It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Washington Monument State Park 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 Middletown, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“We are so appreciative of the care and service of your team. Mariama was a”
“As we wind down our trip to New Jersey both Megan and I wish to”
“A special shoutout to our primary caregivers: Marie C. and Florette P.. They were outstanding!”
“Terrific company. Management is tops. Very caring staff. I highly recommend them.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services in Princeton Junction exceeded our expectations. Their team was kind,”
“Could not have asked for a more caring group of professionals. From care giver to”
“ABC COULD NOT HAVE DONE BETTER IN A CHANGING SITUATION WITH TWO TERMINALLY PATIENTS HAVING”
“Always best care took care of my father for about 10 years..Though my father was”
“ABC and their amazing care givers enabled our Aunt to get her last wish was”
“Mom developed an infection in the afternoon that left her too weak and disoriented to”
“Faithful, Love, and Family.”
“Very professional organization and sent the right aide, Sam, to help me with my father”
“I had a great experience with the agency, Always Best Care! I am attending college,”
“Roberto took care of my husband like he was a member of his family. He”
“The aide's were respectful, reliable and friendly and staff responds timely to calls and needs”
“Everyone was great. I’ve come a long way due to the help of your aides.”
“You have a GEM in Mrs. Terry. She is worth so much more than she”
“Very very helpful, I was desperate when I called and that same day I had”
“We had an exceptionally good experience with Always Best Care during my mother's illness. The”
“Thank you Jahima, Esther, Satta, Myra, Kelly & Susan. Carmen should be pleased. Keep up”
“Words cannot express how grateful my family and I am for the kindness, care, and”
“Gimbert & Carmen were very accommodating and knowledgeable with the needs of my father. They”
“You have been outstanding in caregiving and concern for us both. We cannot thank you”
“Gimbert and Carmen Fernandez are very knowledgeable in the area of elder care services and”
“My wife and I are eternally grateful to Always Best Care for the wonderful care”
“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.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services in Princeton Junction exceeded our expectations. Their team was kind, attentive, and provided excellent care tailored to our family’s needs. Communication was clear and supportive throughout. We’re so grateful for their compassion and professionalism. Highly recommend them for anyone seeking trusted senior home care in the area!”
“Could not have asked for a more caring group of professionals. From care giver to support staff, they are exceptional”
“ABC COULD NOT HAVE DONE BETTER IN A CHANGING SITUATION WITH TWO TERMINALLY PATIENTS HAVING ALZ AND STAGE IV PANCREATIC CANCER. QUALITY OF CARE TAKER WAS SUPERB AND RESPONSIVENESS TO CHANGING NEEDS PERFECT.”
“Always best care took care of my father for about 10 years..Though my father was very lucid and managed his own care with the agency, I was at his house alot and participated in his care with the aids. They were all very caring and he kindly spoke of the owners being very attentive and offered very personalized care. They even visited him. I am very fond of many of the home health aids..they were loving and concerned. They took their job to another level. I even formed friendships with some of them. The golden years are a very delicate part of our lives. Always best care not only offered good physical care to my father, but unbounded love and compassion !!!! Thank you and he is looking down at us. I'm sure.”
“ABC and their amazing care givers enabled our Aunt to get her last wish was to die in her home. I can’t say enough about how ABC was able to give her a quality of life that she valued as well as provide comfort to her family knowing that she was in good hands with ABC's Caregivers. From the caregivers that always went the extra mile to the fast response we got 24x7 from folks like Carli…you were there for us!”
“Mom developed an infection in the afternoon that left her too weak and disoriented to care for herself for that night. I called Always Best Care Senior Services (ABC) at the very end of the business day, asking if they could find someone for one night of 12-hour private duty care on pretty much an emergency basis. The ABC team went to work and secured a caregiver for mom within a matter of hours for an 8pm-to-8am care shift at mom's senior living community. We had worked with ABC in the past on a scheduled basis, but this experience was above and beyond the call of regular duty and it truly helped us get through a difficult and stressful episode. We would recommend ABC for any and all of your senior care needs.”
