It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
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 Elkton, MD is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Always Best care is the best! Their caregiver is very nice with respective attitude. They”
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“I am a past client of this provider ABC Upper Chesapeake provided excellent and compassionate care”
“I met with Elaine Gill as we needed a secure place for my Dad. She”
“I cannot really find the words to say how wonderful the staff is at Always”
“I interviewed this provider I used Always Best Care to care for my parents who happen”
“I used Always Best Care to care for my parents who happen to live in”
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“I interviewed this provider Elaine is professional, knowledgeable, and has a heart for people. Her recommendations”
“I interviewed this provider When we needed help getting our Father the proper care we were”
“Always Best care is the best! Their caregiver is very nice with respective attitude. They are all expert and knows their job very well in all ages. I never regret that their service to take care of my grandmother. They are trustworthy, respectful, honest and passionate to their work. I highly recommend them on their work.”
“I am a past client of this provider My mother passed away two months ago after nearly four years of coverage from the team members of ABC Upper Chesapeake. Mom and I were both very pleased with the coverage. ABC was most congenial to do their best to provide Mom with caretakers whom we found suited to Mom's personality and temperament. In the very few cases this was not so, we asked for someone else to care for Mom and this was promptly provided. All in all the caretakers were kind, friendly, competent and helpful, providing Mom with good care and company. Elaine G was very helpful in getting us in contact with the VA so that Mom was able to obtain a monthly benefit entitled to her because of Dad's service in the military. That was a great financial help to us in our particular situation. I strongly recommend this agency for the homebound and ill. They will work with you to do all they can to grant your reasonable requests. Thank you, Elaine and caretakers!”
“I am a past client of this provider ABC Upper Chesapeake provided excellent and compassionate care for my late father during his prolonged decline at age 95. The care enabled him to live in his home with my mom during his final months of life. Elaine worked with me diligently to match my parents' difficult situation with the perfect caregiver. My father was treated with dignity and gentleness when he was no longer able to care for himself at all. It gave our family great peace of mind knowing he was so well cared for.”
“I met with Elaine Gill as we needed a secure place for my Dad. She was very knowledgeable and professional. Fortunately, the second location she showed us was a good fit (Dakota Paradise). I heartily recommend Always Best Care if you want help finding a loved one the proper care.”
“I cannot really find the words to say how wonderful the staff is at Always Best Care of Upper Chesapeake: Highly competent, Comforting, caring, extremely attentive, endlessly patient and reassuring. Elaine Gill has done an amazing job at ensuring that the staff she has are just as committed to ensuring the highest quality of life for every client, as Elaine! You are on the top of my list for any further care services that my family members may need going forward.”
“I interviewed this provider I used Always Best Care to care for my parents who happen to live in another state. I met with Elaine (the owner) to discuss my options and determine the best caregiver service to meet my parents needs. She was a great help; addressed all my questions and concerns and gave me peace of mind that my parents were in good hands. Their caregiver is wonderful and very competent. I don't have to worry about them or become a detective to find out what is going on with them in Maryland. Although my parents were a little skeptical at first, Elaine and her staff have put their mind at ease and made them feel very comfortable about the entire experience. They both feel much safer now and happier that they are able to stay in the home that they love. I am comforted in knowing that my parents are receiving quality care and they are in the capable hands of Elaine and her staff at Always Best Care. Words can not express my sincere gratitude for the awesome care provided to my parents.”
“I used Always Best Care to care for my parents who happen to live in another state. I met with Elaine (the owner) to discuss my options and determine the best caregiver service to meet my parents needs. She was a great help; addressed all my questions and concerns and gave me peace of mind that my parents were in good hands. Their caregiver is wonderful and very competent. I don't have to worry about them or become a detective to find out what is going on with them in Maryland. Although my parents were a little skeptical at first, Elaine and her staff have put their mind at ease and made them feel very comfortable about the entire experience. They both feel much safer now and happier that they are able to stay in the home that they love. I am comforted in knowing that my parents are receiving quality care and they are in the capable hands of Elaine and her staff at Always Best Care. Words can not express my sincere gratitude for the awesome care provided to my parents.”
“I am a past client of this provider I cannot really find the words to say how wonderful the staff is at Always Best Care of Upper Chesapeake: Highly competent, Comforting, caring, extremely attentive, endlessly patient and reassuring. Elaine Gill has done an amazing job at ensuring that the staff she has are just as committed to ensuring the highest quality of life for every client, as Elaine! You are on the top of my list for any further care services that my family members may need going forward.”
