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 Twin Lights State Historic Site in Long Branch, 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 Long Branch, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“We 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 Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park in Long Branch, 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 Salt Steakhouse or visit Monmouth Battlefield State Park, 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 Long Branch, NJ, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Long Branch, NJ understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Long Branch, NJ 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
and•UpdatedCrews are working to extinguish an early-morning fire that tore through a home on West End Court in Long Branch, displacing at least five people.Multiple mutual aid crews from nearby municipalities responded to the scene around 3:30 a.m. Upon arrival, units found heavy fire and smoke throughout the building. Windy conditions, with gusts over 25 miles per hour, continue to be an issue as firefighters work to control the flames.Detours were in place in the immediate area as fire departments wo...
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Crews are working to extinguish an early-morning fire that tore through a home on West End Court in Long Branch, displacing at least five people.
Multiple mutual aid crews from nearby municipalities responded to the scene around 3:30 a.m. Upon arrival, units found heavy fire and smoke throughout the building. Windy conditions, with gusts over 25 miles per hour, continue to be an issue as firefighters work to control the flames.
Detours were in place in the immediate area as fire departments worked to bring the blaze under control.
There is no information yet on what started the fire. Multiple first aid crews were called to the area. Officials at the scene told News 12 that all of the occupants made it out of the house. There is no word yet on any injuries.
A spokesperson for the Red Cross told New 12 their team has assisted three residents of the home with emergency financial assistance to obtain temporary lodging, food, clothing and other immediate needs. They also have Disaster Health, Disaster Mental Health and Spiritual Care Services available. In addition, the Red Cross is planning to assist two additional residents who were not at the scene.
The location is next door to a well-known local landmark—the Bruce Springsteen "Born to Run" house, located at 7 ½ West End Court. This private cottage is where the rock icon claims to have written every song on the Born to Run album while living there from 1974 to 1975. Fire officials say the landmark was not damaged. The family that currently occupies that house said they were home when the nearby fire broke out. They initially thought a large branch had fallen, but then noticed the fire.
Robbie Doran hopes his version becomes just as much of a community gathering place as the original Inkwell was.LONG BRANCH, NJ — There's a new coffee shop in Long Branch, and it's at the location of the former legendary Inkwell.The new coffee shop is Almost Home, which started in Lincroft. Their Long Branch outpost opened last week and is located on the ground floor of Inkwell Lofts, a 22-unit condo building at Second Avenue and New Court, one block from the Ocean Avenue beach.Starting from when it first opened i...
LONG BRANCH, NJ — There's a new coffee shop in Long Branch, and it's at the location of the former legendary Inkwell.
The new coffee shop is Almost Home, which started in Lincroft. Their Long Branch outpost opened last week and is located on the ground floor of Inkwell Lofts, a 22-unit condo building at Second Avenue and New Court, one block from the Ocean Avenue beach.
Starting from when it first opened in the 1960s, the original Inkwell Coffee House was a popular hangout spot in Long Branch, especially for teens and people looking for live music and friendship on endless summer nights.
"It was a cafe, a poetry house, a place where kids went after the bar to chill out," said Almost Home founder and CEO Robert "Robbie" Doran. "The Inkwell would be open until the wee hours of the morning, and they built a cult following. My parents went there in the '70s and '80s, and Bruce (Springsteen) wrote the 'Born to Run' album right around the corner. So it's really wild to be opening here today."
Doran said he hopes his coffeehouse becomes just as much of a community gathering place as the original Inkwell was.
"I envision it to be a European-style cafe, with good coffee, amazing French pastries and grab-and-go salads, wraps and prepared foods," he said. "I love exploring Paris and other European cities, and one of the things I love about those cities is the ability to get a great cup of coffee or cappuccino after 3 p.m. Most coffee shops in America close in the afternoon. I want the Inkwell to be a late-night coffee cafe ... I'm a people person. I love taking care of people. And I love the idea of building a place that has longevity and contributes to the community around it."
Hours for Almost Home Long Branch are 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday-Wednesday and 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Almost Home Long Branch will sell coffees, pastries, and prepared sandwiches and salads to go, prepared by The Blonde Shallot, another local small business Doran partners with.
Doran said he next plans to open an Almost Home somewhere in Ocean County; he did not reveal an exact town.
"Ocean County is a market I would love to enter," he said. "At this point, the location has to mean something to me. I really believe you find true success and passion when you believe in a place, and a place I'm willing to put my reputation up for."
Doran also called all the development that's happened in Long Branch in the past five years "phenomenal."
"With Netflix opening and so much happening in Monmouth County right now, I think Long Branch is going to be huge over the next 10 years," he said. "You're going to see a major, major investment in overall growth here."