“Faithful, Love, and Family.”
“Very professional organization and sent the right aide, Sam, to help me with my father in day to day activities. Sam helps him with gait training and understands dementia care and how to handle care, the way the client needs it. I would not hesitate using this agency and Sam is excellent.”
“I had a great experience with the agency, Always Best Care! I am attending college, and they always provided me an aide that is helpful, considerate, and hardworking. Thank you for always providing me with an aide like Ms. Colleta!!”
“Roberto took care of my husband like he was a member of his family. He was God sent; thank God for him”
“The aide's were respectful, reliable and friendly and staff responds timely to calls and needs”
“Everyone was great. I’ve come a long way due to the help of your aides. Thank you again!”
“You have a GEM in Mrs. Terry. She is worth so much more than she is paid! I miss her. Her help was timely, professional, and invaluable”
“Very very helpful, I was desperate when I called and that same day I had professional help. Tremendous your service”
“We had an exceptionally good experience with Always Best Care during my mother's illness. The management met with us and assigned caregivers almost immediately. As our needs evolved and increased, they were responsive and flexible. The caregivers were well-trained, kind, hard-working, and truly fine people whom we enjoyed having in the house.”
“Thank you Jahima, Esther, Satta, Myra, Kelly & Susan. Carmen should be pleased. Keep up the good work, and be safe!”
“Words cannot express how grateful my family and I am for the kindness, care, and concern that was shown for my husband by the Always Best Care staff. Thank you for the exceptional attention to his comfort, as well as the wonderful insights, strength, knowledge, and emotional support you showed our entire family. Watching someone you love make the transition out of this life is a really difficult thing, and your wisdom and comfort helped us navigate this challenging time. I will always be thankful for the service you provided for him. I would also like to acknowledge the excellent care provided to my husband by Ms. Marie Louisjean. We thank Ms. Louisjean for her incredible patience, tenderness, and attention to his needs. We thank her for being such a dedicated caregiver. God has given her a very special talent and He has blessed her with a compassionate heart. I could not have asked for a more passionate group of people. May God continue to bless the Always Best Care staff as you continue to care for people in need.”
“Gimbert & Carmen were very accommodating and knowledgeable with the needs of my father. They came out to his house and offered suggestions so that he would be able to get around with his walker easily. Their person took great care of my Dad. It is such a relief to my sister and I that we had someone stay with my Dad that was so reliable. I highly recommend them.”
“You have been outstanding in caregiving and concern for us both. We cannot thank you enough. Thanks for always being there for us in every way.”
“Gimbert and Carmen Fernandez are very knowledgeable in the area of elder care services and how best to provide workable care solutions for aging relatives. They are well informed on current issues and available options. I speak from my own experience here and strongly recommend then and their company to anyone in need of assistance in this area. They are compassionate and caring people which is critical in their business!”
“My wife and I are eternally grateful to Always Best Care for the wonderful care they provided for our Aunt and Uncle as they battled with diminishing health and mental conditions. Carmen and Gimbert were always available to us to answer questions and discuss aspects of care that was needed. Without their help the situations that we faced would have been so much worse. God Bless.”
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 Deep Cut Gardens 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 Esca Restaurant Wine Bar or visit TaylorButler House, 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.
Request More Information
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 Middletown, 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 Middletown, 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 Middletown, 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.
A woman who is legally blind and nearly deaf continues her battle to get the Middletown school district to provide a school bus.MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Update on this story: The Middletown school district gave them a bus. Middletown Schools Will Provide A Bus For Legally Blind Mother's ChildrenA married couple from Middletown spoke at last Tuesday's Board of Education meeting, where they continued to ask the school district to provide a school bus for their children.Rob and Carolyn Bradfield, of Stratto...
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Update on this story: The Middletown school district gave them a bus. Middletown Schools Will Provide A Bus For Legally Blind Mother's Children
A married couple from Middletown spoke at last Tuesday's Board of Education meeting, where they continued to ask the school district to provide a school bus for their children.
