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 The Great Auditorium 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 Ocean Grove, 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 Ocean Grove Park 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 Pascal Sabine or visit Ocean Grove Gate, 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 Ocean Grove, 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 Ocean Grove, 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 Ocean Grove, 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.
Hurricane Erin continues to spin out in the Atlantic Ocean with steady winds as strong as 105 mph, creating rough surf conditions and dangerous rip currents up and down the Jersey Shore on Tuesday.Even though the powerful storm is expected to remain several hundred miles away from the Shore, even at its closest approach on Thursday, it is already stirring up the ocean enough to prompt at least 16 beaches in New Jersey to post red warning flags and ban swimming today.Some beaches, including Cape May, are flying double red flags ...
Hurricane Erin continues to spin out in the Atlantic Ocean with steady winds as strong as 105 mph, creating rough surf conditions and dangerous rip currents up and down the Jersey Shore on Tuesday.
Even though the powerful storm is expected to remain several hundred miles away from the Shore, even at its closest approach on Thursday, it is already stirring up the ocean enough to prompt at least 16 beaches in New Jersey to post red warning flags and ban swimming today.
Some beaches, including Cape May, are flying double red flags — indicating the serious threat posed by the crashing waves and powerful rip currents.
In addition to swimmers, many beaches are also banning boogie boarders, while some are allowing experienced boarders only.
As of early Tuesday afternoon, this was the status of swimming restrictions at beaches along the Jersey Shore. (Additional beaches will be added as the information is confirmed.)
Asbury Park — Red flags; very limited swimming Tuesday, mainly during low tide.
Atlantic City — Red flags; no swimming and no boogie boards Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Avon-by-the-Sea — Red flags; no swimming Tuesday.
Bay Head — Red flags; no swimming Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Beach Haven — Red flags; no swimming Tuesday.
Belmar — Red flags; no swimming Tuesday.
Brigantine — Red flags; no swimming and no boogie boards Tuesday.
Cape May — Double red flags; no swimming Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; surfing limited.
Harvey Cedars — Red flags; no swimming Tuesday; surfing limited.
Island Beach State Park — No swimming, no surfing, no boogie boarding Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Long Branch — Yellow flags; swimming allowed with caution Tuesday.
Manasquan — Red flags and yellow flags; no swimming Tuesday at most beaches.
Ocean City — Red flags; no swimming and no boogie boards Tuesday.
Ocean Grove — Entire beach will be closed from late Wednesday afternoon through Friday morning.
Seaside Heights — Red flags; no swimming Tuesday.
Seaside Park — Red flags; no swimming Tuesday on the ocean and the bay.
Spring Lake — Red flags; no swimming Tuesday.
Wildwood — Red flags; no swimming on all beaches Tuesday and Wednesday.
The National Hurricane Center and National Weather Service have issued stern statements warning beach-goers about the serious threat posed by strong rip currents.
“Swells generated by Erin will affect the Bahamas, Bermuda, the east coast of the United States, and Atlantic Canada during the next several days,” the hurricane center noted in its latest advisory. “These rough ocean conditions are expected to cause life-threatening surf and rip currents.”
As of Tuesday afternoon, Erin was a category 2 hurricane, which is weaker than it was on Monday. However, the storm is very large, with its hurricane-force winds extending outward up to 80 miles from its center and tropical-storm-force winds reaching out up to 205 miles.
Erin’s strength is expected to fluctuate during the next few days, forecasters said. Some believe it will remain a category 2 hurricane, and others say it may strengthen again into a major category 3 storm, with top winds of 111 mph or higher.
The hurricane will likely remain a few hundred miles away from the Jersey Shore when it makes its closest approach during the day on Thursday or Thursday night, according to the latest forecast track.
Forecasters say no landfall is expected, but the storm will be close enough to bring wind gusts of 35 to 40 mph along the Jersey Shore.
Breaking waves in the surf zone at New Jersey’s beaches will likely get as high as 5 to 8 feet on Wednesday and could get as high as 12 feet on Thursday, the National Weather Service said.
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The Hotel Albatross, housed in a Victorian-era mansion in Ocean Grove, New Jersey, just reopened, and is already redefining Jersey Shore hospitality.The Jersey Shore might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of beautiful Victorian-style architecture and—wait for it—a dry town. But there’s not much about the town of Ocean Grove, and it's charming, newly renovated Hotel Albatross, that’s expected.“This town is completely unique, from its founding as a religious retreat, to the fa...
The Hotel Albatross, housed in a Victorian-era mansion in Ocean Grove, New Jersey, just reopened, and is already redefining Jersey Shore hospitality.
The Jersey Shore might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of beautiful Victorian-style architecture and—wait for it—a dry town. But there’s not much about the town of Ocean Grove, and it's charming, newly renovated Hotel Albatross, that’s expected.
