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 Historical Society of the Phoenixville Area 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 Kimberton, PA 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.
“I am a current client of this provider i could use more help, two hours is”
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“I am a current client of this provider They find pretty good caregivers to take care”
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“I am a current client of this provider They work with me and explain to me”
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“I am a current client of this provider They get him up, moving, and make him”
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“I am a current client of this provider i could use more help, two hours is not enough to get things done. The care is fine and I have no complaints.”
“I am a current client of this provider They have helped me the most treating me the way I want to be treated. I like that when someone comes, it is usually someone I am acquainted with. I like the energy they bring.”
“I am a current client of this provider I'm recovering from injuries, it saves me a lot of stress. I like that they are accurate and accessible to my needs.”
“I am a current client of this provider They find pretty good caregivers to take care of things. They are easy to get a hold of and will call me right back.”
“I am a current client of this provider They have been positive because they have been able to be there and provide me with companionship. I like the people they send for me.”
“I am a current client of this provider It has helped a lot. It helps me keep things organized. I like Always Best Care because the the caregivers are always on time.”
“I am a current client of this provider She goes shopping and gets me groceries. She said that she will take me places if I need to go. I like the care that I am getting now and the nurse.”
“I am a current client of this provider They take care of my husband so I can go to work. They are very flexible.”
“I am a current client of this provider They send me very well qualified caregivers. I like that the caregivers are very well qualified.”
“I am a past client of this provider They could have made my life easier by having replacements when needed. I liked that they allowed my mother's family to care for her too.”
“I am a current client of this provider They supplied me with wonderful people and they are always here for me. The caregivers take very good care of me.”
“I am a current client of this provider They work with me and explain to me what certain medication is for. I like that they explain things to me in ways that I can understand them.”
“I am a current client of this provider They have helped me with my emotional and physical needs. They're proficient. They have nice staff and nice people that work around me.”
“I am a current client of this provider My grandfather can get to and from appointments without me being there. They are easy to get in contact with when I need them.”
“I am a current client of this provider They have really helped her with things like sitting with her and listening to music. I really like that they are good at communicating with each other and the clients.”
“I am a current client of this provider They hired me to do his care. I help with his medication and lay out his clothing. I try to have conversations with him. They are very helpful especially with getting me started with the services.”
“I am a current client of this provider The agency has done house work and anything I ask them to do. They are honest and have integrity.”
“I am a current client of this provider She has dementia, so she really doesn't understand what Best Care is doing here. For me, they've been a lot of help by just being there for her. I like that they do their best to check things up the way I want it. They go out of their way to please me.”
“I am a current client of this provider They have a good ability to understand where I am coming from in my situation. I like how close to my area they are.”
“I am a current client of this provider They keep me going with dressing and meals. They need to see if they can help you in order to be more honest about available in your area.”
“I am a current client of this provider They are absolutely necessary for me to live a healthy life by having an aide in the house. They take care of things for me. I like how accommodating they are in terms of understanding and respecting that I know my own needs and that I want to bring in who I want to bring in.”
“I am a current client of this provider They help me with everything I need and I do appreciate that very much. I am not happy with some of the services that I am getting, they are taking hours away from me.”
“I am a current client of this provider We're getting along fine now. It allows me to be able to do more things than I used to be able to do. They're friendly and very cooperative.”
“I am a current client of this provider They get him up, moving, and make him get out of the house. Once I found out about their principles I was very comfortable with them.”
“I am a past client of this provider They were caring as far as listening to your problems. They do not lie to you. They screen their caregivers.”
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 Kimberton 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 Kimberton Inn or visit Waterman Monument, 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 Kimberton, PA, 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 Kimberton, PA 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 Kimberton, PA 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.
Tuesday, Apr 16, 2024MaxPreps Pennsylvania High School Athlete of the Week Award: Vote NowMaxPreps Pennsylvania High School Athlete of the Week Award: Vote NowWho turned in Pennsylvania's top prep performances? You vote, you decide.Tuesday, Apr 9, 2024MaxPreps Pennsylvania High School Athlete of the Week Award: Vote NowTuesday, Mar 19, 2024...