“I interviewed this provider Elaine is professional, knowledgeable, and has a heart for people. Her recommendations have been invaluable. We are thankful for Always Best! It is a 5 Star Company!!”
“I interviewed this provider When we needed help getting our Father the proper care we were recommended to Elaine and ABC. It was the right move. Fortunately for us the second location she showed us was the right fit. It's been a difficult time and having their expertise eased our concerns.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Elkton, MD, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Elkton, MD understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Elkton, MD 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.
CECIL COUNTY, Md. — A roof collapse sent five workers to the hospital on Tuesday, according to authorities.Just after 7:00 in the morning on Tuesday, construction workers began the high wire act of setting giant wooden trusses for the new roof on a massive building along Route 40 in Elkton when the crane operator got the first indication that something had gone wrong.5 hospitalized after collapse sends crews crashing through roof in Cecil County“He heard some hollering, stopped, because he thought they...
CECIL COUNTY, Md. — A roof collapse sent five workers to the hospital on Tuesday, according to authorities.
Just after 7:00 in the morning on Tuesday, construction workers began the high wire act of setting giant wooden trusses for the new roof on a massive building along Route 40 in Elkton when the crane operator got the first indication that something had gone wrong.
5 hospitalized after collapse sends crews crashing through roof in Cecil County
“He heard some hollering, stopped, because he thought they were hollering at him that he was coming in too hot, but it ended up being they were hollering, because it had collapsed,” said Singerly Fire Chief Fred Hill.
Police say the workers were attempting to install a large truss on the roof of a commercial building located along Route 40 when the structure collapsed.
“Talking to the crane operator. He was the only one left for us to talk to, because he’s not with that company,” said Hill, “He’s the one that advised us that there were 11 personnel between the people up top and bracing it so the folks that were up on the trusses, they fell approximately 30 to 40 feet.”
The incident sent the workers falling to the ground, and they were taken to the trauma center at the Christiana Hospital in Delaware with what initially appeared to be non-life-threatening injuries.
Three of the victims, which appear to have initially been knocked out during the incident, all regained consciousness.
The site of the accident will be a second location for a company that deals in large trucks and parts out of North East.
Maryland Occupational Safety and Health or MOSH will conduct an investigation into the cause of the accident.
meet rising missile demand.The 57,000-square-foot (5,295-square-meter) Propulsion Innovation Center will be operated by approximately 250 engineers to build advanced systems for US and allied defense programs.The site is part of a broader $100-million investment at the company’s existing 550-acre (223-hectare) Elkton campus, which will increase local rocket motor design and production capacity by 25 percent while enlarging the workforce by over 30 percent.Maryland Governor Wes Moore attended the ri...
meet rising missile demand.
The 57,000-square-foot (5,295-square-meter) Propulsion Innovation Center will be operated by approximately 250 engineers to build advanced systems for US and allied defense programs.
The site is part of a broader $100-million investment at the company’s existing 550-acre (223-hectare) Elkton campus, which will increase local rocket motor design and production capacity by 25 percent while enlarging the workforce by over 30 percent.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony, noting that the state has provided $14.1 million in economic incentives to support the site’s expansion since 2018.
“Maryland is the best place to build and hire,” Moore stated. “That’s why we’re proud to have important partners, like Northrop Grumman, who are choosing Maryland — because of everything our state has to offer.”
“Our administration is investing in infrastructure and workforce development to attract major players, lead the nation in innovation, and build opportunities to continue to drive our state forward,” he added.
The Propulsion Innovation Center compounds a nationwide effort to boost Northrop’s annual rocket motor output from 13,000 units in 2024 to more than 25,000 by 2029.
In yearly solid propellant capacity, the defense contractor expects its annual yield to grow from 30 million pounds to nearly 50 million pounds by 2028.
To date, Northrop Grumman has invested over $2 billion in munitions technology and facilities over the past seven years, including tripling tactical rocket motor capacity in West Virginia and doubling production infrastructure in Utah.
“The Propulsion Innovation Center is a critical investment in advanced propulsion that expands the capacity and resilience of the nation’s SRM industrial base,” said Jenna Paukstis, vice president and general manager of weapon systems at Northrop Grumman.
“This facility accelerates delivery of survivable, solid and air-breathing hypersonic and tactical missile propulsion solutions to the warfighter.”