“This town is completely unique, from its founding as a religious retreat, to the fact that all the homes and businesses have historical land leases from the Camp Meeting Association,” explains Dominick Perrier-Strand, director of hotels for RC Management. RC Management also operates the nearby Majestic Hotel, The Hideaway in Long Beach Island, and Point Pleasant’s Casa del Mar.
In addition to renovating and reimagining the historic property under the strict guidelines of Ocean Grove’s historical preservation commission and the Camp Meeting Association, the Hotel Albatross team had to contend with a challenge that would make most hotel owners balk. The town prohibits the sale of beer, wine, and liquor. In fact, just 40 years ago, the gates of Ocean Grove were locked on Sundays, and cars were not permitted to enter the town.
“Guests are welcome to bring their beverages of choice to enjoy on our property. With the hotel ideally situated on Ocean Pathway, our porches (with a BYO bottle of wine) are the unofficial social club of Hotel Albatross,” Perrier-Strand says. The team offers a complimentary Albatross Aperitif each Saturday throughout the summer, and also features a rotating weekly wine selection. If guests are celebrating a special occasion, the concierge can arrange to have a favorite bottle delivered from the team’s go-to wine shop in neighboring Asbury Park.
“It’ll be chilling in your room before you even unpack,” he says. “Plus, guests are always welcome to hail a ride to a nearby bevy shop in our six-seater golf cart.”
Another unexpected hiccup that cropped up during the renovation? Accessibility. “The building’s Victorian charm created a challenging environment for people with accessibility needs or difficulty climbing stairs. We are proud to have built the first hotel with an all-stop elevator in Ocean Grove, including a stop outside,” says Perrier-Strand. “We hope that this will make the town available to a wider range of travelers looking to experience our slice of the Jersey Shore.”
The hotel’s fully refreshed interior was designed by Mapa Mueller (who previously worked on concepts like The Equinox Hotel and Life House Hotels) and incorporates cheeky wallpaper as well as vintage pieces like an heirloom mirror from the 1950s and archival press clippings to honor Hotel Albatross’ early days. The lobby boasts a rotating merchandise nook styled with personal pieces from the home of Julian C. Hamer, an artist, collector of antiquities, avid gardener, and curator & docent of the local Centennial Cottage Museum on Ocean Grove’s Central Avenue; the overall vibe is eclectic yet cozy, with a healthy dose of quirk.
The 27 rooms, including two sprawling suites named after famous Ocean Grove residents like Hamer and local architect Mark Pavliv, feature special touches including Serta mattresses, Salt & Stone bath products, and pour-over stations with coffee from Maiden Coffee Roasters in nearby Neptune Township. Complimentary beach passes as well as Priority Coast bicycles are available.
While the property doesn’t have a permanent on-site restaurant, Perrier-Strand says his team is excited by pop-up opportunities like hosting a nightly prix fixe tasting menu with beloved New Jersey concepts like Buoy’s in Manasquan and Dock & Claw on Long Beach Island. They’ve also hosted trendy New Zealand ice cream pop-up Golden Boy, highlighted New Jersey wine producer Ripe Life Wines, and plan to offer curated fondue and wine pairing nights during the winter months with C’est Cheese from Asbury Park.
“The challenge here was really to establish a new standard of hotel and service that's never been available in Ocean Grove before," Perrier-Strand adds. "We had to be sure that introducing a new accommodation class and price point was going to work in what has historically been a Victorian bed-and-breakfast coastal town.”
originally published: 08/15/2025(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association presents their on Sunday, August 24th at 7:00pm in The Great Auditorium. This dramatic and deeply moving work traces the life of the biblical king through an evocative blend of choral, orchestral, and solo passages.The Sacred Masterworks Concert serves as the Great Auditorium premiere of this exceptional work. Experience the grandeur of this masterwork in a unique and historic sacred space.“It is an extraordinary honor to br...
originally published: 08/15/2025
(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association presents their on Sunday, August 24th at 7:00pm in The Great Auditorium. This dramatic and deeply moving work traces the life of the biblical king through an evocative blend of choral, orchestral, and solo passages.
The Sacred Masterworks Concert serves as the Great Auditorium premiere of this exceptional work. Experience the grandeur of this masterwork in a unique and historic sacred space.
“It is an extraordinary honor to bring Arthur Honegger’s King David to life for the very first time in the Great Auditorium. This sacred masterwork is a timeless testament to the power of faith, the resilience of the human spirit, and the unifying force of music. In this historic space, where so many great voices have resonated, we have the privilege of sharing David’s journey in a way that will inspire, uplift, and speak to the hearts of all who listen,” said Maestro Jason Tramm, Director of Music Ministries, Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association.