MaxPreps Pennsylvania High School Athlete of the Week Award: Vote Now
MaxPreps Pennsylvania High School Athlete of the Week Award: Vote NowWho turned in Pennsylvania's top prep performances? You vote, you decide.MaxPreps Pennsylvania High School Athlete of the Week Award: Vote Now
MaxPreps Pennsylvania High School Athlete of the Week Award: Vote Now
MaxPreps Pennsylvania High School Athlete of the Week Award: Vote Now
MaxPreps Pennsylvania High School Athlete of the Week Award: Vote Now
MaxPreps Pennsylvania High School Athlete of the Week Award: Vote Now
Congratulations to Kira Sorzano for being selected the Kimberton Waldorf player of the game
Kimberton Waldorf falls short of New Foundations in the playoffs
Team Reports•Feb 20, 2024Kimberton Waldorf falls short of New Foundations in the playoffsRecap: Kimberton Waldorf Bulls vs. New FoundationsStats have been entered for the Kimberton Waldorf vs. New Foundations on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024.
35Points4Assists23ReboundsOn Tuesday, Feb 20, 2024, the Kimberton Waldorf Varsity Girls Basketball team lost their game against New Foundations High School by a score of 35-57.
KKimberton Waldorf35New Foundations57FinalMaxPreps Pennsylvania High School Athlete of the Week Award: Vote Now
MaxPreps Pennsylvania High School Athlete of the Week Award: Vote NowWho turned in Pennsylvania's top prep performances? You vote, you decide.Basketball Game Preview: Kimberton Waldorf Bulls vs. New Foundations
Team ReportsFeb 17, 2024Basketball Game Preview: Kimberton Waldorf Bulls vs. New FoundationsPreview: Kimberton Waldorf Bulls vs. New FoundationsCongratulations to Kira Sorzano for being selected the Kimberton Waldorf player of the game
Kimberton Waldorf takes down Cristo Rey Philadelphia in a playoff battle
Team Reports•Feb 15, 2024Kimberton Waldorf takes down Cristo Rey Philadelphia in a playoff battleRecap: Kimberton Waldorf Bulls vs. Cristo Rey Philadelphia Blue PrideStats have been entered for the Kimberton Waldorf vs. Cristo Rey Philadelphia on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024.
59Points8Assists33ReboundsOn Thursday, Feb 15, 2024, the Kimberton Waldorf Varsity Girls Basketball team won their game against Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School by a score of 59-50.
KKimberton Waldorf59Cristo Rey Philadelphia50FinalMaxPreps Pennsylvania High School Athlete of the Week Award: Vote Now
Wednesday, Feb 14, 2024Congratulations to Martin Rice for being selected the Kimberton Waldorf player of the gameWednesday, Feb 14, 2024Congratulations to ...
Congratulations to Martin Rice for being selected the Kimberton Waldorf player of the game
Congratulations to Martin Rice for being selected the Kimberton Waldorf player of the game
Kimberton Waldorf falls despite strong effort from JoJo Da Graca
Kimberton Waldorf falls despite strong effort from JoJo Da GracaRecap: Kimberton Waldorf Bulls vs. Hawthorne Valley WildcatsMartin Rice Game Report
Martin Rice Game ReportKimberton Waldorf benefitted from Rice in 35-20 winMartin Rice commands the offense for Bulls win
Team Reports•Feb 14, 2024Martin Rice commands the offense for Bulls winRecap: Kimberton Waldorf Bulls vs. Green Meadow Waldorf WarriorsBasketball Game Recap: Kimberton Waldorf Bulls vs. Tournament Opponent
Team ReportsFeb 14, 2024Basketball Game Recap: Kimberton Waldorf Bulls vs. Tournament OpponentRecap: Kimberton Waldorf Bulls vs. Tournament OpponentCongratulations to JoJo Da Graca for being selected the Kimberton Waldorf player of the game
Basketball Game Recap: Kimberton Waldorf Bulls vs. Steiner Dragons
Team Reports•Feb 12, 2024Basketball Game Recap: Kimberton Waldorf Bulls vs. Steiner DragonsRecap: Kimberton Waldorf Bulls vs. Steiner DragonsStats have been entered for the Kimberton Waldorf vs. Green Meadow Waldorf on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024.
