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 Washington Monument State Park in Middletown, 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 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. The staff and”
“Always Best Care Senior Services in Princeton Junction exceeded our expectations. Their team was kind,”
“Could not have asked for a more caring group of professionals. From care giver to”
“ABC COULD NOT HAVE DONE BETTER IN A CHANGING SITUATION WITH TWO TERMINALLY PATIENTS HAVING”
“Always best care took care of my father for about 10 years..Though my father was”
“ABC and their amazing care givers enabled our Aunt to get her last wish was”
“Mom developed an infection in the afternoon that left her too weak and disoriented to”
“Faithful, Love, and Family.”
“Very professional organization and sent the right aide, Sam, to help me with my father”
“I had a great experience with the agency, Always Best Care! I am attending college,”
“Roberto took care of my husband like he was a member of his family. He”
“The aide's were respectful, reliable and friendly and staff responds timely to calls and needs”
“Everyone was great. I’ve come a long way due to the help of your aides.”
“You have a GEM in Mrs. Terry. She is worth so much more than she”
“Very very helpful, I was desperate when I called and that same day I had”
“We had an exceptionally good experience with Always Best Care during my mother's illness. The”
“Thank you Jahima, Esther, Satta, Myra, Kelly & Susan. Carmen should be pleased. Keep up”
“Words cannot express how grateful my family and I am for the kindness, care, and”
“Gimbert & Carmen were very accommodating and knowledgeable with the needs of my father. They”
“You have been outstanding in caregiving and concern for us both. We cannot thank you”
“Gimbert and Carmen Fernandez are very knowledgeable in the area of elder care services and”
“My wife and I are eternally grateful to Always Best Care for the wonderful care”
“Your service was just what I needed. I would not hesitate to use your services”
“Mai was wonderful in every way. She gave great care to my father and also”
“ALWAYS BEST CARE, Princeton Junction is the place to call if you need help in”
“It was a pleasure meeting Carmen! I appreciate the time she spent with me -”
“My wife and I are eternally grateful to Always Best Care for the wonderful care”
“We are so appreciative of the care and service of your team. Mariama was a lovely caregiver, and I especially appreciated Carli's guidance throughout the process.”
“As we wind down our trip to New Jersey both Megan and I wish to thank you personally and Always Best Care for taking care of our needs! Your professionalism and support made our experience pleasant. After having experienced three different service providers in Maryland I can say your services are above par! And Ernesta is truly supportive of Megan’s needs. She is calm, compassionate and respectful. Also your on call service is very quick to react to our changing needs!”
“A special shoutout to our primary caregivers: Marie C. and Florette P.. They were outstanding! And extra thanks to Carli, who always came through when we needed backup. Many thanks to the ABC team for all the care you gave to my husband Al H. through 3 years of Parkinson's suffering, and the support you gave me through a hard time.”
“Terrific company. Management is tops. Very caring staff. I highly recommend them. The staff and management are extremely professional and caring, resulting in a very comfortable experience.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services in Princeton Junction exceeded our expectations. Their team was kind, attentive, and provided excellent care tailored to our family’s needs. Communication was clear and supportive throughout. We’re so grateful for their compassion and professionalism. Highly recommend them for anyone seeking trusted senior home care in the area!”
“Could not have asked for a more caring group of professionals. From care giver to support staff, they are exceptional”
“ABC COULD NOT HAVE DONE BETTER IN A CHANGING SITUATION WITH TWO TERMINALLY PATIENTS HAVING ALZ AND STAGE IV PANCREATIC CANCER. QUALITY OF CARE TAKER WAS SUPERB AND RESPONSIVENESS TO CHANGING NEEDS PERFECT.”
“Always best care took care of my father for about 10 years..Though my father was very lucid and managed his own care with the agency, I was at his house alot and participated in his care with the aids. They were all very caring and he kindly spoke of the owners being very attentive and offered very personalized care. They even visited him. I am very fond of many of the home health aids..they were loving and concerned. They took their job to another level. I even formed friendships with some of them. The golden years are a very delicate part of our lives. Always best care not only offered good physical care to my father, but unbounded love and compassion !!!! Thank you and he is looking down at us. I'm sure.”
