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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 Whitehall, PA

Home Care Whitehall, PA

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 Helfrich Springs Grist Mill 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 Whitehall, PA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Whitehall, PA

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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

“Always treated with respect and they showed care for my mother. Everyone was pleasant when I would call about different circumstances.”

David G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care Senior Services provided very professional services that resulted in finding the best personal care facility fit for my mother. They have a passion for helping seniors and prioritize the health and well-being of their clients over everything else. I would highly recommend them when you are in a position of finding senior care services for your loved ones.”

Mary M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“If your loved one needs in home care, I highly recommend Always Best Care of Bethlehem. Wonderful staff and excellent caregivers that go above and beyond what is expected of them!”

Carrie W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider Always best care cared for my mother. They have been amazing. My mother really likes her caregiver.”

jill F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Ken Good was so helpful and knowledgable when my elderly father needed in-home care. He actually came to the rehab center to meet us where my father was getting physical therapy after a fall. This way he was able to accurately access how much care my father would need and which caregivers would be the right fit. We were afraid we'd have to move him to a nursing home but fortunately we were able to set up in-home care. It's been four months now and we have been very happy with the caregivers who have been assigned to my father. Always Best Care is very responsive and flexible in adjusting hours as needed, somehow managing to keep the caregivers my parents have bonded with even though the hours have been reduced. We are happy our parents are able to age in place with care as they need it.”

Barbara T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Ken and Rebecca have been extremely helpful during the process of finding in-home care for my in-laws. They have been sensitive to our needs, diligent in their efforts to provide the best possible care, and consistent in their follow-up to see if things are satisfactory. We have been executing this process from out-of-state and the process has been very smooth. Through phone calls and face-to-face meetings when possible, both Ken and Rebecca have been professional, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to work with. I would highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services.”

Jane T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Ken is a fantastic provider of in-home care in Doylestown. I highly recommend his team.”

Matthew R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Ken was the first person I really talked to when I found out my father was given a year to live. Instead of immediately looking at me like a business opportunity, he treated me like a close friend. He listened and treated me with complete kindness.. I have gotten to know Ken and his wife Rebecca and I can easily say that they are two of the most wonderful people I have ever met. There is nothing in this world I wouldn't trust them with. Especially the care of a loved one.”

Sheri C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Excellent in every respect.”

Andre C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The support provided by Ken and Rebecca Good (and all of their team) has been invaluable as the family navigates through dealing with the impact of our sister's illness to all of us. The structure with using ABC's online portal to evidence our sister's care is extremely beneficial in ensuring strong and coordinated communication. It is truly appreciative this technology is available and utilized by ABC. For those dealing with identifying care for a loved one, you would be smart to contact Always Best Care of Upper Buxmont.”

Denise O.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Very few businesses or even people come from a place of compassion and a good heart. Always Best Care does. The client always comes first as does their health and well-being, and the family seeking the best for their loved ones. Thank you Ken for all you did for my parents!”

Mary C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider Ken and Rebecca go above and beyond for their clients, as do their staff. They handled emergent situations for my grandmother when we were on vacation - staying with her the entire time at the hospital. Ken also did significant research for our decision to put her in an assisted living community. I highly recommend Always Best Care.”

Jill K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Ken and Rebecca were a godsend in our search for care for our elderly father. Both Ken and Rebecca were incredibly compassionate, empathetic and caring. In addition, they were knowledgeable and had a wonderful process for determining the needs of the family, the needs of the specific individual and finding an appropriate match for a caregiver to meet those needs. I can't say enough about the services provided by Always Best Care. Ken always went above and beyond, he knew the questions to ask, and how to navigate all the red tape of various organizations (Veterans Administration, etc.) AND he diligently does site visits to the facilities he references so he is able to speak from experience about the quality of care at the facilities under consideration. If you are in need of advice and assistance in caring for a family member I recommend Ken and Rebecca and Always Best Care with no reservations.”

Lisa E.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Very good, prompt attention to an unexpected need for day care in home for Mother-in-law. Ken is very well versed in available providers and other services needed at this time.The day care providers dealt well with her memory problems.”

Earl P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Ken & Rebecca were very helpful & knowledgeable with resources in helping me care for my Mom during an extremely difficult time. It was great finding two people who cared & listened to my situation. I never felt alone in my difficult decision making process.”

Howard S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Both Rebecca and Ken were very easy to talk with and were very interested in getting to know my father. They went out of their way to help us as our plans changed from in home care to personal care. They explained the process and were with us every step of the way to answer questions and provide support. I would use them again in a minute.”

