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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 Stockton, NJ

Home Care Stockton, 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 Historic Stockton Chinatown 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 Stockton, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Stockton, 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

“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.”

Frank N.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Nancy S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

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

“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

“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

“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.
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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

“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 Stockton, 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 Stockton, NJ

Types of Elderly Care in Stockton, 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 Stockton, 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 Stockton, 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 Buckley Cove Park 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 Stockton, 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 Midgley's Public House or visit Reuel Colt Gridley Monument, 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 Stockton, NJ

Benefits of Home Care in Stockton, 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 Stockton, 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 Stockton, 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 Stockton, 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 Stockton, 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 Stockton, 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 Stockton, 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:

  • The Commons on Thornton
  • Novellus Stockton Assisted Living
  • The Oaks at Inglewood
  • Oakmont of Brookside
  • Rio Las Palmas
  • Summerfield of Stockton
Home Care Stockton, 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 Stockton, 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 Stockton, 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 Stockton, NJ

Latest News in Stockton, NJ

Covered Bridge Cafe & Market Comes to Stockton

oth Jes Taylor and Daniel Brunina are well known in Hunterdon County as Co-owners of the Sergeantsville Inn. Now, the duo are expanding their culinary reach with a casual breakfast, lunch, and brunch spot. The Covered Bridge Cafe & Market in Stockton serves hot foods, grab-and-go meals, and even sweet dess...

oth Jes Taylor and Daniel Brunina are well known in Hunterdon County as Co-owners of the Sergeantsville Inn. Now, the duo are expanding their culinary reach with a casual breakfast, lunch, and brunch spot. The Covered Bridge Cafe & Market in Stockton serves hot foods, grab-and-go meals, and even sweet desserts.

General Manager Jes and Executive Chef Daniel wanted to create a rustic yet modern environment. “It’s warm and welcoming, but with clean, modern lines,” Daniel says about the nearly 1,000-square-foot space. In terms of the food, they source all ingredients locally, something that’s important to both owners. “From the beginning, we have been very passionate about feeding our community from our community,” Daniel says. “We do our level best to work with farmers and producers in the surrounding areas. And we are incredibly lucky to have such a bounty in the Hunterdon County area and beyond.”

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The Covered Bridge Cafe & Market has quickly become a local favorite, thanks to a mouthwatering menu of breakfast options. Popular picks include freshly-baked muffins, hearty breakfast sandwiches, and seasonal pancakes served with whipped maple butter.

Likewise, their lunch offerings feature salads, wraps, and both hot and cold sandwiches. Standouts include the Covered Bridge Cheesesteak, with shaved beef, caramelized onions, cheddar, horseradish aioli, and roasted garlic. Then there’s the Spicy Red Light Pork Burrito, with salsa rojo, poblanos, potato, caramelized and pickled onions, coleslaw, and cheddar. The latter is Daniel’s favorite menu item, while Jes prefers the Chopped BBQ Beef.

Folks in the mood for a sweet treat can try their gelato or soft-serve ice-cream.

Aside from their hot menu items, the Covered Bridge Cafe & Market has retail cases with grab-and-go options. Shoppers in a hurry can quickly pick up meats cooked on the smoker, handmade pastas, sauces, soups, and breads.

“Our target customers range from cyclists touring the area to busy families picking up dinner for their family; to someone grabbing breakfast on their way to work; to folks who want to sit and enjoy a leisurely weekend brunch,” Jes says.

“It is an absolute pleasure to get to know and interact day-to-day with folks in the community,” he adds.

Visit the Covered Bridge Cafe & Market at 763 Sergeantsville Rd in Stockton. (See them on Google Maps.) To learn more:

| Visit their Website | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Give them a Call |

See the Latest Restaurants Open in New Jersey.

All Photos: © Emma Radest

Starving Artist Café: Feeding the Body and the Soul

After spending time with Todd Ellis, it’s nearly impossible to imagine him doing anything other than exactly what he is working on now, based on his background and life experiences. Forty years in the kitchen and forty years plus performing on stage for live audiences was the perfect preparation for opening Starving Artist Café in Stockton, New Jersey. The restaurant is the culmination of Ellis’ culinary experiences and passion for the local ...