“ABC and their amazing care givers enabled our Aunt to get her last wish was to die in her home. I can’t say enough about how ABC was able to give her a quality of life that she valued as well as provide comfort to her family knowing that she was in good hands with ABC's Caregivers. From the caregivers that always went the extra mile to the fast response we got 24x7 from folks like Carli…you were there for us!”
“Mom developed an infection in the afternoon that left her too weak and disoriented to care for herself for that night. I called Always Best Care Senior Services (ABC) at the very end of the business day, asking if they could find someone for one night of 12-hour private duty care on pretty much an emergency basis. The ABC team went to work and secured a caregiver for mom within a matter of hours for an 8pm-to-8am care shift at mom's senior living community. We had worked with ABC in the past on a scheduled basis, but this experience was above and beyond the call of regular duty and it truly helped us get through a difficult and stressful episode. We would recommend ABC for any and all of your senior care needs.”
“Faithful, Love, and Family.”
“Very professional organization and sent the right aide, Sam, to help me with my father in day to day activities. Sam helps him with gait training and understands dementia care and how to handle care, the way the client needs it. I would not hesitate using this agency and Sam is excellent.”
“I had a great experience with the agency, Always Best Care! I am attending college, and they always provided me an aide that is helpful, considerate, and hardworking. Thank you for always providing me with an aide like Ms. Colleta!!”
“Roberto took care of my husband like he was a member of his family. He was God sent; thank God for him”
“The aide's were respectful, reliable and friendly and staff responds timely to calls and needs”
“Everyone was great. I’ve come a long way due to the help of your aides. Thank you again!”
“You have a GEM in Mrs. Terry. She is worth so much more than she is paid! I miss her. Her help was timely, professional, and invaluable”
“Very very helpful, I was desperate when I called and that same day I had professional help. Tremendous your service”
“We had an exceptionally good experience with Always Best Care during my mother's illness. The management met with us and assigned caregivers almost immediately. As our needs evolved and increased, they were responsive and flexible. The caregivers were well-trained, kind, hard-working, and truly fine people whom we enjoyed having in the house.”
“Thank you Jahima, Esther, Satta, Myra, Kelly & Susan. Carmen should be pleased. Keep up the good work, and be safe!”
“Words cannot express how grateful my family and I am for the kindness, care, and concern that was shown for my husband by the Always Best Care staff. Thank you for the exceptional attention to his comfort, as well as the wonderful insights, strength, knowledge, and emotional support you showed our entire family. Watching someone you love make the transition out of this life is a really difficult thing, and your wisdom and comfort helped us navigate this challenging time. I will always be thankful for the service you provided for him. I would also like to acknowledge the excellent care provided to my husband by Ms. Marie Louisjean. We thank Ms. Louisjean for her incredible patience, tenderness, and attention to his needs. We thank her for being such a dedicated caregiver. God has given her a very special talent and He has blessed her with a compassionate heart. I could not have asked for a more passionate group of people. May God continue to bless the Always Best Care staff as you continue to care for people in need.”
“Gimbert & Carmen were very accommodating and knowledgeable with the needs of my father. They came out to his house and offered suggestions so that he would be able to get around with his walker easily. Their person took great care of my Dad. It is such a relief to my sister and I that we had someone stay with my Dad that was so reliable. I highly recommend them.”
“You have been outstanding in caregiving and concern for us both. We cannot thank you enough. Thanks for always being there for us in every way.”
“Gimbert and Carmen Fernandez are very knowledgeable in the area of elder care services and how best to provide workable care solutions for aging relatives. They are well informed on current issues and available options. I speak from my own experience here and strongly recommend then and their company to anyone in need of assistance in this area. They are compassionate and caring people which is critical in their business!”