Gretchen L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care provides extremely caring, compassionate help for my mom, I live out of town, and can't be there myself very often. But this business goes all-out to take care of my mom. I don't know what we would do without them.”

KJack
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TESTIMONIALS

“Your loved ones will be in great care with Always Best Care of Greater Bethlehem.”

Bobbi D.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Whitehall, PA?

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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 Whitehall, PA

Types of Elderly Care in Whitehall, PA

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 Whitehall, PA
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 Whitehall, PA
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 Cementon 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 Whitehall, PA
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 Rozana Mediterranean Restaurant & Banquet Hall or visit Troxell-Steckel House & Farm 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.

 In-Home Care Whitehall, PA

Benefits of Home Care in Whitehall, PA

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 Whitehall, PA, 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 Whitehall, PA

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 PA'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 Whitehall, PA

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 Whitehall, PA 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 Whitehall, PA

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 Whitehall, PA

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:

  • Whitehall Manor
  • Fellowship Community
  • The Residence at Whitehall
  • Snyper LLC
  • Whitetail Springs Memory Care Community
  • Above and Beyond at the Knights.
Home Care Whitehall, PA

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 Whitehall, PA

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 Whitehall, PA 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 Whitehall, PA

Latest News in Whitehall, PA

‘It’s not uncommon’: Air fryer explodes in Whitehall home

WHITEHALL, Pa. — An air fryer is blamed for a fire in a Whitehall home late Friday night.“I never had any issues, so it’s kind of interesting to see it randomly just decide to blow up on me last night,” said homeowner Courtney Bradley.Bradley said he was watching television when he heard a loud pop from his kitchen.“At first, I wasn’t sure if it was a firework or something going on outside, but then I saw smoke coming out of my kitchen and realized my air fryer had actually blown up,&r...

WHITEHALL, Pa. — An air fryer is blamed for a fire in a Whitehall home late Friday night.

“I never had any issues, so it’s kind of interesting to see it randomly just decide to blow up on me last night,” said homeowner Courtney Bradley.

Bradley said he was watching television when he heard a loud pop from his kitchen.

“At first, I wasn’t sure if it was a firework or something going on outside, but then I saw smoke coming out of my kitchen and realized my air fryer had actually blown up,” he said.

Bradley said the air fryer wasn’t on but was plugged into an outlet. He quickly woke up his 5-year-old son, ran outside, and called 911.

“I can honestly say that this is the first time that I’ve seen an air fryer on fire, but from what I’ve heard, it’s not uncommon,” said Assistant Fire Chief Bryan Pearson, Whitehall Fire Company.

In 2023, in Chippewa Township, an air fryer caught fire and damaged a home. The family told firefighters the appliance hadn’t been used in two days but was plugged in when it caught fire.

>> Unattended air fryer leads to house fire in Beaver County

Firefighters say these appliances use a lot of electricity, especially during the initial heating cycle.

“I think the best thing to do is have a dedicated circuit for your air fryer,” Pearson said. “If it’s plugged in, don’t have anything else in that outlet. When you’re not using it, almost certainly do not have it plugged in.”

“I usually had that plugged in or my coffee maker, and now I’m not going to keep anything plugged in at this time,” Bradley said. “It was definitely a moment, I would definitely say that. However, I’m just happy to be here and safe, and my son is safe.”

The Allegheny County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating how the fire started.

Another store comes to Whitehall Mall, bringing high hopes for revitalizing the area's retail sector

WHITEHALL, Pa.— On Thursday afternoon, a ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the opening of yet another business in Whitehall this month.Local government representatives, company officials and managers, and a few shoppers who happened to be in the area stopped by to watch Whitehall Mayor Michael J. Harakal cut the ribbon with a pair of giant sc...

WHITEHALL, Pa.— On Thursday afternoon, a ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the opening of yet another business in Whitehall this month.

Local government representatives, company officials and managers, and a few shoppers who happened to be in the area stopped by to watch Whitehall Mayor Michael J. Harakal cut the ribbon with a pair of giant scissors.

The building itself is at 1259 Whitehall Mall: previously, the local home of an ill-fated Sears, which once had 3,500 stores, and now has only twelve.

'This is going to bring more people back here'

Whitehall mayor Michael J. Harakal, has lived in Whitehall nearly his whole life. "About seventy years," he said.

Harakal says he's cognizant of the downward-trending retail revenues in the area, which used to be a bigger part of the local economy.

"This was the first mall-type thing in the area," Harakal said. "This was here in the late sixties, and it fell under bad times."

Harakal said attributes this to some management and maintenance decisions in the history of the Whitehall Mall, but also the rise of online shopping platforms, like Amazon.