ELKTON, Md. — They left home to get haircuts for their five children, and when Demetria and Alfred Coleman returned they learned of the fire that has now forced them from their home.“We are trying to see what we can save out of there, but like you said, a lot of things are smoke damaged and two of the rooms were completely damaged and destroyed,” Demetria told us.Family of seven displaced in Elkton fireA nearby neighbor, Sara Baranski, watched as firetrucks arrived on the scene even capturing it ...
ELKTON, Md. — They left home to get haircuts for their five children, and when Demetria and Alfred Coleman returned they learned of the fire that has now forced them from their home.
“We are trying to see what we can save out of there, but like you said, a lot of things are smoke damaged and two of the rooms were completely damaged and destroyed,” Demetria told us.
Family of seven displaced in Elkton fire
A nearby neighbor, Sara Baranski, watched as firetrucks arrived on the scene even capturing it on camera and later assisted the family of seven upon their return.
“No one was in the house luckily and there were no pets or anything so that was good news. It’s all material things,” said Baranski, “but it looked like it was on the top floor. You could just see smoke billowing out the top and firemen got up there and cut holes in the roof.”
Investigators have preliminarily determined some hot work underway on the structure ignited some roofing materials sparking the fire.
The Colemans spotted a work truck outside as they headed off on their errands but didn’t think anything of it at the time.
“They said there were two people working on the house in the back,” said Alfred, “They said we have holes in the roof, and I don’t know what they did. We left when they were here.”
The family is now having to regroup with the children about to start a new school year and no guarantee they will have the resources to cover what’s been lost in the fire.
“If anyone is willing to help in any way, they can reach out to me on Facebook,” the mother told us, “My Facebook name is Demetria Coleman. Nothing is too small. Nothing is too big. Whatever. Even just prayers to uplift our family and keep us encouraged as we go through this journey.”
The Maryland Department of Health said it had confirmed a case of measles in a Maryland resident after a possible exposure in the Upper Eastern Shore region.The new case is the 13th confirmed case in the state this year.According to MDH, anyone who visited ChristianaCare Union Hospital Emergency Department in Elkton on Aug. 2 from 7 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. may have been exposed to the infection.Last week, the department had warned of a possible exposure at the same emergency room on July 30, warning those who visited the depa...
The Maryland Department of Health said it had confirmed a case of measles in a Maryland resident after a possible exposure in the Upper Eastern Shore region.
The new case is the 13th confirmed case in the state this year.
According to MDH, anyone who visited ChristianaCare Union Hospital Emergency Department in Elkton on Aug. 2 from 7 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. may have been exposed to the infection.
Last week, the department had warned of a possible exposure at the same emergency room on July 30, warning those who visited the department from 3:00 a.m. - 7:15 a.m.
It can take up to three weeks for symptoms to appear.
Were you vaccinated for measles? If you have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or were born before 1957, you are generally considered protected. Check your immunization status securely online via My Immunization Record (MyIR).
MDH recommends all eligible people get fully vaccinated against measles. The measles vaccine is routinely recommended at 12-15 months of age for the first dose and the second dose at 4-6 years old. Sometimes a dose is given as early as six to 12 months if there is travel planned to an area that has ongoing measles transmission.
Monitor for early symptoms: People, especially those not fully vaccinated or otherwise immune to measles, who were at any of these locations during the possible exposure times should monitor themselves for any early symptoms of measles for 21 days after the potential exposure.
Video above: Doctor shares tips amid confirmed measles case in Maryland
Not fully vaccinated or otherwise immune? If you are not fully vaccinated or otherwise immune to measles (i.e., you already had measles) and you might have been exposed, call your health care provider or your local health department to discuss the best next steps for you. If your exposure occurred on or after April 14, 2026, you may qualify for post-exposure treatments.
What are the symptoms of measles? Early symptoms of measles are a fever of more than 101 degrees Fahrenheit; runny nose; cough; and red, watery eyes. Usually, one to four days after the early symptoms, a red rash appears on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Symptoms typically develop 10 to 14 days after exposure but can develop as soon as seven days and as long as 21 days after exposure. A person with measles is contagious, beginning four days before the rash appears until four days after the rash begins.
Call your health care provider: Exposed individuals who develop a fever or other symptoms of measles should not go to child care, school, work, or out in public, and should contact their health care provider. They should call their health care provider before going to a waiting room or emergency department so that the facility can take measures to prevent measles from spreading to others.