“My wife and I are eternally grateful to Always Best Care for the wonderful care they provided for our Aunt and Uncle as they battled with diminishing health and mental conditions. Carmen and Gimbert were always available to us to answer questions and discuss aspects of care that was needed. Without their help the situations that we faced would have been so much worse. God Bless.”
“Your service was just what I needed. I would not hesitate to use your services in the future if needed. I would recommend you to anyone needing your help. Again, thank you for caring.”
“Mai was wonderful in every way. She gave great care to my father and also cared for me and my family.”
“ALWAYS BEST CARE, Princeton Junction is the place to call if you need help in caring for a loved one. We have a brother and his significant other who were living independently and when visiting them realized they had not been eating or keeping their home clean. Since we knew of Always Best Care and heard of their excellent reputation we contacted them. They immediately stepped in and assisted us in knowing what steps we needed to take. After taking both our brother and his significant other to the doctors and learning that they had the beginnings of Alzheimer’s disease, we met with Carmen who helped us set up a plan. She suggested that we start with a few days a week of in home care so that we would know that they were eating. She provided us with excellent aids that not only helped prepare meals, but also interacted with our family members to encourage socialization. These few days increased to five days a week which left us with Saturday and Sunday to monitor their eating. While this was taking place, Carmen helped us find an Assisted Living Community where they could move. We visited several in the area and decided on one after consulting with Carmen. She and Gimbert were always available to take our calls if we had any questions. They helped us with finding someone to clean out the house and assisted us in relocating our bother and his significant other to their new home. We have recommended Always Best Care to several of our neighbors who have needed assistance with caring for loved ones. Carmen is on top of any situation that needs attention. Whether a person needs an aid for a week, a month or indefinitely she arranges the right person for the client’s needs. Always Best Care, Carmen and Gimbert, cared for our family members as if they were their own family. We would not have been able to care for our family members as well as the aids from Always Best Care.Hopefully we will not need the services of Always Best Care again, but if we do we know that they will be there to help us.”
“It was a pleasure meeting Carmen! I appreciate the time she spent with me - her knowledge/advice, genuine caring, and friendly personality. We're managing well and hopefully that continues and if needed, we know to call ABC.”
“My wife and I are eternally grateful to Always Best Care for the wonderful care they provided for our Aunt and Uncle as they battled with diminishing health and mental conditions. Carmen and Gimbert were always available to us to answer questions and discuss aspects of care that was needed. Without their help the situations that we faced would have been so much worse. God Bless.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Deep Cut Gardens in Middletown, 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 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.
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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 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.
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — On Wednesday night, the Monmouth County League of Women Voters held a forum for the seven candidates running for the Middletown school board.The forum lasted for 1 hour, 30 minutes and you can watch it here: https://lwvmonmouth.org/vid98....All candidates participated except for Joe Fitzgerald, who said he declined to participate because of, as he said, the League's "partisan stances and their history of attacking conservatives." (Fitzgerald's entire statement as to why he did not participate is...
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — On Wednesday night, the Monmouth County League of Women Voters held a forum for the seven candidates running for the Middletown school board.
The forum lasted for 1 hour, 30 minutes and you can watch it here: https://lwvmonmouth.org/vid98....
All candidates participated except for Joe Fitzgerald, who said he declined to participate because of, as he said, the League's "partisan stances and their history of attacking conservatives." (Fitzgerald's entire statement as to why he did not participate is at the bottom of this article.)
The League of Women Voters moderator said "unfortunately, he could not be with us this evening."
During the Q&A Wednesday night, the candidates were asked a number of questions submitted by the public, including how they would improve transparency and communication with the community; their thoughts are on redistricting and how they would address Middletown's budget crisis (earlier this year, the current BOE took a 6-3 vote to approve a 10.1 percent school tax increase, and the district said it has a $10-million budget deficit.)
The first question submitted from the public was: "The budget seems to be a contentious issue in Middletown, a 10 percent increase last year. How would you address this financial challenge today?"
