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 the historic Twin Lights State Historic Site 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 West Long Branch, NJ 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.
“We are so appreciative of the care and service of your team. Mariama was a”
“As we wind down our trip to New Jersey both Megan and I wish to”
“A special shoutout to our primary caregivers: Marie C. and Florette P.. They were outstanding!”
“Terrific company. Management is tops. Very caring staff. I highly recommend them. The staff and”
“Always Best Care Senior Services in Princeton Junction exceeded our expectations. Their team was kind,”
“Could not have asked for a more caring group of professionals. From care giver to”
“ABC COULD NOT HAVE DONE BETTER IN A CHANGING SITUATION WITH TWO TERMINALLY PATIENTS HAVING”
“Always best care took care of my father for about 10 years..Though my father was”
“ABC and their amazing care givers enabled our Aunt to get her last wish was”
“Mom developed an infection in the afternoon that left her too weak and disoriented to”
“Faithful, Love, and Family.”
“Very professional organization and sent the right aide, Sam, to help me with my father”
“I had a great experience with the agency, Always Best Care! I am attending college,”
“Roberto took care of my husband like he was a member of his family. He”
“The aide's were respectful, reliable and friendly and staff responds timely to calls and needs”
“Everyone was great. I’ve come a long way due to the help of your aides.”
“You have a GEM in Mrs. Terry. She is worth so much more than she”
“Very very helpful, I was desperate when I called and that same day I had”
“We had an exceptionally good experience with Always Best Care during my mother's illness. The”
“Thank you Jahima, Esther, Satta, Myra, Kelly & Susan. Carmen should be pleased. Keep up”
“Words cannot express how grateful my family and I am for the kindness, care, and”
“Gimbert & Carmen were very accommodating and knowledgeable with the needs of my father. They”
“You have been outstanding in caregiving and concern for us both. We cannot thank you”
“Gimbert and Carmen Fernandez are very knowledgeable in the area of elder care services and”
“My wife and I are eternally grateful to Always Best Care for the wonderful care”
“Your service was just what I needed. I would not hesitate to use your services”
“Mai was wonderful in every way. She gave great care to my father and also”
“ALWAYS BEST CARE, Princeton Junction is the place to call if you need help in”
“It was a pleasure meeting Carmen! I appreciate the time she spent with me -”
“My wife and I are eternally grateful to Always Best Care for the wonderful care”
“We are so appreciative of the care and service of your team. Mariama was a lovely caregiver, and I especially appreciated Carli's guidance throughout the process.”
“As we wind down our trip to New Jersey both Megan and I wish to thank you personally and Always Best Care for taking care of our needs! Your professionalism and support made our experience pleasant. After having experienced three different service providers in Maryland I can say your services are above par! And Ernesta is truly supportive of Megan’s needs. She is calm, compassionate and respectful. Also your on call service is very quick to react to our changing needs!”
“A special shoutout to our primary caregivers: Marie C. and Florette P.. They were outstanding! And extra thanks to Carli, who always came through when we needed backup. Many thanks to the ABC team for all the care you gave to my husband Al H. through 3 years of Parkinson's suffering, and the support you gave me through a hard time.”
“Terrific company. Management is tops. Very caring staff. I highly recommend them. The staff and management are extremely professional and caring, resulting in a very comfortable experience.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services in Princeton Junction exceeded our expectations. Their team was kind, attentive, and provided excellent care tailored to our family’s needs. Communication was clear and supportive throughout. We’re so grateful for their compassion and professionalism. Highly recommend them for anyone seeking trusted senior home care in the area!”
“Could not have asked for a more caring group of professionals. From care giver to support staff, they are exceptional”
“ABC COULD NOT HAVE DONE BETTER IN A CHANGING SITUATION WITH TWO TERMINALLY PATIENTS HAVING ALZ AND STAGE IV PANCREATIC CANCER. QUALITY OF CARE TAKER WAS SUPERB AND RESPONSIVENESS TO CHANGING NEEDS PERFECT.”
