NJ - Want to know more about the candidates running for Somerset Hills Board of Education? Each week leading to the November 7 election, the candidates running for Somerset Hills Board of Education will answer question(s) that will be run in a series on TAPinto Bernardsville & Bedminster

The Peapack Gladstone candidates for the one three-year seats for Somerset Hills Board of Education are incumbent Heather Santoro and Robert Weible.

Week 2 Questions:

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What do you believe your role as Board of Education member serves?

What changes do you think are necessary in the schools?

How would you rate the schools with respect to student achievement?

Heather Santoro responds:

What do you believe your role as a Board of Education member serves?

A Board Member’s role is already well defined so that Boards can operate efficiently, allow Administration to perform their responsibilities, and together, make a positive impact on behalf of all of our students. Key responsibilities of a board member include communicating the ideas and concerns of community members to district administration, communicating the needs of students to the district and community, setting policy, and making sure the schools are well run. Board members should always consider student achievement and well-being when fulfilling these responsibilities.

Board members should seek input and involvement from all members of our communities, including taxpayers without students in the district. We strive to receive this input through various mechanisms including public comment sessions at Board meetings, public involvement in the strategic planning process, surveys, and general outreach and availability to our constituents. As a district we should institutionalize these mechanisms to enable continuous feedback and communication. One of the formal mechanisms we utilize is the community-based strategic planning process that is conducted every 3 to 5 years. This process includes community sessions, which are vital to understanding the community’s vision for our district and drive decision making for the Board and the Administration.

Additionally, in early 2023 we conducted formalized input sessions for our community members, staff, and students in our search for our Superintendent. This process yielded invaluable information for the Board as we evaluated resumes and conducted interviews to select the most appropriate candidate for this role. Throughout the entire process, we were guided by the priorities for a superintendent determined by the wider community. As a board member I am committed to working with our Administration to find additional formalized mechanisms to receive input that the district can make actionable.

While improvements are being made in the state with the passing of Bill S-33.92 for students’ voices to be heard within their districts, it is critical for Board Members to recognize that we represent the voice of the student. Consequently, our decisions should always be guided by the best interest of students. I have always made my decisions with the best interest of students in mind and will continue to do so for as long as I serve on the Board. In my years as a board member, I have observed the student experience through my own children, worked with educational experts employed by our district, and obtained training and education from various organizations available to us as board members. This experience has enabled me to examine decisions from a perspective of what is best for all learners. We are tasked with representing ALL students when considering policy and curriculum and I am committed to this endeavor.

Schools are governed by policy and regulation. It is the Board's responsibility to ensure that our policies and regulations reflect the vision and direction of our district. Some district policies are mandated as they are based on NJ law. It is the sworn responsibility of Board members to uphold these policies. There is a process by which State mandated policies are passed and all residents in the state of NJ can participate in this process through the Department of Education in Trenton.

The role of the Board is to ensure our district is well run. It is not the responsibility of the board to monitor or implement the day-to-day activities of the district. The Board is responsible for hiring and evaluating a Superintendent. The Superintendent in turn is responsible for all day-to-day activities within the district. Each year the Board completes a robust evaluation of Superintendent performance, including goal achievement and a variety of performance measures related to curriculum, personnel, facilities, operations, and finance that are critical for our success. This is the Boards’ formalized opportunity to reflect, provide input, and determine areas of improvement based on data and observation on how well the Superintendent is running the district. In order for a district to operate efficiently, board members need to understand their roles, which are distinct from those of school administration.

What changes do you think are necessary in the schools?

As a Board member, I am tasked with understanding the desires of our community with regard to their vision for our schools. Consequently, the changes I am committed to are those directed by the community input we received during the Strategic Planning Process. The Administration has developed detailed plans that support these goals and provides the Board and community with frequent updates. While all are important to the success of the district, I will specify a few that I believe will propel us forward and significantly impact the overall success and well being of our students.

Evaluating, updating, and improving our learning environments, particularly in the area of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM), will provide enhanced and/or improved facilities that will enable our students to optimize learning through hands-on engagement. Additionally, it affords us the opportunity to continue to improve and evolve our curriculum in this ever-changing field. Upgraded and updated STEAM facilities will directly impact 100% of our students from kindergarten through twelfth grade.

Our district can also benefit from improved communication, including improved internal communication among staff and personnel and improved communication to parents, guardians, and the entire community. This communication should be two-way and done with consistency. The district has made recent progress in this area with the introduction of our school newsletter, Pathways to Success, outreach to the community with regards to topics that might impact their residences, inviting the community to information sessions and allowing for comment and feedback outside of board meetings. Communication allows for the district to provide vital information to the public and will allow for us to hear from community members on topics that are important to them.