35Points2Assists25ReboundsOn Saturday, Feb 10, 2024, the Kimberton Waldorf Varsity Boys Basketball team won their game against Green Meadow Waldorf High School by a score of 35-20.
KKimberton Waldorf35GGreen Meadow Waldorf20FinalStats have been entered for the Kimberton Waldorf vs. Tournament Opponent on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024.
25Points3Assists21ReboundsOn Friday, Feb 9, 2024, the Kimberton Waldorf Varsity Boys Basketball team lost their game against Tournament Opponent High School by a score of 25-41.
KKimberton Waldorf25TTournament Opponent41FinalStats have been entered for the Kimberton Waldorf vs. Steiner on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024.
17Points16Rebounds8StealsOn Friday, Feb 9, 2024, the Kimberton Waldorf Varsity Boys Basketball team lost their game against Steiner High School by a score of 17-24.
KKimberton Waldorf17SSteiner24FinalBasketball Game Preview: Kimberton Waldorf Bulls vs. Steiner Dragons
Team Reports•Feb 9, 2024Basketball Game Preview: Kimberton Waldorf Bulls vs. Steiner DragonsPreview: Kimberton Waldorf Bulls vs. Steiner DragonsKimberton Waldorf extends road losing streak to 16
Team Reports•Jan 31, 2024Kimberton Waldorf extends road losing streak to 16Recap: Kimberton Waldorf Bulls vs. Delaware Valley FriendsCongratulations to Martin Rice for being selected the Kimberton Waldorf player of the game
Stats have been entered for the Kimberton Waldorf vs. Delaware Valley Friends on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024.
26Points7Assists17ReboundsOn Monday, Jan 29, 2024, the Kimberton Waldorf Varsity Boys Basketball team lost their Competitive Edge Sports K 0f P game against Delaware Valley Friends High School by a score of 27-63.
KKimberton Waldorf27Delaware Valley Friends63FinalMon, 2/12Svs SteinerL 17-24Mon, 2/12Tvs Tournament OpponentL 25-41Wed, 2/14Gvs Green Meadow WaldorfW 35-20
| Pennsylvania#739 |
| Philadelphia#385 |
KKimberton Waldorf High School 410 West Seven Stars Rd.Kimberton, PA 19460
Terry Brett just wanted to be a farmer. But he wound up a retailer, and hundreds of local producers and thousands of loyal shoppers in the Greater Philadelphia area are so glad he did. Back in 1986, he and his wife, Patricia, ran a 400-acre biodynamic and organic dairy farm now named Seven Stars Farm. Terry made yogurt while Pat opened a small farm store onsite, the first iteration of Kimberton Whole Foods. "My goal was to end up working on the farm, but with four little children and a fifth soon to follow, I didn't end up getting out o...
Terry Brett just wanted to be a farmer. But he wound up a retailer, and hundreds of local producers and thousands of loyal shoppers in the Greater Philadelphia area are so glad he did. Back in 1986, he and his wife, Patricia, ran a 400-acre biodynamic and organic dairy farm now named Seven Stars Farm. Terry made yogurt while Pat opened a small farm store onsite, the first iteration of Kimberton Whole Foods. "My goal was to end up working on the farm, but with four little children and a fifth soon to follow, I didn't end up getting out of the store," he laughs.
