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 South Toms River Silos 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 Toms River, 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.
“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”
“Your service was just what I needed. I would not hesitate to use your services”
“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.”
“Your service was just what I needed. I would not hesitate to use your services in the future if needed. I would recommend you to anyone needing your help. Again, thank you for caring.”
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 Winding River 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 Dina's Bistro or visit Barnegat Bay Maritime Museum, 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 Toms River, 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 Toms River, 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 Toms River, 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.
TOMS RIVER, NJ — We've all faced those nights where you don't feel like cooking but no one can agree on what to order for dinner.Enter Wonder, a new restaurant service opening Thursday in Toms River. The company describes it as a "food hall" and a "mealtime super app operating a collection of delivery-first restaurants," where you can order from a variety of restaurants in one order and have it delivered in a "curated dining experience" that features award-winning restaurants and some of the world's...
TOMS RIVER, NJ — We've all faced those nights where you don't feel like cooking but no one can agree on what to order for dinner.
Enter Wonder, a new restaurant service opening Thursday in Toms River. The company describes it as a "food hall" and a "mealtime super app operating a collection of delivery-first restaurants," where you can order from a variety of restaurants in one order and have it delivered in a "curated dining experience" that features award-winning restaurants and some of the world's best chefs.
Everything is made to order at a Wonder storefront and in addition to delivery, there are pick-up and some limited dining-in options. The set-up allows multiple restaurants to operate at a single location within a 3,000-square-foot kitchen, the company says.
The grand opening for the Toms River Wonder is set for 4:30 p.m. Thursday, and the doors open at 5 p.m. It is in the spot previously occupied by Moe's Southwest Grill in the Toms River Shopping Center. The company said the first 100 customers will receive an exclusive Wonder gift.
The Toms River location will offer more than 15 restaurants, including Limesalt, Tejas Barbecue, Fred's Meat & Bread, Yasas by Michael Symon, Streetbird by Marcus Samuelsson, Burger Baby, Wing Trip, Alanza Pizza, Room for Dessert, Detroit Brick Pizza Co., Royal Greens, Hanu Poke, Di Fara Pizza, Bellies (kids), Bobby Flay Steak, The Mainstay by Marc Murphy, Walnut Lane and Maydan.
You can order from Wonder Toms River here. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Delivery is available to the following zip codes: 08721, 08722, 08732, 08741, 08753, 08755, 08757 and 08759.
The Toms River location is the 57th in the country and 18th in New Jersey.
Happy Friday! Are you ready to head to the Shore?Here's the latest on roads around Monmouth and Ocean counties: 10-mile backup on Garden State Parkway from Tinton Falls to Brick; 5-mile backup from Lakewood to Toms RiverAt 5:35 p.m., there is a five-mile backup on the Parkway southbound from about Exit 89A (Route 70 East) in Lakewood to about Exit 83 (Route 9 North) in Toms River. Expect delays.Farther north, there is at least a 10-mile backup on the Parkway southbound from about Exit 102 (Asbury Avenue) in Tint...
Happy Friday! Are you ready to head to the Shore?
Here's the latest on roads around Monmouth and Ocean counties:
At 5:35 p.m., there is a five-mile backup on the Parkway southbound from about Exit 89A (Route 70 East) in Lakewood to about Exit 83 (Route 9 North) in Toms River. Expect delays.
Farther north, there is at least a 10-mile backup on the Parkway southbound from about Exit 102 (Asbury Avenue) in Tinton Falls to about Exit 91B-A (Chambers Bridge Road) in Brick.
The local lanes of the Parkway southbound are backed up for four miles from Exit 114 (Red Hill Road) in Holmdel to Exit 109 (Newman Springs Road) in Middletown due to heavy traffic volume.
The express lanes southbound are backed up for two miles from Exit 117 (Route 36) in Hazlet to Exit 116 (PNC Arts Center) in Holmdel.
At 3 p.m., there was a 13-mile backup of vehicles in the southbound lanes of the Parkway from Exit 98 (Route 138) in Wall to Exit 83 (Route 9 North) in Toms River. The cause of the standstill is traffic volume.