“Always best care took care of my father for about 10 years..Though my father was very lucid and managed his own care with the agency, I was at his house alot and participated in his care with the aids. They were all very caring and he kindly spoke of the owners being very attentive and offered very personalized care. They even visited him. I am very fond of many of the home health aids..they were loving and concerned. They took their job to another level. I even formed friendships with some of them. The golden years are a very delicate part of our lives. Always best care not only offered good physical care to my father, but unbounded love and compassion !!!! Thank you and he is looking down at us. I'm sure.”
“ABC and their amazing care givers enabled our Aunt to get her last wish was to die in her home. I can’t say enough about how ABC was able to give her a quality of life that she valued as well as provide comfort to her family knowing that she was in good hands with ABC's Caregivers. From the caregivers that always went the extra mile to the fast response we got 24x7 from folks like Carli…you were there for us!”
“Mom developed an infection in the afternoon that left her too weak and disoriented to care for herself for that night. I called Always Best Care Senior Services (ABC) at the very end of the business day, asking if they could find someone for one night of 12-hour private duty care on pretty much an emergency basis. The ABC team went to work and secured a caregiver for mom within a matter of hours for an 8pm-to-8am care shift at mom's senior living community. We had worked with ABC in the past on a scheduled basis, but this experience was above and beyond the call of regular duty and it truly helped us get through a difficult and stressful episode. We would recommend ABC for any and all of your senior care needs.”
“Faithful, Love, and Family.”
“Very professional organization and sent the right aide, Sam, to help me with my father in day to day activities. Sam helps him with gait training and understands dementia care and how to handle care, the way the client needs it. I would not hesitate using this agency and Sam is excellent.”
“I had a great experience with the agency, Always Best Care! I am attending college, and they always provided me an aide that is helpful, considerate, and hardworking. Thank you for always providing me with an aide like Ms. Colleta!!”
“Roberto took care of my husband like he was a member of his family. He was God sent; thank God for him”
“The aide's were respectful, reliable and friendly and staff responds timely to calls and needs”
“Everyone was great. I’ve come a long way due to the help of your aides. Thank you again!”
“You have a GEM in Mrs. Terry. She is worth so much more than she is paid! I miss her. Her help was timely, professional, and invaluable”
“Very very helpful, I was desperate when I called and that same day I had professional help. Tremendous your service”
“We had an exceptionally good experience with Always Best Care during my mother's illness. The management met with us and assigned caregivers almost immediately. As our needs evolved and increased, they were responsive and flexible. The caregivers were well-trained, kind, hard-working, and truly fine people whom we enjoyed having in the house.”
“Thank you Jahima, Esther, Satta, Myra, Kelly & Susan. Carmen should be pleased. Keep up the good work, and be safe!”
“Words cannot express how grateful my family and I am for the kindness, care, and concern that was shown for my husband by the Always Best Care staff. Thank you for the exceptional attention to his comfort, as well as the wonderful insights, strength, knowledge, and emotional support you showed our entire family. Watching someone you love make the transition out of this life is a really difficult thing, and your wisdom and comfort helped us navigate this challenging time. I will always be thankful for the service you provided for him. I would also like to acknowledge the excellent care provided to my husband by Ms. Marie Louisjean. We thank Ms. Louisjean for her incredible patience, tenderness, and attention to his needs. We thank her for being such a dedicated caregiver. God has given her a very special talent and He has blessed her with a compassionate heart. I could not have asked for a more passionate group of people. May God continue to bless the Always Best Care staff as you continue to care for people in need.”
“Gimbert & Carmen were very accommodating and knowledgeable with the needs of my father. They came out to his house and offered suggestions so that he would be able to get around with his walker easily. Their person took great care of my Dad. It is such a relief to my sister and I that we had someone stay with my Dad that was so reliable. I highly recommend them.”
“You have been outstanding in caregiving and concern for us both. We cannot thank you enough. Thanks for always being there for us in every way.”
“Gimbert and Carmen Fernandez are very knowledgeable in the area of elder care services and how best to provide workable care solutions for aging relatives. They are well informed on current issues and available options. I speak from my own experience here and strongly recommend then and their company to anyone in need of assistance in this area. They are compassionate and caring people which is critical in their business!”
