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 Maclean House in Princeton, 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 Princeton, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“We hired a caregiver from Always Best Care to help my father when he was”
“I have been a client of Always Best Care (ABC) for over 5 years. I”
“For the past 6 months Always Best has provided compassionate care to my dear aunt.”
“For the past 6 months Always Best has provided compassionate care to my dear aunt.”
“Always Best Care has provided us with the best caregivers. We are blessed with an”
“We are so appreciative of the care and service of your team. Mariama was a”
“As we wind down our trip to New Jersey both Megan and I wish to”
“A special shoutout to our primary caregivers: Marie C. and Florette P.. They were outstanding!”
“Terrific company. Management is tops. Very caring staff. I highly recommend them. The staff and”
“Always Best Care Senior Services in Princeton Junction exceeded our expectations. Their team was kind,”
“Could not have asked for a more caring group of professionals. From care giver to”
“ABC COULD NOT HAVE DONE BETTER IN A CHANGING SITUATION WITH TWO TERMINALLY PATIENTS HAVING”
“Always best care took care of my father for about 10 years..Though my father was”
“ABC and their amazing care givers enabled our Aunt to get her last wish was”
“Mom developed an infection in the afternoon that left her too weak and disoriented to”
“Faithful, Love, and Family.”
“Very professional organization and sent the right aide, Sam, to help me with my father”
“I had a great experience with the agency, Always Best Care! I am attending college,”
“Roberto took care of my husband like he was a member of his family. He”
“The aide's were respectful, reliable and friendly and staff responds timely to calls and needs”
“The aide's were respectful, reliable and friendly and staff responds timely to calls and needs”
“Everyone was great. I’ve come a long way due to the help of your aides.”
“You have a GEM in Mrs. Terry. She is worth so much more than she”
“Very very helpful, I was desperate when I called and that same day I had”
“We had an exceptionally good experience with Always Best Care during my mother's illness. The”
“Thank you Jahima, Esther, Satta, Myra, Kelly & Susan. Carmen should be pleased. Keep up”
“Words cannot express how grateful my family and I am for the kindness, care, and”
“Gimbert & Carmen were very accommodating and knowledgeable with the needs of my father. They”
“You have been outstanding in caregiving and concern for us both. We cannot thank you”
“Gimbert and Carmen Fernandez are very knowledgeable in the area of elder care services and”
“We hired a caregiver from Always Best Care to help my father when he was declining from Parkinson’s and his continuum of care facility said he could no longer live alone in his apartment without help.. My father was very challenging to work with as he was slipping mentally and could not seem to grasp why the caregiver was there. The manager, Carli, and the caregiver, Stephen, could not have been more skilled and compassionate given his issues. The billing practices and necessary documentation for reimbursement from his Long Teem Care company also went very well. Ultimately my Dad needed placement in skilled nursing. However, this was no fault of the caregiving company, who went out of their way to communicate with me about what was going on every day so I stayed filled in. If my Dad needs an aide in the future for an outing I will definitely contact them.”
“I have been a client of Always Best Care (ABC) for over 5 years. I could not have taken care of my elderly mother with out them. They always provided excellent people who I could trust in my home and with my mother who was 102 1/2 when she passed away recently. The caregivers from ABC were always on time, polite, professional, and, above all else, caring. The office team was amazing, too! They always went above and beyond (Thanks, Carli & Samantha!). Most recently when my mom had a fall and came home from the hospital on hospice, they had a game plan for her care before I did. They anticipated what our needs would be. They had people skilled in hospice care to my house within 24 hours. I could not have gotten through her passing without their support. A very special thanks to Manite & Patience. I would highly recommend ABC.”
“For the past 6 months Always Best has provided compassionate care to my dear aunt. Our primary caregiver was outstanding.....experienced, organized, warm and kind.....she became more than a caregiver, a friend that we depended on. All the caregivers that supported us on this journey were dedicated, professional, friendly and dependable. The administrative staff at Always Best Princeton were always available to assist and support. I offer my highest recommendation of Always Best Caregivers in Princeton.”
