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 Deal Castle in Deal, NJ 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 Deal, 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 hired a caregiver from Always Best Care to help my father when he was”
“I have been a client of Always Best Care (ABC) for over 5 years. I”
“For the past 6 months Always Best has provided compassionate care to my dear aunt.”
“For the past 6 months Always Best has provided compassionate care to my dear aunt.”
“Always Best Care has provided us with the best caregivers. We are blessed with an”
“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”
“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”
“We hired a caregiver from Always Best Care to help my father when he was declining from Parkinson’s and his continuum of care facility said he could no longer live alone in his apartment without help.. My father was very challenging to work with as he was slipping mentally and could not seem to grasp why the caregiver was there. The manager, Carli, and the caregiver, Stephen, could not have been more skilled and compassionate given his issues. The billing practices and necessary documentation for reimbursement from his Long Teem Care company also went very well. Ultimately my Dad needed placement in skilled nursing. However, this was no fault of the caregiving company, who went out of their way to communicate with me about what was going on every day so I stayed filled in. If my Dad needs an aide in the future for an outing I will definitely contact them.”
“I have been a client of Always Best Care (ABC) for over 5 years. I could not have taken care of my elderly mother with out them. They always provided excellent people who I could trust in my home and with my mother who was 102 1/2 when she passed away recently. The caregivers from ABC were always on time, polite, professional, and, above all else, caring. The office team was amazing, too! They always went above and beyond (Thanks, Carli & Samantha!). Most recently when my mom had a fall and came home from the hospital on hospice, they had a game plan for her care before I did. They anticipated what our needs would be. They had people skilled in hospice care to my house within 24 hours. I could not have gotten through her passing without their support. A very special thanks to Manite & Patience. I would highly recommend ABC.”
“For the past 6 months Always Best has provided compassionate care to my dear aunt. Our primary caregiver was outstanding.....experienced, organized, warm and kind.....she became more than a caregiver, a friend that we depended on. All the caregivers that supported us on this journey were dedicated, professional, friendly and dependable. The administrative staff at Always Best Princeton were always available to assist and support. I offer my highest recommendation of Always Best Caregivers in Princeton.”
“For the past 6 months Always Best has provided compassionate care to my dear aunt. Our primary caregiver was outstanding.....experienced, organized, warm and kind.....she became more than a caregiver, a friend that we depended on. All the caregivers that supported us on this journey were dedicated, professional, friendly and dependable. The administrative staff at Always Best Princeton were always available to assist and support. I offer my highest recommendation of Always Best Caregivers in Princeton.”
“Always Best Care has provided us with the best caregivers. We are blessed with an outstanding caregiver, Maria, who is exceptional in every way. Our recent substitute caregiver, Elizabeth, also provided my husband with excellent care. We so appreciate the high level of expertise, skill and overall care afforded to us by these wonderful ladies.”
“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”
“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!”
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 Dorbrook Recreation Area in Deal, NJ 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 Raven the Peach or visit Walmer Castle and Gardens, 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 Deal, 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 Deal, 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 Deal, 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.
Sherrill and legislative leaders say changes will make the program more sustainable while preserving aid for lower- and middle-income retirees.Gov. Mikie Sherrill and Democratic leaders in the Legislature announced Tuesday that they have reached an agreement on a $60.7 billion state budget that preserves the Stay NJ property tax relief program while reshaping it to direct more aid to lower- and middle-income seniors.The agreement, which must still be approved by lawmakers by the June 30 budget deadline, would increase ...
Gov. Mikie Sherrill and Democratic leaders in the Legislature announced Tuesday that they have reached an agreement on a $60.7 billion state budget that preserves the Stay NJ property tax relief program while reshaping it to direct more aid to lower- and middle-income seniors.
The agreement, which must still be approved by lawmakers by the June 30 budget deadline, would increase the state’s surplus, reduce a projected budget gap, and expand the Child Tax Credit, according to a joint statement from Sherrill, Senate President Nick Scutari, and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin.
“We are pleased to have worked closely together to reach an agreement on an FY 2027 budget that makes New Jersey more affordable and protects our state from the Trump Administration’s dangerous policies that harm residents,” the three Democratic leaders said in a joint statement.