Is measles contagious? Health officials describe measles as a highly contagious disease that is spread easily through the air when an infectious person breathes, coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after the infected person leaves the area. The disease is also spread by direct contact and after touching infected surfaces.
ELKTON, Md. —There's a growing call in Cecil County to find a solution to becoming a maternity care desert before lives are put at risk.ChristianaCare just closed the only birth center in the area, which means some expectant mothers will now have to drive across state lines to deliver their babies because there's no local hospital that has a delivery floor.Maddie Reese, a certified nurse midwife at ChristianaCare Union Hospital, told WBAL-TV 11 News Investigates that her career was on track, delive...
ELKTON, Md. —
There's a growing call in Cecil County to find a solution to becoming a maternity care desert before lives are put at risk.
ChristianaCare just closed the only birth center in the area, which means some expectant mothers will now have to drive across state lines to deliver their babies because there's no local hospital that has a delivery floor.
Maddie Reese, a certified nurse midwife at ChristianaCare Union Hospital, told WBAL-TV 11 News Investigates that her career was on track, delivering babies at her hometown hospital.
"That's been my dream ... to be the first midwife at Union Hospital, and I got to live that dream starting in 2025," Reese told WBAL-TV 11 News Investigates.
In May, a bombshell announcement upended everything.
"(At) 7:45 on a Monday morning, May 18th, (they) came into the office and said, 'Hey, we're closing the labor and delivery over there,'" Reese told WBAL-TV 11 News Investigates.
Reese said warning signs had surfaced months earlier, but questions were either met with reassurance or silence — until it was too late, and ChristianaCare eliminated 31 nurses and physicians.
Cecil County Executive Adam Streight, whose children were born at Union Hospital, said he was even kept in the dark.
"If you're going to close a major health service in Cecil County, the county executive would be the first person that you call and notify," Streight told WBAL-TV 11 News Investigates.
Hearst Owned
Cecil County Executive Adam Streight and area leadership sent a letter urging ChristianaCare to reconsider its decision to close the birthing center at Union Hospital. He said the letter went unanswered.
Once the decision was made, Streight and area leadership sent a letter urging ChristianaCare, which took over Union Hospital in 2020, to reconsider its decision.
He said the letter went unanswered.
"No matter what is said now, it was very clear that this was a financial situation, and they just felt like there wasn't any money in it anymore," Streight told WBAL-TV 11 News Investigates.
ChristianaCare shared its reasoning with the community at a recent public hearing.
"Closing the family birth center was a tough decision," ChristianaCare Chief Operating Officer Richard Cuming said at the meeting.
"This decision reflects several realities that have changed over time."
ChristianaCare sent a statement to WBAL-TV 11 News Investigates, saying: "This decision reflects several realities that have changed over time: An ongoing shortage of obstetricians and pediatricians; a decline in births at Union Hospital; and changing needs within Cecil County, including an increase in more complex pregnancies and an aging population in our community."
Now, instead of giving birth at Union Hospital, expectant mothers in Cecil County are being told to travel to Delaware or even farther. Depending on where they live in the county, that could be anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour's drive.
The Maryland Health Care Commission said ChristianaCare failed to give proper notice before choosing to close the birthing center, which allowed Maryland to negotiate protections so that Medicaid patients can deliver in Delaware at no extra cost during the transition.
"There are access concerns for people in Cecil County now," Dr. Douglas Jacobs, the commission's executive director, told WBAL-TV 11 News Investigates. "Union Hospital has committed that those patients won't have out-of-pocket costs, they're not going to be balance-billed, and, to their credit, that should make things, certainly, easier for patients on Medicaid."
"There are access concerns for people in Cecil County now."
While talks continue to find a permanent Medicaid solution, Streight said one major problem remains: Expectant mothers must now travel farther to give birth when every minute matters.
"I will work with whoever I have to work with. I don't care what political party they're from. I don't care where they live. We will find a solution one way or another. No, I am not letting this go," Streight told WBAL-TV 11 News Investigates.
"We will find a solution one way or another. No, I am not letting this go."
As Reese navigates what's next for her career, she said she's worried the closure is just the beginning of a rural health care crisis.
"You can go look at any county across this country, there's over hundreds of them that have lost their service in the past five years," Reese told WBAL-TV 11 News Investigates. "You can see what their outcomes are, and you can see what's ahead for our mothers and our families and our babies here — and it's not good."
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