Featured soloists include Monica Ziglar (soprano), Laura Zahn (mezzo-soprano), Ronald Naldi (tenor), and Justin Beck (bass). This quartet is lead by Maestro Jason Tramm and joined by the MidAtlantic Philharmonic Orchestra and Dr. Gordon Turk on the historic Great Auditorium Organ.
Admission is free of charge, with a freewill offering collected. The Great Auditorium is located at 21 Pilgrim Pathway in Ocean Grove, New Jersey.
Featured Artists:
Jason Tramm (Conductor) - Maestro Tramm has been hailed as a “conductor to watch” by Symphony Magazine, “filled with Italianate passion” by the Huffington Post, and an “orchestra Pied Piper” by the New York Concert Review. Maestro Tramm’s work in the operatic, symphonic, and choral realms has received critical acclaim throughout the United States and abroad. He holds the following appointments: Executive Director, Light Opera of New Jersey, the Director of Music Ministries, Ocean Grove Great Auditorium, Artistic Director, MidAtlantic Artistic Productions, Music Director of both the Taghkanic Chorale and Putnam Chorale. Dr. Tramm serves as an Associate Professor and Director of Choral Activities at Seton Hall University, where he conducts the University Chorus, Chamber Choir, and Orchestra. As a guest conductor, he has led symphonic and operatic performances in Italy, Romania, Hungary, Czech Republic throughout the Unites States.
Monica Ziglar (Soprano) - From recital to opera stage Monica is known for “possessing a gift of transcending angelic high notes.” Tucson Citizen Press Ms. Ziglar hails from Tucson, Arizona where she studied music at the University of Arizona and developed her love for art song and sacred oratorio from her beloved teacher Soprano Elizabeth Mosher. While there Monica was known throughout the Southwestern region and Sonora Mexico for her opera and concertizing programs as well as festival performances such as the Alfonso Ortiz Tirado Music festival in Alomos, Sonora, Mexico. In 1993 Monica came east to attend the Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA) in Philadelphia, PA. Some of her Operatic roles include: Suor Angelica, Alice in Falstaff, Magda in The Consul, The Mother in Hansel & Gretel, and Salud in La Vida Breve. Smaller secular works include performances of Leonard Bernstein’s A Julia de Burgos, Paul Hindemith’s Das Marian Leben and J.S. Bach’s BWV211 Coffee Cantata.
Currently Ms. Ziglar is in her twenty-fifth season as soprano soloist with St. Mary’s Episcopal Church under the direction of Dr. Gordon Turk. Ms. Ziglar has also been the soprano soloist for the past twenty years with the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, New Jersey where she performs secular and sacred repertoire in the historic Great Auditorium, built in 1894, which boast over 6,500 seats and one of the largest Hope Jones organs in the world. This venue has hosted performances by artists such as Enrico Caruso, John McCormick, Marian Anderson and Current Metropolitan Opera Tenor Ronald Naldi.
Under the directions of Dr. Gordon Turk and Dr. Jason Tramm, her passion for Sacred Oratorio is regularly expressed in such works as: Rossini’s Stabat Mater, Dubois’ Seven Last Words, Bach’s B Minor Mass, Saint-Saëns’ Christmas Oratorio as well several masses and soprano solo works by Mozart, Hayden and Handel. Ms. Ziglar has been heard performing Jaromir Weinberger’s The Way to Emmaus and Arvo Pärt’s Stabat Mater. In March of 2009, she made her Carnegie Hall debut singing Mendelssohn’s Elijah and in November of 2017 she debuted at the National Cathedral in Washington DC singing Verdi’s Requiem.
Laura Zahn (Mezzo-Soprano) - Mezzo-Soprano Laura Zahn, a Philadelphia native, has been praised for her “warm, voluptuous voice clearly destined for Puccini and Verdi.” This year, Ms. Zahn joined Opera Orlando for their Viva Verdi season, which focused on the works of Giuseppe Verdi. During her residency in Orlando, Laura performed Maddalena (Rigoletto), Giulietta di Kelbar (Un giorno di regno) and Flora Bervoix (La Traviata). In May, Laura sang the role of Marguerite (La Dame Blanche) with New Amsterdam Opera. In previous seasons, Ms. Zahn has performed La frugola (Il tabarro), Florence Pike (Albert Herring), Mother Goose (The Rake’s Progress), Mother (Amahl and the Night Visitors), Dorabella (Cosi fan Tutte), Pepa (Goyescas) and Marcellina (Le nozze di Figaro).
An adept competition singer, Laura was most recently a Finalist in Opera Mississippi’s 2021 John Alexander National Vocal competition. She also semi-finaled in the 2020 NYIOP/Premiere Opera Foundation Competition and the 2016 Mildred Miller International Voice Competition. Ms. Zahn holds degrees from The Boston Conservatory and Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music.