The future of Stay NJ emerged as the central issue in budget negotiations this spring. The property tax relief program for seniors was approved in 2023, but the program did not actually begin sending out benefits until 2026.
While details have not yet been released, according to some news reports, the agreement would reduce benefits for some higher-income seniors and lower the program’s income eligibility limit from $500,000 to $200,000. The maximum benefit of $6,500 would remain available for eligible seniors. The legislation implementing the changes has not yet been introduced.
The revisions reflect a compromise between Sherrill, who sought to reduce the program’s cost and cap the maximum benefit at $4,000, and Coughlin, who has made Stay NJ one of his signature affordability initiatives.
AARP New Jersey praised the agreement, saying it preserves a benefit many older residents had been counting on as property taxes and other living expenses continue to climb.
“As older New Jerseyans continue to face rising property taxes, utility bills, housing costs, and other everyday expenses, meaningful property tax relief remains critical to helping residents remain financially secure and continue living in the homes and communities they love,” AARP New Jersey State Director Chris Widelo said in a statement.
“For months, we have heard from older adults across New Jersey who were counting on this benefit,” Widelo said. “Many have already planned their household budgets around the promise of Stay NJ, and today’s agreement provides important certainty for residents facing ongoing affordability challenges.”
The organization also pointed to recent survey findings showing that more than one-third of New Jersey residents age 45 and older have considered leaving the state in the past year, with affordability concerns among the leading reasons.
State leaders said the revised program would continue to provide significant property tax relief while placing it on a more sustainable financial footing.
“The $60.7 billion budget provides tax relief to New Jerseyans who need it most while investing in our shared future with an expanded Child Tax Credit benefit for families,” the governor and legislative leaders said in their statement.
They added that the budget includes what they described as the largest property tax relief package in state history and ensures Stay NJ remains “a sustainable benefit retirees can count on.”
Beyond Stay NJ, the budget agreement would leave New Jersey with roughly $6 billion in reserves and cut the state’s projected structural deficit roughly in half, according to state officials.
The agreement also includes an expansion of the Child Tax Credit and restores some spending priorities sought by lawmakers that were not included in Sherrill’s original budget proposal.
In their joint statement, the three leaders said the larger surplus would help New Jersey withstand potential federal funding reductions affecting programs such as Medicaid, food assistance, health care, and job programs.
The final budget remains at the same overall spending level Sherrill proposed in March, a departure from recent years when lawmakers added hundreds of millions of dollars to the governor’s spending plan during negotiations.
Some issues remain under discussion, including proposals to raise additional revenue through changes to business tax laws and whether the state will provide financial assistance to Jersey City as it confronts a significant local budget deficit.
Budget legislation must be introduced and voted on before July 1.
originally published: 07/14/2026(DEAL, NJ) -- presents the classic musical, Grease, from August 13-23, 2026 at the JCC Performing Arts Center in Deal. With a hip-shaking rock 'n' roll score featuring hits like "Summer Nights" and "We Go Together," Grease celebrates Rydell High's class of 1959 in all their duck-tailed, bobby-soxed, gum-snapping glory.Here is Rydell High’s senior class of 1959: duck-tailed, hot-rodding “Burger Palace Boys’ and their gum-snapping, hip-shaki...
originally published: 07/14/2026
(DEAL, NJ) -- presents the classic musical, Grease, from August 13-23, 2026 at the JCC Performing Arts Center in Deal. With a hip-shaking rock 'n' roll score featuring hits like "Summer Nights" and "We Go Together," Grease celebrates Rydell High's class of 1959 in all their duck-tailed, bobby-soxed, gum-snapping glory.
Here is Rydell High’s senior class of 1959: duck-tailed, hot-rodding “Burger Palace Boys’ and their gum-snapping, hip-shaking “Pink Ladies” in bobby sox and pedal pushers, evoking the look and sound of the 1950s in this rollicking musical.
Head “greaser” Danny Zuko and new (good) girl Sandy Dumbrowski try to relive the high romance of their “Summer Nights” as the rest of the gang sings and dances its way through such songs as “Greased Lightnin’,” “It’s Raining on Prom Night” and “Alone at the Drive-In Movie,” recalling the music of Buddy Holly, Little Richard and Elvis Presley that became the soundtrack of a generation.
