It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Nottingham Castle in Nottingham, MD 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 Nottingham, 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”
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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. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Bestwood Country Park in Nottingham, MD with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local World Service Restaurant or visit National Justice Museum, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Nottingham, 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 Nottingham, 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.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Nottingham, 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.
NOTTINGHAM, Md. — Gasoline and diesel prices surged nationwide over the past week as oil prices climbed above $100 a barrel amid escalating geopolitical tensions and disruptions to global energy supplies, according to GasBuddy.The national average price for regular gasoline rose 17.2 cents over the past week to $4.25 per gallon, GasBuddy said Monday. The average is 19 cents higher than a month ago and $1.14 above its level a year ago.Diesel prices increased even more sharply, climbing 31.6 cents in a week to an average of...
NOTTINGHAM, Md. — Gasoline and diesel prices surged nationwide over the past week as oil prices climbed above $100 a barrel amid escalating geopolitical tensions and disruptions to global energy supplies, according to GasBuddy.
The national average price for regular gasoline rose 17.2 cents over the past week to $4.25 per gallon, GasBuddy said Monday. The average is 19 cents higher than a month ago and $1.14 above its level a year ago.
Diesel prices increased even more sharply, climbing 31.6 cents in a week to an average of $6.183 per gallon.
Gas prices rose in every state, according to GasBuddy, with the largest weekly increases reported in Michigan, Utah, Wisconsin, New Mexico and Minnesota.
“Average gasoline and diesel prices rose in every state over the last week as geopolitical tensions escalated on multiple fronts,” Patrick De Haan, GasBuddy’s head of petroleum analysis, said in a statement.
De Haan cited tensions involving the United States and Iran, renewed hostilities in the Red Sea and the shutdown of Saudi Arabia’s East-West crude oil pipeline as factors pushing prices higher. Weekend attacks that knocked two additional Russian refineries offline have added pressure to global supplies, he said.
Oil prices surged Monday after Oman announced that planned talks involving the Gulf Cooperation Council and Iran on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz had been postponed. Saudi Arabia also kept its East-West crude pipeline shut following drone strikes last week.
In early Monday trading, West Texas Intermediate crude was up $3.18 at $103.23 a barrel, compared with $93.65 a week earlier. Brent crude rose $3.68 to $108.29 a barrel, up from $98.52 a week ago, according to GasBuddy.
Both benchmarks were at four-month highs and approaching a March peak of $114 a barrel.
Giovanni Staunovo, a UBS commodities analyst, said the disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz and the Saudi pipeline shutdown were tightening global oil supplies.
“Markets will now closely watch how long the shutdown lasts,” Staunovo said in an email, according to GasBuddy.
U.S. fuel inventories offered little indication of immediate relief. Data from the Energy Information Administration for the week ending Sept. 4 showed commercial crude inventories fell by 400,000 barrels to roughly the five-year average for the time of year.
Gasoline inventories increased by 1.3 million barrels but remained about 5% below the five-year seasonal average. Distillate inventories, which include diesel, rose by 2.1 million barrels but were about 13% below the five-year seasonal average.
U.S. refinery utilization edged down to 97.8%, while the EIA’s measure of implied gasoline demand fell by 372,000 barrels a day to 8.551 million barrels a day.
GasBuddy said most of the country is transitioning this week to cheaper winter-blend gasoline, a seasonal change that normally can provide some relief at the pump. But De Haan said the ongoing supply disruptions could overwhelm that effect.
“While most of the country transitions to cheaper winter-blend gasoline this week, the scale of ongoing geopolitical escalations makes meaningful price relief unlikely in the near term,” De Haan said.
Among states, Indiana had the lowest average gasoline price at $3.58 a gallon, followed by Texas at $3.84 and Oklahoma at $3.85. California had the highest average at $5.95, followed by Washington at $5.50 and Hawaii at $5.33.
Michigan recorded the largest weekly increase in gasoline prices, at 32.1 cents a gallon. Utah rose 29.2 cents, Wisconsin 29.1 cents, New Mexico 27.8 cents and Minnesota 27.4 cents.
The median U.S. gasoline price was $4.11 a gallon, up 22 cents from a week earlier.
Diesel prices showed even greater regional disparities. Wyoming had the lowest average diesel price at $5.79 a gallon, followed by Louisiana at $5.82 and Mississippi at $5.85. California had the highest average diesel price at $8.11, followed by Washington at $7.15 and Hawaii at $6.84.