"The 10 percent increase was a failure of oversight over the course of the years ... this was completely avoidable," candidate James Dobis answered, in part. "There's no reason that there should have been a last-minute deal to have to decide at 5 p.m. that there was gonna be a vote at 7 p.m. to close schools."
"If I'm elected, we're gonna start digging into some of these contracts, some of these consulting contracts that they're sending RFPs out for," Dobis continued. "We're spending tens of thousands of dollars in order to do things that maybe the administration could do. We're gonna have to look into the size of our administration and other areas to reign costs in."
Chris Aveta said of the 10.1 percent tax increase:
"There were other alternatives. When you first heard, it was going to be around 5.88 percent. Then they said OK, let's apply to the state to go up to 10.1 percent and then all of a sudden there was a vote and they went right to 10 percent ... So, rightfully so, the community is very upset by this ... All's we got was a huge increase with nothing to show for it, and maybe another one coming next year."
James Cody's answer was similar. He said when he was on Middletown school board, he was aware of the budget starting in January.
"So I don't know how this board is saying they were blindsided. I think all's it was was a money grab," said Cody. "Because we did have talk about 5.88 percent ... and then it came back and said they were $700,000 short ... and they came out with the 10.1 percent because they were able to."
"And we'll get elected and go in there and find out exactly what happened."
"Le'ts be honest: The 10.1-percent was completely unnecessary," said Sarah Weinstein (She, Aveta and Cody are running together as a slate). "We did not need to increase it that much for the county to approve the proposal ... It was stated in the meeting that more money is more money, and that's always a great thing, but we are still going to listen to whatever this third-party study has to say regarding school closures. But nobody wanted to listen to that comment. Instead, there was a lot of yelling and screaming and people were pushed to vote for a 10.1-percent increase that didn't do anything except for burden our taxpayers and our fellow neighbors that don't even have children in the schools."
Leonora Lacqua-Caminiti is currently on the Board. She was one of the board members who voted for the 10.1 percent tax increase, as did Fitzgerald.
On Wednesday night, Lacqua-Caminiti said she and the rest of the BOE were kept in the dark by BOE leadership, meaning Board president Frank Capone and Board vice president Jacqueline Tobacco.
"I sit on the board. I was one of the people who voted for the 10 percent increase," she said. "It's nice when board leadership brings you into the fold. There was no discussion on what was happening with our board. It was thrown at us the night we went out to vote on the budget."
"I would have forced myself into that room to make sure that we are all there as a board representing the taxpayers," said candidate Erin Torres. "It is not acceptable that we have people who are gatekeeping and keeping this information to a closed circle rather than the full Board of Education."
In that vein, one of the biggest issues discussed Wednesday night was whether the current Middletown school board is completely transparent with residents of the town.
Torres vowed she would "end the closed-door meetings" on the Middletown school board. Torres also said the BOE president should publish a president's report to inform the entire town about what is going on with the school district, including policies, building maintenance, the budget and contracts the district is awarding.
Cody similarly called for the Board of Ed. to put out a newsletter once a month.
Lacqua-Caminiti said the Board should respond to members of the public when they ask questions at meetings.
"If we can respond, we need to respond to them. It should be an open dialogue," she said Wednesday night.
Dobis also commended Lacqua-Caminiti for asking that workshop meetings and committee as a whole meetings be brought back. (Lacqua-Caminiti and board member Joan Minnuies have been asking for several months now to bring these meetings back.)
"It allows for greater transparency," said Dobis.
Then, there was a dispute over whether minutes from all Board committee meetings are publicly accessible. This started at minute 45:51. Lacqua-Caminiti said all committee meetings are required to have recorded minutes, but "We have not been doing that recently," she said.
Cody then said: "I don't know that any committee meetings don't have minutes ... So if that has changed, then that would be something that I would demand should come back."
