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 Bel Air Courthouse Historic District 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 Bel Air, MD 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.
“Always Best care is the best! Their caregiver is very nice with respective attitude. They”
“I am a past client of this provider My mother passed away two months ago after”
“I am a past client of this provider ABC Upper Chesapeake provided excellent and compassionate care”
“I met with Elaine Gill as we needed a secure place for my Dad. She”
“I cannot really find the words to say how wonderful the staff is at Always”
“I interviewed this provider I used Always Best Care to care for my parents who happen”
“I used Always Best Care to care for my parents who happen to live in”
“I am a past client of this provider I cannot really find the words to say”
“I interviewed this provider Elaine is professional, knowledgeable, and has a heart for people. Her recommendations”
“I interviewed this provider When we needed help getting our Father the proper care we were”
“Always Best care is the best! Their caregiver is very nice with respective attitude. They are all expert and knows their job very well in all ages. I never regret that their service to take care of my grandmother. They are trustworthy, respectful, honest and passionate to their work. I highly recommend them on their work.”
“I am a past client of this provider My mother passed away two months ago after nearly four years of coverage from the team members of ABC Upper Chesapeake. Mom and I were both very pleased with the coverage. ABC was most congenial to do their best to provide Mom with caretakers whom we found suited to Mom's personality and temperament. In the very few cases this was not so, we asked for someone else to care for Mom and this was promptly provided. All in all the caretakers were kind, friendly, competent and helpful, providing Mom with good care and company. Elaine G was very helpful in getting us in contact with the VA so that Mom was able to obtain a monthly benefit entitled to her because of Dad's service in the military. That was a great financial help to us in our particular situation. I strongly recommend this agency for the homebound and ill. They will work with you to do all they can to grant your reasonable requests. Thank you, Elaine and caretakers!”
“I am a past client of this provider ABC Upper Chesapeake provided excellent and compassionate care for my late father during his prolonged decline at age 95. The care enabled him to live in his home with my mom during his final months of life. Elaine worked with me diligently to match my parents' difficult situation with the perfect caregiver. My father was treated with dignity and gentleness when he was no longer able to care for himself at all. It gave our family great peace of mind knowing he was so well cared for.”
“I met with Elaine Gill as we needed a secure place for my Dad. She was very knowledgeable and professional. Fortunately, the second location she showed us was a good fit (Dakota Paradise). I heartily recommend Always Best Care if you want help finding a loved one the proper care.”
“I cannot really find the words to say how wonderful the staff is at Always Best Care of Upper Chesapeake: Highly competent, Comforting, caring, extremely attentive, endlessly patient and reassuring. Elaine Gill has done an amazing job at ensuring that the staff she has are just as committed to ensuring the highest quality of life for every client, as Elaine! You are on the top of my list for any further care services that my family members may need going forward.”
“I interviewed this provider I used Always Best Care to care for my parents who happen to live in another state. I met with Elaine (the owner) to discuss my options and determine the best caregiver service to meet my parents needs. She was a great help; addressed all my questions and concerns and gave me peace of mind that my parents were in good hands. Their caregiver is wonderful and very competent. I don't have to worry about them or become a detective to find out what is going on with them in Maryland. Although my parents were a little skeptical at first, Elaine and her staff have put their mind at ease and made them feel very comfortable about the entire experience. They both feel much safer now and happier that they are able to stay in the home that they love. I am comforted in knowing that my parents are receiving quality care and they are in the capable hands of Elaine and her staff at Always Best Care. Words can not express my sincere gratitude for the awesome care provided to my parents.”
“I used Always Best Care to care for my parents who happen to live in another state. I met with Elaine (the owner) to discuss my options and determine the best caregiver service to meet my parents needs. She was a great help; addressed all my questions and concerns and gave me peace of mind that my parents were in good hands. Their caregiver is wonderful and very competent. I don't have to worry about them or become a detective to find out what is going on with them in Maryland. Although my parents were a little skeptical at first, Elaine and her staff have put their mind at ease and made them feel very comfortable about the entire experience. They both feel much safer now and happier that they are able to stay in the home that they love. I am comforted in knowing that my parents are receiving quality care and they are in the capable hands of Elaine and her staff at Always Best Care. Words can not express my sincere gratitude for the awesome care provided to my parents.”
“I am a past client of this provider I cannot really find the words to say how wonderful the staff is at Always Best Care of Upper Chesapeake: Highly competent, Comforting, caring, extremely attentive, endlessly patient and reassuring. Elaine Gill has done an amazing job at ensuring that the staff she has are just as committed to ensuring the highest quality of life for every client, as Elaine! You are on the top of my list for any further care services that my family members may need going forward.”