Since relocating to the village of Kimberton in 1994, Kimberton Whole Foods has grown tremendously. With six locations currently and a seventh slated to open mid-2022, the business is beloved for its fair prices, community support and commitment to organic and local foods. Kimberton Whole Foods buys directly from more than 200 local vendors located within 100 miles of its distribution center and goes above and beyond to support them. These tenets, in turn, have attracted a dedicated customer base and helped the company expand.
NFM talks with Brett about his undying passion for this work, his family's journey and why uplifting local producers is a win for all.
You've been at this a while now. What keeps you excited about the work you do?
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Terry Brett: Being able to bring really good food to people is what excites me. And I just love being of service. I was a religious studies and theology major because I thought being a minister was how I wanted to be of service. But after my second attempt at college, I came to the conclusion that if one could have a positive impact on the economy, could be of service to the economy in a sustainable way, that would be noble to dedicate one's life to.
What is your favorite part of your job?
TB: If I could just walk around and talk to coworkers and customers all day long, that would be the favorite part of my job! I love pulling together an incredibly talented team of individuals all dedicated to the same thing.
I love being able to increase wages and benefits for all of our extremely hardworking coworkers so they can have good lives and decent retirements while doing something meaningful to them.
You've been a staunch supporter of organic and biodynamic for decades. What are your thoughts on the state of organic today and its importance for the future of food?
TB: I think USDA Organic standards need to be defended against those who would water them down. For our stores, for any national brand we carry, it is an imperative standard, along with Non-GMO Project Verified. But we have a number of local producers who farm with organic practices but aren't certified, and we're OK with that. It's too costly for them to get USDA Organic certification, and our customers don't seem to mind. So yes, organic certification is important, but on a local basis, not so much.
Related:Checkout: Sawall Health Foods earns Retailer of the Year with focus on customers
You also champion local food. Why is this so important?
TB: In any industry, keeping money in the hands of the local economy is just a good thing versus money being extracted by national companies headquartered who knows where. Most of the supermarkets in our area were short of inventory during the early days of the pandemic whereas we were not. Direct sourcing kept our meat, egg and dairy shelves full. For many customers, this was a wakeup call or affirmation that a locally sourced food supply is much more sustainable long-term. If we're talking about food security, then we should support local farmers so they can exist and so that, if we go through something like COVID again, we can still eat.
What are some specific ways Kimberton Whole Foods supports local producers?
TB: We created a one-stop drop-off spot for our farmer partners in 2008 when we opened our own distribution center, which is pretty unusual for a small company to have. This way, they don't have to go all over southeastern Pennsylvania to bring product to our stores. We also pick up products from farms, take them back to the center and distribute them to each store a minimum of three times a week, so we can move fresh and short-dated product very efficiently.
We don't add any extra margin for all this extra handling, which is a significant expense on our part. The fact that we cover the cost is one of our most significant contributions to local producers, and this has very much become part of our identity. Additionally, for all local vendors, we don't expect free-fill, which is standard in the industry, and wouldn't even consider slotting fees. Our marketing team also calls out local vendors with clear signage throughout our stores.
How are your wife and kids involved in Kimberton Whole Foods?
TB: My wife takes on occasional roles in the business, but she was a strong underpinning to our success as a family. Our five children have their mother's strong work ethic and are all highly moral individuals. It has worked out well, working together as a family. We don't always agree on everything, but for the most part, we do.
Our eldest, Heidi, came back to the business after getting a ceramics degree and managing a ceramics studio; she is now our director of finance. Our second child, Ezra, is director of operations and essentially our general contractor overseeing the buildouts of the last three stores. Our third, Colin, is celebrating 20 years working with us. He has strong culinary talent, just like his mother, and manages the café at our Kimberton location. Our second daughter is a mergers and acquisitions attorney in Philadelphia, but she visits all the time and is the life of the party. Our youngest, Robin, has been working here for 15 years. He is the director of purchasing and merchandising and does a wonderful job.
Do you hope to pass the business along to them eventually?