"Mr. Cody, the rule hasn't changed, but it hasn't been followed," said Torres. "There are specific committees that have met. There have been OPRA requests, and there have not been minutes for the meetings that we know have been had ... Right now, there is no trust that whatever we are getting are even full minutes ... because we know meetings have happened that we have no record of."
Weinstein countered that the minutes from committee meetings are indeed available.
"They're available; you just have to read them," Weinstein said, to which Torres shook her head and said "not true," and Weinstein replied "yes, it is."
Again, you can watch the whole forum here: https://lwvmonmouth.org/vid98....
Here is Fitzgerald's full statement on what he did not participate in the Oct. 29 forum:
"I will not be attending the Women League of Voters Forum tonight due to their partisan stances and their history of attacking conservatives such as Supreme Court justice candidates, our President, and Boycotting what they call, “MAGA Owned Businesses.”
In 2018, the league's CEO was arrested along with hundreds of other protesters for staging a sit-in at a Senate office building, demanding lawmakers to reject Brett Kavanaugh, a conservative Supreme Court nominee.
Additionally, in January 2021, the league's board labeled President Trump a “tyrannical despot,” holding him responsible for “inciting violence and undermining democracy.” They even called for his immediate removal from office.
Most recently, in November of last year, some members of the organization called for a boycott of MAGA owned businesses which effected our local small businesses here in Middletown.
You can’t call yourself non-partisan and push only left-wing ideology."
The dredging is expected to be complete in December. Here's exactly where they are dredging:MIDDLETOWN, NJ — This past weekend, Oct. 25 and 26, the New Jersey Department of Transportation began the Shrewsbury Channel Complex dredging project.The channels were impacted by Superstorm Sandy, and have continued to fill in with sediment ever since. This is a $6.2-million project that aims to make boating safe by dredging the channels to their individual authorized project depths, which range between five to seven feet at mea...
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — This past weekend, Oct. 25 and 26, the New Jersey Department of Transportation began the Shrewsbury Channel Complex dredging project.
The channels were impacted by Superstorm Sandy, and have continued to fill in with sediment ever since. This is a $6.2-million project that aims to make boating safe by dredging the channels to their individual authorized project depths, which range between five to seven feet at mean low water.
The dredging will remove approximately 100,000 cubic yards of sediment from the channels, and all the sediment removed will be transported via pipeline to the Shrewsbury Dredged Material Management Facility.
There will be a pipeline carrying the sediment, and it will be clearly marked with buoys and lights.
The dredging is expected to be completed in December. Work will be conducted 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All channels are expected to remain open throughout the duration of the project, but temporary impacts may take place.
The DOT's contractor, H&L Construction LLC, will dredge sediment from multiple channels within the Shrewsbury Channel Complex, including:
These are all local waterways heavily used by marine industries, commercial fishermen and countless recreational boaters.
Channel closures are not expected, but if they are needed, closures will be communicated through the Local Notice to Mariners. State Aids to Navigation (ATON) will be removed as necessary for the duration of the project.
The public is advised to be aware of and stay alert for the pipeline, buoys, the dredge and other maritime construction equipment during the project. NJDOT asks that no one enter the construction areas nor approach dredged or project-related equipment.
Boaters should proceed through dredging and construction zones with caution and can contact the contractor for meeting/passing arrangements on Channel 63. No wake/slow speed should be observed in active work zones.
Torres did not directly answer when Patch asked if she would have voted for the 10.1 percent school tax increase earlier this year.MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Nov. 4 will be an election for Middletown Township Committee and school board. Early in-person voting starts this Saturday, Oct. 25.There are seven candidates running for three seats on the Middletown school board:James Cody, Chris Aveta and Sara Weinstein (running together on the Students, Parents, Taxpayers slate), James Dobis, Erin Torres and current Board members ...
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Nov. 4 will be an election for Middletown Township Committee and school board. Early in-person voting starts this Saturday, Oct. 25.