“For the past 6 months Always Best has provided compassionate care to my dear aunt. Our primary caregiver was outstanding.....experienced, organized, warm and kind.....she became more than a caregiver, a friend that we depended on. All the caregivers that supported us on this journey were dedicated, professional, friendly and dependable. The administrative staff at Always Best Princeton were always available to assist and support. I offer my highest recommendation of Always Best Caregivers in Princeton.”
“Always Best Care has provided us with the best caregivers. We are blessed with an outstanding caregiver, Maria, who is exceptional in every way. Our recent substitute caregiver, Elizabeth, also provided my husband with excellent care. We so appreciate the high level of expertise, skill and overall care afforded to us by these wonderful ladies.”
“We are so appreciative of the care and service of your team. Mariama was a lovely caregiver, and I especially appreciated Carli's guidance throughout the process.”
“As we wind down our trip to New Jersey both Megan and I wish to thank you personally and Always Best Care for taking care of our needs! Your professionalism and support made our experience pleasant. After having experienced three different service providers in Maryland I can say your services are above par! And Ernesta is truly supportive of Megan’s needs. She is calm, compassionate and respectful. Also your on call service is very quick to react to our changing needs!”
“A special shoutout to our primary caregivers: Marie C. and Florette P.. They were outstanding! And extra thanks to Carli, who always came through when we needed backup. Many thanks to the ABC team for all the care you gave to my husband Al H. through 3 years of Parkinson's suffering, and the support you gave me through a hard time.”
“Terrific company. Management is tops. Very caring staff. I highly recommend them. The staff and management are extremely professional and caring, resulting in a very comfortable experience.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services in Princeton Junction exceeded our expectations. Their team was kind, attentive, and provided excellent care tailored to our family’s needs. Communication was clear and supportive throughout. We’re so grateful for their compassion and professionalism. Highly recommend them for anyone seeking trusted senior home care in the area!”
“Could not have asked for a more caring group of professionals. From care giver to support staff, they are exceptional”
“ABC COULD NOT HAVE DONE BETTER IN A CHANGING SITUATION WITH TWO TERMINALLY PATIENTS HAVING ALZ AND STAGE IV PANCREATIC CANCER. QUALITY OF CARE TAKER WAS SUPERB AND RESPONSIVENESS TO CHANGING NEEDS PERFECT.”
“Always best care took care of my father for about 10 years..Though my father was very lucid and managed his own care with the agency, I was at his house alot and participated in his care with the aids. They were all very caring and he kindly spoke of the owners being very attentive and offered very personalized care. They even visited him. I am very fond of many of the home health aids..they were loving and concerned. They took their job to another level. I even formed friendships with some of them. The golden years are a very delicate part of our lives. Always best care not only offered good physical care to my father, but unbounded love and compassion !!!! Thank you and he is looking down at us. I'm sure.”
“ABC and their amazing care givers enabled our Aunt to get her last wish was to die in her home. I can’t say enough about how ABC was able to give her a quality of life that she valued as well as provide comfort to her family knowing that she was in good hands with ABC's Caregivers. From the caregivers that always went the extra mile to the fast response we got 24x7 from folks like Carli…you were there for us!”
“Mom developed an infection in the afternoon that left her too weak and disoriented to care for herself for that night. I called Always Best Care Senior Services (ABC) at the very end of the business day, asking if they could find someone for one night of 12-hour private duty care on pretty much an emergency basis. The ABC team went to work and secured a caregiver for mom within a matter of hours for an 8pm-to-8am care shift at mom's senior living community. We had worked with ABC in the past on a scheduled basis, but this experience was above and beyond the call of regular duty and it truly helped us get through a difficult and stressful episode. We would recommend ABC for any and all of your senior care needs.”
“Faithful, Love, and Family.”
“Very professional organization and sent the right aide, Sam, to help me with my father in day to day activities. Sam helps him with gait training and understands dementia care and how to handle care, the way the client needs it. I would not hesitate using this agency and Sam is excellent.”
“I had a great experience with the agency, Always Best Care! I am attending college, and they always provided me an aide that is helpful, considerate, and hardworking. Thank you for always providing me with an aide like Ms. Colleta!!”