Providing diverse pathways to student success is critical as students are increasingly considering careers that are not always connected to a traditional post-graduation educational path. The district should develop curriculum that provides career exploration opportunities, partner with programs and organizations that create connections towards identified careers, and expose students to programs that allow for a deeper exploration into these various areas.

To ensure that children can learn optimally, they need to feel safe, secure, and part of a greater community. The district needs to continue to focus on the health and wellness of all of our students. This can be achieved through a unified K-12 culture and climate program that provides children the opportunity to develop empathy, take leadership roles, embrace each individual's uniqueness, and work with their peers for a connected sense of belonging and purpose. This type of program/curriculum does not replace core academics but should be embedded in every aspect of the students' experience. It should also foster the development of a school culture in which kids are comfortable, feel safe, and are willing to take educational risks that will serve to push them past their perceived boundaries.

How would you rate the school with respect to student achievement?

Rating the school with regards to student achievement is a difficult task. Achievement is measured differently for each student and family. The public often points to published school ratings and those ratings can be helpful and should be considered for growth and to provide guidance for areas of improvement year over year; however, they can also be limiting if not used appropriately. The district's responsibility is to provide as many opportunities for our students as possible to support them in achieving their individual goals. Whether it be rigorous and robust core academics, alternate pathways for career exploration and experience, or acclimation and proficiency for all learners, the district must continually evolve to address the needs of our specific learning communities.

While there is always room for growth and improvement and it is part of our job to be dynamic and constantly evolving, SHSD is on solid ground academically. SHSD has been able to show growth in most areas since the return from the pandemic and this is a huge accomplishment given the circumstances we all endured. During the pandemic we were able to implement curriculum and programs that will strengthen the academic achievement of our students and show improvement and success over time. The district implemented a new standards based math curriculum at the middle school and implemented the associated i-Ready tools. These tools allow for real time assessment of student progress through reports and individual data so we can provide more individualized education for each student. Seeing marked success with the math curriculum, we implemented i-Ready in literacy as well. We just implemented a new K-2 phonics program to supplement our existing ELA curriculum. The need for this was determined by data from standardized and school benchmark data. We have added study skills at the middle school and high school, additional math time for every student at the middle school, a new civics course, social studies course, as well as honors engineering and multivariable calculus.

Using standardized data including, but not limited to, NJSLA and AP results as well real-time individualized based assessment informs the district where we need to focus our energy and make investments to drive results for our kids. We can only rate achievement based on the district's ability to understand student achievement gaps and needs and provide robust curriculum and academic support to promote success for all of our students.

Related article: Get to Know the Somerset Hills Board of Education Candidates; Heather Santoro for Gladstone-Peapack Somerset Hills Board of Education

Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in the answer are the candidate's alone, and do not reflect the opinions of TAPinto.net or anyone who works for TAPinto.net. TAPinto.net is not responsible for the accuracy of the information supplied by the candidate. Email [email protected] with inquiries.

Get to Know the Somerset Hills Board of Education Candidates Series: Peapack-Gladstone Candidate Robert Weible

By TAPinto Bernardsville & BedminsterBERNARDSVILLE, NJ - Want to know more about the candidates running for Somerset Hills Board of Education? Each week leading to the November 7 election, the candidates running for Somerset Hills Board of Education will answer question(s) that will be run in a series on TAPinto Bernardsville & BedminsterThe Peapack Gladstone candidates for the one three-year seats for Somerset Hills Board of Education are incumbent Heather Santoro and Robert Weible.Get to k...

By TAPinto Bernardsville & Bedminster

BERNARDSVILLE, NJ - Want to know more about the candidates running for Somerset Hills Board of Education? Each week leading to the November 7 election, the candidates running for Somerset Hills Board of Education will answer question(s) that will be run in a series on TAPinto Bernardsville & Bedminster

The Peapack Gladstone candidates for the one three-year seats for Somerset Hills Board of Education are incumbent Heather Santoro and Robert Weible.

Get to know Robert Weible.

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My name is Robert Weible and I moved to Peapack and Gladstone over eight years ago. I have two children attending Bedwell Elementary and Bernardsville Middle School and my wife and I have really enjoyed our children’s attendance there and the great teachers they have had through the years. I am an owner of CW Solutions, and a member of the State Bars of Florida, New York, and New Jersey.

I have been involved with several volunteer positions in my professional career as President, Secretary, Treasurer and Committee Chair for other non-profit groups which include Riviera Towers 2010-2015, International Right of Way Association Garden State Chapter 15, Region 4 from 2015-2021, and New Jersey Wireless Association 2007-2012. As my kids have gotten older and more involved with sports and music in our town and school, I have helped out with their commitments such as volunteering for the Snack Shack at football and baseball games. My wife has been a co-chair for several HSA sponsored events including the 4th grade pool party, bus driver appreciation breakfast, and the middle school teacher appreciation luncheon and I have provided behind the scenes support in the set up for these events.

