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 East Brunswick Museum Corporation in East Brunswick, 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 East Brunswick, 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 Great Oak Park in East Brunswick, 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 Orchid Fine Asian Cuisine or visit Museum at Buccleuch Mansion, 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 East Brunswick, 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 East Brunswick, 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 East Brunswick, 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.
EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - Don't know what to do with those bikes the kids haven't ridden in years? How about all the stuff that didn't sell at the last garage sale? Don't have time to sell outgrown and unwanted things on Facebook Market Place? Don't throw it away. Freecycle it. What's freecycling?Freecycling is both a drop-off and a pickup event that is free for everyone involved, which is what makes it a win-win for all. Those dropping off get that amazing feeling of clearing out items they don't use anymore that take up space while peopl...
EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - Don't know what to do with those bikes the kids haven't ridden in years? How about all the stuff that didn't sell at the last garage sale? Don't have time to sell outgrown and unwanted things on Facebook Market Place? Don't throw it away. Freecycle it. What's freecycling?
Freecycling is both a drop-off and a pickup event that is free for everyone involved, which is what makes it a win-win for all. Those dropping off get that amazing feeling of clearing out items they don't use anymore that take up space while people ‘shopping’ for household goods, clothing, toys, accessories, bikes, sports equipment and more get to find what they wanted without the price tag. Got a college student moving off campus next year or setting up a first apartment? Moving and don't know what to do with all the stuff not going to the new place? Well, come down to the upcoming fall Freecycling event at the East Brunswick Community Arts Center on October 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. People can drop off items from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pickup continues through 2 p.m.
The upcoming October 17 freecycling event is sponsored by the Friends of the East Brunswick Environmental Commission. Freecycling Day has been going on in East Brunswick for around two decades and is held in the fall and spring.
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Items that can be freecycled include:
All items dropped off at the upcoming freecyclling event are offered for free. Items that cannot be freecycled are mattresses, TVs, computer monitors, paint, VHS tapes, computer disks, pesticides, tires, toiletries, unframed mirrors, food or any hazardous materials. Large furniture items or heavy equipment also cannot be accepted at the October 17 freecycling event. The Friends of the East Brunswick Environmental Commission does have the right to reject drop-off items.
Volunteers are a big part of Freecycling Day. They help to unload the items people are dropping off and place them out so people there to ‘shop’ are able to find what they may be looking for. Interested volunteers can sign up via an online Google form. Two-hour shifts are available from the 8 a.m. set up to the cleanup after 2 p.m.
Anyone can drop off or attend one of the Friends of the East Brunswick Environmental Commission's Freecycle Days. They are not limited to East Brunswick or even Middlesex County residents. Can't make the fall one? The spring Freecycling Day is scheduled around Earth Day in April.
The East Brunswick Community Arts Center is located at 721 Cranbury Road. For more information about the Friends of the East Brunswick Environmental Commission, visit their website or their Facebook page. New members are always welcome.
Redfin says fewer buyers can afford to close, with 12 percent of New Brunswick-area deals falling through in September.Updated Tue, Oct 13, 2026 at 11:57 am ETHomebuyers in new Jersey are walking away from home purchase agreements as the U.S. housing market struggles with rising mortgage rates, high home prices and weakening demand, according to a new report from real estate brokerage Redfin.In the New Brunswick metro area, 12 percent of homebuying contracts were canceled in September, compared with 14.5 percent nation...
Updated Tue, Oct 13, 2026 at 11:57 am ET
Homebuyers in new Jersey are walking away from home purchase agreements as the U.S. housing market struggles with rising mortgage rates, high home prices and weakening demand, according to a new report from real estate brokerage Redfin.
In the New Brunswick metro area, 12 percent of homebuying contracts were canceled in September, compared with 14.5 percent nationally, according to Redfin's housing market report released Monday.
Nationwide, canceled deals are part of a broader housing slowdown. Pending home sales fell about 4 percent from August to September, and the number of houses on the market is higher than at any point since the pandemic.
The high housing inventory gives buyers an advantage, but with mortgage rates that have inched to 7.28 percent, the highest level in three years, “fewer people buy because fewer people can afford them,” Chen Zhao, Redfin’s head of economic research, said in the report.
In the Newark metro area, pending home sales fell 11.7 percent in September compared with a year earlier, according to Redfin.
Nationally, annual home price growth slowed to just 1.3 percent, and about three in five homes sold for less than their original asking price. Nearly one in five sellers with active listings cut their asking prices, with price reductions becoming more common in 43 of the 50 largest metropolitan areas.
The median home sale price in New Brunswick was $583,660, an increase of 1.5 percent from September 2025.
Similarly in the Newark metro area, the median home sale price is $613,591, an increase of 4 percent from last year.
The number of homes available for sale fell by 7.5 percent from a year earlier in New Brunswick, while closed home sales decreased by 4.5 percent.