The cast includes Kelley Fuller (Danny), Janie Hornstein (Sandy), Kennedy Christensen (Rizzo), Bobby Shaw (Kenickie), Daniella Aleman (Frenchy), Jill Gindi (Marty), Henry Fischer (Doody), Jess Vincello (Jan), Julian Baro (Rodger), Josh Ferro (Sonny), Deni Sobotka (Miss Lynch), Julia Kovacs (Patty), Elana Ades (Cha Cha), Gabe Delima (Eugene), James Steele (Vince Fontaine), Chris Stypa (Johnny Casino), and Steve Cherra (Teen Angel). The ensemble includes Matt Kovar, Merrick Lyons, CJ Evans, Jill Costa, Emma Lightbody-McAllen, Alexa Jensen-Toma, Aja Perez, Joey Nesser, Stephanie Beyda, Grace Gill, Adiele Hall, Quinn Grace, and Emma Hoffman.
Performances take place Thursday, August 13 at 7:00pm; Sunday, August 16 at 2:00pm; Thursday, August 20 at 7:00pm; Saturday, August 22 at 9:00pm; and Sunday, August 23 at 2:00pm. Tickets are online. The JCC Performing Arts Center is located at 100 Grant Avenue in Deal, New Jersey.
For nearly a century, Center Drama brought affordable community theater to Monmouth County at the JCC of the Jersey Shore in Deal Park. The theater company went on hiatus for several years but is now back, launching a new chapter while honoring its long-standing tradition.
"This is both a homecoming and a new beginning for Center Drama," said Center Drama Artistic Director Deborah Murad Nesser. "We are building something joyful, inclusive and rooted in tradition. It was clear that this production of Grease struck a chord. We were fortunate to see an extraordinary range of talent in our auditions and the result is a cast that's fresh, vibrant and full of the spirit that makes Grease such an enduring favorite."
was founded at the Long Branch YMHA in 1929 by a group of local theater lovers. In 1971, Center Drama moved to the Jewish Community Center in Deal Park. The theater company flourished there and became a pillar of Jewish cultural life in Monmouth County, presenting beloved musicals such as Fiddler on the Roof, Funny Girl, Man of La Mancha, and The Wedding Singer. It later evolved into a professional theater at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center, located in the same building as the JCC.
Now the JCC has decided to reinvest in Center Drama, so the organization is returning to the community it served for nearly a century. From first-time performers to returning alumni, Center Drama welcomes all who share a passion for live theater and the arts in Monmouth County. It's where High School Musical star Ashley Tisdale and NJ101.5 host Judi Franco got their start. The company is led by Ruthie Levy, the house manager at Axelrod PAC, and Perry Award-nominated director Deborah Murad Nesser, longtime friends who met in a production of Follies. They share a passion for community theater, bringing bold artistic vision and professional expertise to the program.
"Center Drama has been part of my life for more than 30 years," said Levy. "Now, thanks to the vision of my dear friend Deborah and JCC's Donald Epstein, Raquel Dayan and Ike Zagha, we have brought it back. Being part of that return with Grease this summer feels incredibly meaningful. It's a reminder that theater has the power to connect generations, create lifelong friendships and inspire new performers for years to come."
It is also a shomer shabbat space, so the group does not have rehearsals or shows from sundown Friday to Saturday night, enabling shabbat observers to participate. For many religious Jews, this makes theater more accessible.
A second neighborhood on the Jersey Shore is seeking to switch towns.Residents of the Deal Park section of Ocean Township in Monmouth County recently submitted a petition seeking to join Deal Borough, officials said.The petition had 89 signatures and was referred to the township’s planning board by the Ocean Township Council on Sept. 24. The planning board will conduct a review and hold public hearings before the council considers whether to support the move.Four of the five township council members would have to v...
A second neighborhood on the Jersey Shore is seeking to switch towns.
Residents of the Deal Park section of Ocean Township in Monmouth County recently submitted a petition seeking to join Deal Borough, officials said.
The petition had 89 signatures and was referred to the township’s planning board by the Ocean Township Council on Sept. 24. The planning board will conduct a review and hold public hearings before the council considers whether to support the move.
Four of the five township council members would have to vote in favor of surrendering Deal Park to meet the two-thirds threshold required by state law.