“Roberto took care of my husband like he was a member of his family. He was God sent; thank God for him”
“The aide's were respectful, reliable and friendly and staff responds timely to calls and needs”
“The aide's were respectful, reliable and friendly and staff responds timely to calls and needs”
“Everyone was great. I’ve come a long way due to the help of your aides. Thank you again!”
“You have a GEM in Mrs. Terry. She is worth so much more than she is paid! I miss her. Her help was timely, professional, and invaluable”
“Very very helpful, I was desperate when I called and that same day I had professional help. Tremendous your service”
“We had an exceptionally good experience with Always Best Care during my mother's illness. The management met with us and assigned caregivers almost immediately. As our needs evolved and increased, they were responsive and flexible. The caregivers were well-trained, kind, hard-working, and truly fine people whom we enjoyed having in the house.”
“Thank you Jahima, Esther, Satta, Myra, Kelly & Susan. Carmen should be pleased. Keep up the good work, and be safe!”
“Words cannot express how grateful my family and I am for the kindness, care, and concern that was shown for my husband by the Always Best Care staff. Thank you for the exceptional attention to his comfort, as well as the wonderful insights, strength, knowledge, and emotional support you showed our entire family. Watching someone you love make the transition out of this life is a really difficult thing, and your wisdom and comfort helped us navigate this challenging time. I will always be thankful for the service you provided for him. I would also like to acknowledge the excellent care provided to my husband by Ms. Marie Louisjean. We thank Ms. Louisjean for her incredible patience, tenderness, and attention to his needs. We thank her for being such a dedicated caregiver. God has given her a very special talent and He has blessed her with a compassionate heart. I could not have asked for a more passionate group of people. May God continue to bless the Always Best Care staff as you continue to care for people in need.”
“Gimbert & Carmen were very accommodating and knowledgeable with the needs of my father. They came out to his house and offered suggestions so that he would be able to get around with his walker easily. Their person took great care of my Dad. It is such a relief to my sister and I that we had someone stay with my Dad that was so reliable. I highly recommend them.”
“You have been outstanding in caregiving and concern for us both. We cannot thank you enough. Thanks for always being there for us in every way.”
“Gimbert and Carmen Fernandez are very knowledgeable in the area of elder care services and how best to provide workable care solutions for aging relatives. They are well informed on current issues and available options. I speak from my own experience here and strongly recommend then and their company to anyone in need of assistance in this area. They are compassionate and caring people which is critical in their business!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Community Park North in Princeton, 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 Elements or visit Princeton Battlefield State Park, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Princeton, 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 Princeton, 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 Princeton, 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.
Princeton, NJ — If you didn’t get admitted to Princeton University’s incoming Class of 2030 (and join the crowd), that doesn’t mean you can’t keep up with the class in its academic studies. The first years’ first assignment, the so-called Princeton Pre-Read, is “Reader, Come Home” by Maryanne Wolf.The Pre-read is a Princeton tradition started by President Christopher L. Eisgruber, who selects a book for the class and others in the university community to read and discuss...
Princeton, NJ — If you didn’t get admitted to Princeton University’s incoming Class of 2030 (and join the crowd), that doesn’t mean you can’t keep up with the class in its academic studies. The first years’ first assignment, the so-called Princeton Pre-Read, is “Reader, Come Home” by Maryanne Wolf.
The Pre-read is a Princeton tradition started by President Christopher L. Eisgruber, who selects a book for the class and others in the university community to read and discuss together. The goal is to introduce first-year students to intellectual life on campus through this common experience.
“I chose ‘Reader, Come Home’ as this year’s Pre-read because it addresses a question of vital importance to every entering student: Why should we continue to read long, challenging books when artificial intelligence agents can quickly summarize them for us?” Eisgruber wrote in his foreword to the special Pre-read edition of the book.
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“Deep, immersive reading is at the heart of a Princeton education,” Eisgruber continued. “Today, more than ever, that activity depends upon conscious and energetic commitment. We are most likely to read books fully and well only if we understand why they offer us something distinctive, valuable, and irreplaceable.”