Rob and Carolyn Bradfield, of Stratton Place in Middletown, have three children who attend New Monmouth Elementary. Their ages are 9, 7 and 6.
Carolyn Bradfield has Usher syndrome, a genetic condition that causes Deafblindness. She suffers from moderate to severe hearing loss and has worn hearing aids since she was two years old.
In 2020, when she was 33 years old, doctors told Bradfield that her vision had deteriorated to the extent that she was legally blind. Doctors told her she should no longer drive, and she does not currently have a driver's license. Her peripheral vision has narrowed to only 12 degrees, whereas it should be 180 degrees. Bradfield previously compared it to looking through a paper towel roll, but she said it's deteriorated even more so as of today, and is more like looking through a straw.
The family lives about 1.5 miles by car from New Monmouth Elementary, and a 1.9-mile walk, so they do not qualify to receive busing from the district. Across the state of New Jersey, if you live less than 2 miles from your child's elementary school or 2.5 miles from your child's middle or high school, the school district is not required to provide a bus.
The route they would take to walk to school is down Wilson Avenue, onto Cherry Tree Farm Road and then onto New Monmouth Road. There are sidewalks the entire way, and there is a crossing guard at the corner of New Monmouth and Cherry Tree Farm Road.
However, Bradfield said the sidewalks are crumbling in parts and people put their garbage and recycling cans on the sidewalk, and she would have to go around them and into the street. It's particularly dangerous for her to attempt this with her severely limited vision, and with three small children, she said.
The speed limit is 40 MPH on Cherry Tree Farm Road and 35 MPH on New Monmouth and Wilson Ave., but cars often go much faster than that.
"One of those is a county road and you have trucks flying past you, and it's difficult for me to navigate a wagon and little kids," she told Patch this week. "Also, not only has my visibility dimmed, but I wear hearing aids and if we're walking on a busy road I can't hear what my kids are saying."
What the couple is requesting is that the school bus that goes down Wilson Avenue pick up their children. The husband-wife said they would be happy to walk the three children to the corner of Garrett and Wilson aves., and wait for the bus there.
In 2023, the Bradfields sued the Middletown school district over this matter. The school district usually does not publicly comment on active lawsuits, however, this week superintendent Jessica Alfone took the unusual move to respond:
“Thank you for an opportunity to comment," said Alfone Wednesday. "The bus routes for the 2025-2026 school year have yet to be finalized. If it turns out that there will be a bus running through the Bradfield's neighborhood to their children’s school and we can accommodate them, then we will do so.”
The Middletown school district initially tried to have the Bradfield's lawsuit dismissed, but in 2024, federal judge Peter Sheridan ruled the suit could proceed. He said it needs to be determined if the family is entitled to special privileges under the Americans with Disabilities Act, as he described Carolyn Bradfield as "a severely disabled woman with extremely limited sight and hearing."
"The Board must ... treat a disabled person fairly ... and thereby accommodate the disability in a reasonable fashion," wrote Sheridan in his 2024 opinion. "The focus is on the ADA (the Americans with Disabilities Act) ... and Carolyn's disability and whether an accommodation to treat the disabled individual fairly is (of) paramount concern."
In his opinion on the case, Judge Sheridan continued:
"Walking to school is challenging because (Carolyn) cares for the younger children and her impaired vision makes it difficult to see objects in her periphery, such as low-hanging branches, moving vehicles and any other objects unless she looks directly at them. In addition, Carolyn Bradfield's hearing impairment makes it difficult for her to hear ambient noises, including sounds from her children, other people, the weather, moving vehicles, unless she is looking in the direction of the sound."
The family has had to rely on friends and neighbors to drive their three kids. And their children have missed school: During the 2021/'22 school year, their two oldest children missed nearly a month of school mostly due to their mother being physically unable to walk them there.
The issue of school busing in Middletown
Busing for school students has always been a thorny issue in Middletown.
The Middletown school district provides "accommodation" or "courtesy busing" in certain cases, such as when children and teenagers have to walk along hazardous roads. Also, after the Middletown school district closed Port Monmouth Elementary in 2020, the district provided buses for those PoMo students who were shuffled to nearby elementaries.