TB: Yes, we plan on passing the business along to the children and hopefully, if they're interested, our five grandchildren. But they are ages 11 to 2, so who knows which paths they'll take. I have a silent partner who fully intends for the business to be just in the family, but I'd like to develop a structure where key workers have an ownership stake as well, because a lot of people have helped us get to where we are.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
TB: Well, I purchased another 3 acres of land to start a tree and plant nursery, and the first 1,000 trees are in pots or in the ground. So now, following a 35-year detour into retail, I get to grow things. We have a need for native plants and trees because we've created ecological deserts for bugs and birds, bees and butterflies, but not many people are growing them. We just opened a garden center across the road from our main store in Kimberton, and while I was determined to not employ anyone in my next venture, I'm realizing I need to hire some people. There is no way to get all the work done myself.
So that is my current project, but as I withdraw more and more—I just turned 65 last October—all the day-to-day activity in the stores is in the hands of our really competent team. So as I start to think ahead, spending a lot more time with our grandchildren is what I'd like to do.
Why do Kimberton Whole Foods customers keep coming back? Owner and CEO Terry Brett highlights three main drivers of company loyalty, from which other independent retailers can draw inspiration.
Firm dedication to local. As an example of Kimberton Whole Foods' commitment, the company sources from five different raw milk producers and goes to eight farms for eggs. With sales of locally produced products exceeding $6 million in 2020, customers clearly love KWF's commitment. "Our growth over the years has allowed us to support many more farmers—and to an ever-greater degree because we can buy more and more from them as we expand our customer base," Brett says.
Fair prices. From the very beginning, KWF has worked hard to keep prices low. "Because of our experience having five children and living on a farm, we know how difficult it is for young families to afford good organic food, so we've been dedicated to that for 35 years now," Brett notes. "We are in the very competitive Philadelphia market, and our strategic buying and passing on of vendor discounts has created a lot of customer loyalty."
Community engagement. Through KWF's Rounding Up at the Register Program, each store donates to 12 different local nonprofits every year, one for each month, totaling 72 companywide. "Because this program supports a wide range of nonprofits in all six communities, our commitment to caring really resonates with people," Brett says.
Melaina Juntti is a longtime freelance journalist, copy editor and marketing professional. With nearly two decades of experience in the natural products industry, she is a frequent contributor to Nutrition Business Journal, Natural Foods Merchandiser and NewHope.com. Melaina is based in Madison, Wisconsin, and is passionate about hiking, camping, fishing and live music.
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This growing retailer continues to incorporate its values into its consumer proposition.Originally printed in the August 2023 issue of Produce Business.For the last four decades, Kimberton Whole Foods (KWF), headquartered in Kimberton, PA, has built a legacy of seven family-owned and -operated stores around the Philadelphia suburbs by strongly maintaining a promise to customers to provide organic foods.“We’ve built a big and growing customer base over time by doing everything we can to pre...
Originally printed in the August 2023 issue of Produce Business.
For the last four decades, Kimberton Whole Foods (KWF), headquartered in Kimberton, PA, has built a legacy of seven family-owned and -operated stores around the Philadelphia suburbs by strongly maintaining a promise to customers to provide organic foods.
“We’ve built a big and growing customer base over time by doing everything we can to present the best quality product to our customers,” says Robin Brett, purchasing manager. “It’s foremost. Our customers know when they shop our stores, they are shopping a certified organic set. This sets us apart from other natural food stores where the organic can be a 50/50 split.”
The company was founded by Terry and Pat Brett, who, in 1986, were running a farm store in Chester County, PA. They sold organic yogurt made on-site at a biodynamic dairy farm now known as Seven Stars Farm.
“My parents grew that store into this group of natural grocery stores, actively reflecting their commitment to local farming, and prioritizing organic and fair food,” says Robin Brett.
It was this commitment to local farms that Brett credits as being central to the company’s success, as well as the fact it offers competitive organic pricing and enjoyable experiences.