“I interviewed this provider Elaine is professional, knowledgeable, and has a heart for people. Her recommendations have been invaluable. We are thankful for Always Best! It is a 5 Star Company!!”
“I interviewed this provider When we needed help getting our Father the proper care we were recommended to Elaine and ABC. It was the right move. Fortunately for us the second location she showed us was the right fit. It's been a difficult time and having their expertise eased our concerns.”
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 Bynum Run 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 Pairings Bistro or visit Hays House 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.
Request More Information
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 Bel Air, MD, 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 Bel Air, MD 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 Bel Air, MD 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.
BEL AIR, Md. — Mixed-use development company, SJC Ventures, laid out its vision for the future of the Harford Mall site to economic development leaders on Thursday evening. Jeff Garrison, principal of the company, unveiled plans for an 83,000-square foot...
BEL AIR, Md. — Mixed-use development company, SJC Ventures, laid out its vision for the future of the Harford Mall site to economic development leaders on Thursday evening. Jeff Garrison, principal of the company, unveiled plans for an 83,000-square foot center, located at the intersections of Veterans Memorial Highway, Baltimore Pike and North Tollgate Road. The $100 million center will be anchored by a large, high-end organic 35,000-square-foot grocery store, and complemented by 48,000 square feet of luxury boutiques, restaurants, shops and amenities to replace the former Macy’s department store.
“Harford Mall has been a staple in the Bel Air community for more than 50 years. Over the last several years, as the retail industry has evolved, we’ve been working to position the property for the future,” said Jon Meshel, senior vice president – redevelopment, CBL Properties. “Our partnership with SJC presents us with an unparalleled opportunity to redevelop the former Macy’s parcel into an open-air shopping center anchored by one of the country’s leading organic grocers. This new development will complement SJC’s project on the former Sears parcel on the southwest side of the campus as well as the multifamily development adjacent to the former Sears. As the owner of Harford Mall, we could not imagine a higher and better use for the former Macy’s parcel, and we look forward to working with SJC as they move forward with this project.”
SJC Ventures presented its proposal to those in attendance at the Bel Air Economic and Community Development Commission meeting on Thursday, May 15, including Harford County Economic Development staff.
“The Harford Mall property sits at an integral intersection of Routes 1 and 24 in Bel Air and has served our community well for many years. As malls have changed across the country, we are grateful to CBL Properties for their continued commitment to Bel Air and the investment they are making, along with SJC Ventures, to transform the Macy’s portion of the property into a lifestyle center that will create additional connectivity and vibrancy along this corridor,” said Angela Robertson, director of economic development for the Town of Bel Air. “We look forward to seeing the vision of SJC Ventures come to life in Phase 3 of this redevelopment project, which will create new jobs, enhance our community, attract additional investment, and bring new opportunities for up-scale shopping and dining to our Bel Air residents.”
SJC Ventures specializes in these types of properties and has developed several activated and connected mixed-use centers across the country. The company is currently working on similar projects that are highlighted on its website.
If approved, SJC Ventures plans to incorporate pedestrian walkways that will allow for greater connectivity in the space, forming a large mixed-use complex for residents and visitors that will feature pocket parks, open space, as well as multiple dining, shopping and entertainment options. The enhanced pedestrian and vehicular connectivity, with the creation of an access drive between Baltimore Pike and Boulton Street, will make shopping more accessible and enjoyable, fostering a vibrant community hub.
“We see this project as a game changer for the region and a huge community asset whereas the best-in-class organic grocer will be a catalyst to create new energy that will attract first to market retailers and restaurants at this prime location,” said Garrison. “We envision a transformational project that will solidify Harford County as a market for positive future growth, will revitalize the space to create an atmosphere of vitality and connection and be a centerpiece the community can be proud of.”
About SJC Ventures
Founded in 2007, SJC Ventures is a privately held, mixed-use commercial real estate and retail development firm. The company has acquired and developed more than 60 retail, mixed-use, multifamily and office projects throughout the continental U.S. The company is headquartered in Georgia. For more information, visit SJCVentures.com.
###
[Rendering 1 attached]
[Rendering 2 attached]
[Rendering 3 attached]
For more information, please contact:
Candice Brown McElyea
BEL AIR, MD — A popular indoor pickleball facility will host a grand opening Friday to unveil its new lounge and bar.The Pickle Factory opened in October 2023 under the ownership of Keith and Kathy Rawlings, who are avid pickleball players. Since opening its doors, The Pickle Factory not only has a steady stream of games played there but also offers clinics, leagues, lessons, tournaments, social events and facility rentals. Pickleball players have the opt...
BEL AIR, MD — A popular indoor pickleball facility will host a grand opening Friday to unveil its new lounge and bar.