Doran, 37, grew up in Highlands and Rumson. But he said home prices in those towns have priced out most young buyers.
"All my friends I grew up with would move back to Rumson tomorrow. But there's no availability in those towns," he said. "So they're looking elsewhere to buy. And Long Branch is only the natural next trajectory."
"It's going to be all high-rise condos with really nice amenities all along Ocean Avenue," he predicted. "And all those people don't want to get in their car and drive 30 minutes away for a good sandwich and good coffee."
Inkwell Lofts was built and is owned by Ralph Zucker, CEO of Somerset Development, and the owner of Bell Works in Holmdel.
Designed by Minno & Wasko Architects, condos have either one-bedroom-plus-den or two-bedroom floor plans, with select homes featuring additional dens. Each condo has private balconies, hardwood flooring, oversized windows and open-concept layouts filled with natural light. See inside units here.
There's a rooftop terrace with an outdoor kitchen and ocean views and an indoor parking garage next door with EV charging stations. They started selling this spring. There are six condos left still on the market, with prices ranging from $830,000 to $1,125,000. Louis Critelli of Critelli Realtors is the broker of record and exclusively doing the sales.
Starting At $830K, Inkwell Lofts Condos Now Selling In Long Branch (April 2026)
With dozens of options of scenic beaches and old resort towns, lively boardwalks and endless entertainment, the Jersey Shore in summertime is like nowhere else. The only problem is narrowing down which beach city to visit. While towns like Seaside and Cape May tend to get more buzz, Long Branch, nestled in Monmouth County, deserves some of the spotlight as well. As one of New Jersey's best summertime escapes since the 18th century, and once the former stomping grounds of U.S. Presidents Ulysses S. Grant, James A. Garfield,...
With dozens of options of scenic beaches and old resort towns, lively boardwalks and endless entertainment, the Jersey Shore in summertime is like nowhere else. The only problem is narrowing down which beach city to visit. While towns like Seaside and Cape May tend to get more buzz, Long Branch, nestled in Monmouth County, deserves some of the spotlight as well. As one of New Jersey's best summertime escapes since the 18th century, and once the former stomping grounds of U.S. Presidents Ulysses S. Grant, James A. Garfield, and Woodrow Wilson, Long Branch is the perfect relaxing getaway.
One of the beach's strongest points is its proximity to New York City. From New York Penn Station, a train ride to Long Branch takes an hour and a half. Driving will take you along the Garden State Parkway, so be sure to leave early to beat rush hour, especially during summer weekends. Luckily, there's plenty of parking at Long Branch, and you won't be desperately searching for street parking like at some other New Jersey beaches. If you're coming from farther away, Newark Liberty International Airport is Long Branch's closest airport, just an hour's car ride away or an hour and a half via public transportation. Once you arrive in Long Branch, you're in for a beach day as quiet as Jersey's Ocean Gate — rather than the hustle and crowds of bigger beach towns, Long Branch has a good mix of shops, cafés, and wide beaches, perfect for unhurried vacationers.
Be sure to spend some time in Long Branch's Pier Village, a seaside promenade tucked along the boardwalk. As Long Branch's hub for all things dining, shopping, and entertainment, it's the perfect place to enjoy the expansive ocean scenery. Families can enjoy all sorts of virtual reality games, Skee-Ball, and more at Pier Village's arcade, or go bowling or play virtual golf at Pier Pins. When you work up an appetite, head to McLoone's Pier House, which has become a Jersey Shore staple over the past 20 years for its upscale cuisine, ocean views, and live entertainment. Rooney's Oceanfront Restaurant is another beachfront gem, known for its unbeatable scenery, ambiance, and seafood. For something quicker and cheaper, Piazza on the Pier offers incredible, large New York-style pizza pies.
If you're in town for longer than just a beach day, there's plenty to do. Just a few blocks away from the ocean is the New Jersey Repertory Company, which performs up to six plays every year, many of which are world-premiere new works. Long Branch's artistic spirit is celebrated throughout the year as well, like with the Long Branch Jazz and Blues Festival, which has become a summertime staple in August.
When it comes to swimming, surfing, and ocean kayaking, or even just sunbathing, Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park offers a beautiful 38-acre beach and excellent swells, equipped with showers, picnic areas, a snack bar, and parking. Entrance fees are charged from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day — admission for Seven Presidents and Long Branch's other beaches varies.
If you're staying in the area, Ocean Place Resort & Spa is an unbeatable choice. The 4-star accommodation overlooks the ocean and boasts 16 different spa treatment rooms with hair, skin, and nail services. With its indoor and outdoor pool, fitness center, and restaurant and bar options, you'll have everything you need for a rejuvenating stay on the Jersey Shore. The hotel even provides chairs, towels, and umbrellas for prime beach lounging. For more of Jersey Shore's best, pair your visit with some time in nearby Asbury Park, one of America's best beaches.