“All of our pricing is competitive with the organic market,” he says. “We run great weekly ads and build amazing displays. Doing this consistently, day in and day out, has built our customers’ trust.”
Quality produce is crucial to attracting customers, states Brett, and is an important part of KWF’s business.
“As we’ve grown, we’ve seen that if customers are shopping the produce department, they’re more likely to do the rest of their shopping with you,” he says. “If they aren’t purchasing produce due to quality or price, you’re missing out on a big opportunity. It’s a driver that gets people in and fills out the entire shopping trip’s basket.”
The store carries, on average, about 270 SKUs to provide an ample offering. “The more options, the more we can sell,” says Brett. “As we’ve improved operations, it has given us the opportunity to take more risk and try more things.”
KWF takes great care to reduce food waste, especially in produce, as much as possible, according to Brett.
“Our aim is to find the right balance between making an abundant, beautiful display, but not overstocking the product,” says Brett. “We don’t want extra food waste, which concerns us. It’s a balance. We watch closely that we’re putting out the right amount to sell through the day. We’re working with higher quality, more expensive organic product, so we must be careful with it.”
The Collegeville store’s produce department has a natural feel, incorporating wood in displays, floors and accents with earthy-green paint and bright lighting. Produce is merchandised in an open refrigerated case, a door case and wood tables and crates.
The 28-foot open refrigerated case has a wide selection of wet veg, selected fruits, grapes, berries and refrigerated juices. An 8-foot door case holds packaged salads and sprouts.
Collegeville’s refrigeration uses SoloChill by Hill Phoenix, a water-cooled loop system for heat rejection using case top compressors that minimize refrigeration volume. Compressors are variable speed (450 step electronic valves) with a sophisticated control board for maximum efficiency controls.
Wood orchard bin tables and crates form islands, and line the department sides to feature dry merchandised products and special displays.
The KWF store does three big seasonal changes: a spring-summer reset to highlight the summer fruit and update displays; a fall change to showcase apples and pears; and during the winter, it focuses on citrus, and also pushes potatoes, yams and squash for fall/winter.
The company works closely with its primary distributor Four Seasons Produce of Ephrata, PA, which services all the stores six days a week. “Their merchandising team also helps us build displays and do store resets, and they supplement our training for department employees,” says Brett.
KWF also works with UNFI Fresh of Logan Township, NJ, for some sourcing.
According to Brett, priority for sourcing revolves around quality and organic, and then cost. “We want to get the right product at the right cost for our shoppers,” he says. “It’s important to make sure we have the best quality product at competitive pricing. It’s always a balance.”
In peak local season, the company sources extensively from local sources. “Although we have the scale to work with the bigger produce distributors, we’re also flexible enough to work with small local farms,” says Brett. “This is important because we can be flexible with them even if they can only service one store here or there. We work to help build their sales, so they can service more stores eventually.”
“It’s a gratifying part of our job to support these small farms and help them grow their business.”
In 2013, KWF invested in an 8,600 square-foot distribution center in Downingtown, PA. “It serves as a central location for our local vendors and reduces the number of trips (and thus carbon emissions) they would otherwise take to our seven stores,” says Brett.
KWF is vested in promotion and involvement with its shoppers. The store puts out a weekly flyer that includes all its produce promotions. “The same information goes out in an email newsletter,” says Brett, adding KWF creates social media posts on key items.
Every store also has what’s called an Ad Table. “It’s the first display greeting our customers when they walk into the store, and it features the weekly sale items,” says Brett. “It’s a strong display we use to showcase value to our customers.”
The company maintains trained produce staff at each location. KWF Category Manager John Neal sets pricing and promotions, and reviews the stores with visits on a weekly basis.
“He provides an element of training during those product and department reviews,” says Brett. “Each store has a department manager, and a big part of their job is to train team members on best practices and handling.”