That’s a two-sided coin, according to Zhao.
“For buyers, less competition means more room to negotiate: on price, on closing costs, on repairs, and sometimes sellers even pay for a mortgage-rate buydown,” she said. “Slow sales also mean prices may flatten or fall in the not-so-distant future.”
Sellers should keep in mind that while many house hunters have pulled back, there are people who need to move and are still buying homes, Zhao said.
“My best advice for sellers in this environment is to price realistically from the start and lean into any flexibility you can offer; a rate buydown or covering closing costs can go a long way when buyers are stretched thin,” she said.
Nearly one in five homebuying agreements in Jacksonville, Florida, fell through in September, the highest cancellation rate among the 50 largest metro areas.
Jacksonville's 19.9 percent cancellation rate was followed by Tampa, Florida, at 18.8 percent; Las Vegas at 18.6 percent; San Antonio, Texas, at 18.5 percent; and Phoenix at 18.4 percent.
At the other end of the spectrum, San Francisco had the lowest cancellation rate, at 2.8 percent. Nassau County, New York; San Jose, California; Montgomery County, Pennsylvania; and New York City also had cancellation rates below 8 percent.
The differences reflect how much bargaining power buyers have in individual markets. In places where homes remain in high demand and listings are relatively scarce, buyers have less room to reconsider a purchase, Redfin said.
EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — A Place At Home has opened a new East Brunswick location at 77 Milltown Road, offering in-home care services for seniors and others who need assistance while continuing to live at home.Owner Jennifer Sult, an East Brunswick resident for 11 years, said opening the business in her hometown was important to her after spending about 15 years working in home care for other organizations.“This is a community that I have come to love and I wanted to give back to this community,” Sult said during ...
EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — A Place At Home has opened a new East Brunswick location at 77 Milltown Road, offering in-home care services for seniors and others who need assistance while continuing to live at home.
Owner Jennifer Sult, an East Brunswick resident for 11 years, said opening the business in her hometown was important to her after spending about 15 years working in home care for other organizations.
“This is a community that I have come to love and I wanted to give back to this community,” Sult said during the business's grand opening. “I think that it's super important that our seniors are able to get the care that they deserve and stay in their homes.”
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Sult said A Place At Home is a private-pay company that also accepts veterans benefits and long-term care insurance. The business works with the GUIDE program, which Sult said can provide 72 hours of coverage for people living with dementia.
According to Sult, the company's caregivers are certified home health aides who can provide companionship and assistance with bathing, dressing, errands and other activities intended to help clients remain comfortable and safe at home.
Mayor Brad Cohen welcomed the business and connected its services to East Brunswick's longstanding concentration of health care providers and the needs of residents who want to remain in the community as they age.
“Most people want to age in place and stay in their own home,” Cohen said. He said having different levels and types of care available can give residents more options, whether they remain at home, live with family or eventually choose a congregate-care setting.
Cohen said those choices can be particularly important for longtime residents who may otherwise face leaving East Brunswick as their care needs increase.
“Having the ability to give folks those options, I think, leaves them with a level of autonomy” that people can feel they are losing as they grow older, Cohen said.
The opening also drew representatives from the township and the East Brunswick Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Robert Zuckerman, East Brunswick's economic development officer, congratulated Sult on moving from working in the home-care industry to owning a business of her own.
Crystal Pleasant, president of the East Brunswick Regional Chamber of Commerce, said Sult and a colleague had recently attended the chamber's new-member orientation. Pleasant said the chamber has about 300 members and provides networking, exposure and other business resources.
Pleasant also offered a personal perspective on home care, telling those gathered that her 93-year-old mother wants to continue living in her own home.
“I just totally understand and I'm so thankful that you provide this type of service to us,” Pleasant said.
For Sult, the new office represents a chance to bring her professional experience closer to the community where she has raised her family. She said one of her children has graduated from the East Brunswick school system and another is currently in fifth grade.
“This is my first time as an owner,” Sult said, “and I'm really excited to bring all the knowledge that I have to my hometown.”
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EAST BRUNSWICK, New Jersey (WABC) -- A kitten abandoned along a busy New Jersey roadway is recovering after a Good Samaritan spotted her being left behind.The 4- to 6-week-old kitten, now named Xena, was abandoned near a U-turn by the Walmart on Route 18 in East Brunswick on Sept. 3, according to New Beginnings Animal Rescue NJ.The rescue said a Good Samaritan saw a car stop and watched as someone placed something in the grass before driving away.The witness went to investigate and discovered the tiny kitten, then contac...
EAST BRUNSWICK, New Jersey (WABC) -- A kitten abandoned along a busy New Jersey roadway is recovering after a Good Samaritan spotted her being left behind.
The 4- to 6-week-old kitten, now named Xena, was abandoned near a U-turn by the Walmart on Route 18 in East Brunswick on Sept. 3, according to New Beginnings Animal Rescue NJ.