"Well, you know, we're competing with those folks," he said. "But there are 150,000 cars that go through this intersection, and it draws people in."

"It's going to make us a lot of money," he added. "It's going to bring a lot of people back here."

'They take care of us, it's a good company'

Two store managers spoke at the grand opening: Brandon Keen and Ashley Eggleston. Keen is from New Jersey, and Eggleston is from Chicago.

Both started their careers with Floor & Decor in an entry-level capacity, and worked their way up to positions where the company has paid for them to move to a new state to run a new store.

"They take care of us," Eggleston said, when asked if she likes her job. "It's a good company."

When the two managers were asked if they would say on-the-record if they did not like their jobs, Keen laughed and chimed in, "It genuinely is a great company. I like them a lot."

Eggleston said they are excited to be in Whitehall specifically.

"The township has been great to us, and we're looking forward to serving the community," she said, and then added that they are hiring full-time and part-time staff. Hiring info is on their website.

"Keep those applications coming in," Eggleston said.

Whitehall Mall moving forward with redevelopment plan, spokeswoman says. Here’s what could become of Sears, Old County Buffet.

Whitehall Mall is moving forward with redevelopment plans after the popular shopping center became ravaged with vacancies during the coronavirus pandemic, with another two major anchors set to vacate amid a recent bankruptcy filing.The mall at Grape Street and MacArthur Road in Whitehall Township is readying for a two-punch hit when beleaguered home goods chain Bed Bath & Beyond and Buy Buy Baby both shutter for good. The big...

Whitehall Mall is moving forward with redevelopment plans after the popular shopping center became ravaged with vacancies during the coronavirus pandemic, with another two major anchors set to vacate amid a recent bankruptcy filing.

The mall at Grape Street and MacArthur Road in Whitehall Township is readying for a two-punch hit when beleaguered home goods chain Bed Bath & Beyond and Buy Buy Baby both shutter for good. The big-box retailers in April filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after multiple years of dismal sales and numerous failed turnaround plans.

Those two large spaces will join at least five other empty storefronts at the shopping center, according to a 2023 fourth quarter conceptual re-development site plan recently released by CBRE, the mall’s leasing agent.

The Pet Shop, Video & More, ComicMasters, and D&M Snacks remain, as does as the anchor Kohl’s department store, in the mall’s enclosed portion. The outdoor shopping center portion, however, continues to be plagued with major big-box empty spaces. These include where Sears, Sears Auto Center, Old Country Buffet, and Michaels previously could be found. Anchor Raymour & Flanigan remains open, as well as Mission BBQ and Buffalo Wild Wings, and such retailers as Men’s Wearhouse, Shoe Carnival, Lane Bryant and Five Below.

A spokeswoman for Washington Prime Group, the real estate investment trust that owns Whitehall Mall, declined to answer specifics about plans for the vacant spaces Thursday. She did, however, confirm plans continue to take shape for redeveloping the property, which began in its preliminary stages last year.

Washington Prime further released this statement: “A redevelopment plan is underway to bring new retailers and experiences to our guests. Whitehall Mall remains committed to providing a dynamic mix of options for the community. We will share more details as we are able.”

Gym replacement plan

At least one tenant currently is on the books to replace a 58,278-square-foot space that has sat idle since early 2022.

The conceptual plan shows “The Gravity Vault,” an indoor rock climbing facility, under construction to fill the site that previously housed PA Fitness in the mall’s interior portion. PA Fitness Whitehall, rebranded from the former Gold’s Gym, pulled out of the interior mall by March 2022. Prior, Gold’s Gym operated in the space for about 15 years.

It’s unclear exactly when, however, The Gravity Vault plans to open its doors. Kevin Prokup, director of franchise operations for The Gravity Vault Indoor Rock Gyms, told lehighvalleylive.com Friday morning it’s too early to discuss an opening date, however, most franchises open roughly 90 days prior to a grand opening celebration.

Gravity Vault is known for its memberships, private climbing sessions, and competitive team climbing among both novices and experts alike. Climbing walls measure more than 40 feet high, complete with arches, key holes, chimneys, cracks and overhangs. There’s also 45-60 top rope stations; cardiovascular and strength training areas; lounges and pro shops; as well as private party rooms, according to the business’ website.

Founded in 2005 in Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, the chain has grown to nearly 20 locations open or “coming soon” across five states. There are two other statewide sites in Philadelphia and Radnor, Delaware County, as well as 10 New Jersey sites, including in the nearby Flemington area of Hunterdon County.

CBRE’s conceptual redevelopment site plan additionally shows a handful of other leases or letters of intent being negotiated for other spaces.