There are seven candidates running for three seats on the Middletown school board:
James Cody, Chris Aveta and Sara Weinstein (running together on the Students, Parents, Taxpayers slate), James Dobis, Erin Torres and current Board members Leonora Lacqua-Caminiti and Joe Fitzgerald.
Patch asked them all the same series of questions, and all seven got back to us. We will be publishing their candidate profiles. Here are Torres' answers:
Your name, age and office you are running for. Do you currently hold this office and if so, for how long? Both years and terms. Have you ever run for elected office before? Please list all races and their outcomes.
My name is Erin Torres, I am 42 years old, and I am running for the Middletown Board of Education. I have never run for elected office before.
What is your occupation?
I am a 20-year veteran educator with experience as a classroom teacher, administrator and union leader. Education has been my life’s work, and it’s what drives me to serve on the Board; to ensure our schools are places where students and staff can thrive.
What part of Middletown do you live in? How long have you lived in town?
After our second child was born, we “moved across the street” from our home in Atlantic Highlands to Middletown which reflected the values we hold for our children’s future. We wanted our children to grow up in a small, connected school community, a place where teachers know your name, neighbors look out for one another, and children are encouraged to find their voices. Public schools should feel personal, that community should mean something, and that every child deserves to be seen, supported, and known.
When our oldest started kindergarten last year, we knew we made the right choice.
Do you have children in the district or did your children attend Middletown schools in the past?
With three children, our youngest just one year old, we are deeply invested in Middletown’s schools for many years to come. This is our home, and I’m committed to helping it continue to grow stronger.
What specific skills or accomplishments can you cite that would compel voters to elect you to the Board of Education?
As an educator, I’ve spent my career helping people find purpose and progress even when the situation feels impossible. That’s exactly the kind of leadership our Board needs right now. I know how to meet people where they are, cut through the noise and get results that move things forward.
I’ve worked with students, teachers and administrators at every level, and I know the difference between real leadership and political theater. Our district deserves focus, honesty and accountability, not distractions and self-promotion. My experience in classrooms and administration has prepared me to restore trust, demand transparency, and keep every decision centered on our community and our children’s future. It’s time for leadership that plans, listens, and delivers.
Please list the 3 biggest issues the Middletown school district is currently facing.
The three biggest issues facing the Middletown School District are:
1. Balancing the budget responsibly.
Years of denial and short-term decisions led to the 10.1% tax hike that blindsided taxpayers. The district must find a sustainable path forward that honors the 2% tax cap, plans ahead, and uses every dollar wisely. We need a responsible, transparent budget process that plans ahead, stays within the 2% cap, and protects both our classrooms and our taxpayers.
2. Restoring trust and communication.
Right now, too many parents, staff, taxpayers and even children feel shut out of the process. Decisions are made behind closed doors, and communication breaks down until people are left confused, angry, or afraid their children won’t get the education they deserve. I’m running to rebuild that trust and will do so through open calendars, early conversations, and honest communication that keeps the community at the center of every plan.
3. Re-centering leadership on students, not politics.
The board’s focus must return to its true mission: ensuring every child in Middletown receives a safe, high-quality, and inclusive education. Leadership should reflect the community’s values of accountability, collaboration, and a commitment to the common good, not personal ambition or agendas focused on the wants of a few instead of the needs of all.
Joe and Leonora joined a majority Board vote earlier this year to increase the Middletown schools property tax by 10.1 percent. Many residents, notably seniors but also others, pleaded with the board not to increase the tax, and the district also warned it would not prevent the future closure or consolidation of some schools.
To the others not currently on the board: Would you have voted for the 10.1 percent tax increase or not? Please explain why or why not.
Years of denial and short-term thinking created this mess and I wouldn’t have let it happen. The 10.1% tax hike didn’t come out of nowhere. It was the direct result of years of poor planning, political posturing, and a lack of real accountability. For too long, the board chose to delay tough conversations, drain reserves, and pretend everything was fine until it wasn’t. That’s not leadership. That’s avoidance.