At 2:43 p.m., there are delays and pockets of heavy volume in the local lanes of the Parkway southbound from Exit 116 (PNC Arts Center) in Holmdel to Exit 109 (Newman Springs Road) in Middletown. Currently, traffic is backed up for seven miles.
At the same time, the express lanes of the Parkway southbound from Exit 117 (Route 36) in Hazlet to Exit 116 (PNC Arts Center) in Holmdel is backed up for three miles.
At 2:30 p.m., traffic is backed up 1½-miles in the southbound lanes of the Parkway from about Exit 83 (Route 9 North) to Exit 82A (Route 37 West) in Toms River.
Additionally, traffic is backed up at least two miles southbound from Exit 90 (Chambers Bridge Road) in Brick to Exit 89A (Route 70 East) in Lakewood.
In Monmouth County, traffic is backed up at least 2½-miles in both the local and express lanes southbound from Exit 114 (Red Hill Road) to Exit 109 (Newman Springs Road) in Middletown.
As of 10:38 a.m., there are delays on NJ 72 eastbound between Mermaid Drive and the NJ 72 Connector. All lanes are open.
As of 9:35 a.m., there are delays on NJ35 northbound between Holiday Road, in Toms River, and 6th Avenue, in Brick. All lanes are open.
There's roadwork on NJ66 westbound at Jumping Brook Road in Neptune from 7 a.m thru 3:30 p.m. All lanes closed.
TOMS RIVER — Property taxes for the second-largest municipality in Ocean County will skyrocket by nearly 13% as a fierce battle over school budgets and state funding continues.Despite its defiance, Toms River schools must adopt a budget that includes the 12.9% tax hike. It comes on top of a 9.3% increase the year before.Ashley Lamb, the school board president, ...
TOMS RIVER — Property taxes for the second-largest municipality in Ocean County will skyrocket by nearly 13% as a fierce battle over school budgets and state funding continues.
Despite its defiance, Toms River schools must adopt a budget that includes the 12.9% tax hike. It comes on top of a 9.3% increase the year before.
Ashley Lamb, the school board president, said the double-digit increase was "unconscionable."
However, the New Jersey Department of Education has no problem forcing the school district to implement the tax increases.
State officials said they stepped in and adopted the budget just before the Fourth of July weekend.
They said the board's refusal to again massively increase taxes due to cuts in state aid put students at risk and indicated "deeper and systemic concerns."
On Thursday, the DOE released a scathing statement that said adopting a budget was one of school administrators' most basic responsibilities.
"While the Department acknowledges the difficulty inherent in school district budgeting decisions, the State and the public hold their school district leaders to the highest standards and expect them to rise to this challenge," the DOE said in a statement.
It's the second year in a row that the state has forced Toms River schools to adopt a budget with local tax hikes.
However, state officials didn't offer any suggestions for how Toms River should make up the $175 million in state aid that the Murphy administration has cut in recent years due to changes in the school funding formula.
The funding formula was approved in 2008; however, it was only implemented within the past seven years.
On Monday, Toms River Regional schools officials released a joint response to the DOE.
They said there have been no answers from the Democratic Murphy administration about how the funding formula works or why it's taking millions away from the largest school district in Ocean County, which is a Republican stronghold in New Jersey.
The Toms River school district has been forced to cut 250 staff positions, sell $20 million in assets and property, and make other budget reductions, according to school officials.
School officials said the DOE's criticisms were ironic, as the Murphy administration's funding cuts had caused the district's budget issues.
"It’s safe to say, after seven long years of a clearly unjust and secret funding formula, we’re sensing a troubling pattern that indicates deeper and systemic concerns about the ability of the state to meet its most basic responsibilities," school officials said.
Last week, Toms River schools officials said they intended to file for bankruptcy amid a $22.3-million budget deficit.
It was a shocking announcement from the district that touts itself as "the most efficient, effective, and transparent large public school district in New Jersey."