After spending time with Todd Ellis, it’s nearly impossible to imagine him doing anything other than exactly what he is working on now, based on his background and life experiences. Forty years in the kitchen and forty years plus performing on stage for live audiences was the perfect preparation for opening Starving Artist Café in Stockton, New Jersey. The restaurant is the culmination of Ellis’ culinary experiences and passion for the local music scene.

All in the Family

Born and raised in Bordentown, it’s not surprising that Todd is the younger brother of another local music legend, DJ Randy Now. Older brother Randy Ellis is the current owner of Randy Now’s Man Cave and former booking agent for the legendary Trenton Club – City Gardens. While Randy was booking up-and-coming bands like REM to come play at his venue, he was also (sometimes) allowing his kid brother to open for these bands and get to play before some top-name entertainment of the day.

Culinary Training

Ellis’ culinary experience goes back to his teens as well. He has always been employed in the food service industry. His culinary education came through real-life experience at the Bond Street Club in Trenton, an old-school, private social club back in the day. The Chef taught Ellis the basics of restaurant management through hard work and discipline. Those are the kitchen recipes that stuck with Ellis throughout his life.

Ellis is an eager student and every job he took along the way added to his skill set and increased his resume. In addition to his knowledge of rustic Italian cooking and classical dishes, he has also branched out into the wholesale area. Ellis is a skilled butcher and can prepare anything from homemade stuffed sausages to a full vegan meal. Since he has been in the kitchen from age 16, it’s not surprising he can switch from short order cooking to fine dining when the occasion demands it.

Power Pop & Punk

Ellis has always been involved in the music scene too. Performing as, “Tod the Mod ” from his gigs at City Gardens to going on to open for the Ramones, The Replacements and Joan Jett in the late 70’s and early 80’s. In 2017, “Smart Remarks,” Ellis’ power pop band released an EP in the US, UK and Japan. Ellis has never stopped playing music and there is always a guitar nearby in whatever kitchen you find him. This singer/songwriter keeps it moving and there’s always music in the background.

More Than a Restaurant

In 2014 Ellis, along with partner Ron, was able to combine his culinary talents with his musical abilities and contacts and More Than Q was born in Lambertville, New Jersey. This restaurant offered smoked meats, briskets, sausages and ribs along with some sensational, seasonal sides. Baked beans, collard greens and cheesy grits are just a few of the temptations Ellis prepared as Pitmaster and Executive Chef for eight years at More Than Q.

Once the menu was set, the next step became obvious, at least to Ellis. On the weekends, “BBQ guys smoking meat all day decided to open up a stage for local artists to perform – just like something you’d find in Austin,” said Ellis. And just like that, More Than Q became a “thing.” It didn’t take long for this Lambertville location to become the hub for the local artist community. The success of this location led them to expand into Princeton and Easton, PA markets as well.

Logical Evolution

So, why open Starving Artist Café now? It’s kind of like the planets aligning – the previous restaurant could only have music on weekends, Ellis is turning 60; and the perfect location opened up in Stockton – where he worked 11 years ago. Proximity to all his “peeps” in Lambertville/New Hope is also a huge plus. Two things Ellis seems to love are chaos and risk. He took his 401K and put it into his dream – which will open before Valentine’s Day 2024 – absolutely a labor of love. “This is my chance. I think I have something to offer everyone” says Ellis.

The restaurant will feature farm-to-table cuisine. It will serve everything from breakfast to rustic Italian and American bistro fare. There will be plenty of vegetarian and vegan options too. Inside seating can accommodate 50-60 diners. There’s a nice area outside that will be used for the summer music series and another 50-60 can easily enjoy the food and music in the open air. The dining room is being renovated and when finished will have space to showcase local painters as well. Plans for catering, family events, weddings and showers events are all in the works. The larger venue both inside and out may even lead to some future collaborations with Randy Ellis on booking bands and having special events.

Come To the Table

Ellis has a vision for his new place. It’s more than a restaurant. It’s a community gathering spot – a place that feels like home. He says, “I’m not looking for a trophy here, I just want to see people happy. I want to have a little place people really like. I only want one restaurant. I feel like maybe I figured it out now.”