“My wife and I are eternally grateful to Always Best Care for the wonderful care they provided for our Aunt and Uncle as they battled with diminishing health and mental conditions. Carmen and Gimbert were always available to us to answer questions and discuss aspects of care that was needed. Without their help the situations that we faced would have been so much worse. God Bless.”
“Your service was just what I needed. I would not hesitate to use your services in the future if needed. I would recommend you to anyone needing your help. Again, thank you for caring.”
“Mai was wonderful in every way. She gave great care to my father and also cared for me and my family.”
“ALWAYS BEST CARE, Princeton Junction is the place to call if you need help in caring for a loved one. We have a brother and his significant other who were living independently and when visiting them realized they had not been eating or keeping their home clean. Since we knew of Always Best Care and heard of their excellent reputation we contacted them. They immediately stepped in and assisted us in knowing what steps we needed to take. After taking both our brother and his significant other to the doctors and learning that they had the beginnings of Alzheimer’s disease, we met with Carmen who helped us set up a plan. She suggested that we start with a few days a week of in home care so that we would know that they were eating. She provided us with excellent aids that not only helped prepare meals, but also interacted with our family members to encourage socialization. These few days increased to five days a week which left us with Saturday and Sunday to monitor their eating. While this was taking place, Carmen helped us find an Assisted Living Community where they could move. We visited several in the area and decided on one after consulting with Carmen. She and Gimbert were always available to take our calls if we had any questions. They helped us with finding someone to clean out the house and assisted us in relocating our bother and his significant other to their new home. We have recommended Always Best Care to several of our neighbors who have needed assistance with caring for loved ones. Carmen is on top of any situation that needs attention. Whether a person needs an aid for a week, a month or indefinitely she arranges the right person for the client’s needs. Always Best Care, Carmen and Gimbert, cared for our family members as if they were their own family. We would not have been able to care for our family members as well as the aids from Always Best Care.Hopefully we will not need the services of Always Best Care again, but if we do we know that they will be there to help us.”
“It was a pleasure meeting Carmen! I appreciate the time she spent with me - her knowledge/advice, genuine caring, and friendly personality. We're managing well and hopefully that continues and if needed, we know to call ABC.”
“My wife and I are eternally grateful to Always Best Care for the wonderful care they provided for our Aunt and Uncle as they battled with diminishing health and mental conditions. Carmen and Gimbert were always available to us to answer questions and discuss aspects of care that was needed. Without their help the situations that we faced would have been so much worse. God Bless.”
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 Franklin Lake Park 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 Salt Steakhouse or visit Seven Presidents Memorial, 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 West Long Branch, NJ, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
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 West Long Branch, NJ understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
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 West Long Branch, NJ 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Designed by Minno & Wasko Architects and Planners, The Inkwell Lofts will bring 22 high-end condominiums to the former site of the famed Inkwell Coffee House at Second Avenue and New Court in Long Branch. — Renderings courtesy: Inspired by Somerset DevelopmentBy Joshua BurdInspired by Somerset Development is bringing another Jersey Shore condominium project to market, launching sales at a collection of 22 homes in downtown Long Branch.The firm said the property, The Inkwell Lofts, is slated for compl...
By Joshua Burd
Inspired by Somerset Development is bringing another Jersey Shore condominium project to market, launching sales at a collection of 22 homes in downtown Long Branch.
The firm said the property, The Inkwell Lofts, is slated for completion this fall and would likely begin move-ins shortly after. The 46,550-square-foot building is now taking shape at the corner of Second Avenue and New Court, where residents will be one block from Long Branch’s Ocean Avenue and other amenities in the historic city.
Designed by Minno & Wasko Architects and Planners, the project is transforming the former site of the famed Inkwell Coffee House that was a local institution and a frequent stop for the likes of Bruce Springsteen. The project will also have landscape architecture by Bohler Engineering and interior design by Paola Zamudio of npz studio+, while Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group is leading sales and marketing.
“We’re excited to honor the rich history of this site while contributing to the continued growth of Long Branch,” said Ralph Zucker, CEO and founder of Inspired by Somerset Development. “The demand for high-quality residences near the beach has never been stronger, and this project will not only meet that need but also complement the character of Long Branch’s West End. We look forward to bringing new energy to this dynamic neighborhood and supporting its evolution as a vibrant beachfront destination.”