Property taxes are shared among county, school and municipal governments. Property taxes in these 22 municipalities had the highest share going to their school districts. The towns are listed from least to greatest in terms of school tax share. The 2024 data was released in 2025 by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.
These 30 schools had the highest rate of chronic absenteeism in the 2022-23 school year. Data is for the New Jersey Department of Education's annual NJ School Performance Reports.
Toms River, NJ – Music and fireworks are coming to Shelter Cove Beach this Sunday night as part of Toms River’s ongoing summer concert series, another free community concert presented by Mayor ...
Toms River, NJ – Music and fireworks are coming to Shelter Cove Beach this Sunday night as part of Toms River’s ongoing summer concert series, another free community concert presented by Mayor Dan Rodrick and the recreation department.
The event kicks off at 7 p.m. on August 10 with a performance by NJ British Invasion, followed by a fireworks display immediately after the show. The family-friendly evening will take place on the bayfront, with plenty of space for beachgoers to enjoy the entertainment.
Boaters are welcome to anchor in the Cove and listen from the water, while bicyclists are encouraged to ride in. For those driving, parking will be available at Shelter Cove and at Toms River High School East, with shuttle service running from the auxiliary lot. Officials recommend using the shuttle to avoid congestion.
Attendees are advised to arrive early to secure a good spot on the beach. Blankets and chairs are welcome, but pets should be left at home.
Food will be available on-site, including frozen treats from Kona Ice of the Jersey Shore and a food truck for those looking to grab a bite during the evening.
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WASHINGTON, DC – Police are searching for a man who attempted an armed robbery early Wednesday morning in Northwest DC.
Around 3:32 a.m., officers responded to the 1700 block of D Street NW for reports of an attempted robbery. The suspect is described as a Black male with no shirt, armed with a black handgun, and last seen in a black BMW with unknown Virginia tags.
Detectives are investigating and asking anyone with information to contact them at (202) 727-9099 or text tips to 50411.
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TRENTON, NJ — An Ocean County resident has been diagnosed with a case of the measles, the New Jersey Department of Health said Thursday.The case is the only one confirmed in New Jersey at the moment, the Health Department said, adding that limited information on the case was available. There have been three other cases in the state, officials said, part of a household outbreak in February."NJDOH is working in collaboration with local health officials on ongoing contact tracing and on efforts to notify people who migh...
TRENTON, NJ — An Ocean County resident has been diagnosed with a case of the measles, the New Jersey Department of Health said Thursday.
The case is the only one confirmed in New Jersey at the moment, the Health Department said, adding that limited information on the case was available. There have been three other cases in the state, officials said, part of a household outbreak in February.
"NJDOH is working in collaboration with local health officials on ongoing contact tracing and on efforts to notify people who might have been exposed and to identify additional exposures that may have occurred," the health department statement said.
Anyone who might have been exposed, if they become infected, could develop symptoms as late as July 22, the health department said.
As of Thursday, no additional associated cases in New Jersey have been identified, state officials said.
The state is not experiencing a measles outbreak, which is defined as three or more related cases by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. New Jersey had a measles outbreak in Ocean County in 2018 but has not reported any cases in the county since then until this week.
Measles symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a rash that usually appears between three and five days after symptoms begin. The rash usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline and spread downward to the neck, torso, arms, legs, and feet. Measles can also cause serious complications, such as pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and can lead to miscarriage in pregnant people, premature birth, or a low-birth-weight baby.
The state urges anyone who suspects an exposure or illness to call their local health department or a health care provider BEFORE going to any medical office or emergency department. Special arrangements can be made for evaluation while also protecting other patients and medical staff from possible infection. Please do not visit a medical facility without calling ahead.
The virus spreads easily through the air when someone coughs or sneezes and can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area. People can also get sick when they come in contact with mucus or saliva from an infected person. Individuals at risk include those who have not been fully vaccinated or have not had measles in the past.
State officials said the MMR vaccine, administered in two doses, is safe and the most effective way to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella. The vaccine is also effective at preventing complications caused by these highly contagious diseases, state officials have said.
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