Gary Chasser discusses how he would address school funding, student achievement, bilingual education and accountability if elected to the Long Branch Board of Education.Gary ChasserPhoto Credit: Reed BeckerLONG BRANCH, NJ – This is the second spotlight story in our coverage of the recent Long Branch Board of Education Forum to help Long Branch residents make an educated decision when they go to the polls on November 3.Our second spotlight is on Gary Chasser. We will be presenting the remaining cand...
Gary Chasser discusses how he would address school funding, student achievement, bilingual education and accountability if elected to the Long Branch Board of Education.
Gary ChasserPhoto Credit: Reed Becker
LONG BRANCH, NJ – This is the second spotlight story in our coverage of the recent Long Branch Board of Education Forum to help Long Branch residents make an educated decision when they go to the polls on November 3.
Our second spotlight is on Gary Chasser. We will be presenting the remaining candidates over the next few days on TAPinto Long Branch. Click HERE for our first spotlight on Shawanda Davis.
The two-hour candidate forum was conducted in four segments:
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Key themes coming from the forum included:
Our first candidate statement will be Shawanda Davis, and we will be presenting each candidate’s views over the next four to five days on TAPinto Long Branch.
Opening Statement: I started my career as a school speech pathologist in Connecticut. While I was there, I started an early intervention program where I was able to take children prior to their entering school and address the needs that they had so that later on they wouldn't need speech or language work, and I think that is something I would like to see happen in the Long Branch schools.
After I left speech pathology, I started in business, where, for over 30 years, I held different positions in leadership in different companies, including one with more than 200 employees and significant budgets of $50–100 million. Recently, a few people came to me and said, "Have you seen any of the results the schools have shown for the kids?" And you can see that although the school is graduating 96%, which is a very good number, the performance in math, science and reading is far below what you would expect. What I would like to see is more students being able to be prepared for life after high school, whether it is a four-year college, two-year college, trade school, a job or the military, and I don't know that they're necessarily being prepared for that right now. I think that we need to use the resources that we have available to us to ensure that we're doing the best we can for the students.
Every year there's a lot of conversation about the Long Branch school budget. What we found is the Long Branch Public School District has actually successfully balanced this budget or came in below the last five years, plus with a lot of pressure from homeowners to do so. With the rising cost of healthcare and the fact that schools and staff face the same inflationary challenges that we all face, how will you support the teachers and administration to ensure that they have effective health care for them and their families and that they are not impacted by attrition of necessary staff?
If there was a need to cut, where would you propose cuts?
In my many years as chief operating officer and chief financial officer, I had to negotiate with healthcare companies. It's really now become quite annoying, unfortunately, because you have to do it almost every year. Years ago, you could go to Blue Cross (Blue Shield), and that's who you would use year in and year out for many years. Now, unfortunately, if you get an increase of 20–30% at the end of the year, it becomes untenable and impossible for you to stay with. There are many aspects of healthcare coverage that you need to examine, like the pharmacy benefits, the hospital benefits, and the co-pays. I have had to negotiate for hundreds of employees, and it's something you need to address whether you do it six months earlier or if you know that it's going to be coming around. Unless you're somehow able to get something that's a two-year contract, then you need to do it six months in advance.
Regarding budget cuts, I don't think cutting the budget is how I would address things. First, I would try to understand the budget, so when it comes time to renew the budget, I would want to see it done on a zero-based budgeting model. Instead of taking the old budget and saying we're going to have to give the teachers this increase because it's contractual, and we're going to increase this by two percent and this by three percent, we can say what we need to spend on these services, whether it is transportation, teachers, custodians, or whatever the case may be, and work from there. I would also look to where we can eliminate waste.
Long Branch has a high population of multi-language learners. What concrete plans do you have to recruit bilingual educators and provide better resources for students learning English?
In addition to having bilingual educators, I think we need to realize that, for the most part, we're living in an English-speaking world. One thing we need to do is make sure that the children are able to communicate in English. If they need assistance by having someone help them with their language, that's fine. But I don't think we can get away from having them educated as early as possible and making sure that they're able to proceed to the next grade on par with other students. If using not speaking English as an excuse for not having them be prepared in math, English, and science is doing them a tremendous disservice.
Long Branch is a diverse community. You spoke about the English and math scores improving. How do you support that and not focus on English as a second language when English is not many students' first language?
I don't necessarily think it's one or the other. I think you need to get support for the child's native language, but they need to be assisted with English so that they are able to communicate and be on an equal level with the rest of the students in their grade. This goes to their emotional well-being and everything else. If they're raised just learning their language, whether they're taught math in their language or they're taught science in their language, they're going to stand out, and not in a positive way. I don't think it's an either-or situation, and I think you need to be able to give the student the help they need in their language, and then they need to get it to be able to learn English, math, and science.