There’s nothing better than some ‘wave therapy’ at the Jersey Shore.Listening to the ocean waves roll over and crash on the beach while you’re soaking in the sun? *Chef’s kiss*Certain shore towns were recently highlighted by New Jersey Real Estate Network for having particularly incredible views.The home-listing platform carried out a survey of over three thousand respondents to find out which U.S. coastal communities offer the most stunning daily views, based on the opinions of the...
There’s nothing better than some ‘wave therapy’ at the Jersey Shore.
Listening to the ocean waves roll over and crash on the beach while you’re soaking in the sun? *Chef’s kiss*
Certain shore towns were recently highlighted by New Jersey Real Estate Network for having particularly incredible views.
The home-listing platform carried out a survey of over three thousand respondents to find out which U.S. coastal communities offer the most stunning daily views, based on the opinions of the people who know them best.
Two Garden State shore communities made the list’s top 10, coming in right at number 10 was Ocean Grove.
Just north of Asbury Park, Ocean Grove feels like a hymn in beach-town form - founded by Methodists, framed by tents and gingerbread cottages, and anchored by the soaring Great Auditorium.
The beach is quiet, the boardwalk old-school, and Sunday mornings still come with bells.
The number seven slot also went to a Jersey shore staple:
Victorian porches, gas lanterns, and salt in the air - Cape May has a kind of East Coast magic that’s hard to replicate.
The beaches are wide, the homes are painted like storybooks, and the lighthouse still watches over it all.
Cape May is a staple of Jersey shore towns.
On a personal note, I grew up going there on family vacations and can’t speak highly enough of it.
Check out both of these towns for a beautiful day at the beach.
Examples of New Jersey wildlife that might get in the way of where you're stepping along our wooded paths.
For years, fans of the Dennis & Judi show on New Jersey 101.5 enjoyed meeting the hosts on their popular diner tours. In honor of Dennis Malloy's retirement from the show this summer, the two hosts went on one last trip in July 2025.
A look back at the very first season from 2015, and the last season of 2024.
The post above reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5's Kylie Moore. Any opinions expressed are Kylie's own. You can follow Kylie on Instagram.
Summer Stars Organ and Orchestra FinaleSymphonic Concertos!Thursday, July 31 at 7:30pmThe Great Auditorium in Ocean Grove, NJTickets $20 adults | $12 childrenTo learn more, visit www.oceangrove.org/starsPrepare to be swept away by an unforgettable evening of symphonic brilliance as we bring the 2025 Summer Stars series to a grand conclusion with “Symphonic Concertos!” This special finale features the 65-member MidAtlantic Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Jason Tramm, joi...
Summer Stars Organ and Orchestra FinaleSymphonic Concertos!
Thursday, July 31 at 7:30pmThe Great Auditorium in Ocean Grove, NJTickets $20 adults | $12 children
To learn more, visit www.oceangrove.org/stars
Prepare to be swept away by an unforgettable evening of symphonic brilliance as we bring the 2025 Summer Stars series to a grand conclusion with “Symphonic Concertos!” This special finale features the 65-member MidAtlantic Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Jason Tramm, joined by celebrated soloists Christine Kwak (violin), Byung Kook Kwak (viola), and Dr. Gordon Turk (organ)—all performing within the Great Auditorium of Ocean Grove.
This evening’s program shines a spotlight on two important orchestral works: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante for Violin, Viola, and Orchestra in E-flat major, K. 364 — A crowning jewel of Mozart’s early maturity, this 1779 masterpiece fuses the grace of a concerto with the interplay of chamber music. Written shortly after Mozart’s inspiring visit to Mannheim and Paris, the Sinfonia Concertante is renowned for its warmth, elegance, and its poignant slow movement—often considered one of Mozart’s most emotionally expressive.
Joseph Jongen’s Symphonie Concertante for Organ and Orchestra, Op. 81 — Composed in 1926, this tour de force for organ and orchestra stands as one of the most dazzling examples of 20th-century organ literature. Belgian composer Joseph Jongen masterfully blends lush French Romanticism with modern harmonic richness, culminating in a finale that is both exuberant and awe-inspiring. It’s a rare treat to hear this work performed live—and even rarer to hear it brought to life by the Ocean Grove’s historic Hope-Jones Organ.
Our performance will take place on Thursday, July 31 at 7:30pm in the Great Auditorium. Tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for children and can be purchased at www.oceangrove.org/stars or by clicking here.
Additional highlights of our concert season include Handel’s Messiah Spectacular on August 2 at 7pm and our Sacred Masterworks Concert on August 24 at 7pm – featuring Arthur Honegger’s majestic oratorio, King David.
For More Information Visit
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