Georgia posted the largest weekly increase in diesel prices, at 66.8 cents a gallon. Florida rose 64.8 cents, Kansas 41.3 cents, Oklahoma 40.3 cents and Colorado 39 cents.
The median U.S. diesel price was $6.09 a gallon, up 30 cents from the previous week.
GasBuddy’s figures are based on more than 12 million individual price reports covering more than 150,000 gas stations nationwide.
In and around northeastern Baltimore County, the cheapest gas this week could be found at these locations…
GLEN BURNIE, Md. — Maryland has secured federal recertification of its REAL ID program, allowing federal agencies to continue accepting state-issued REAL ID driver’s licenses and identification cards for purposes including airport security screening.The Transportation Security Administration formally recertified Maryland’s continued compliance with federal REAL ID requirements, the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration announced Wednesday.About 99.6% of Maryland’s active driv...
GLEN BURNIE, Md. — Maryland has secured federal recertification of its REAL ID program, allowing federal agencies to continue accepting state-issued REAL ID driver’s licenses and identification cards for purposes including airport security screening.
The Transportation Security Administration formally recertified Maryland’s continued compliance with federal REAL ID requirements, the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration announced Wednesday.
About 99.6% of Maryland’s active driver’s licenses and identification cards are REAL ID compliant as of September, according to the MVA. The agency said that rate is among the highest in the country.
More than 4.9 million active REAL ID licenses and identification cards have been issued in Maryland.
The federal REAL ID Act establishes security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards used for certain federal purposes. States are required to periodically demonstrate that their programs remain in compliance with standards established by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The recertification process includes reviews of state policies and procedures, physical security measures and record management practices.
Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer credited the agency’s employees and investments in technology with helping Maryland maintain compliance.
“I am proud of our team’s continuous work to maintain Maryland’s compliance with federal REAL ID requirements while strengthening the security of our identification products and protection of customers’ personal information,” Nizer said in a statement.
She said technology investments, including the myMVA system, a real-time dashboard and other enhancements, have helped residents manage their credentials more securely and conveniently.
Maryland was among the first states to have its REAL ID process federally certified in 2011 and became the first state to receive federal recertification from the Department of Homeland Security in 2019, according to the MVA.
Maryland residents seeking to obtain or upgrade to a REAL ID must provide documentation establishing their identity and age, Social Security number and Maryland residency.
Additional information about REAL ID requirements and required documents is available through the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration.
NOTE: Some articles may be written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.
GLEN BURNIE, Md. — The Maryland Department of Transportation, along with state health officials and child safety advocates, announced Thursday a statewide initiative offering free car seat safety inspections as part of Child Passenger Safety Week, scheduled for Sept. 20 through Sept. 26.Organized by the Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office alongside Kids in Safety Seats, the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems, and Safe Kids, the campaign aims to educate parents and caregivers on the p...
GLEN BURNIE, Md. — The Maryland Department of Transportation, along with state health officials and child safety advocates, announced Thursday a statewide initiative offering free car seat safety inspections as part of Child Passenger Safety Week, scheduled for Sept. 20 through Sept. 26.
Organized by the Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office alongside Kids in Safety Seats, the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems, and Safe Kids, the campaign aims to educate parents and caregivers on the proper installation and sizing of child restraints.
Motor vehicle crashes continue to be a leading cause of accidental death among children across the United States, accounting for one out of every four unintentional injury fatalities, according to data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Officials emphasized that correctly installed car seats, booster seats, and seat belts significantly reduce the risk of severe injury or death during collisions.
Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer, who also serves as the governor’s highway safety representative, urged families to take advantage of certified technicians available throughout the state to ensure children are riding safely.
Under Maryland law, children must remain in a rear-facing car seat until at least 2 years of age, unless they exceed the height or weight limitations set by the manufacturer. Safety experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, advise keeping children rear-facing for as long as possible within those safety limits.
Once outgrowing a rear-facing restraint, children should transition to a forward-facing seat with a harness, followed by a booster seat. State regulations mandate that children under 8 years old ride in a child safety restraint unless they reach a height of at least 4 feet 9 inches. Additionally, officials recommend that all children under 13 sit properly buckled in the back seat.
Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will conduct hands-on inspections and offer personalized guidance at several community events during the week:
Caregivers unable to attend during the designated week can access virtual or in-person car seat checks year-round through Maryland Kids in Safety Seats.
Officials reminded parents to routinely inspect child seats, ensuring harness straps are snug, chest clips are at armpit level, and the seat frame shifts no more than one inch in any direction along the belt path.
The Highway Safety Office will also release a five-part educational video series on social media throughout the week addressing topics such as vehicle heat dangers, seating placement, and proper installation.
Additional details on state travel safety campaigns and inspection locations are available through the Zero Deaths Maryland portal, provided by the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration.
UPDATE: The Towson fireworks have also been postponed a second time.Original story below…———NOTTINGHAM, Md. — A severe storm slammed Baltimore County on Saturday night, knocking out electricity to thousands and leaving several major roadways completely impassable due to fallen trees and debris.Emergency management officials and local leaders urged residents to avoid travel as utility and public works crews scrambled to assess the widespread damage, which heavily impacted waterfront c...
UPDATE: The Towson fireworks have also been postponed a second time.
Original story below…
———
NOTTINGHAM, Md. — A severe storm slammed Baltimore County on Saturday night, knocking out electricity to thousands and leaving several major roadways completely impassable due to fallen trees and debris.
Emergency management officials and local leaders urged residents to avoid travel as utility and public works crews scrambled to assess the widespread damage, which heavily impacted waterfront communities.
The Baltimore County Department of Public Works and Transportation deployed crews late Saturday to clear hazards from the roads. Meanwhile, Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) workers were dispatched to tackle significant power outages reported across the county.
Councilman David Marks, who represents portions of the impacted region, reported severe damage in Harewood Park, Oliver Beach, and neighboring waterfront communities.
“Trees are blocking major routes and power is out throughout much of the area,” Marks said in a statement. He added that he remains in direct contact with county emergency preparedness officials to relay real-time damage reports.
Authorities warned motorists to use extreme caution, noting that multiple areas are entirely blocked. As of 10:15 p.m., county officials identified several specific locations that are completely impassable:
– Eastern Avenue at the Marshy Point Nature Center
– Eastern Avenue near Taylor Avenue
– The 7300 block of Greenbank Road
– Turkey Point Road near Chesapeake High School
– The 6800 block of Ebenezer Road
– Philadelphia Road near Hospital Drive
– Maryland Route 702 near the bridge and Kings Mills
– 5 Vincent Avenue
No injuries were immediately reported. County officials have not yet provided an estimate for when power will be fully restored or when the blocked roadways will reopen.
NOTE: Some articles may be written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.
TOWSON, Md. — The Baltimore County Planning Board will meet Thursday afternoon to vote on a comprehensive report that could shape future regulations, zoning rules, and environmental policies for commercial data centers across the jurisdiction.The board’s scheduled vote follows months of review sparked by the passage of Bill 3-26 (PDF) by the Baltimore County Council in February. The legislation directed the planning body to examine how data centers impact regional power grids, local water supplies, and county tax coffers c...
TOWSON, Md. — The Baltimore County Planning Board will meet Thursday afternoon to vote on a comprehensive report that could shape future regulations, zoning rules, and environmental policies for commercial data centers across the jurisdiction.
The board’s scheduled vote follows months of review sparked by the passage of Bill 3-26 (PDF) by the Baltimore County Council in February. The legislation directed the planning body to examine how data centers impact regional power grids, local water supplies, and county tax coffers compared to other large-scale industrial and commercial developments.
According to county records, the mandated study requires board members to evaluate average utility demands alongside economic benefits, including assessed property values, job density, and revenue generation relative to heavy commercial sites.
County planners were also charged with drafting specific policy recommendations to present to the local governing body no later than Oct. 1. Key items under review will include potential restrictions on facility power and water consumption, strict zoning designations, updated permitting steps, and mandatory community notification protocols.
The proposed framework further considers whether developers should remain eligible for local financial incentives, such as grants, loans, and tax credits, and whether construction projects should require project labor agreements.
To produce the findings, local officials formed an internal administrative workgroup to handle research and engage community stakeholders before submitting a draft document to the board.
The evaluation process included a public input session in May, formal introduction of the study in July, and a public hearing earlier this month. Written public comments were accepted by county planning administrators via email, mail, and direct delivery leading up to Thursday’s session.
The county’s full Data Center Report is available online here (PDF).
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