The three-story Inkwell Lofts will include a mix of one-bedroom-plus-den and two-bedroom layouts, some with dens, with prices ranging from $830,000 to $1.1 million. Buyers of the luxury condos will have access to a landscaped courtyard, a rooftop with an outdoor kitchen and ocean views and an indoor parking garage equipped with electric vehicle charging stations, while there will be 800 square feet of ground-floor retail space with an upscale reimagining of the famed Inkwell Coffee House.
The developer added that npz studio+’s design will incorporate light colors, natural finishes and organic elements to create calm, inviting spaces that complement the development’s prime beachside location.
“With a limited number of new developments in Long Branch, The Inkwell Lofts presents a rare opportunity to own a newly built, move-in-ready home in a well-established beachside neighborhood,” said Matthew Drennan, sales director at The Inkwell Lofts. “Over the past decade, the city has grown tremendously, welcoming a breadth of new restaurants, culture and community energy. The Inkwell complements this growth by offering buyers a distinctive residential option in one of Long Branch’s most vibrant areas. We’ve already seen strong pre-sales interest and look forward to seeing this project come to fruition soon.”
The news follows Inspired’s launch last week of LIDO Asbury Park, a new 112-unit, oceanfront condo project just up the coast, where it expects the first closings to take place in 2027. Located at 1201 Ocean Ave., the property will have floorplans ranging from 970 to more than 3,800 square feet, with prices starting at $825,000, while select homes will be listed for more than $8 million.
The 50th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen's pivotal Born to Run will be feted in robust style in Long Branch, the town where he wrote much of the album, and at Monmouth University in neighboring West Long Branch.An exhibit at the Long Branch Cultural Center. A separate photo exhibit. A celebration concert featuring Jersey Shore musicians. A walking tour of the West End cottage where Springsteen lived from 1974-1975. A day-long symposium featuring interviews with members of the E Street Band and other musical heavyweights. A s...
The 50th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen's pivotal Born to Run will be feted in robust style in Long Branch, the town where he wrote much of the album, and at Monmouth University in neighboring West Long Branch.
An exhibit at the Long Branch Cultural Center. A separate photo exhibit. A celebration concert featuring Jersey Shore musicians. A walking tour of the West End cottage where Springsteen lived from 1974-1975. A day-long symposium featuring interviews with members of the E Street Band and other musical heavyweights. A separate academic conference.
As Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music (BSACMA) Director of Curatorial Affairs Melissa Ziobro lists the schedule during our Zoom call, I silently wish her and the other Monmouth University and archives staff responsible for pulling off these events a steady supply of Rook Coffee for the next few weeks.
But of course, there's no more fitting way to honor New Jersey's favorite son and the anniversary of the album that launched him into superstardom than a multi-week celebration at the Jersey Shore during the last gasp summer.
The BSACMA partnered with the City of Long Branch to launch the "Springsteen in Long Branch" exhibit, which explores his time in the city during the Born to Run era.
"When people think of Bruce, they might think of Asbury Park right away, but Long Branch is incredibly important to him in his teen years," Ziobro said. "Between the Inkwell Coffeehouse and the Italian American Club where Bruce would play, there's a very active, social, hippie scene happening there in Long Branch that really helped make Bruce who he was. And then, of course, he rents the famous cottage at 7 1/2 West End Court, which is where he writes much of Born to Run."
The city served as an incubator for Springsteen during a critical point in his career, Ziobro noted. His first two albums Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J. and The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle had been critically successful but didn't achieve the commercial success the record company wanted.
"When it comes time for his third album, he meets a make or break moment. He needs to have a hit that resonates nationally and Born to Run is that hit. He is inspired by and writes about themes that resonates for everyone whether or not they are familiar with our beautiful Jersey Shore," Ziobro said.
READ MORE: Robert Pinsky, Long Branch Native + Bruce Springsteen's Favorite Poet, Releases New Collection
"Springsteen in Long Branch" depicts that inflection point and showcases the city during that moment in time.
The exhibit features Springsteen's surfboard alongside a quote about him and Vini Lopez sleeping under the pilings of the North End Beach during their heavy surfing days.