According to a university press release, incoming students in the Class of 2030 received copies of the book this summer and then discussed its themes with Eisgruber and Wolf at the Pre-read Assembly during Orientation. Students will also participate in small group conversations this fall in the residential colleges to further explore issues raised by the book, published in 2018 by HarperCollins.
Wolf, a leading authority on dyslexia and a global advocate for children and literacy, is professor-in-residence at UCLA’s School of Education & Information Studies. Wolf has written numerous publications and scientific studies related to literacy, including the book “Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain.” She has been recognized for her work by the International Dyslexia Association, among other accolades. She is the former John DiBiaggio Professor of Citizenship and Public Service at Tufts University.
“Professor Wolf approaches this topic with perspectives drawn from literary studies, cognitive neuroscience, and developmental psycholinguistics,” along with her expertise in dyslexia, Eisgruber wrote in the Pre-read foreword. “Professor Wolf thus exemplifies what scholars call ‘interdisciplinarity’: the capacity to combine insights from multiple academic fields to produce new understanding and knowledge.”
“Interdisciplinarity is an important feature of academic research today and the Princeton curriculum that awaits you,” Eisgruber wrote. “Professor Wolf’s writing is clear, imaginative, humane, and occasionally whimsical. I hope that you enjoy the book as much as I have.”
Read the book between now and Wednesday, September 2, the first day of classes, and you will be caught up with the incoming class. After that you're on your own.
Previous Pre-read books include the following:
2013 — “The Honor Code: How Moral Revolutions Happen,” by Kwame Anthony Appiah.
2014 — “Meaning in Life and Why It Matters,” by Susan Wolf.
2015 — “Whistling Vivaldi: How Stereotypes Affect Us and What We Can Do,” by Claude Steele.
2016 — “Our Declaration: A Reading of the Declaration of Independence in Defense of Equality,” by Danielle Allen.
2017 — “What Is Populism?” by Jan-Werner Müller.
2018 — “Speak Freely: Why Universities Must Defend Free Speech,” by Keith Whittington.
2019 — “Stand Out of Our Light: Freedom and Resistance in the Attention Economy,” by James Williams.
2020 — “This America: The Case for the Nation,” by Jill Lepore.
2021 — “Moving Up Without Losing Your Way: The Ethical Costs of Upward Mobility,” by Jennifer Morton.
2022 — “Every Day the River Changes: Four Weeks Down the Magdalena,” by Jordan Salama.
2023 — “How to Stand Up to a Dictator: The Fight for Our Future,” by Maria Ressa.
2024 — “The Worlds I See: Curiosity, Exploration, and Discovery at the Dawn of AI,” by Fei-Fei Li.
2025 — “On the Fringe: Where Science Meets Pseudoscience,” by Michael D. Gordin.
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PRINCETON, NJ — Princeton Public Schools Superintendent Mike LaSusa outlined a series of changes for the 2026-27 school year, including new restrictions on student device use and a new extracurricular activity fee, in a letter sent to parents and caregivers on Aug. 19."It has been an eventful summer and we are eager to welcome all of our students back to our buildings and into a year of learning and growth," LaSusa wrote.All six district schools underwent some level of construction over the summer. Site work at ...
PRINCETON, NJ — Princeton Public Schools Superintendent Mike LaSusa outlined a series of changes for the 2026-27 school year, including new restrictions on student device use and a new extracurricular activity fee, in a letter sent to parents and caregivers on Aug. 19.
"It has been an eventful summer and we are eager to welcome all of our students back to our buildings and into a year of learning and growth," LaSusa wrote.
All six district schools underwent some level of construction over the summer. Site work at Johnson Park, Riverside and a portion of the Littlebrook property was expected to be complete by Friday, Aug. 28. Larger projects at Princeton Middle School, Community Park, Littlebrook and Princeton High School will continue throughout the school year.
"We know that there will be disruptions to routines and need for ongoing adjustments as we proceed through phases of work," LaSusa wrote, thanking families for their flexibility. Principals will communicate school-specific details, and progress can be tracked on the district's facilities webpage.