He must be on to something, because Ellis is opening his restaurant with his “crew” of at least seven years – which in the restaurant business is shocking. He has his steadies; Macho is his sous chef and Bella who is front/back of house – and a mean bass player. There are also the college kids who return to work with him during summers and breaks. Ellis, who has spent his life in the kitchen, believes in paying his crew for their hard work and dedication.

Building Community

Ellis’ heroes range from Anthony Bourdain to Wolfgang Puck and Iggy Pop to Paul Westerberg. He likes it real and he keeps it honest. Ellis has always been a “community” kind of guy. He is a local sponsor of WDVR Radio, a non-commercial station with locally based programs. He even hosts occasionally. He also is planning to help revive the Stockton Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony in December, bringing more joy and light to the town.

It’s Going To Be Grand

Work began January 1 on the Starving Artist Café. They’ll do a soft opening prior to Valentine’s Day, just to be sure they get it right. Mark your calendars – a Singer/Songwriter Showcase is already booked for March 3. The test kitchen is currently perfecting the recipe for the artisan thin crust pizza. “I want you to feel like I invited you into my house. Hey man, let me cook you something,” beckons Ellis. I’m sure it will be amazing Todd! I can’t wait to sit back and close my eyes and eat some of the best food – and hear some of the best music “somewhere North of Nashville.”

Nearly $700,000 Grant Will Tag N.J. Harbor Seals for First Time

As many as 360 harbor seals gather to rest and forage in Great Bay each winter. The haul-out site is the largest in New Jersey.Galloway, N.J. — Everyone has seen bottlenose dolphins swimming near beaches in the summer. You might also catch a humpback whale or two off the coast.But did you know that harbor seals also have a regular seasonal home in South Jersey?The tags will allow the researchers to follow the seals as they spend the winter in the mid-Atlantic area and migrate to other areas...

As many as 360 harbor seals gather to rest and forage in Great Bay each winter. The haul-out site is the largest in New Jersey.

Galloway, N.J. — Everyone has seen bottlenose dolphins swimming near beaches in the summer. You might also catch a humpback whale or two off the coast.

But did you know that harbor seals also have a regular seasonal home in South Jersey?

The tags will allow the researchers to follow the seals as they spend the winter in the mid-Atlantic area and migrate to other areas along the East Coast.

“A lot of people aren’t aware that harbor seals occur in New Jersey,” said marine mammal biologist Jackie Toth Sullivan, who’s also an adjunct faculty member at Stockton University. “This is likely because seals are here in large numbers during the winter months. There aren’t that many people on the beach or on the water in January, February or March.”

Sullivan said for years as many as 360 seals have gathered to rest and forage in Great Bay — the largest haul-out site in New Jersey. Two other known haul-out sites include Sandy Hook – Gateway National Recreation Area (about 100 seals) and Barnegat Light on Long Beach Island (about 30 seals). The seals begin to gather in October and November and usually stay through March or April in large numbers, she said.

Beginning in December, a new nearly $700,000 grant will give Stockton faculty members, staff and students a unique opportunity to examine this animal population through a first-ever satellite tagging operation in New Jersey.

Stockton personnel will work alongside tagging experts from the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society (AMSEAS) for this three-year, $682,890 grant from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Research and Monitoring Initiative (RMI). The RMI is a joint venture between the NJDEP and the state Bureau of Public Utilities to address the need for research and monitoring of the state’s marine resources throughout the phases of offshore wind development and operation.

“The purpose of the study is to, first, better understand the movement patterns of harbor seals both in New Jersey, as well as regionally,” Toth Sullivan said. “We would like to understand if these harbor seals are using specific areas offshore for certain behaviors. For example, are windfarm lease areas being used as foraging grounds, and does this behavior change over time due to natural or anthropogenic impacts?”

Beginning in December, personnel from Stockton’s Marine Field Station, AMSEAS, the Northeast Fisheries Science Center, Marine Mammals of Maine and the Naval Undersea Warfare Center will attach satellite tags to select seals. These tags will allow the researchers to follow the seals as they spend the winter in the mid-Atlantic area and migrate to other areas along the East Coast.