If I had been on the board, this crisis would have been addressed long before it reached taxpayers. I would have required clear, line-by-line budgets each year instead of rushed, fear-based presentations. The community deserves to know where every dollar goes and why. Fiscal responsibility means honoring the 2% cap consistently, not bending it for politics or appearances. It also means finding smart, shared solutions such as partnering with the township on Class III officers and other services before asking taxpayers for more. Our schools and township should work together, not blame each other.
This tax increase wasn’t inevitable, it was preventable. Some board members saw it coming and tried to raise concerns, but they were shut out. That’s what happens when transparency and teamwork break down. We need planners, not politicians; leaders who ask tough questions early, not make excuses later. That is the BOE member you will get when you vote for me.
In the past year, what mistakes has the Middletown BOE made? Or, asked another way: Where could the Board have done better?
Over the past year, the Middletown Board of Education has lost sight of its core responsibility: serving students, staff, and the community through transparency, collaboration, and responsible planning. The 10.1% tax increase was not an accident; it was the predictable outcome of years of denial, poor fiscal management and failure to plan within the 2% cap.
The board’s communication breakdown has deepened public frustration. Too many critical decisions have been made without full board participation or clear information, leaving families confused and distrustful. True transparency means open dialogue, active committees, and every board member having a voice.
Most concerning, politics and personal agendas have replaced focus and leadership. Instead of strengthening classrooms, too much time and money have gone to performative battles that distract from what matters most; our students, staff, and community.
Middletown deserves better. We need accountability, collaboration, and real transparency to restore trust and stability. That’s how we stop the chaos, protect taxpayers, and get back to doing what’s right for our schools.
What's your favorite thing about living in Middletown?
My favorite thing about living in Middletown is its small-town feel with big-city appeal. I’m a Jersey girl through and through, and when I first came to the area in 2016 after meeting my husband, I couldn’t believe a place like this existed. Middletown has the close-knit, neighborhood feel we always wanted. A home where people know each other, look out for one another, and take pride in their community.
What makes it truly special is the shared passion people have for this town. No matter who you are or how long you’ve lived here, we all want the same thing: to protect and strengthen what makes Middletown such a great place to live and raise a family.
Seven candidates are running for three seats on the Middletown school board. He is part of the Students, Parents, Taxpayers slate.MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Nov. 4 will be an election for Middletown Township Committee and school board. Early in-person voting starts this Saturday, Oct. 25.There are seven candidates running for three seats on the Middletown school board:James Cody, Chris Aveta and Sara Weinstein (running together on the Students, Parents, Taxpayers slate), James Dobis, Erin Torres and current Board members L...
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Nov. 4 will be an election for Middletown Township Committee and school board. Early in-person voting starts this Saturday, Oct. 25.
There are seven candidates running for three seats on the Middletown school board:
James Cody, Chris Aveta and Sara Weinstein (running together on the Students, Parents, Taxpayers slate), James Dobis, Erin Torres and current Board members Leonora Lacqua-Caminiti and Joe Fitzgerald.
Patch asked them all the same series of questions, and all seven got back to us. We will be publishing their candidate profiles. Here are Aveta's answers:
Your name, age and office you are running for. Do you currently hold this office and if so, for how long? Both years and terms. Have you ever run for elected office before? Please list all races and their outcomes.
Christopher J. Aveta, running for Middletown Board of Education. I am not a current Board member.
I served on the Middletown Board of Education from 2010-2014. Was board president in 2013.
What is your occupation?
Senior Director of Sales for a Global Provider of Legal Support Services.
What part of Middletown do you live in? How long have you lived in town?
Village section, over 20 years.
Do you have children in the district or did your children attend Middletown schools in the past?
Two children both attended and graduated from the Middletown School system.
What specific skills or accomplishments can you cite that would compel voters to elect you to the Board of Education?