However, some Lincroft families have been asking for a bus to take their kids to South for years — and have been denied. In 2021, a group of parents said it wasn't fair teenagers had to walk along a dangerous stretch of Middletown-Lincroft Road to get to South.
"What we hear all the time is if we get the busing, then it will open up a floodgate of other parents who want busing in Middletown. Well, the difference here is Carolyn's disability," Rob Bradfield said on Wednesday. "Our argument is they are legally required to provide transportation because of the Americans with Disabilities Act."
Five years ago, former Middletown superintendent Bill George heard the Bradfield's situation and agreed to provide a bus to take their oldest daughter, then 3, to a preschool program at New Monmouth. At the time, he stressed the district was only doing this as a courtesy, and that it was not legally obligated to provide the bus, said Carolyn.
That was in March 2020. One day after the bus picked her up, all New Jersey schools closed due to the pandemic.
Once the Bradfields started sending their kids to school again, their daughter was again provided the bus through June 2021, even though no PreK, non-IEP students in Middletown receive a bus. Carolyn said superintendent Dr. George did this, again, as a courtesy and because of her disability.
But then in the 2021-'22 school year, new superintendent Mary Ellen Walker canceled the Bradfield's bus and gave them a myriad of reasons, including that there was no route close to their pick-up location and there was a shortage of bus drivers. That same year, the cash-strapped Middletown school district — currently dealing with an approximately $10 million budget hole — eliminated several bus routes entirely to save money.
Judge Sheridan, now retired, and other judges who heard the Bradfield's case have asked the couple and the district to settle outside of court. So far, Middletown refused. The lawsuit has still not been resolved as of today.
"It's just been dragged along — all of 2024 was a legal battle where we compiled 500 pages of my private medical records and depositions," said Bradfield. "If this continues, now the business administrator and Middletown's transportation coordinator will have to be deposed."
We’ve always believed in building real relationships, and having multiple local offices makes it easier for our clients to sit down with our team face-to-face...”MIDDLETOWN, NJ, UNITED STATES, August 6, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Wingman Planning, a full-service marketing agency known for its personalized approach and creative solutions, is proud to announce the opening of its third office location at 107 Tindall Road in Middletown, NJ.With existing offices in Manasquan and Belmar, this new Middletown locatio...
We’ve always believed in building real relationships, and having multiple local offices makes it easier for our clients to sit down with our team face-to-face...”
MIDDLETOWN, NJ, UNITED STATES, August 6, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Wingman Planning, a full-service marketing agency known for its personalized approach and creative solutions, is proud to announce the opening of its third office location at 107 Tindall Road in Middletown, NJ.
With existing offices in Manasquan and Belmar, this new Middletown location allows Wingman to better serve clients in northern Monmouth County and surrounding areas, offering a convenient space for meetings, brainstorming sessions, and collaboration.
“This new office helps us meet our clients where they are,” said Tom Mirabella, CEO and Founder of Wingman Planning. “We’ve always believed in building real relationships, and having multiple local offices makes it easier for our clients to sit down with our team face-to-face—whether they’re in Manasquan, Belmar, or now Middletown.”
The Middletown office also marks a milestone in Wingman’s continued growth, as it becomes the first location operated by a Wingman franchisee. Marc Vazquez will be leading this office as the company’s first franchise owner.
“I’m incredibly proud to open Wingman’s first franchise location here in Middletown.” said Marc Vazquez. It’s an exciting opportunity to build deeper connections with local businesses and continue delivering the creative, results-driven marketing Wingman is known for.”
Clients can now choose the most convenient Wingman location for meetings, project check-ins, or creative sessions—further strengthening Wingman’s ability to deliver collaborative, local marketing support.
Wingman Planning – Middletown
107 Tindall Road, Suite 8
Middletown, NJ 07748
Phone: (732) 788-3488
To learn more about Wingman Planning or schedule a meeting at one of our locations, visit www.wingmanplanning.com.