“This research will not only give scientists much needed insight into the migration behaviors of this growing population of harbor seals but will also provide Stockton University students with the opportunity to perform sophisticated data analyses and to participate in a multi-institutional study with far-reaching implications,” said Amanda Norvell, dean of Stockton’s School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. “We are incredibly excited about this work and the scientific contributions of Professor Toth Sullivan and her colleagues.”

The data that can be gathered from these types of studies is unparalleled. You can really start to piece together the life history of these animals.”

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Various biological samples will be taken from harbor seals during the tagging process for health assessment purposes. That data will then be included with similar harbor seal studies along the mid-Atlantic and northeast coast by organizations such as the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society in New York and Massachusetts, the NOAA northeast office, Marine Mammals of Maine, the Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Rhode Island and Tufts Runstadler Lab.

“That’s one of the really neat things about this project — this study goes beyond New Jersey,” Toth Sullivan said. “There are other organizations in the northeast, mid-Atlantic and Virginia that are doing this same work in their respective region. Putting our New Jersey data into the larger data pool will give us a nice picture of coast-wide harbor seal movement and health patterns. It will fill a gap in this data set.”

While Stockton students won’t participate in the tagging effort, they will, starting in the spring of 2024, be able to assess the data collected. Collecting the data before construction of offshore wind begins along New Jersey’s coast will provide researchers with a baseline to assess how seal movements, behavior and health may affected by offshore development. Data, including harbor seal habitat use and dive patterns, along with analysis of food habits through biological samples, can help researchers better understand important behavioral and ecological patterns of these animals.

“The data that can be gathered from these types of studies is unparalleled,” Toth Sullivan said. “You can really start to piece together the life history of these animals.”

For Toth Sullivan, the grant has also provided her with an amazing opportunity as she will participate in the harbor seal satellite tagging process for the first time. She has previously contributed to bottlenose dolphin satellite tagging efforts, but never harbor seals.

“There are a lot of moving parts for an effort like this,” she said about the tagging process.

And certainly, getting this close to wild animals that can be as big as 6-feet long and weigh up to 350 pounds can be remarkable.

“They are beautiful, strong, and wild creatures,” she said. “It’s humbling and awesome all at the same time.”

— Story by Mark Melhorn, photos by Jackie Toth Sullivan

# # # Media contacts: Stacey Clapp Director of Strategic Communications [email protected] 609-626-3645 609-412-8069 stockton.edu/media

Mark Melhorn Associate Director of News and Media Relations [email protected] 609-652-4593 609-569-6026 stockton.edu/media

Stockton Receives Record $42.18 Million from State Budget

Galloway, N.J. — Stockton University will receive a record $42.18 million in state aid from the fiscal year 2024 budget approved by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Phil Murphy last week.The funding is a 17.7% increase from 2023’s $35.8 million and a 129% increase over the amount Stockton received five years ago, $18.4 million.“This additional funding will go a long way toward helping Stockton continue to fulfill its students-first mission of developing engaged and effective citizens,”...

Galloway, N.J. — Stockton University will receive a record $42.18 million in state aid from the fiscal year 2024 budget approved by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Phil Murphy last week.

The funding is a 17.7% increase from 2023’s $35.8 million and a 129% increase over the amount Stockton received five years ago, $18.4 million.

“This additional funding will go a long way toward helping Stockton continue to fulfill its students-first mission of developing engaged and effective citizens,” said Stockton President Joe Bertolino. “It will allow us to mitigate the cost of higher education and provide more opportunities for first-generation and economically disadvantaged students.”

The funding includes $4.6 million for Stockton’s Atlantic City campus, $250,000 for the newly renamed Dr. Elizabeth Elmore Center for Economic Development and Financial Literacy and $1 million to support continuing planning for the future of the Atlantic City campus.

The budget also includes Stockton’s outcomes-based allocation of $7.9 million — a $5.1 million increase over last year positively reflecting upon the university’s initiatives to improve outcomes for underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students, among other criteria.