The Pickle Factory opened in October 2023 under the ownership of Keith and Kathy Rawlings, who are avid pickleball players. Since opening its doors, The Pickle Factory not only has a steady stream of games played there but also offers clinics, leagues, lessons, tournaments, social events and facility rentals. Pickleball players have the option of securing a membership or going with the pay-as-you-go plan.
But the Rawlings quickly noticed that pickleball players not only love their sport, but enjoy socializing at the facility, too.
"Bringing the new bar and lounge to life at The Pickle Factory has been an exciting journey for us. Our goal was to create a relaxed, social environment so that people have a place to unwind and connect after a match. At The Arena Club, we take it a step further by offering a true staycation experience—complete with palm trees, comfortable lounge areas, and now, poolside beverage service. This way, our members can unwind and enjoy the ultimate relaxation without ever having to leave the pool deck," Kathy Rawlings told Patch.
So they added on a lounge and bar that overlooks nine courts and offers fun and relaxation before or after a match. There will be a ping pong table, board games, three large-screen televisions and a bar with standard and high-top seating.
“As pickleball players ourselves, we’ve always appreciated venues that provided a space to relax and connect after a match,” Rawlings added. “We wanted to bring that experience to The Pickle Factory—to create a welcoming space where players and guests can unwind, socialize and build community.”
The lounge and bar will serve members of both The Pickle Factory and The Arena Club, with offerings available to members and their guests. The menu will feature a rotating variety of beer and wine selections, as well as light snacks. The Arena Club will be opening a poolside bar this month at the award-winning fitness and swim facility that caters to all ages.
“Our goal has always been to provide more than just a place to play or work out,” Rawlings added. “Whether it’s through pickleball, exercise, swimming or relaxing with friends, we want tooffer spaces that bring people together and support a healthy, active and connected lifestyle. The addition of the bar service at both The Pickle Factory and The Arena Club is a natural evolution of that mission.”
The Pickle Factory is located at 2302 E. Churchville Rd. in Bel Air and The Arena Club is next door at 2304 E. Churchville Rd.
For more information about memberships, upcoming events, or hours for the new lounge and bar, visit www.mypicklefactory.com or contact Angela Saccenti at 410-734-7300. For more information about The Arena Club, visit www.thearenaclub.com.
As Mother's Day approaches, a new ranking looks at which states offer the best support for moms. See where Maryland ranked.Megan VerHelst, Patch StaffMARYLAND — Mothers face a blend of joys and challenges when raising children and caring for their families, and where they live can help them better navigate the ups and downs of motherhood, according to a new ranking.To celebrate moms ahead of Mother's Day, ...
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
MARYLAND — Mothers face a blend of joys and challenges when raising children and caring for their families, and where they live can help them better navigate the ups and downs of motherhood, according to a new ranking.
To celebrate moms ahead of Mother's Day, Kremp Florist looked at which states offer the best support for them.
The best and worst states for mothers were determined by analyzing all 50 states across 11 key metrics, including paid family leave, child care costs and job protections. What researchers surmised was that whether a state is considered “mom-friendly” largely depends on public policy.
"While each family has its own needs and faces unique struggles, the resources available in a particular state significantly impact a mother’s choices and overall quality of life," the ranking states.
According to the ranking, Maryland is the second-best state in the U.S. for mothers.
The median salary of a woman in Maryland was higher than in most states at $49,000 annually. State law gives women 12 weeks of paid maternity leave and also offers them job protection.
While states with higher wages may rank higher overall, many of them also struggle with high child care costs, the ranking states. For example, Massachusetts, Maryland, and New York each have higher median incomes for women, but child care costs in Maryland top $11,000 per year.
Massachusetts earned the title of the best state for moms, according to the ranking.
Here's a look at the top 10 best states for moms:
Meanwhile, the worst state for moms is New Mexico, preceded by West Virginia and Nevada.
See the full ranking online.
The layoffs are expected to begin in the coming weeks, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act filing.Megan VerHelst, Patch StaffMARYLAND — Rite Aid will lay off more than 360 employees in the coming months as the company files for bankruptcy, closes stores and attempts to sell its assets.According to ...
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
MARYLAND — Rite Aid will lay off more than 360 employees in the coming months as the company files for bankruptcy, closes stores and attempts to sell its assets.
According to a WARN notice filed with the Maryland Department of Labor, Rite Aid will lay off 363 people at its mid-Atlantic distribution center, located at 601 Chelsea Rd. in Aberdeen.
In the notice, Rite Aid said it would close the facility by June 4.
The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act is a federal law designed to protect workers, their families and communities. It requires employers to provide notice 60 days before a business closing or mass layoff.
The pharmacy chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Monday, its second in as many years. While the company initially said all stores would remain open as it attempts to sell its assets, court documents filed Tuesday identified dozens of stores slated for closure. No Maryland locations were on the list.