But voting to deny the request could trigger a court battle.
The Deal Park petition comes six months after the South Seaside Park neighborhood moved to leave Berkeley Township in Ocean County. The neighborhood became part of Seaside Park over the objections of Berkeley.
The move came more than 11 years after neighborhood residents first submitted a petition, triggering a legal battle that reached the New Jersey Supreme Court.
Ocean Township officials do not appear to be willing to give up Deal Park.
“Township of Ocean officials are unrelentingly committed to serving the entirety of our community, making ours the very best place to live and raise a family, for every family. That’s why we were surprised to learn last week that a small number of residents have spearheaded an effort to remove themselves from our family,” Ocean Township spokesperson Steve Lenox told NJ.com.
Deal officials have not taken a public position on possibly adding Deal Park.
Deal Mayor Samuel Cohen did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Thursday.
The Deal Park neighborhood is 160 acres and bounded by Poplar Brook, Roseld Avenue, Monmouth Road and Washington Drive, the Asbury Park Press reported. It has total assessed taxable real estate of more than $626 million.
Ocean Township in Monmouth County has around 28,000 residents while Deal Borough is home to about 900.
Deal Borough was part of Ocean Township before becoming a separate municipality in 1898.
Morganville-based Human Friendly Robotics (HFR) announced Oct. 6 a three-year robotic tiling contract worth up to $4 million with commercial subcontractor Flooring Concepts of NJ of Manalapan.HFR will deploy its Tyler robots alongside Flooring Concepts’ installers across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the greater New York City metropolitan area.A contract of this size for robotically installed flooring is considered significant. The installation capacity purchased represents at least 15%-40% of Flooring Concepts&r...
Morganville-based Human Friendly Robotics (HFR) announced Oct. 6 a three-year robotic tiling contract worth up to $4 million with commercial subcontractor Flooring Concepts of NJ of Manalapan.
HFR will deploy its Tyler robots alongside Flooring Concepts’ installers across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the greater New York City metropolitan area.
A contract of this size for robotically installed flooring is considered significant. The installation capacity purchased represents at least 15%-40% of Flooring Concepts’ LVT (luxury vinyl tile) tiling work over the next three years. HFR’s autonomous tiling robot, Tyler, is helping accelerate commercial flooring buildouts.
Tyler handles repetitive placement while installers retain responsibility for cuts, edges, finishing and quality control. With training, tile setters can operate Tyler without a robotics background.
The robot maintains production as workers tire toward the end of a shift and supports overnight or around-the-clock installation through staffed shifts where conditions permit. Operating Tyler also gives experienced tradespeople a less physically taxing way to apply their skills.
“Tyler multiplies a tile setter’s efficiency and output,” said Shamoon Siddiqui, CEO of Human Friendly Robotics. “Our customers have more work than their crews can fulfill. We give skilled professionals a tool to complete their work eight times faster, and without tiring. Ultimately, we’re reducing physical strain and helping tile setters build longer careers in the trade.”
The agreement follows Starnet Commercial Flooring’s recent announcement welcoming HFR as its robotics service provider. Their nearly 200 member subcontractors represent $4 billion or more in combined annual sales.
Led by President John Pilot, Flooring Concepts is pioneering the adoption of robotic assistance across a substantial volume of commercial flooring work. Pilot and his crew have worked closely with the HFR team on various deployments with great success.
“Growing our business starts with supporting our people,” said Pilot. “Tyler will help us expand capacity, improve scheduling and reduce some of the hardest physical demands on our crews. Thankfully, I can just pay per square foot of install instead of purchasing the equipment. It’s an investment in our workforce and our customers without undue capital expenditures.”
An aging workforce and persistent recruiting challenges constrain installation capacity. In September 2026, Associated General Contractors of America and NCCER reported that 42% of surveyed construction firms experienced project delays because of worker shortages.
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 97,000 flooring installers and tile and stone setters in 2025, with median pay at $54,390 per year. Job growth is projected to be 4% from 2025 to 2035, with about 6,400 openings per year, largely driven by replacement needs.
Flooring Concepts reports that its pipeline already includes significant work scheduled for 2028. Tyler helps existing crews address that demand with greater output and more predictable schedules.