“This could not have been achieved without the support of our budget resolution sponsors, state Sen. Troy Singleton and Assemblywoman Carol Murphy. We are also grateful for the advocacy of Sen. Vince Polistina, Assemblywoman Claire Swift and Assemblyman Don Guardian who voted in support of the budget containing the Stockton appropriations, and Assembly Majority Leader Louis Greenwald, who shepherded the budget resolution through the Assembly,” Bertolino added.

“We applaud Senate President Nick Scutari and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin for including Stockton’s appropriations in the budget legislation, and Gov. Phil Murphy who signed the budget into law,” Bertolino said.

-- Story by Mark Melhorn

# # #Media contacts:Stacey ClappDirector of Strategic Communications[email protected]609-626-3645609-412-8069stockton.edu/media

Mark MelhornAssociate Director of News and Media Relations[email protected]609-652-4593609-569-6026stockton.edu/media

Stockton UniversityStockton University is ranked among the top public universities in the nation. Our more than 9,000 students can choose to live and learn on the 1,600-acre wooded main campus in the Pinelands National Reserve in South Jersey and at our coastal residential campus just steps from the beach and Boardwalk in Atlantic City. The university offers more than 160 undergraduate and graduate programs. Learn more at stockton.edu.

Portraits, Fire & Pine Trees: New Fall Exhibitions in the Art Gallery

Galloway, N.J. – The Stockton Art Gallery is set to open with two new exhibitions that will run from Sept. 5 to Nov. 12.The Lower Gallery will feature “A World Lit Only By Fire” by artists Lewis Colburn and Taylor Baldwin.The exhibition “combines outstanding craftsmanship with extraordinary sensitivity to material, which creates work that unsettles expectations of value and meaning,” sa...

Galloway, N.J. – The Stockton Art Gallery is set to open with two new exhibitions that will run from Sept. 5 to Nov. 12.

The Lower Gallery will feature “A World Lit Only By Fire” by artists Lewis Colburn and Taylor Baldwin.

The exhibition “combines outstanding craftsmanship with extraordinary sensitivity to material, which creates work that unsettles expectations of value and meaning,” said Jed Morfit, the curator and professor of Art.

Baldwin’s “Head of An Elder” includes curated objects found amongst things that people threw away or littered the sidewalk, which results in an interesting and imagined portrait of someone made out of the world. Conversely, Colburn’s “There Are No Miracles Here (Laocoon/Flamethrower)” is a work that explores hatred, fear and the implications of such emotions in art.

“There is something universal in this dissonant juxtaposition between careful craft and chaotic content,” Morfit said. “Confronted by chaos, surrounded by the flotsam and jetsam of a failed consumer culture, we have no choice but to compartmentalize — to pick up the pieces and do our best to arrange them into a coherent whole.”

Colburn and Baldwin will share more about their work at an Artist Panel & Reception at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19 in the Lower Gallery.

The Upper Gallery will host an exhibition that celebrates the 45th anniversary of the founding of the New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve.

Curated by Kate Ogden, professor of Art History, “A Pinelands Portrait: Art of the Pine Barrens” will include work from over 20 artists ranging from painters, photographers, printmakers and sculptors to video makers, fiber artists and botanical illustrators.

According to Ogden, the exhibition is meant to celebrate both the Pinelands and the diverse artists who engage with the Pinelands for their various projects.

“With the goal of exhibiting as wide a range of art as possible, (I) looked for artists working in a variety of styles and media,” Ogden said. “The works in the show range from the straightforward to the picturesque, the scientifically detailed to the romantically expressive.”

Some of the artists are slated to have their own Artist Panel & Reception at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4 in the Upper Gallery.

Following the main exhibitions will be the ARTV – Bachelor of Fine Arts Senior Exhibition from Dec. 3 – 8, which will open with a Meet the Artists Reception at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3 in the Lower Gallery.

In addition to exhibitions, the Art Gallery will host an event open to the public and for artists of all abilities at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18. In “Hand Painting from Nature,” host, author and artist Laura Bethmann will teach participants the history of nature-printing botanicals and demonstrate basic techniques. Materials and supplies will be provided.

– Story by Loukaia Taylor

– Photos submitted

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