With a Bachelor's degree in Finance, significant experience working with budgets and proven leadership as Board President, I believe I can offer a unique blend of financial expertise and practical experience. As Chair of the Finance committee, I successfully collaborated with the Administration and the Board to balance the districts budget year after year. I consistently kept the budget under the state's mandated 2% budget increase cap while simultaneously prioritizing key investments in our student's future. This included implementing new curriculum, making upgrades to school facilities and negotiating fair contracts with multiple unions — all while maintaining fiscal responsibility. During my tenure, we also made strategic investments by setting aside funds for future facility upgrades in order to maintain long-term sustainability. If elected, I am committed to maintaining this balance of fiscal responsibility and continued improvement and growth for our community's schools.
Please list the 3 biggest issues the Middletown school district is currently facing.
1) Balancing the Budget: Managing the annual budget within the 2% cap while still addressing the growing demands for new curriculum, programs, facility upgrades and contract negotiations.
2) Addressing Facilities needs: Ensuring timely and efficient upgrades to our aging school facilities while maintaining fiscal responsibility and long term planning for future improvements.
3) Negotiating Collective bargaining Agreements: Settling various contracts with various unions, ensuring teacher and staff satisfaction, while keeping the district's financial health in mind.
Joe and Leonora joined a majority Board vote earlier this year to increase the Middletown schools property tax by 10.1 percent. Many residents, notably seniors but also others, pleaded with the board not to increase the tax, and the district also warned it would not prevent the future closure or consolidation of some schools.
To the others not currently on the board: Would you have voted for the 10.1 percent tax increase or not? Please explain why or why not.
No, I would not have voted for the 10.1% tax increase.
There were alternative solutions presented that weren't fully explored, and this $16 Million increase came without any added value. I am a firm believer in responsible budgeting that prioritizes planning, community input and delivering tangible benefits in return for taxpayer dollars.
In the past year, what mistakes has the Middletown BOE made? Or, asked another way: Where could the Board have done better?
I think the Board could have done a better job of engaging the community earlier in the budget process, more thoroughly evaluating any alternative solutions and ensuring any tax increase would deliver clear benefits for the Students, Parents and Taxpayers.
What's your favorite thing about living in Middletown?
The people, sense of community and great location. It really is one of the best places to live, work and raise a family.
It's fall in New Jersey, and the signs of the season are showing up all over the Garden State. From haybales to pumpkins and even PSL's (pumpkin spice lattes), autumn has surely arrived to our area.Before you know it, the leaves will be changing colors and the flannel attire will be out in full force. Not to mention, the beautiful weather that comes with the fall season.It's no wonder festivals are happening all throughout the state. Even up the river, you can't escape the fall activities.And although some of those activ...
It's fall in New Jersey, and the signs of the season are showing up all over the Garden State. From haybales to pumpkins and even PSL's (pumpkin spice lattes), autumn has surely arrived to our area.
Before you know it, the leaves will be changing colors and the flannel attire will be out in full force. Not to mention, the beautiful weather that comes with the fall season.
It's no wonder festivals are happening all throughout the state. Even up the river, you can't escape the fall activities.
And although some of those activities may include scares and frights for adults and teens, there are also a bunch that are perfect for the little ones and their families.
What's more? So many of them are geared more for the fall and less about Halloween or Oktoberfest. And in Monmouth County, one big fall tradition is about to return for 2025.
Right in the Lincroft section of Middletown, located next to Brookdale Community College, is Thompson Park. And every year they hold their annual fall event, Thompson Park Day.
Activities include archery, wagon rides, climbing walls, pumpkin painting, pottery, games, and more. Plus fall sport activities and entertainment make this the perfect way to spend a fall day.
One of my favorite activities at Thompson Park Day happens at the Theater Barn. A monster mash dance party at the barn is by far a great way to get ready for the Halloween season. Your kids will love it.
Thompson Park Day is happening on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. More details from the Monmouth County Park System can be found here.
The above post reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 weekend host & content contributor Mike Brant. Any opinions expressed are his own.
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