The district is establishing a districtwide goal of reducing the amount of time students spend on devices and screens during the school day, LaSusa wrote.
"We are familiar with the research regarding excessive device and social media use, the decline in time spent reading books, and other emerging evidence about how we all are affected by the screens in our hands," he wrote.
As part of that effort, the district will:
The district has already installed restrictions on YouTube access, implemented content filtering and monitoring tools, and removed devices from kindergarten and first-grade classrooms, according to the letter.
"We will continue to discuss and evaluate our relationship with technology, especially as AI now advances into every facet of life," LaSusa wrote. "For now, though, we are taking steps to reorient our school cultures to be more thoughtful about technology use and our students to have less of a defaultish mindset that their devices are appendages."
The Board of Education has adopted a new activity fee for participation in extracurricular activities carrying a district expense. The fee is $150 at Princeton High School and $100 at Princeton Middle School for the current school year. Revenue from the fee will be used to offset costs including coach and advisor salaries, equipment, officiating and event registration fees, facility preparation and maintenance, insurance and security.
The fee can be paid through MySchoolBucks. Students who qualify for free or reduced lunch are not subject to the fee. Parents facing financial hardship outside the federal free or reduced lunch program may contact their school principal.
The letter also reminded families of several annual notifications required under New Jersey law:
"Thank you for reading to the end and for all that you do to support your children and our schools," LaSusa wrote. "I look forward to a great year!"
Princeton, NJ — A few weeks ago, I had an inspiring haircut.More accurately, I was inspired by an impending haircut for my friend Jim Constantine, principal at the planning firm of LRK, and the architect and planner for Avalon Princeton on Harrison at the Princeton Shopping Center.I ran into Jim at the Princeton Shopping Center as he was heading to Center Barber Shop for a haircut appointment with Tony.Sign Up for FREE Princeton NewsletterGet local news you can trust in your...
Princeton, NJ — A few weeks ago, I had an inspiring haircut.
More accurately, I was inspired by an impending haircut for my friend Jim Constantine, principal at the planning firm of LRK, and the architect and planner for Avalon Princeton on Harrison at the Princeton Shopping Center.
I ran into Jim at the Princeton Shopping Center as he was heading to Center Barber Shop for a haircut appointment with Tony.
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Jim, who loves to gab about the “transformed” Princeton Shopping Center, suggested I write a column about the shopping center.
I balked. How boring. I write about people, not pathways, posters, and plantings. As the words blathered out of my mouth, I realized the idiocy of my statement.
Jim and I were surrounded by people of all ages, eating, drinking, walking, climbing (on playground equipment), playing a game of big chess, sunbathing in lounge chairs, reading, tablet scrolling, but most notably talking — not arguing — with one another in this community backyard environment.
In an era when disagreeing has become a national sport, the scene playing out in front of us was refreshing. The only thing missing from this picture of a backyard get-together was a barbeque grill — although there were (and still are) plenty of grilled, fried, baked, broiled, and steamed food options at the wide variety of eateries lining the rectangular-shaped yard.
For my column, however, I was seeking more – a human being, who would represent the jovial great uncle, presiding over the backyard barbecue grill. As I stared at Jim’s head, the realization popped into my head. That avuncular role is perfectly played by barber Tony Verde, who has been working at Center Barber Shop for 52 years.
When Jim formally introduced me to Tony (although I knew the legendary barber by reputation), Tony informed me that Center Barber Shop is the “only original store still operating in the center from the time it opened 72 years ago.”
According to Ryan Leeming, vice president of development for the national real estate corporation EDENS, which acquired the shopping center in 2012, "Princeton Shopping Center, built in 1954, has always been more than retail. It's a place where generations of Princetonians have gathered, built relationships, and preserved a sense of community….
“Few businesses embody that legacy better than Tony and Center Barber Shop, whose presence connects the center's rich history with its current vibrancy."
The 82-year-old Tony, who lives in Hamilton Township, has been “barbering” for 62 years, with most of those years spent at the Princeton Shopping Center.