Proposed Sears, Old County Buffet revamp

While all the key players of Whitehall Mall’s redevelopment plan continue to remain mum on specifics, CBRE’s conceptual redevelopment site plan does shed a little insight into what might be in store for the larger former sites — Sears, Sears Auto and Old Country Buffet.

The 82,468-square-foot space previously occupied by Sears and the Sears Auto Center site are proposed to become a major home improvement retailer, according to conceptual renderings. The Old Country Buffet site shows an available pad space, complete with a drive-through, as well as two adjacent retail and restaurant spaces, under site plans.

It’s unclear, however, if the home improvement retailer would move into the former Sears building, or the existing structure would be demolished in place of a new structure. The same is unknown for the Old Country Buffet building.

Bailey Hall, a senior communications specialist for CBRE, referred demolition questions to Washington Prime Group. Larissa Bruder, executive secretary for Whitehall Township, did confirm to lehighvalleylive.com that Jordin Horan, vice president of development for Washington Prime Group, appeared before the Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners for a workshop meeting this past February.

The Lehigh Valley Press is reporting Horan discussed proposed demolition of the former Sears Auto Center with plans to redevelop on that property, on MacArthur Road. Portions of the former Sears and Old Country Buffet would also be demolished to align the buildings with existing storefronts, the report states.

Lee A. Rackus, Whitehall’s bureau chief for planning, zoning and development, told lehighvalleylive.com developers had yet to submit land development plans to the township’s planning commission for review. Currently, Washington Prime is in the building permit process for modifications for just the Sears building, Rackus said.

“The other larger scale modifications that were discussed at the meeting have not yet been presented to the township in any formal manner,” Rackus said.

The shopping center lost Sears in winter 2020, as well as Sears Auto. The Whitehall Mall Sears was among 96 Sears and Kmart locations nationally to get axed by newly formed parent company Transformco in a move meant to streamline operations. Transformco was formed after Sears Holdings declared bankruptcy in October 2018.

Old Country Buffet shuttered in October 2020. A news release then attributed the closure, which also included other national locations, to poor revenue even prior to the coronavirus pandemic, as well as its expiring leases. Michaels moved just before the March 2020 shutdown to space previously housed by Babies ‘R’ Us across Grape Street at Lehigh Valley Mall.

Washington Prime Group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June 2021, citing challenges created by the coronavirus pandemic. So did two of the area’s other largest shopping center owners, CBL & Associates and Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT), in November 2020. The latter is co-owner of Lehigh Valley Mall, which sits across Grape Street from Whitehall Mall and stands today as the region’s most prominent shopping destination.

All found a way out of bankruptcy and developed restructuring financial plans.

In its heyday, Whitehall Mall was one of the first enclosed shopping centers in Pennsylvania. Upon opening in 1966, the shopping destination had 52 stores, including Woolworth, Weis Markets and Zollinger’s department store.

Washington Prime Group owned half of Whitehall Mall by 2014. That year it purchased the other half from PREIT. The company currently owns nearly 100 enclosed and open-air shopping destinations in 29 states, according to its website.

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School's out: Whitehall-Coplay rejects STEAM charter school application

WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — There will not be a Lehigh Valley STEAM Academy Charter School in the Whitehall-Coplay School District.The charter school’s application was rejected by a 9-0 vote of the school board Monday night.No members affiliated with the STEAM charter school attended the meeting.The school board also voted unanimously to approve the charter school adjudication to explain the details for the rejection.The STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) charter school sought a five-yea...

WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — There will not be a Lehigh Valley STEAM Academy Charter School in the Whitehall-Coplay School District.

The charter school’s application was rejected by a 9-0 vote of the school board Monday night.

No members affiliated with the STEAM charter school attended the meeting.

The school board also voted unanimously to approve the charter school adjudication to explain the details for the rejection.

The STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) charter school sought a five-year charter to debut in August and serve 300 students in kindergarten through third grade at 215 Quarry St.

Citing “serious deficiencies,” the Whitehall-Coplay School District administration repeatedly recommended the school board to deny the charter school’s application due to the applicant’s failure to present strength of local partnerships, adequate community support and financial sustainability.

The application rejection is one of three such denials in less than a week for the Lehigh Valley STEAM Academy Charter School.

On Monday, the Bethlehem Area School District also denied the group’s application for a charter school there.

The Allentown School Board last week unanimously rejected the charter school’s application for Allentown following several hearings on the issue. The charter school is in the process of filing an appeal. It also failed last year in its bid to open in Allentown.