About Wingman Planning Wingman Planning is a full-service marketing agency based in New Jersey with franchise opportunities available nationwide. We help local businesses grow through strategic marketing campaigns—and now, we’re empowering entrepreneurs to do the same in their own communities through the Wingman franchise program. Visit www.wingmanplanning.com for more information.
Wingman Franchise Team Wingman Planning +1 732-539-5980 email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube TikTok
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Go seining in Sandy Hook Bay, look for a shooting star and enjoy live music in your county parks this August. What's planned:MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Go seining in Sandy Hook Bay, look for a shooting star and enjoy live music in your county parks this August. These are just some of the family-friendly activities the Monmouth County Park System has planned for the month.Seining Along Sandy Hook BayMondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, August 1-22 from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Mo...
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Go seining in Sandy Hook Bay, look for a shooting star and enjoy live music in your county parks this August. These are just some of the family-friendly activities the Monmouth County Park System has planned for the month.
Seining Along Sandy Hook Bay
Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, August 1-22 from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth - Meet on the beach near the parking lot.
Discover a variety of fish, crabs and other sea creatures as we pull a long seine net along the edge of Sandy Hook Bay. Closed-toe shoes are required. Parents or guardians are required to stay with and supervise their children. No swimming during the event. This program is designed for individuals and families. Weather permitting. FREE!
Boat Tours of the Manasquan Reservoir
Friday, August 1 at 6 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Saturdays & Sundays, August 2 & 3, 9 & 10, 16 & 17, 23 & 24, and 30 & 31 at 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m. & 5 p.m.
Wednesdays, August 6, 13, 20 & 27 at 2 p.m., 3 p.m. & 4 p.m.
Manasquan Reservoir, Howell
These 45-minute tours are narrated by Park System naturalists and include opportunities to view local wildlife. The cost is $6 per adult and $4 per child, age 12 and under. Children must be 1 year or older to attend and able to sit independently during the duration of the tour. Please call to confirm schedule as tours are both weather and water level dependent. All tours leave from the Visitor Center. Life-jackets required. Tickets can be purchased on day of tour only.
Cookstove Demonstration
Saturday, August 2 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
See what's cooking on the woodstove and discover how recipes, cooking techniques and kitchens have changed since the 1890s. FREE!
Thompson Park Canoe Rentals
Saturdays & Sundays, August 2 & 3, 16 & 17, and 30 & 31 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Thompson Park, Lincroft
Canoes will be available for rent on Marlu Lake. All equipment provided; limited number of canoes available. Open to all ages; under 18 with adult. All rentals must be returned by 3 p.m. The cost is $15 per boat for 1-3 people for two hours; cash or check only.
Milling Demonstrations
Saturdays & Sundays, August 2 & 3, 9 & 10, 16 & 17, 23 & 24, and 30 & 31 at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.
Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold
See the 19th century gristmill grind corn into meal. Each demonstration lasts approximately 15 minutes. FREE!
Victorian Laundry Demonstration
Sunday, August 3 from 1-2:30 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
From lighting the wood stove to ironing the aprons, experience a late-Victorian laundry day during this demonstration. FREE!
Tidal Tuesdays - Seining at Fisherman's Cove
Tuesdays, August 5, 12, 19 & 26 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area, Manasquan
Seine for a variety of fish, crabs and other sea creatures along the cove during this Park System naturalist-led program. Closed-toe shoes are required. Parents or guardians are required to stay with and supervise their children. No swimming during the event. Weather permitting. FREE!
Fishing 101 – A Beginner’s Guide to Fishing
Thursdays, August 7, 14, 21 & 28 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Manasquan Reservoir, Howell
Learn how to rig, bait, cast and, hopefully, catch your first fish during this program. Come and go at any time. Bait and tackle provided. Open to all ages; under 14 with adult. Fishing license required for ages 16-69. Stop by the bait shop for day of registration. No groups, please. FREE!
Life in a Freshwater Pond
Thursdays, August 7, 14 & 21 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Freneau Woods Park, Aberdeen - Meet outside the Visitor Center.