Not all parents have time to attend every board meeting, review the over 200 policies our school has adopted, nor review the constantly changing curriculum the state requires of the school districts in New Jersey. The curriculum that is helping to shape our children into adults. I feel a board member should question every policy or curriculum change rather than just be a conduit to professional recommendations in order to receive state funding. Secondly, since 2016 to our recently proposed budget, the budget has increased by 36% while student enrollment has decreased by 9%. I feel my background as a treasurer on other boards and my experience as a small business owner, having to make payroll, preparing budgets for my company and capital projects I have worked on will be of help in implementing the school district's budget that affects the taxes in each of our towns.

Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in the answer are the candidate's alone, and do not reflect the opinions of TAPinto.net or anyone who works for TAPinto.net. TAPinto.net is not responsible for the accuracy of the information supplied by the candidate. Email [email protected] with inquiries.

Get to Know the Somerset Hills Board of Education Candidates

Peapack-Gladstone Candidtate Heather Santoro for re-election to Somerset Hills Board of EducationPhoto Credit: Provided by Candidate By TAPinto Bernardsville & Bedminster StaffPublishedSeptember 22, 2023 at 9:10 AMPEASPACK GLADSTONE, NJ - Want to know more about the candidates running for Somerset Hills Board of Education? Each week leading to the November 7 election, the candidates running for Somerset Hills Board of Education will answer question(s...

Peapack-Gladstone Candidtate Heather Santoro for re-election to Somerset Hills Board of EducationPhoto Credit: Provided by Candidate

By TAPinto Bernardsville & Bedminster Staff

PublishedSeptember 22, 2023 at 9:10 AM

PEASPACK GLADSTONE, NJ - Want to know more about the candidates running for Somerset Hills Board of Education? Each week leading to the November 7 election, the candidates running for Somerset Hills Board of Education will answer question(s) that will be run in a series on TAPinto Bernardsville & Bedminster

The Peapack Gladstone candidates for the one three-year seats for Somerset Hills Board of Education are incumbent Heather Santoro and Robert Weible.

Get to know candidate Heather Santoro

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My name is Heather Santoro and I currently serve on the Board as one of the representatives from Peapack and Gladstone, I am completing my second, three-year term. I am currently Vice President of the Board and Chair of Facilities and Operations. I served as the Board President from 2021-2023.

I have lived in Peapack Gladstone with my husband Chris and our three children for the past 18 years. I also spent most of my own childhood in Gladstone and attended the Somerset Hills School District from third through twelfth grade.

I started volunteering in the schools when my oldest child entered kindergarten in 2011 and, since then, have been involved in the district in a variety of ways. Prior to joining the board, I served as a homeroom parent, lunch volunteer, and the chair of various parent-led committees. Some of these committees included the bus driver and crossing guard breakfast committee, the custodian appreciation committee, and the fourth-grade talent show committee. I also served as a member of the Peapack Gladstone Recreation Commission between 2010 and 2020. On the Commission, we worked with the Director of Recreation to assess the recreation needs of the community, evaluate ongoing programs, determine the viability of new programming, and implement and manage activities as appropriate. In addition to my current service on the Board, I volunteer through Creature Comfort Pet Therapy, providing pet therapy services to schools, nursing facilities, and various organizations with our certified dog Roxie.

I have had the pleasure of serving our communities on the Board for the past six years and I greatly appreciate that the public has trusted me to serve in this role. I am running for re-election because I believe in our district and in our ability as board members to positively impact the academic and social well-being of all the unique students we serve. Our district has faced and will continue to face challenges. My solid understanding of the role of a board member, how the district operates, including its finances, and the students we serve will allow me to ensure that our district will optimize its efforts to provide the best possible outcomes.

Since I joined the Board, I have witnessed the inspiring passion of those who serve our kids as teachers, administrators, custodians, and all our district professionals; the challenges public schools face; and the constant learning and growth that those whose careers are rooted in this industry embrace. Over the past several years, during turbulent times in the world of education, I am proud that the Board has helped to lay a solid foundation that will move this district forward on a path of academic growth and achievement and social support and enrichment. I am committed to my role as a representative of our communities and will listen, work hard, and continue to educate myself in my capacity as a board member to support this district's efforts to provide the best and most well-rounded education for all our children.

Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in the answer are the candidate's alone, and do not reflect the opinions of TAPinto.net or anyone who works for TAPinto.net. TAPinto.net is not responsible for the accuracy of the information supplied by the candidate. Email [email protected] with inquiries.

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