Charter schools do not charge students tuition. They receive the majority of funding from their students' resident school districts. The amount a charter school receives is based upon a statutory funding formula, which requires tuition rates for both non-special and special education students.

Whitehall-Coplay spends about $5 million annually in charter school tuition for district students to attend cyber charters or brick-and-mortar charter schools located in other local districts.

Among other financial concerns Whitehall-Coplay administrators had with the charter school’s application were teachers’ salaries, school furnishings and lack of adequate budgeting for tech support.

Academic concerns focused on a lack of data on classroom grading and professional development for literacy education.

Renee Sallit, director of teaching, learning and technology, has described the charter applicant’s proposal as one that “seems more like a collection of verbose statements than a thoughtfully designed educational framework.”

The school board also questioned the businesses and organizations listed as supporters in the application. Only 32 of the 106 signed business letters of support are within the district — and all are located within the Lehigh Valley Mall, officials said.

The school district was able to validate only 14 signatures.

The 32 letters account for just 1.07% of the 2,983 licensed businesses in Whitehall Township and Coplay Borough as of June 2023 — data showing a lack of overall support, Superintendent Robert Steckel said.

Steckel also said some community partners listed in the charter school application confirmed with the district that they have not lent support to the school, nor discussed partnerships with school representatives.

Those organizations are the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lehigh Valley, Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit 21, Da Vinci Science and Technology Center, Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, Lehigh Valley Children’s Centers and Touchtone Center.

Additionally, Steckel said, the charter school’s application does not recognize Coplay Borough, which is within the school district.

In other business, the school board approved a $12 million bond resolution for construction of a new kindergarten/first grade elementary school and the Gockley Elementary School renovation projects.

Outback Steakhouse moves step closer near Lehigh Valley Mall

WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — Outback Steakhouse is one step closer to joining the roster of restaurants in Whitehall Township, the board of commissioners said during a Monday night workshop meeting.During the session, commissioners discussed a resolution for sewage facility plan revision for new land development by Bloomin’ Brands, the company behind the Australian-themed steak restaurant.The sewage discussion was a standard issue for new development, board President Thomas Slonaker said, and would likely be approved durin...

WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — Outback Steakhouse is one step closer to joining the roster of restaurants in Whitehall Township, the board of commissioners said during a Monday night workshop meeting.

During the session, commissioners discussed a resolution for sewage facility plan revision for new land development by Bloomin’ Brands, the company behind the Australian-themed steak restaurant.

The sewage discussion was a standard issue for new development, board President Thomas Slonaker said, and would likely be approved during the next regular meeting, set for Feb. 12.

Engineer Frank Clark said the process was a simple formality which had to be considered during planning due to an agreement with Kline’s Island Wastewater Treatment Plant, off Union Street in Allenown.

“Whitehall has a certain allotment of gallons per day to go to the Allentown treatment plant, and anytime anybody want to use us some of that allotment, we have to go through this process,” Clark said, adding the township has to keep careful records of sewage allotment as they have a “finite amount” per an agreement.

Clark also said the building plans for the proposed 4,758-square-foot restaurant, which is set to be constructed at 1300 Grape St. in an outlying portion of the Lehigh Valley Mall parking lot, have been “approved and ready to go.”

“I know almost everybody's really happy to have another restaurant come in."
Thomas Slonaker, commissioners' president

According to Clark, the project is in the midst of the planning module process, which on average takes between three to six months.

Slonaker said construction on the restaurant would likely be rapid once the planning module process is complete, though he could not provide a timeline for construction as of yet.

The project was initially announced in 2023, with developers presenting a land development plan to the township last February.

Outback already has two Lehigh Valley restaurants – at Hamilton Crossings at 800 N. Krocks Road in Lower Macungie Township, and at 3200 Emrick Blvd., Bethlehem Township, though the Whitehall commissioners seem receptive to a new location.

“I know almost everybody's really happy to have another restaurant come in. I mean people look at it as a destination, no different than what we have with the one of the most successful Red Lobsters on the East Coast,” Slonaker said.

According to its website, Outback has 704 U.S. locations, including 27 in Pennsylvania.

The restaurant is well-known for its season steaks, chicken, ribs, seafood, pasta and its signature Bloomin’ Onion appetizer, and features a casual dining motif channeling the Australian Outback.

Owner Bloomin’ Brands, which is based in Florida and opened in 1988, also owns the Carrabba's Italian Grill and Bonefish Grill restaurant chains. Bonefish Grill has had a location at Lehigh Valley Mall for about 15 years.

Lehigh Valley Mall just saw the successful opening of a Cheesecake Factory just before the holidays, attracting long lines of hungry shoppers to the franchise.

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