Everyone is talking about not being able to afford more programs. If you take children at a very early age, and maybe earlier than we're mandated to do, if they speak a foreign language, and you start giving them education early on, you won't have to pay for their English as a second language later on in life because it's much easier to learn a second language when you're younger. When I was in Connecticut, we took children who had language learning problems, and they were picked up when they came in with their siblings for preschool screenings, and I would start seeing them when they were two-and-a-half and three years old. And when they came into school at four years and eight months old, they no longer needed speech and language.
Please explain how you will ensure equity in hiring once a candidate is recommended. How will they be vetted as the top candidate?
With any hire, I would want to know what their goals were and how they wanted to have their achievement measured. One thing I have said a lot in my career is, "If you can't measure it, it's not worth doing." So, I would want to know how they would like to be measured and what their goal would be. I would also like to know how they propose to make the most out of the funds they were given and how they can ensure that the students graduating would be prepared for life and not just prepared for graduation.
How are you actively involved with the school system today?
While I'm not currently involved in the Long Branch school system, I'm a believer in public education. I went to public schools, and my four children went through public schooling in Monmouth County, and two of them went on to be school teachers. As a business executive, I learned a great deal about working with budgets, working with people, getting the most out of the people you have, and getting the most out of the dollars you have. I'm retired now and thought it was a good way to give back. I currently volunteer part of my time at a nonprofit woodworking school in Long Branch, and this is just another way that I thought I could use my expertise to help the students of Long Branch.
Closing Statement: On all of our campaign materials, there are three words: accountability, efficiency, and excellence. Accountability is holding people responsible for what they're doing. That means coming up with what they're expected to do and how we are going to measure it. How are you going to take the issue between the discrepancy between the grades for Long Branch and the state? How are you going to change that? Not just by saying we're going to make it better, we're going to say we're going to make it this number, and then, if we don't make it by that number, what are we going to do to change what we've been doing? Efficiency is using the money that is allowed to us as best as we can, making sure we're getting what we're paying for and eliminating waste. Lastly, excellence is making sure all the students that graduate from Long Branch are ready to go on with life, whether there is going to be a four-year school, two-year school, trade school, the military, or a job. Having excellence in what they're going to be doing for the rest of their lives.
Construction has broken ground on One Eighty Ocean, a six-story residential building at 180 Ocean Avenue along the oceanfront in Long Branch, New Jersey. Designed by MHS Architects and developed by PV Condo, LLC, an affiliate of Kushner Companies, the structure will yield 39 condominium units in two- to four-bedroom layouts, each with direct views of the Atlantic Ocean. The project will also include three levels of private amenities and a landscaped porte cochère leading to an attended lobby.The massing employs a stepped fa&cce...
Construction has broken ground on One Eighty Ocean, a six-story residential building at 180 Ocean Avenue along the oceanfront in Long Branch, New Jersey. Designed by MHS Architects and developed by PV Condo, LLC, an affiliate of Kushner Companies, the structure will yield 39 condominium units in two- to four-bedroom layouts, each with direct views of the Atlantic Ocean. The project will also include three levels of private amenities and a landscaped porte cochère leading to an attended lobby.
The massing employs a stepped façade that creates expansive private terraces while opening residences to natural light and unobstructed water views, according to public records. Floor-to-ceiling glass frames the Atlantic throughout the homes, and ceiling heights reach up to 10 feet, 6 inches. Every residence extends to private outdoor space, with select terraces featuring outdoor kitchens, plunge spas, and fire pits. The structure will culminate in a rooftop Sky Terrace with an outdoor kitchen, dining pavilions, and fire features overlooking the ocean.
The three-level amenity program spans wellness, fitness, and social spaces. An oceanfront pool deck will feature a swimming pool, hot tub, and cold plunge ringed by cabanas, fire pits, and landscaped gathering areas, along with an outdoor cinema. A wellness suite will offer private treatment rooms, a hydrotherapy shower, a sauna, and a steam room, joined by an ocean-facing fitness center and a yoga and movement studio. Indoor spaces will include a great room with a salon, bar, and billiards, a screening room, and a children’s playroom.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the site on Thursday, September 24. Kushner assembled the surrounding oceanfront parcels over the past decade, including the roughly $6 million purchase of the former Ocean Court Motel at 170 Ocean Avenue in 2017 and the $2.7 million acquisition of 176 Ocean Avenue a year later.
EB-5 offering materials describe the project as the fifth and final phase of Pier Village, with a total cost of $138.4 million and a projected sellout of $171 million. Valley Bank is providing financing, and the development team is marketing the project with SERHANT.
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