A green drum set from Springsteen's early band, Earth, is on display, as is a replica of the guitar on the Born to Run album cover.
'Springsteen in Long Branch' includes an interactive element. Visitors can take a vintage-style Long Branch postcard and write down their own Springsteen memories.
These postcards will be pinned up on the wall at the exhibit and later collected to keep in the BSACMA archive.
"Everybody's got a Bruce story locally," Ziobro said. "It's a way for us to grow the historical record with these memories that folks have."
The exhibit, located at the Long Branch Arts & Cultural Center at 577 Broadway, is open Monday through Friday from 8:30AM to 4:30PM through Nov. 14.
READ MORE: 3 Famous Writers Born in Long Branch
The BSACMA has held symposia and exhibitions for Springsteen milestones before, but the Born to Run slate of events represents a growth in scale. Its fitting preparation for the year ahead. In 2026, a new 30,000-square-foot-building housing the center will open at Monmouth University.
The $45 million construction remains on track for a late spring or early summer opening. The center will feature a 230-seat theater, exhibitions, film series, and concerts.
While it will focus on Springsteen's legacy, the "Center for American Music" will be just as central to the experience, according to Ziobro.
"Our mission is two-fold. When we open that new building, we are Bruce's official repository, and that's an incredibly special thing, but we are also the Center for American Music," she said. "We will look at all different genres of music. Between our exhibits and this robust schedule of programming we are concocting, we will have something for everybody, regardless of the type of music they like or their age demographic."
During the construction period, the BSACMA will continue to host events like the Born to Run 50th anniversary exhibit and programming, as well as free virtual events for Boss fans beyond the Jersey Shore.
The BSACMA will present the following events to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Born to Run:
Springsteen wrote his iconic "Born to Run" album while living in a tiny, one-floor shotgun shack at 7 1/2 West End Court in Long Branch.The original members of the E Street Band in 1972. (Courtesy of the Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music)Springsteen in his early days when his band was called Steel Mill. (Taken by Buddy DeSantis/Michal DiMiceli)Springsteen with Steel Mill. (Taken by Buddy DeSantis/Michal DiMiceli)LONG BRANCH, NJ — Love The Boss? Who in New Jersey doesn't?...
The original members of the E Street Band in 1972. (Courtesy of the Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music)
Springsteen in his early days when his band was called Steel Mill. (Taken by Buddy DeSantis/Michal DiMiceli)
Springsteen with Steel Mill. (Taken by Buddy DeSantis/Michal DiMiceli)
LONG BRANCH, NJ — Love The Boss? Who in New Jersey doesn't?
A new Bruce Springsteen exhibit, "Born to Run: Springsteen in Long Branch," opens Aug. 18 at the Long Branch Arts & Cultural Center (577 Broadway, Long Branch).
The exhibit chronicles the songs and music Springsteen wrote while living in Long Branch. Springsteen wrote his iconic album “Born to Run" (released Aug. 25, 1975) in the '70s while living in a tiny, one-floor shotgun shack at 7 1/2 West End Court in Long Branch (see photos of the home here). The home is still standing today, and can be toured.
The exhibit will show visitors a glimpse into Bruce’s surfing days along the Jersey Shore, shedding light on the local culture and experiences that helped shape him and his songwriting. The exhibit features rarely-seen posters, never-before-seen photographs and “Born to Run” promotional materials, along with iconic artifacts, including a green drum set from Bruce’s early band, Earth. It will also feature a one-of-a-kind, exact replica of the guitar seen on the “Born to Run” album cover.
There will be a public opening reception at 6 p.m. August 19.
"Bruce Springsteen is one of the most iconic and influential musicians to have ever lived," said Long Branch Mayor John Pallone. "Not many people know the importance of his time spent in Long Branch and how it shaped specifically the “Born to Run” album."
"Born to Run" celebrates its 50th anniversary on August 25. Rutgers professor Lou Masur, who teaches a class on Springsteen at Rutgers, wrote this 2009 book that chronicles the album and the impact it's had on American culture. Masur considers Springsteen’s work on par with the finest American literature of all time, comparable to the works of Mark Twain, John Steinbeck and Flannery O’Connor. Read this interview for Masur's thoughts on why the album is so important: https://www.rutgers.edu/news/w...