The rescue said a Good Samaritan saw a car stop and watched as someone placed something in the grass before driving away.
The witness went to investigate and discovered the tiny kitten, then contacted the animal rescue for help.
Xena was taken for veterinary care, where she was found to have a broken hind leg with multiple fractures. Her leg has since been placed in a cast.
Because Xena is so young and still growing, the rescue says she will need continued veterinary care as her injuries heal.
She is now recovering in foster care.
New Beginnings Animal Rescue has also launched a medical fund to help cover Xena's ongoing treatment and veterinary expenses for other cats and kittens in its care.
The rescue has nicknamed her "Xena - Warrior Princess" and says that despite her difficult start, she is now safe and surrounded by people caring for her as she recovers.
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EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — East Brunswick Public Schools is educating approximately 230 students who live in five development areas associated with payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreements, but the school district has not received any PILOT revenue, district officials said during the Board of Education's Oct. 8 meeting.The number is already growing. School Business Administrator and Board Secretary Joseph Crotchfelt said another family from one of the newest developments registered on the day of the meeting, meaning the ap...
EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — East Brunswick Public Schools is educating approximately 230 students who live in five development areas associated with payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreements, but the school district has not received any PILOT revenue, district officials said during the Board of Education's Oct. 8 meeting.
The number is already growing. School Business Administrator and Board Secretary Joseph Crotchfelt said another family from one of the newest developments registered on the day of the meeting, meaning the approximately 230-student count will increase. He said the students currently come from five different development areas.
Board President Marianne Tanious used a rough figure of about $20,000 per student to estimate the scale of the educational expense at approximately $4.5 million if enrollment from those developments remains at its current level.
Crotchfelt cautioned against treating that figure as a precise net loss to the district.
"I think that is a way to look at it," Crotchfelt said, before adding that "it gets a little bit complicated." He said there is still a cost to educating children who have entered the schools as a result of the developments, but the financial effect cannot be calculated simply by multiplying enrollment by a single per-pupil number.
The distinction matters as the district prepares future budgets and enrollment continues to change. Crotchfelt said costs can vary by grade and can be substantially different for students requiring other placements. A student attending a charter school affects the district's state-aid allocation, he said, while an out-of-district placement can cost considerably more than $20,000 annually before transportation expenses are included.
The discussion also clarified that the school district does not control how East Brunswick's PILOT revenue is distributed.
Crotchfelt said that under the current framework, PILOT agreements are between the township and the developer or property owner.
"The district does not have a say in how that money is used under the law currently," Crotchfelt said. He added that municipalities and school districts can reach separate agreements to provide money to schools, but such an arrangement would require a mutual agreement over the funding and its use.
Board member Laurie Herrick noted that other municipalities have entered agreements providing school districts with either a percentage of PILOT revenue or money for specific expenses. Crotchfelt agreed that there are several ways such arrangements can be structured but again said they require agreement between the municipality and school district.
No broader PILOT revenue-sharing agreement between the township and the school district was identified during the discussion. The only specific PILOT-funded proposal described by district officials involved potential improvements at the East Brunswick High School stadium.
Crotchfelt said township representatives approached the district in the spring about using PILOT money for permanent bathrooms and a concession stand at the East Brunswick High School stadium. Crotchfelt said he also raised the possibility of incorporating improved stadium lighting because of dark areas at the facility.
Crotchfelt emphasized that the district has not formally agreed to the project.
"We as the district did not commit to anything," he said. Any plan would have to be brought back to the district and ultimately accepted by the Board of Education, he said, and “that has not happened.”
The township's concept, according to Crotchfelt, did not call for matching money from the school district. He said the township contemplated designing and constructing the project itself, with “no financial impact to us.”
Crotchfelt also clarified that a previous township-funded improvement at Warnsdorfer Elementary School was not connected to PILOT revenue. Asked about the township’s repaving of the school parking lot, he said the municipality had remaining money on an existing paving contract after completing its other projects and used those funds for the school property. “It was not PILOT related,” Crotchfelt said.
Crotchfelt said the initial discussion took place around late May or June. Since then, a township representative has met with district support operations staff and the athletic director to review the site and issues including sewage lines and pumping needs so the township could continue developing a design before bringing anything back to the district.
The discussion also drew a distinction between one-time and recurring uses of PILOT money. Crotchfelt said a reliable, long-term commitment could potentially support recurring operating expenses because the district could plan around that revenue. A one-time contribution, however, would be more appropriately directed toward a capital project so the district does not create an ongoing budget obligation after the additional revenue disappears.
For now, the district's position remains unchanged: approximately 230 students from PILOT-related developments are enrolled in East Brunswick schools, the number is expected to grow, and no PILOT funds have been received by the school district. Any township-funded stadium project or broader revenue-sharing arrangement would still require additional discussion and formal approval.
For our readers' benefit, the full video from the Board of Education meeting on this is embedded below.
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