Tony worked fulltime until 2023, when he “retired” and now works two days per week. He even owned the shop briefly from 2021 to 2023, when he sold it to the current owner, Ken Emma, a central New Jersey hairdresser professional with over 40 years of experience.
“I will never retire fully. I still have my hair, so why should I stop working?” Tony says.
“I love being a barber…. When I was growing up in Trenton, I learned the practical value of barbering as a stable trade. You’ll never starve as a barber, hair keeps growing, and you usually can leave work with money in hand through tips. Ken (the new owner) shares my love for the business. He has really invested in the business with major shop remodeling, new products, and services.
“But the best part is the barbershop culture. People come into the shop, take a seat, have a cup of coffee, and talk, sometimes about family, sometimes about the news. Conversation is always civil, even though our clients have very diverse backgrounds and professions. In the old days, we had a lot of newspapers to read. Even though times are different these days (such as fewer newspapers), the relaxed sociability of the shop still exists,” says Tony.
On those rare occasions when Tony has no customers, he reads from the Bible that he keeps at his work station. Tony links his work to faith and community service, saying, “it is what has kept me going.”
Tony’s commitment to his religion, family, and his customers is his “number one job,” but he has enjoyed a secondary job of observing the changes in the shopping center over the decades.
He has watched the center go through several facelifts, retailers, owners, natural disasters (pandemic, blizzards, floods, such as the most recent on August 27), and power outages. Even though he was not at the shopping center in the 1950s, he knows its history.
“Theodore Potts in 1950s owned the farmland (about 28 acres in Princeton Township) that is now the shopping center. He had a vision for an open-air shopping mall, and he moved on it. If I am not mistaken, this style of shopping center (non-enclosed with a courtyard) was one of only three in the entire country when it first opened. It always brought people together, even though in the beginning the center was not fancy. It was all cinderblock walls, unpainted — quite a contrast to what is there today. Nowadays, beautiful murals decorate the walls. (EDENS welcomes the Arts Council of Princeton and its public arts project murals.)
“For many years the center was owned by Comfort (George Comfort & Sons), and Comfort did a major renovation in 2007. But the biggest facelift occurred after EDENS came into the picture,” says Tony.
According to Ryan Leeming of EDENS, the Princeton Shopping Center is the perfect property for the EDENS portfolio. As a national real estate corporation, EDENS is known for owning, developing, and managing open-air, mixed-use, community-focused retail destinations throughout the country.
The center entered a new chapter in 2025, says Ryan, “with many site improvements, including a new playground, restoration of the historic clock tower, and the debut of new residences in partnership with AvalonBay Communities. . .
“The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted that vibrancy and contributed to the loss of several community-serving retailers. During the same period, EDENS learned of Princeton’s third-round affordable housing obligations and began considering how the center could address the community’s changing needs. That opportunity inspired a more complete mixed-use vision supporting residents, local businesses and community life.”
(For a full description of the Avalon/Shopping Center redevelopment plan, see Jim Constantine’s narrative that led to winning a NJ Future Smart Growth Award.)
“Through this evolution, Center Barber Shop remains a reminder of the relationships that have made Princeton Shopping Center special for more than seven decades,” says Ryan.
Tony is as happy with the changes as EDENS is happy with Center Barber Shop’s continued presence.
“I really like what EDENS has done — both with the facelift and the current mix of retailers in the shopping center. Plus, the apartments give the center a life at all hours all week long that it previously didn’t have.
“The one change that many of my customers mourn is the loss of Main Street — just a perfect restaurant, great gathering place, excellent food, reasonable prices, and a liquor license,” says Tony.
But even without Main Street, food options at the shopping center are abundant — along with lots of fitness options to work off the lots of food options.
Once you are fit, you then can utilize the center’s various health and beauty services, which may lead to purchasing a wedding gown, which may lead to purchasing baby clothes which may lead to buying tools to fix up your first home.
In addition to the shopping and professional services, the Shopping Center hosts concerts, craft and holiday fairs, children’s story hours, etc. From his perch in the barber shop, Tony is convinced that the Princeton Shopping Center now is the “best” open-air retail center in New Jersey.
One might say it is one cut above the others.
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