For the past 20 years, Masur has taught “Springsteen’s American Vision,” at Rutgers. The professor is currently writing From Presley to Springsteen: Ten Songs that Defined Rock ‘n’ Roll, to be published by Rutgers University Press.
“’Born to Run’ is unquestionably one of the greatest rock albums of all time,” said Bob Santelli, director of the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music at Monmouth University. “That Bruce wrote the album in Long Branch, just a few blocks from where the Archives’ new home is being built, only adds to the excitement."
This new exhibit is put on collaboration with Monmouth University, which houses the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music.
The Long Branch Arts & Cultural Center is also planning a Bruce Springsteen song open mic night, a presentation on his years in Long Branch and a storytelling event. For questions, call the Long Branch Arts & Cultural Center at 732-222-7000, ext. 2050.
Three-minute readLONG BRANCH -- Fifty years ago this Aug. 25, Bruce Springsteen released his third album and first big commercial success, "Born to Run," which he wrote while living in the city's then-bohemian West End neighborhood.The bungalow, or "shotgun shack," where he lived at 7½ West End Court still stands even while the streets around it have slowly been transformed by the changing times.The city will be celebrating Springsteen's legacy with a new exhibit opening Aug. 18 at the Art an...
LONG BRANCH -- Fifty years ago this Aug. 25, Bruce Springsteen released his third album and first big commercial success, "Born to Run," which he wrote while living in the city's then-bohemian West End neighborhood.
The bungalow, or "shotgun shack," where he lived at 7½ West End Court still stands even while the streets around it have slowly been transformed by the changing times.
The city will be celebrating Springsteen's legacy with a new exhibit opening Aug. 18 at the Art and Cultural Center that will display rarely seen posters, photographs and “Born to Run” promotional materials. The center is collaborating with Monmouth University and the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music, which is under construction at the campus now and expected to open next year.
See the Bruce Springsteen Archives building approved for Monmouth UniversityThere will be iconic artifacts, like a green drum set from Springsteen's early band, Earth, and a one-of-a-kind, exact replica of the guitar seen on the “Born to Run” album cover, offering fans a rare glimpse of the instruments that accompanied him on his rock n' roll journey.
The exhibition has an entire section dedicated to West End in the 1970s, highlighting its lasting impact on Springsteen’s life and music. Visitors will also get a glimpse into the rock legend's surfing days along the Jersey Shore, shedding light on the local culture and experiences that helped shape his early artistic voice.
"Bruce Springsteen is one of the most iconic and influential musicians to have ever lived and we are proud of his roots here in Long Branch," Mayor John Pallone said. "Not many people know the importance of his time spent in Long Branch and how it shaped specifically the “Born to Run” album, ultimately propelling his career. We want to thank Monmouth University and the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music for this once in a lifetime exhibit."
Here's how Bruce Springsteen celebrates the 'Born to Run' anniversary at the Jersey ShoreMore than just experiencing the exhibit, fans will have an opportunity to write a memory or reflection that will be preserved in the soon-to-open archive, or participate in a Bruce Springsteen song open mic night.
Each visitor will receive a vintage-style Long Branch postcard, adorned with early photos of Springsteen, to share a personal memory or reflection about the rock legend. At the close of the exhibition, these collected memories will be preserved in the Bruce Springsteen Archives, ensuring that fans’ voices become part of his enduring story.
“’Born to Run’ is unquestionably one of the greatest rock albums of all time,” said Bob Santelli, executive director of the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music. “That Bruce wrote the album in Long Branch, just a few blocks from where the Archives’ new home is being built, only adds to the excitement of celebrating its importance.”
The Long Branch Arts and Cultural Center is located at 577 Broadway.The exhibit opens Aug. 18 and the opening night reception is 6 p.m. Aug. 19. The event is free to the public. For more information, call 732-222-7000, ext. 2050.
When Jersey Shore native Dan Radel is not reporting the news, you can find him in a college classroom where he is a history professor. Reach him at [email protected].
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