HFR reports that Tyler has already been deployed to dozens of job sites in the New York City metropolitan area and Puerto Rico, including schools, malls and government buildings. The Flooring Concepts agreement turns that field experience into a sustained commercial commitment.
GothamistA non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.GothamistListen LiveDonateNewsByMichael Sol WarrenFacebookTwitterRedditEmailNever miss a storyEmail addressBy submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .Eduardo Munoz Alvarez / Getty ImagesByMichael Sol WarrenPublished Jun 23, 2026Modified Jun 23, 2026FacebookTwitterRedditEmailWe rely on...
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New Jersey will scale back eligibility for a tax relief program legislative leaders had championed as a way to keep seniors from abandoning the state, according to a Sherrill administration official with knowledge of a budget deal announced on Tuesday.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill and New Jersey’s top lawmakers said in a joint statement on Tuesday they have agreed to a $60.7 billion spending plan that reforms Stay NJ, grows the state’s surplus and slashes a multibillion-dollar spending gap.
Their shared announcement didn’t address specifics of those reforms, but the administration official said it would place Stay NJ payments on a sliding scale, and cap eligibility to seniors with incomes of $200,000 — down from the $500,000 in the program’s current iteration.
The administration official asked not to be identified because no formal bill has yet been introduced or made public.
“We are pleased to have worked closely together to reach an agreement on an FY 2027 budget that makes New Jersey more affordable and protects our state from the Trump administration's dangerous policies that harm residents,” Sherrill said in the joint statement with State Senate President Nick Scutari and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin.
New Jersey has some of the highest property taxes in the nation. Stay NJ, which gives many seniors a break on those taxes, is a top priority for Coughlin, who spearheaded the original bill creating the program in 2023.
Reforming the program had been the main focus of negotiations, the administration official told Gothamist. The program in its current form offers up to $6,500 in property tax relief for seniors. But under the budget deal — which must still be written into legislation and adopted by June 30 — people with incomes less than $100,000 would still be eligible for up to a $6,500 benefit, while people with incomes between $150,000 and $200,000 would be capped at a $4,000 benefit.
Chris Widelo, the state director of AARP New Jersey, said his organization looked forward to seeing the full details of the changes. But he applauded the deal for preserving the maximum $6,500 benefit.
"For months, we have heard from older adults across New Jersey who were counting on this benefit. Many have already planned their household budgets around the promise of Stay NJ, and today's agreement provides important certainty for residents facing ongoing affordability challenges," Widelo said.
The new budget would give New Jersey a roughly $6 billion surplus. The state would still have a roughly $1.5 billion spending gap, but that’s down from what had once been projected as high as $3 billion. Those top-line figures match Sherrill’s own budget proposal this spring.
Some key items remain in negotiation. Sherrill has proposed tightening business tax laws to close loopholes and boost revenues. It’s still unclear if lawmakers will agree to that.
Negotiations also remain ongoing over Jersey City’s request for $150 million to help cover that city’s $255 million budget gap. Jersey City spokesperson Nathaniel Styer said city leaders are still in active discussions with state officials.
Jersey City Mayor James Solomon last week announced a plan to raise local property taxes 20% to help get the city through its fiscal crisis. That increase would take effect for residents’ third quarter tax bills if it's approved by the city council.
Jersey City is expected to pass a new budget later this summer, after the state budget and state aid for the city is finalized. Local taxes could change again based on the aid the city receives.
The budget bill is expected to be introduced in the coming days. The bill must be passed and signed into law before July 1 to avoid a state government shutdown.
Republican lawmakers, who are largely sidelined in budget negotiations, said the Garden State's opaque budget process is leaving New Jerseyans in the dark.
“Everything is being negotiated behind closed doors, and even the final budget won’t answer those questions,” Republican state Sens. Declan O’Scanlon, Mike Testa, Doug Steinhardt and Carmen Amato said in a joint statement. “A new governor may put a fresh coat of paint on the process, but it’s still the same broken state budget — one that treats fairness, transparency, and taxpayers as an afterthought.”
This story has been updated with more information.
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Michael Sol Warren
Michael Sol Warren covers New Jersey for WNYC and Gothamist, and previously reported on issues around the Garden State for NJ Spotlight News and NJ Advance Media. He can be reached at [email protected].
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