Join Park System naturalists to explore a freshwater pond and look for basking turtles, hopping frogs, hunting herons, splashing fish and anything else that catches our eye. We will also discover the unique life that lies underneath the water in a freshwater pond. Wear closed-toe shoes. Open to all ages; under 18 with adult. Weather permitting. FREE!
Basket Weaving Demonstration
Saturday, August 9 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold
Visit the Penn/Jersey Basket Weaving Guild as they weave baskets. FREE!
Open Shoot Archery
Saturday, August 9 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Thompson Park Activity Barn, Lincroft
All equipment is provided for this open shoot. No outside equipment permitted. This is not an instructional clinic and NOT designed for beginners. If you are new to archery, register for one of our instructional classes prior to attending. Open to ages 10 and up; under 18 with adult. The cost is $10 per person; cash or check only.
Under the Summer Stars
Wednesday, August 13 from 10:30-11:30 p.m.
Dorbrook Recreation Area, Colts Neck – Use the soccer field parking lot.
Look for key objects and constellations in the night sky with our guide. Bring a camp chair to rest on as we star search and a flashlight to light your way in the dark. Program may be cancelled due to overcast skies or inclement weather. Open to all ages; under 18 with adult. FREE!
Concert in the Park: Bring on the Funk with The Fumos
Friday, August 15 from 7-8:30 p.m.
Thompson Park Theater Barn, Lincroft - Concert is outdoors but will move inside if weather is inclement.
Come ready to dance to an array of memorable classic tunes and jams. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets, food and soft drinks. FREE!
19th Century Woodworking Demonstration
Saturday, August 16 from 12-3 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
See how a woodworker studies his materials, plies his tools, and crafts beautiful and functional items. FREE!
Piano Ballads from the Turn-of-the-Century
Saturday, August 16 from 1-3 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Hear popular turn-of-the-19th-century ballads played in the farmhouse. FREE!
Bluegrass and Old-Time Music
Sunday, August 17 from 1-3 p.m.
Thompson Park, Lincroft – Outside the Theater Barn
The Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Association will meet for a jam session under the trees. Bring your own bass, banjo, fiddle, mandolin or guitar to join in, or just stop by and enjoy an afternoon of music. FREE!
Music on the Porch
Sunday, August 17 from 1-3 p.m.
Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold
Let the toe tapping tunes of an acoustic duo enliven your visit. FREE!
Casual Birder
Tuesday, August 19 at 9 a.m.
Hartshorne Woods Park - Meet in the Rocky Point parking lot in Highlands.
Join a Park System Naturalist for a laid-back morning bird walk and meander through the park for about an hour and a half to see what birds we can find. Participants should expect to be walking a few miles (2-4) on sometimes uneven or muddy terrain. No need to be an expert at identifying birds to enjoy. A limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow if needed. FREE!
Open Mic Poetry - Reinvention & The Romantic Era
Wednesday, August 20 from 7-8:30 p.m.
Thompson Park Theater Barn, Lincroft
Explore or recite literary works during a time of alliteration, rhythm and verse. All are welcome to read your work aloud or read work from your favorite poet(s). Must be appropriate for a family-oriented audience. Pre-registration is recommended for readers and available by calling 732-542-1642, ext. 4648. FREE!
Nature Lecture: Sea Turtles of the Jersey Shore
Thursday, August 21 from 7-8 p.m.
Bayshore Waterfront Park Activity Center, Port Monmouth
Find out which species of sea turtles call the Jersey Shore home and what threatens their survival during this talk by a Park System naturalist. FREE!
Accordion Melodies of the 1890s
Saturday, August 23 from 1-3 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Hear melodies of the 1890s played on the accordion during your visit. FREE!
Penny Rug Demonstration
Saturday, August 23 from 1-3 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
See how scraps of wool or felted wool from old clothing were used to create mats and rugs during this demonstration. FREE!
Concert in the Park - American Classics: Weill, Gershwin, Bernstein in Concert
Saturday, August 23 from 7-8:30 p.m.
Thompson Park Theater Barn, Lincroft
Celebrate the musical legacies of Kurt Weill, George Gershwin and Leonard Bernstein during this performance by Creative OPERAtions. FREE!