However, a flyer from A&G Real Estate Partners indicates that nearly all of Rite Aid's 1,240 stores will be listed for sale. The flyer lists 1,187 retail leases and 50 fee-owned properties across 15 states, including 23 in Maryland.
Rite Aid has 23 remaining stores in Maryland after closing several in 2023 and 2024.
Rite Aid said customers can continue to access pharmacy services and products in stores and online, including prescriptions and immunizations. In connection with the sale process and court-supervised proceedings, the company said it is working to facilitate a smooth transfer of customer prescriptions to other pharmacies.
Rite Aid has eight million pharmacy customers.
Rite Aid Rewards points are no longer being issued, and existing points and bonus cash will also expire per the terms and conditions. The company will also no longer honor gift cards or accept any returns or exchanges beginning June 5.
Rite-Aid is the nation's third-largest pharmacy chain behind CVS and Walgreens. All three have suffered financial difficulties and shuttered hundreds of stores in recent years.
Rite-Aid operated about 2,000 pharmacies as recently as 2023 but now has only about 1,240 stores as it enters its second bankruptcy.
Patch editor Eric Heyl contributed to this report.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
Harford County's new tourism manager will be guiding the freshly launched 'Hello Harford' campaign that highlights the county's features.Kristin Danley-Greiner, Patch StaffPosted Fri, May 16, 2025 at 11:42 am ET|HARFORD COUNTY, MD — A new approach to showing others how great of a destination Harford County happens to be has been unveiled by the Department of Economic Development."Hello Harford...
Kristin Danley-Greiner, Patch Staff
Posted Fri, May 16, 2025 at 11:42 am ET|
HARFORD COUNTY, MD — A new approach to showing others how great of a destination Harford County happens to be has been unveiled by the Department of Economic Development.
"Hello Harford" incorporates strategic marketing efforts, innovative technology and collaboration from numerous invested parties. The county's new tourism manager, Jodi Marschhauser, is steering the ship as it sets sail, which includes using two new technology platforms purchased by the county that are available to all tourism-related organizations, Placer AI and Let’s Rallie.
Placer AI allows event organizers to understand visitor foot traffic and behavior in real time, such as when people are coming to events and where they’re coming from.
Let’s Rallie helps visitors and organizers of larger events with an interactive map showing exactly where each vendor is and allows real-time notifications for announcements, schedule changes and pop-up activities to communicate with attendees.
“Instead of guessing what is working—we will know. Instead of hoping people saw an ad—we’ll be able to track patterns and trends,” Marschhauser said. “This gives you a huge advantage as we build campaigns, schedule events and support local businesses in the ways that matter most.”
Marschhauser brings to the tourism manager position more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, specializing in meeting planning and project management with a global travel company.
"Throughout my career, I have developed strong vendor relations with hoteliers and destinations, ensuring seamless execution of events and programs. Additionally, I have successfully collaborated on marketing initiatives to drive brand visibility and growth within the hospitality sector," Marschhauser told Patch. "I love our county and to be able to promote the great experiences and businesses we have to offer and work with the amazing tourism stakeholders that make it happen was a once in a lifetime opportunity. I have a passion for helping people and connecting communities and this role encourages both."
Market research, conducted by a professional marketing firm hired by the county, prompted leaders to enhance how others see Harford County and reflect all that makes Harford unique. Based on that research, the county developed branding and has started digital marketing and targeted social media posts to reach and attract customers who might not otherwise have known about or thought of coming to Harford County.
The new Hello Harford logo, website and Facebook page identify the county as a friendly place that’s easy to reach for a weekend trip filled with festive events, natural beauty and outdoor recreation.
Marschhauser said the website and Facebook page were built to be the go-to hubs for information, stories, events and visuals that inspire visitors and locals alike.
“Whether someone’s planning a trip or already here looking for things to do, we want to make it seamless, engaging and exciting,” she told Patch. "It’s a perfect representation of who we are as a county. Friendly, vibrant with a nod to our agricultural culture and colors that promote neighborly and fun."
As the new tourism manager for Harford County, Marschhauser also will be visiting stakeholders and encouraging collaboration among them.
“Harford is already blessed to have tourists coming here each weekend — youth sports, weddings, festivals, etc., we attract people far and wide. While they’re here, we’ll make sure these visitors know everything there is to experience and enjoy in Harford County and to take advantage of more places to stay, things to do and places to see," Marschhauser said.
"This will involve the use of technology, but more fundamentally, it will involve facilitating communication and collaboration among all stakeholders — to ensure that you know what’s happening and that you feel part of the process; to ensure that new partnerships and collaborations are formed; and to make sure your information is known to visitors. And we’re here to help make those connections to benefit our visitors and your business,” she said.
410-877-3787