“Our Rounding Up at the Register program works with hyper-local organizations that represent each location’s surrounding community,” says Brett. “We collaborate with 84 non-profits through this program and match every cent our customers donate. Since the start of Rounding Up at the Register in 2020, we’ve raised over $800,000.”
Kimberton Whole Foods222 E. Main St., Collegeville, PA 19426Tel: 484-971-6055Web: www.kimbertonwholefoods.comHours: Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
ROCKLAND – Twenty eighth grade students from Kimberton Waldorf School, Kimberton, Pennsylvania, arrived at Rockland Harbor, Sunday evening, May 28, after a 10-hour drive. They were about to embark on a four-day adventure onboard the schooner Victory Chimes.Kimberton is approximately 25 miles outside Valley Forge and Philadelphia.Kevin Hughes, dean of school, said they didn't start out headed to Maine, but were glad they had arrived."The eighth grade traditionally does a big trip at the end of their ye...
ROCKLAND – Twenty eighth grade students from Kimberton Waldorf School, Kimberton, Pennsylvania, arrived at Rockland Harbor, Sunday evening, May 28, after a 10-hour drive. They were about to embark on a four-day adventure onboard the schooner Victory Chimes.
Kimberton is approximately 25 miles outside Valley Forge and Philadelphia.
Kevin Hughes, dean of school, said they didn't start out headed to Maine, but were glad they had arrived.
"The eighth grade traditionally does a big trip at the end of their year," he said. " Elan Leibner is their teacher. Elan had arranged a sailing trip out of New Bedford, Connecticut. But the boat we had contracted with had contacted Elan and said they were behind schedule. They were waiting on a Coast Guard inspection."
Hughes said the trip was supposed to be last week.
"Indeed, they did contact us and said they would not be able to take us out," he said. "Elan spent two days on the telephone calling up and down the east coast from Virginia to Maine trying to find someone who could take us and the Victory Chimes was available."
Hughes said they looked at the boat and said, “Wow, we lucked out.”
He hopes the students will work on the boat and not just sail.
"We would rather see them work," he said. "It's not for a grade, it a just for fun trip. Last year, the eighth grade did some hiking on the Appalachian Trail. They've done community service type work and planted trees. We always try to incorporate doing something."
Hughes said the students are bright and fun to be around. He said he was sure they would enjoy being on the four-day trip around Penobscot Bay.
A couple of the students said they had been on a cruise ship, but nothing like the Victory Chimes.
The Victory Chimes was built around the turn of the 20th Century. It has a rich history of plying the waters. It was even owned by Domino's Pizza for a while in 1987. Her named had been changed to Domino Effect.
Captain Kip Files and Captain Paul DeGaeta, who oversaw Domino's restoration, purchased the vessel to keep her from leaving the country. They immediately change her name back to Victory Chimes and returned her to the Maine windjammer trade. The Maine Legislature welcomes her back with a special resolution.
Victory Chimes is the only three masted schooner in the Maine Windjammer Fleet.
In 1997, Victory Chimes was named an American National Historic Landmark under the Maritime Heritage Program of the National Park Service.
It's the Victory Chimes that you find on the back of the state's quarter.
Captain Kip Files addressed the group before they boarded the vessel, cautioning them about the toilets, which are mechanical and do not use the amount of water that is used by toilets on land.
"If you didn't eat it, and you didn't drink it and it's not toilet paper, then you cannot put it in the toilet."
That said, Files welcomed the students aboard. He said he was not scheduled to start his season for another week.
"I had two weeks before my first scheduled sail," he said. "When I got your call I decided to take you out and my crew worked hard to complete two weeks worth of work in just five and a half days."
Files invited the students to help with the last-minute tasks, like bending on the last sail, carrying down a small boat and polishing brass.
The students were assigned cabins and spent Sunday night aboard the vessel. On Monday, Memorial Day, after a big breakfast of pancakes, sausage and fruit, the Victory Chimes departed its dock for the students sailing adventure.
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