Climb Time
Sunday, August 24 from 12-3 p.m.
Shark River Park, Wall
Try the Park System's 25’ portable climbing wall. You must be 42” or taller to climb. Open to ages 8 and up; under 18 with adult. FREE!
Smocking Demonstration
Saturday, August 30 from 1-3 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
View the lost art of smocking, a decorative embroidery made by gathering cloth in regularly spaced round tucks. FREE!
Also, the Park System has a number of sites listed on the National Registers of Historic Places that open for free tours during the warmer months including:
Historic Battery Lewis
Saturdays & Sundays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; tours offered through October 12.
Hartshorne Woods Park - Use Rocky Point entrance in Highlands.
Historic Holmes-Hendrickson House
Friday-Sunday from 12-3 p.m. starting every half hour; tours offered through October 5.
Holmdel Park, Holmdel
Historic Portland Place
Wednesday-Sunday at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m.; tours offered through November 16.
Hartshorne Woods Park, Locust section of Middletown
Historic Racing Stable
Fridays from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturdays & Sundays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; tours offered through October 19.
Thompson Park, Lincroft
Historic Seabrook-Wilson House
Mondays, Thursdays & Sundays from 1-4 p.m.; tours offered through October 30.
Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth
Please note that these historic sites may close due inclement weather and on county holidays.
To learn more about these Park System activities, please visit www.MonmouthCountyParks.com or call the Park System at 732-842-4000.
OUR SCHOOLSMIDDLETOWN — The white and blue letters across the green grass marked a new chapter for Mater Dei Prep's former football field. On the morning of June 25, those letters spelled "Mater Dei Park" to mark what will become Monmouth County's newest preserved open space.The green fields here — where adults walked the track and children played baseball on that hot Wednesday morning — were at risk of being redeveloped into townhomes, Middletown Mayor Anthony "Tony" Perry said.&quo...
OUR SCHOOLS
MIDDLETOWN — The white and blue letters across the green grass marked a new chapter for Mater Dei Prep's former football field. On the morning of June 25, those letters spelled "Mater Dei Park" to mark what will become Monmouth County's newest preserved open space.
The green fields here — where adults walked the track and children played baseball on that hot Wednesday morning — were at risk of being redeveloped into townhomes, Middletown Mayor Anthony "Tony" Perry said.
"These 25 acres will now forever be preserved," he said. "It will forever hold the memory of all the terrific football games, baseball games, all the athletes (of Mater Dei Prep), all the famous alumni."
Earlier this year, Perry announced the township and county had reached an agreement with St. Mary, Mother of God Church in Middletown to acquire the Mater Dei property for $11.75 million dollars. On Wednesday, he said the county would be funding $8.8 million of that purchase.
St. Mary's Pastor Jeffrey J. Kegley said the money would go into an endowment that will support the parish's school in Middletown that serves preschool through eighth grade students.
"We are committed to Catholic education here at Saint Mary School," he said.
Church leaders announced the closure of Mater Dei Prep, the adjacent high school, in 2022. School leaders at the time cited a severe decline in enrollment as driving the decision.
Even before the school closed, Mater Dei's athletic fields became a popular recreation and exercise spot for the community, Kegley said.
"It essentially became a park during COVID," he said. "People were riding bikes. Parents (were) pushing the carriages. It really had that park feel."
By keeping the Mater Dei name, the new park will honor the school's and parish's histories, Kegley said.
"This would be a travesty if this was not preserved," Monmouth County Commissioner Director Thomas Arnone said. "We are not only going to keep what we had before (at this site), we're actually going to make it a little better."
While local officials said the grounds and athletic facilities will be preserved or improved, demolition has already started on Mater Dei Prep's building.
"Despite the fact that the school is closed, this is not a shutdown facility," Perry said.
Amanda Oglesby is an Ocean County native who covers education and the environment. She has worked for the Press for more than 17 years. Reach her at @OglesbyAPP, [email protected] or 732-557-5701.
609-455-2886
